A Goal New Ball Game: An Interview with Sean Takada

In the midst of their competitive season, the Stuyvesant boys’ soccer team is looking to close out their final game and clinch a spot in the playoffs. Their current record is four wins, one draw, and four losses. With the loss of many of last year’s seniors, the team looks to senior Sean Takada, their leading goal scorer, to carry through on wins. Takada, who joined the team junior year, has had a large impact on the team. He has played nine matches this season and had 26 shots, two assists, and six goals.

Name: Sean Takada

Grade: 12

Height: 5’11”

Hair color: Black

Eye color: Brown

DOB: May 19, 2001

1. When were you first introduced to soccer? When did you start playing?

I first started playing soccer at the age of four, when my dad signed me up for a recreational soccer league called Kids Love Soccer. As I became more passionate about soccer, I decided to join a travel team when I was nine years old.

2. Do you still play soccer outside of school?

I had to quit competitive soccer when I was 12 because of other extracurriculars such as violin, but ever since then I’ve played for the school team and played with my friends at a field after school.

3. How do you feel about the team’s performance this season?

Having lost a large number of seniors and strong players, we definitely knew that our season would be a lot tougher. We haven’t had the best outcome for some of our matches, like the game against Washington Irving. I think the biggest difference is the lack of physicality in our team, which has affected matches against teams with large opponents, such as Washington Irving, that we used to beat in past year. We still had some great games, and with the right spirit and mentality, I don’t doubt our team’s ability at making playoffs.

4. What's the funniest moment that has happened while you've been on the team?

The funniest moment this season was against a team we were winning against 5-0. After winning a penalty, our senior and captain Kevin Mitchell confidently stepped up to take the penalty and had it saved by a freshman goalie who was no taller than 5'3".

5. What will you miss most about the team next year?

What I'll miss most next year about the team is the excitement and anticipation leading to our matches on game days. Throughout the school day, the match that afternoon will mostly be on my mind, and when I leave school early for the game, I'll know that I'll be fighting for not only our team, but also for the whole school.

6. You're listed as the leading goal scorer for the boys' team on PSAL. How do you think this happened?

While individual ability is definitely a factor in scoring goals, what's helped me the most in getting goals this season has been being in the right place at the right time. Making good runs and receiving well-played passes have contributed to my success as well. I'm hoping to score a few more and help our team secure a spot in the playoffs.

7. How do you improve your ability to maintain such a high level of play?

Off the field, I've noticed myself being more careful with what I choose to eat, and I've been making a conscious effort to get as much sleep as I can the day before a game. On the field, I've been pushing myself to be more aggressive for the ball and to also know what I want to do with the ball before I receive it, whether it is to dribble if I have space or to try and find a player to play the ball to.

8. Is there a difference between your performance junior year and now?

I think the biggest difference between last year and this year is that I've been getting a lot more playing time, which has boosted my confidence. As a result, I've been playing a lot better, and I'm glad that I'm able to contribute to the team a lot more this year.

Choice drink: Water

Favorite food: In-N-Out burgers

Motto to live by: Be the best that you can be.

Favorite team: Manchester United

Favorite player: Wayne Rooney

Fun fact: I lived in California up until 8th grade!