Woodland native Omar Marquez has loved playing soccer since he was young, often against kids older and bigger than he was.
After rapidly moving up different age and experience levels since the age of four, Marquez, now 14, has made quite the spalsh in Utah at Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake Academy, following his transfer from the USL Championship's Sacramento Republic youth system earlier this year.
"I like the sport of soccer in general," Marquez said. "I've been watching since I was a little kid. When I found out I was good, I started working even harder to get better and better. It's a relief to play. If you have many things going on, you can go to practice and get your mind off them for two hours. It's a great sport for me."
As a four-year-old, Marquez began his ascension into the player he is today by playing for the Woodland Wolfpack, which was filled with players older than him. The age gap made it clear to Marquez that he had a chance to become good.
"I was scoring goals and making plays and soon realized I was better than I thought, and I had a deep passion for playing," Marquez said. "I've been working hard since then, and that is what got me here."
In 2016, he stepped up his competition and joined the Sacramento United Soccer club. During his first season playing for them, he received an email informing him that the local professional Division II soccer club Sacramento Republic had scouted him.
After impressing coaches and staff throughout a four-day private practice session, Marquez switched to the Republic by mid-2017.
"The competition was really high," Marquez recalled. "I knew I had been working really hard, and it showed. No matter what age group I was playing with, I could still do great because of that work I put in."
Marquez first arrived and played for the U13s or 2006's as a 10-year-old. A year later, he moved up to the U14s or 2007s and a year later, he moved to the U15s.
He played well for the Republic as a right winger or attacking midfielder, eventually catching the eye of MLS scouts and then eventually becoming aware of Real Salt Lakes' interest in him.
Omar Marquez. (Courtesy)
Before any move, however, this past summer, while playing up an age group, Marquez showcased his skills nationally when he and the rest of the Sacramento Republic U15s qualified for the MLS NEXT Tournament.
According to the MLS Soccer website, MLS NEXT provides some of North America's best player development experiences. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and life.
In the tournament's opening round, the Sac Republic U-15s defeated Toronto FC's U15s via penalties 3-2 after a 1-1 regulation draw. In the next round, they defeated Chicago's FC United U15s 2-1 before a 3-0 quarterfinal win over the New York Red Bulls U15s, in which Marquez banged in all three goals for a hat trick.
In the semifinals, Sac Republic faced off against Real Salt Lake. While they lost in that game 2-0, Marquez felt he made a good enough impression during the tournament.
"I feel like it was a very good opportunity and experience because I knew Real Salt Lake had good academy players, and knowing I was going to play against them would be a great challenge," Marquez said. "I could see how good they were, and it's fun to play against a good team."
Omar Marquez, (far right) was called up to play with the United States U15 national team this past week. (Courtesy)
Marquez is currently a ninth grader at Real Salt Lake High School after arriving a few months ago. He recently mentioned he was happy with his decision to leave home and pursue his dream. At this high school, which is affiliated with Real Salt Lake's soccer academy, Marquez says he has access to a tutor and study hall while attending classes with his teammates. The team also has a traveling teacher to accompany the squad on road trips.
"Being at this school makes everything a lot easier," Marquez said. "I feel like I made a really good decision, and I'm happy with how I've turned out. It's very satisfying watching myself get better and better. When you are younger, you never think you will be that good until you are. I work so hard every day and on off days, so I'm satisfied with where I am today as a soccer player and person."
While Marquez mentioned he had slight interest from other teams, he knew he wanted to go to Real Salt Lake.
"I chose Real Salt Lake because it was easier knowing there was a built-in school for me and my teammates. I also wouldn't have to live with a host family," he said. "Here, you live with your teammates, and training is within walking distance. My coaches are also really helpful. They tell you the things you need to work on, and that's good for me to know what I need to do to improve as a player. I'm really grateful to them."
Marquez is in this for the long haul and sees Real Salt Lakes' U17s as the next team to move up to.
"For this year, I want to become a lot more competitive," he said. "Me knowing that I am good makes me want to be better. But there is always room for improvement. My main goal is to make it to the pro leagues. MLS, or really any top league. Thats my goal, and I want to do whatever it takes to get there."
The Real Salt Lake U15s season began on Oct. 2 and runs through May. Playoffs are usually in June. As of Sunday, the team has three wins and one tie, with Marquez notching multiple assists.
He just returned from his second call-up from the United States U15 national team, scoring a penalty against Sporting Kansas City earlier this week.
Marquez still speaks with his Sacramento Republic teammates and friends he made while at Lee Middle School.
"I want them to all keep working and never give up," he said. "If you give up, you'll never know how good you will become."
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