Offside Exclusive: Ten Minutes with Yuri Morales

By: Anne | July 14th, 2007

For Santa Cruz native Yuri Morales, the chance to play for the California Victory was an opportunity too good to pass up. “I love San Francisco, I love playing for the Victory,” says the friendly 25 year-old. “I’m glad (owner Dmitry) Mr. Piterman and Glenn Van Straatum have brought this opportunity for us local players to have a place to play close to home. Being from Santa Cruz it’s a perfect opportunity for me to continue my career here and I feel grateful that there’s a team here.”

Although Morales initially played in a striker position growing up, he now plays on the wing for the Victory, and says that this position suits him well. “In a 4 4 2 position, I would say I would like to play striker, but the system we play with one striker sometimes it’s hard to get support as a striker you know, so I like making things happen on the wing. Taking players on, one-against-one. I feel that I can be effective out there.“

Indeed, the wing has proved a good place for Morales, as his goal against Montreal won the USL Goal of the Week recognition. It’s a memory that Morales chalks up as one of his favorite. “The goal in Montreal was… a great feeling. I like scoring goals on shots, it just feels great. And the first two goals I had this year were headers and, not to take anything away from the goal I scored against Vancouver, cause that was a great feeling to get that first win at home, but it just felt great coming off my foot, that last goal in Montreal, and I would say that’s my best Victory moment this year.”

Morales acknowledges a big difference, though, between games like Montreal, and home games against lower ranked teams, where the Victory has not been able to get good results. “I think it’s just inconsistency on our part. It could be for a number of reasons, maybe inexperience… just starting to get to know each other as a team. But also I think it’s a sign of inconsistency when you can play up to a good team’s level and then play down to a team who might not be as good. If you can’t keep that high level of performance, then you can’t be consistent.”

Asked about whether the Victory might have the same group of player next year, Morales pragmatic side shows through: “I think first we need to focus on the rest of the season, and getting good results. Obviously we’re at the bottom of the table for a reason so we have to look at everything and, you know, make some changes if that has to happen. Hopefully we can turn it around. And that’s what we’re focusing on right now.”

Though Morales is keenly intent on getting better results for the Victory this season, when pressed, he admits a desire to play in Europe again someday. He sees his previous experience in Denmark with clubs Viborg and Olstykke FC as a good experience. “It was great,” says Morales. “I feel a little bit more experienced and prepared at this point, after playing there. And just maturing as a player.” He also admits to a dream of playing in Spain. His favorite La Liga player? “I like Thierry Henry and I like Samuel Eto’o who plays for Barcelona now.. they’re my favorite players, and of course you can’t take anything away from Ronaldinho.”

When asked about Eto’o stance on racism, and his call for players to walk off the field, Morales turns quiet and serious.

“I was actually watching that game when it happened,” he says slowly, choosing his words carefully. “And, I think it was the right thing to do. Especially if like, …if one person says something to you, sometimes you have to just let it go…because it’s going to happen. People are going to say bad things, especially if you are, like, a public figure. You have to take that; take the good with the bad. In that sense, if the whole stadium is chanting at you and it effects you because it’s a game… I think it was a sign that you know these players might seem superhuman, and invincible to anything and everything, but we’re still human and we have emotions and when you say things that can effect someone like that, it hurts you.”

But certain forms of crowd involvement can have a positive affect for Morales, and don’t go unnoticed. The chant of “Yu-ri Mor-AL-es” by the Vic’s 1906 supporters has become a frequent fixture at Kezar home games. “We have a small but dedicated group of fans and everybody really appreciates their support,” says Morales. “It’s a much better atmosphere with them there.” And his nickname of ‘the Fury’? “I like it,” he says with a smile. “I think, at least it’s positive, and a little intense I guess, as opposed to a joke name. But I like it. I’ve taken to it.“

The Victory play their next home game against the Atlanta Silverbacks Tues July 17 @ 7pm.