As our inaugural season approaches, we wanted to give you more of an introduction to the players who will represent Lansing Common on the field this summer. Today, it’s time to get to know Daniel Silva.
What position do you play and what do you think Lansing Common fans will enjoy most about the way you play?
I play center mid or center attacking mid. I think Lansing Common fans will enjoy my attacking style of play and my ability to dribble the ball.
What is the #1 thing you are hoping to work on with your game this season?
I would like to improve my tactical knowledge as well as my speed of play. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to play with a team, and it’s hard to work on those things by yourself.
You were the only person signed from the first open tryout. Oaks actually said he saw your talent in just a few minutes. What was your mindset going in, and what do you think you did that stood out so fast?
My mindset going in was, “if I make the team good if I don’t make the team then still good.” If I didn’t make the team, it wouldn’t have been the first time and you can’t tie your happiness to the outcome. I also knew that it was a new team and the coaches were really looking for players. Sometimes at tryouts it’s just a money grab and I knew that wasn’t the case with Lansing Common and that was really exciting. I think what stood out to the coaches was my technical ability. I’ve spent hours and hours in front of walls working on passing and receiving so much to the point where I can make the ball do whatever I want.
It’s tough to make just about any club team from an open tryout. Did you have a lot of confidence going in that you could make the team, or did view this as a long shot?
I had a lot of confidence that I was good enough to make the team. I just tried to focus on the things I could control which is coming in fit and sharp, working as hard as I can and having a good attitude.
What was your favorite moment you have ever had on a soccer field?
Beating midland dow in high school. We were an average team and they were the best team in the area. We had played a really good season and we were contenders to win the league but we had to beat Midland Dow first. Going into the game the amount of trash talk on Twitter would make you think this was bigger than a high school game. During the game we got 2 penalties, we scored both of them and won the game 2-1. We ended up grinding out the rest of the season and Winning the league. It totally backfired because we played Midland Dow in districts and lost 3-0. Our team motto was “no nonsense” we lived by that everyday and it carried us through the season. It’s a great memory that I’ll never forget.
What hobbies do you have when you aren’t playing soccer?
Nothing too crazy I just enjoy hanging out with friends and family.
Stay tuned for more player profiles and details on our upcoming Midwest Premier League season. Find our 2021 season schedule on our website by clicking here.
