AMSTERDAM – Despite a tough week that saw them drop consecutive matches for the first time on the 2015 campaign, A.J. Soares and Viking remain in the thick of the Norwegian Tippeligaen upper-table fight.
After a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to NM Cupen semifinal visitors Sarpsborg 08 last Thursday, the only path to their first European berth since 2009 runs through the last five games of the league season. Though Soares & Co. fell away to table-toppers Rosenborg on Sunday, they remain just two points shy of the all-important third place being fought over by four clubs.
The former New England Revolution defender has drawn praise for consistently steady play during his first season in Norway. Had he not lost seven midseason games due to concussion symptoms, Soares would have enough appearances to qualify as the top-rated American and the ninth-rated defender in the Tippeligaen by leading Norwegian daily Verdens Gang.
Soares took a few minutes out of Viking's intense season-stretch run to share thoughts on the cup loss, his development this season and whether he can see the US national team in his future.
MLSsoccer: How important is it for the club to get that Europa League berth and are you confident the team can hold off the challengers for third place?
A.J. Soares: "We really want the Europa League spot, but we have a very difficult schedule to end the year, so we are only focused on trying to get points from each game. In the end, we will see where we are, but it definitely is something that all the teams near the top strive for."
MLSsoccer: The team had a very disappointing cup exit in the semifinal last week. How tough was that loss? Was it just one of those nights?
Soares: "The game was difficult, because we controlled the possession and were the more dangerous team, but football is both attacking and defending, and I have to give Sarpsborg a lot of credit because they defended incredibly well. If we play that exact game five times, we definitely win four of them."
MLSsoccer: How has your game developed this season?
Soares: "My game has definitely improved. We play out of the back a lot here, and the games are more controlled and tactically thought-out compared to MLS. So I've just adjusted to the style and am comfortable playing in a different type of system and game."
MLSsoccer: Have you had any contact with US national team staff recently? Do you feel ready for a shot?
Soares: "I don't think the national team is something you plan for when you've never been called in. I just want to play well for my club, and if I were to ever get called into a national team, it would be a really proud moment for me."
