What does it mean to be one of the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history?
It’s a great responsibility. My hope is that we as an organization can provide a good product to an already passionate soccer fan base in Chattanooga. I believe that if we offer a good product on the field, create experiences and emotions for the fans in the stands, as well as reach out to the community, we can turn members of the Chattanooga soccer community into Red Wolves’ supporters.
How would you describe your style of play?
I like to be available for my teammates and always be a pass option. When I have the ball, I try to distribute it in the best way possible.
When did you know soccer was what you wanted to pursue? Did you always want to be a professional footballer?
Growing up I dreamed about being a soccer player. When I was 17 I got a call-up for the U-18 national team and had a couple offers to play college soccer. That’s when I thought it could be possible for me to play professionally.
What are you most excited about being reunited with Coach Hank?
The most exciting thing about playing for Tim again is that I know he can build a team that competes for a championship from the start. In 2012, we won the NASL regular season title as a brand new franchise with the San Antonio Scorpions. In his first year at Indy, he won another regular season title. I hope in 2019 the Red Wolves can win the regular season title as well as the League One trophy.
Is there an iconic player that you’ve looked up to throughout your career?
Andrea Pirlo.
What made a move to Chattanooga the right one for you at this point of your career?
After three years in Finland I wanted to come back and play in the US. The Red Wolves’ management and coach showed true interest in me and that made my decision easy.
With 2019 being USL League One’s debut season, what are you most excited about? What are your expectations for the 2019 season?
After seeing some of the signings we have made, I am excited for preseason to start and see how the team comes together. Some of the guys have already made their expectations clear, and I can say that I agree with them. We want to bring a championship to Chattanooga.
How are you prepping for your time here?
I have already started a program that will gradually increase the duration, intensity and distance of my training, ensuring I’ll be ready for the start of preseason.
You’re arriving from Finland’s AC Oulu, where you’ve spent the past two seasons. What did your time with AC Oulu mean to you?
My time in Finland was overall a fantastic experience. At first it was refreshing—different country, different competition. Then came the challenges, injuries, not reaching promotion to the top league. I bring back with me numerous lessons that I hope will help me grow as a person and player.
Follow-up: how is competition in Finland different than the US?
The main difference is the promotion/relegation system. I hope that someday we can adopt that system in the US. In my opinion, it is essential for the growth of the game.
How do you think you have developed as a player participating in Ykkönen, the second highest Finnish league?
Throughout my career I have admired and learned from teammates. My time in the Ykkönen was no different. I had the chance to play with some great players, and I have learned a lot from them. From the tactical standpoint I had coaches that emphasized positional play. For example, reading the game before running. Sometimes it is better to stand in the same place than to run without purpose.
You began your professional career with Houston Dynamo. How would you describe your time there?
It was my first professional experience, so I have good memories. Perhaps, my biggest regret is that I could never break into the lineup during my time there.
Other than soccer, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy long drives. Recently I had the chance to drive through the Austrian Alps with my wife.
Favorite historic soccer moment?
As a 14-year-old kid I remember supporting my hometown team on their way to a Mexican League championship. My favorite moment isn’t the title itself, but the transit. The packed stadium, the chanting and jumping on the stands after a playoff win, the unity between supporters and club, feeling identified with the badge, the colors, the players. I hope that we can create something similar between Chattanooga and the Red Wolves.
Josue is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season.
