Paulo Soares (born 1 December 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Bulgarian Second Professional Football League club Sportist Svoge.[1] Born in the United States, he is a Cape Verde international.[2]
Early life
Born in the United States, Soares returned to Cape Verde as a child with his family, before returning again to the United States, where he captained the soccer team at Quincy High School in Quincy, Massachusetts.[3][4] In Cape Verde, Soares had been scouted by Italian and Portuguese teams but his family prioritized his education, thus the decision to send him back to the United States instead.[5]
Career
College career
Soares played college soccer for the Quinnipiac Bobcats and made the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) All-Rookie team.[6] During the 2021 season, he made the All-MAAC team and the MAAC All-Academic team.[7] He also captained the Quinnipiac Bobcats.[8]
Club career
Before the 2022 season, Soares signed for American side Rochester New York FC.[9]
On 13 January 2024, Soares joined Bulgarian second division club Dobrudzha.[10]
International career
Soares played for the Cape Verde national under-15, under-16, and under-19 teams, and has captained the national under-19 team.[11] He debuted for Cape Verde during a 1–0 loss to Ecuador.[12]
Style of play
Soares can operate as a center midfielder and a defensive midfielder and is known for his work ethic.[13]
Personal life
His father is a civil engineer.[5]
Career statistics
Club
- As of 8 August 2024
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Other | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Rochester New York | 2022 | MLS Next Pro | 10 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Dobrudzha | 2023-24 | Second League | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 7 | 0 |
| Sportist Svoge | 2024-25 | Second League | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 2 | 0 |
| Career Total | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | ||
- ^ Appearances in U.S. Open Cup
International
| National Team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde | 2022 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | |
References
- ^ "Saiba como um atleta se mantém saudável para competir em alto". metropoles.com.
- ^ "Paulo Soares Joins Cape Verde National Team". bvmsports.com.
- ^ "The Paulo Project: Soares Rises From Quinnipiac to MLS Next Pro League".
- ^ "Quincy rallies at home". patriotledger.com.
- ^ a b "Soares hopes to leave Quinnipiac legacy with soccer title". nhregister.com.
- ^ "How Quinnipiac men's soccer prepared for its spring season after a 482-day break".
- ^ "Quinnipiac men's soccer charging out of the gates after last season's MAAC championship loss".
- ^ "Manhattan's Harwood and Quinnipiac's Soares Named Hercules Tires MAAC Student-Athletes of the Week".
- ^ "Paulo Soares é reforço do Rochester New York FC do MLS Next Pro nos Estados Unidos". criolosports.com.
- ^ "Done deal!". D360 Sports Management. 13 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ "Quatro estreantes na convocatória de Bubista". criolosports.com.
- ^ "Cabo Verde faz sábado nos EUA amistoso com adversário "mundialista"". inforpress.cv.
- ^ "How the men's soccer team can get back on track after falling out of the MAAC tournament picture".
External links
- Paulo Soares at Soccerway