A successful youth career in Houston has carried defender Nelson Akwari to the professional ranks. In his five seasons in the league, Akwari has already played with three teams, New York, Columbus, and Real Salt Lake, where he is slowly establishing himself at his position.
This season, Akwari has struggled to get some time on the field, with players like Eddie Pope, Carey Talley, and Chris Forko getting involved in most of the action. So far, he has only played in seven matches, six of them as a starter. His hope, naturally, is to get a chance to play against Houston Dynamo this Saturday at Robertson Stadium.
"I always dreamt of playing in Houston," Akwari said. "It is very exciting for me to be able to return to my hometown, see people with whom I played, and play against the team that (Houston) fought so long to acquire. My family is going to be there to support me, so it's going to be a good time."
A standout at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston and at USC while in college, Akwari was always used to being in the spotlight. The fact that he now comes primarily off the bench does not have a negative effect on him; on the contrary, it makes him work even harder.
"This season has been difficult for me from the beginning, primarily because I have not been getting much playing time", said Akwari. "I've worked my way up to the lineup, and now that Eddie Pope is gone (to Germany with the U.S. national team), I have gotten more opportunities to play. Now, all I have to do is double my efforts to accomplish my goal, which is being a starter on this team."
To do that, Akwari must catch his coach's attention. So far, his efforts seem to be paying off.
"He provides us with valuable depth in the back, and is also a very positive force in the locker room", said Real Salt Lake head coach John Ellinger. "I foresee great things in Nelly's future. If he continues to work hard and do the right things, I have no doubt that he will become a regular starter at the MLS level."
What about scoring against Houston? How would Nelson Akwari feel, given the chance to start, if he were to score a goal, the first of his professional career, against the team representing his hometown? Would it be a bittersweet experience?
"No, I think it will be sweet. Houston has a very good team, and for me to score against them right in front of my family and hometown friends would be a great experience. Right now I am a Salt Lake player, and I have to support my team above everything else", said Akwari.
Deep down inside, though, he does cheer for the growth of soccer in Houston through Dynamo.
"I want Houston to be a great franchise in the future", said Akwari. "They have a great organization, a great coach, a great GM, and the sky is the limit if they set their mind to it. I obviously don't want them to do as well as we want to do, but I definitely wish this team the best down the road."
