Hard pg 6 12-12-19
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Hard work nets
a good college
This is why Jesús Barea left his home in Cádiz, Spain, and came to Putnam, Conn.
This is why he’s made so many sacrifices along the way in his 18 years.
“It’s been to come here and to get an opportunity to go to a good college, and to play soccer at that college,” said Barea, a member of the Putnam Science Academy boys’ prep soccer team.
Last week, he announced that he will in fact get that chance to go to a good college and play soccer there when he committed last week to go to Missouri State University.
The Bears are coming off a terrific season in which they went 16-0 in the regular season to win the Missouri Valley Conference championship, then won a game in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four trips before bowing out in the second round. MSU, ranked No. 12 in the country, went 18-1-1 this season; they only non-wins were a tie (and loss on PKs) in the conference tournament championship and the loss in the second round of the NCAAs.
“This is a great opportunity for me to improve my skills,” Barea said, “and hopefully someday go pro. For me, it’s the best decision.”
Barea, a midfielder, scored a team-high eight goals this season for the Mustangs, who went 8-2 and were ranked as high as No. 4 in the polls.
“I’m really thankful for my teammates because without their help I couldn’t do these things,” said Barea, who mixes both a high soccer IQ with sheer talent. “They are all very good players and they helped me be a better player this year.
Barea has not yet visited the campus in Springfield, Mo., but will make the trip out sometime in either January or February. He has developed a bit of a relationship with coach Jon Leamy, which makes him feel more at ease as well.
“We haven’t talked about playing time or anything like that,” Barea said. “But if I work like I did this year, then I think I’ll be OK and I can play there.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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