12/24/2009 By Bryan Wallace
Robert James, a former UFC standout, took some time to share his soccer experience at United FC as well as at NAIA national powerhouse Azusa Pacific University. Robert recently completed his second year at Azusa and will return for his junior year in 2010. While playing at United, the 6'3” center back led the first ever SJSC team under the United FC banner, Coached by Isaac Ugay and managed by Robert James Senior, to the prestigious U19 CSL Premier level. That achievement paved the way for the current UFC Boys teams (U17 and U19) who enjoy the privilege of playing at the CSL Premier level today.
Our boys program has now earned the respect of top ODP coaches, regional team coaches, national team coaches as well as Collegiate coaches across the country who once thought United FC failed at developing players who could consistently perform at the collegiate level and beyond. During his years at United FC his team won and participated in numerous prestigious tournaments across the country. These include the NHB Cup Champs, Capo Cup champs, Nomads College showcase Semis, U19 National Cup semi finals, 18 National Cup Quarter finals, Dallas Cup participant etc..
Name: Robert James Jr Born: 7-30-89 Position: Defender$nbsp;Team: AZUSA PACIFIC MEN'S SOCCER
You recently completed your second year as a student athlete, what advice do you have for your former club-mates at United, that would be help them get through their first College season in 2010? Be prepared for adversity, never give up, and play hard everyday!!!
Name one thing you wished club parents and players knew about being a student athlete at collegiate level? Just because you are a college soccer player doesn't mean school is out of the question. If you want to succeed in soccer, you have to succeed in school.
What's your nickname if any? Papa Bear, kind of hard to explain
What's your favorite professional soccer club? Do not have a specific club, just like a lot of players...
What are your soccer strengths? Great communicator, Read the game well, Great passer
Weaknesses? First ten steps need to be more explosive to keep up with the quick forwards.
Your favorite pro player? I really enjoy watching John Terry of Chelsea, he comes out to play everyday, extremely good at lighting people up on a regular bases!
What pro player do you think you play like? Not too sure on that one, professional players are too good to compare myself to; however, I Strive everyday to be like a professional.
What are the highlights of your career so far? Scoring my first game winning goal in college against Red lands, also having the privilege to play with my teammates everyday!
Low lights of your career so far? Medical red shirting my freshman year because I had knee surgery..
Toughest team you have played against? UCSB by far, amazing talent, every person knew what their role on the team was; I Look forward to playing them every year. The better opponents you play against is the better your going to be.
Biggest Influence? My mom and dad, they have been there for me the whole time, they attend every game. Words can't explain how thankful I am for them!
Best player you have played with? Steven Lenhart, now playing pro at Columbus Crew, and Elijah MWANSANGA. I wish every player had a chance to play with both of these players, unbelievable talent but also amazing people, and men of God!
Biggest joker at United FC? Spencer Tooker, makes life extremely interesting! great guy!
What artist are you currently listening to on your Ipod? Jason Mraz, calms the soul
Most attractive female celebrity? Nicole Wandler
Favorite movie? Remember the Titans, all time great, great motivator
Favorite TV Show? Criminal Minds. Highly suggest it! Wednesday on CBS @ 9pm, everyone needs to give it a gander
Tell us something we don't know about you? In love with Peanut Butter, will eat anything with peanut butter in it or on it!
Best Advice given? Be prepared for tough times, college isn't going to be easy! Respect your upperclassmen and play as hard as you can every single chance you get as you won’t be able to play soccer for the rest of your life, cherish every moment you get!
Most embarrassing moment? Having a dance off with a girl on the girls soccer team and getting destroyed!
If you could play with any professional player who would it be? Liverpool team captain Steven Gerrard, such a good player, his skills are phenomenal
What advice can you offer youth players at UFC who strive to follow in your foot steps? Take every chance you get and do it 100%! Soccer is a privileged not a right!
In five years time where do you see yourself? I would Love to be playing professional soccer, trying hard everyday to get there. If that doesn't work out I would like to be married and have a job a I love.
