An Insight to the Ambassador League Offensive Player of the Year, Spencer Lewis
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Spencer Lewis, from Boys 2002 Legends Temecula Valley ECRL has been in the Hawks/Legends FC for 10 years and has always been a standout player. He has represented Cal South Boys 2004 ODP regional team on multiple occasions and was a key center midfield player in the Region Four Championship. As a sophomore varsity soccer player at Linfield Christian High School, he scored an impressive 38 goals in 19 games making him the second top scorer in the nation in his age group. He has also won Ambassador League Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All League. He will certainly go on to become a top performer in college.
“Spencer is one of those kids you may only get a chance to coach once in your life. We all have had that one kid or dream to coach that one kid that does everything you ask on and off the field. A leader from his play and someone you’re proud to just be around”
Ryan also mentioned Spencer is extremely committed to achieving excellence off the field maintaining a 4.29 cumulative GPA. He is continuously volunteering his time to help younger players with their development with Little Legends and Top Soccer.
Anyone that knows Spencer personally knows he has faced major adversity recently with his family, but it has not diminished his passion and dedication to the game. He has continued to persevere and be an exemplary role model and athlete. Spencer is a true leader and joy to be around constantly bringing out the best in those around him. We hope to see him in the next year find a perfect college for him to flourish even more as a student athlete.
Read the Interview below to learn more about Spencer
Favorite Player: Lionel Messi
Favorite Position to Play: Attacking midfielder/ the 10
Favorite team and why? Bayern Munich because I grew up watching them play in the Bundesliga and champions league with my dad on tv. I looked up to Kroos and Schweinsteiger’s style of play in the midfield and was amazed at just the level of play the whole starting lineup brought to each game.
What's your fondest moment in soccer: My fondest soccer moment was making the starting 11 for the cal south ODP squad in 2016. I competed in the regional finals and won 3 championship medals. I made the starting lineup for all three years that I participated in and I think what made it truly special was reflecting on the journey that my dad and I had to get to that point in my career.
If there was one stadium you could play in, what would it be: I would choose to play in the Camp Nou because of the history around the stadium and the city. It’s in an area that lives and breathes soccer and so many of the greats have played in that stadium. It would be an honor and a dream come true.
What is your favorite pre game meal? My favorite pre-game meal is a spicy chicken sandwich from chick-fil-a
COACH SPOTLIGHT - RYAN HALLIDAY
Ryan Halliday the director of the Temecula Legends group comes from one of the strongest boys programs in Southern CA. When the Hawks merged with Legends we knew we were getting one of the best coaches in our area and someone with years of experience to help push this club on to the next level. I was lucky enough to meet Ryan many years ago when I was recruiting his players for my college. He had an Eye for a player and the same vision in a player as we did in our program. The focus was always the kids overall ability. Ryan has a knack for developing talent and growing teams organically. This day in age coaches get praised for great teams when all they did was recruit. He coaches kids up and gives them a foundation to grow on and off the field. Legends believes this is the way for the future of our club. Here at legends we want to grow the best talent and now since we are in the best league in the country, Ryan will help provide our club with well educated kids and teams that play beautiful soccer and want to be successful on and off the field.
Ryan Graduated from Murrieta Valley High in 2005 and Was a three-year letterwinner and was the leading goal scorer. Ryan went on to play at San Fran State University. He is the Son of David who we all can say helped develop his son's passion for the game and provided him the desire to help these kids. Ryan has a brother Cameron who is also a fantastic soccer coach in the Temecula area. We are so blessed to not only have Ryan in the club but the Halliday family to help create a winning culture by doing things the right way.
Written by Drew Rea
RECRUITING TIPS
Watching Games
Some kids don't watch enough soccer as it is and maybe you just enjoy playing more. Take this time when your schedule is lighter than usual and find the schools you are interested in and watch their past games/season. In this day in age you can find past seasons on youtube or google them playing. It's a great way for you as a potential recruit to understand how they are trying to play, will you fit into their system, are you good enough to get playing time within a year or two. A coach would find it rather intriguing that he or she knew you understood their system and you cared enough to spend the time to do this simple task. Don't find the excuse not to watch!