Many students have noticed a number of foreign faces walking among the halls this school year.

One student in particular decided to participate in soccer and has shown a passion for the sport and brought new skills to the team this season.

Senior Eirik Legernes came here from Norway and decided to join the soccer team.

“I love playing soccer,” Legernes said. “That’s why I decided to play it here.”

Legernes has been playing soccer his whole life.

“My whole family plays soccer,” Legernes said. “Some of them have even played in Norway’s top division.”

Legernes is on the varsity’s defense.

“I nominated Eirik because the defense doesn’t get the credit it deserves,” Coach Saul Hernandez said. “He has prevented a lot of goals this year. It’s hard for an attacker to get past him.”

Hernandez says Legernes brings a lot of experience to the team.

“You can tell he has played for years,” Hernandez said. “He brings enthusiasm to the team, leads with the way he plays and gives great advice to more inexperienced players.”

Legernes favorite part about being a part of the team is the team spirit and the feeling of being a part of something.

“I think it’s amazing to see how people develop as a person and a soccer-player,” Legernes said.

Hernandez enjoys having Legernes on the team as well.

“He’s a funny guy,” Hernandez said. “He can take a joke.”

Legernes said his goal for the rest of the season is to get some more wins here and there.

“I have thought about maybe playing soccer as a job someday,” Legernes said.

14snansel@usd489.com