What does it mean to be a member of the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history?
It’s a great feeling to be part of the team from the beginning and also a good challenge as a professional to help the team achieve all the goals in the coming year. I’m excited and hungry as I’ve always been, and I’m looking forward to the first game of the season and especially for the home opener on April 6.
How would you describe your style of play?
I’d consider my style of play passionate, energetic and opportunistic. I’m always looking to help my team with hard work and always looking to score or assist. I like to create chances for the team and bring a lot of energy to the game. But the best word I’d say to describe my game is “passionate.”
When did you know soccer was what you wanted to pursue? Did you always want to be a professional footballer?
I always wanted to be a professional player and make a living out of it. The opportunity came up when I was 19 when I started playing soccer for a living. But years before that I knew it was what I wanted to achieve.
Is there an iconic player that you’ve looked up to throughout your career?
A player from the modern era I’d say David Villar or David Silva. And from my younger years a player called Fran—he used to play for Deportivo de La Coruña, and he was always a player I looked up to growing up.
What made a move to Chattanooga the right one for you at this point in your career?
It was an easy decision considering the interest from the team since the first moment we started talking. The team is headed in the right direction to have success and to have a chance of winning tittles, and that’s always something that I’m interested in being a part of. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is an organization with ambition, and the team that is being built is great.
With 2019 being USL League One’s debut season, what are you most excited about? What are your expectations for the 2019 season?
I’m excited to begin the regular season in March, but I’d say the home opener in front of our fans on April. As far as expectations go, I’m the type of player that likes to take one game at a time and go from there. And always put the effort to win every game.
How are you prepping for your time here?
My preparation combines working out and also resting in the right way . That way I’ll make sure I’m ready for preseason and then the season. USL is a league that demands a lot from the players, so we have to be smart in preparing for the season .
You played for USL Championship’s Ottawa Fury FC—are you excited about returning to the USL?
Yes, I’m really excited to play USL and to be back in North America. Soccer is growing in the right direction and this is beneficial for not only for players but also for teams. I love how the media coverage is and how the players are treated really well—the environment is the proper one to give it your all.
What makes USL competition different?
I’d say the professionalism that there is around the league. Teams give everything to the player to just focus on the field work, and that’s something that North American soccer is ahead of many countries in other parts of the world.
You made history with Ottawa during the 2017 season, scoring the fastest goal in Fury FC history in just 38 seconds. Describe that experience.
It was a great moment because as a team we really needed it to make an immediate impact in that game, and after that match the dynamic of the team completely changed and we had two prolific months of winning matches. It was a quick play, and I was at the right spot to take over possession, go to the goal and score an important goal in Edmonton. It’s always an amazing feeling to help the team to get a win.
You’ve spent three seasons playing in Iceland. In fact, you’re arriving from Iceland Premiere League’s UMF Grindavík—how is play different in Iceland?
I’d say what defines better Icelandic soccer is that it’s really physical and defensive. In fact it’s known as the “Italy of the North.” They focus a lot on those points and also in the tactical aspect of the game.
What did you enjoy most about playing there?
I loved the passion they have for the game—it truly is all about the game and the passion shown every day is one of the best things I got to experience there in my three seasons competing in the Icelandic Premier League.
In your opinion, how important is international experience to a player’s development?
I think it’s really important in the development stage and also in the career of a player. I consider that we as players have to learn and develop no matter the age. Growing up and playing overseas has taught me to be dedicated and passionate about the game and to be always a professional— to always act in that manner in order to be an example for others, including younger players.
Favorite pregame song?
My favorite pregame song I’d say anything related to Reggaeton such as Despacito or any song related to that style.
What are you most looking forward to about living in Chattanooga?
I’m really looking forward to getting to know the city and its people and culture. I’ve heard great things about it, and I’m ready to arrive and get started.
What is your favorite thing about your hometown Coruna, Spain?
It’s hard to just pick one good thing about my hometown, but if I have to choose, I’d say the landscape—the beautiful beaches combined with mountains and the fresh air you can breathe in La Coruña. Another thing I’d like to mention is the cuisine here.
Favorite historic soccer moment?
My favorite moment I’d say is wining the National Championship with Austin Aztex in 2013. It was a great season and the level of players and coaches (P. Dalglish and Manuel Buentello) was a really good environment for us to win it.
Sito is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season. Keep up with Sito on Twitter and Instagram.
