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June 1, 2018 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - If you follow the New England Revolution, you know that the Revs have a new full-back that's joined the team from the Allsvenskan league. Gabriel Somi is part of a wave of talented players from Sweden that have made the jump to MLS.
"I was seeking a new adventure." Somi told Red Nation Online in Vancouver. "I had a good chat with the coach. He talked about his vision, and everything about the club. It started to be very exciting, that's the main reason."
The 26 year-old started his first nine MLS matches, before missing a pair of home games due to a bothersome foot. Somi, has since recovered, and is fully fit. In the last week, he started against Whitecaps FC, and came off the bench vs Atlanta United FC.
In eleven appearances this season, Somi has contributed two assists, in 840 minutes of action. Statistics aside, he offers much more in speed, agility, creativity, and another offensive weapon from the flanks.
"I'm offensive minded." Somi said. "I'm maybe not the typical left-back that's heading the ball. I have good pace, and a good left foot. He (Brad Friedel) wants the full-backs to push forward. He wants me to contribute to the team with goals, and assists, and help the team in the offensive half."
A native of Örebro, Somi spent six seasons playing in Sweden, most recently with Östersunds FC in the top flight. Despite interest from other Allsvenskan sides, Somi wanted a new challenge, and he signed with New England in January, 2018.
As he prepared for his new club, Somi had to take some time to learn all about MLS.
"Not too much to be honest." Somi said, as he described his MLS knowledge. "MLS is maybe not the most well-known league in Sweden, but it's growing a lot. Obviously, a couple of Swedes recently have moved over to MLS, so it's growing over in Sweden too."
Wanting to familiarize himself with all things MLS. Somi did some research, and leaned on a friend from his hometown that played three seasons in MLS making 82 appearances.
"I have a very good friend called Mohammed Saeid who played many years for Columbus. He's a good friend of mine, so I spoke to him before I came here."
When it comes to his national team, Somi didn't have to do any research. He knew right from the jump, who he wanted to represent, and why it means so much to him.
"To be honest it wasn't really a choice." Somi revealed. "Syria called me up, I never heard anything from Sweden. I'm very proud to be from Syria. My parents are born there. Even though I'm born and raised in Sweden, I'm still not forgetting where I come from."
The war-torn Syria that we often see on the news, with millions of displaced people is not the Syria that Somi thinks of. Gabriel Somi doesn't see it like that, because that's where his family is from. He couldn't be more proud to represent Syria internationally.
Somi was first called up to play in two 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Malaysia, and Australia, but he remained on the bench. He's technically not cap tied. As Syria prepares for the Asian Cup next January, Somi is hoping he will get the call, so he can finally make his debut. He doesn't have safety concerns that some people might be worried about.
"Despite the war and this... we never played our home games in Syria, because FIFA don't allow us. When I was with the national team over in Malaysia, and Australia, it was no problem at all."
When Somi is away from the pitch, like most Swedes, he enjoys a break where he can sit back, relax, have a warm beverage, and take a moment. In Sweden, they call it fika. It's a way of Swedish life, and now that Somi is in New England, he looking for a fika spot.
"To be honest, I haven't been out too much. I've tried Dunkin Donuts of course, and I love it, but not a typical Swedish fika. I would love to have a cinnamon bun, and maybe a chai latte."
If Somi was to sit down with a chai latte, and ponder life's questions. He might start with something that's probably crossed the minds of many New England football/soccer fans.
Who is the bigger G.O.A.T, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, or Somi's fellow country-man and Los Angeles Galaxy striker, Zlatan Ibrahimović?
"Tom Brady is the G.O.A.T of American football," Somi said, as he pondered the strange question."Zlatan is top-level in the biggest sport in the world, so I have to go with Zlatan."
Clearly Gabriel Somi's time in New England is still quite fresh and new. There is still time for him to improve with the Revolution and take in all of New England's wicked charm.
The 5-4-4 Revolution are back in action on Saturday night as they host the New York Red Bulls at Gillette Stadium. Gabriel Somi will be looking to bring a smörgåsbord of offence.
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