Joshua Ferreira, a senior striker who moved from Portugal 2 years ago, has quickly made his mark on the Oliver Ames Soccer team. He shares his truth about motivation, pressure, and the main differences between playing here and back home. 

Josh’s experience from Portugal to Oliver Ames has created a different perspective for him than most of his teammates as he noticed a different approach to athletics here.

“Anyone who grew up in Portugal would start playing soccer and no other sport. So, it’s really more competitive, like if you see it at the professional level, the Portuguese league is way more competitive then the MLS.” 

Josh is known for being a versatile player. He is always ready to step up for his team wherever he is needed. His flexibility has been a key skill for the team, as Josh has proven his ability to adapt to anywhere on the field. 

“I just want to help my team win, whether that means creating plays, defending or bringing energy on and off the field. It’s never just about my position, it’s about doing whatever it takes to make the team better.”

  For Josh, strength and inspiration starts with family. His mother raised him and his brothers single handedly, a sacrifice Josh draws his motivation from. He hopes to honor her in the future from his own success. 

  “Everything I do is for my mom. She’s given me everything she could, even when she had nothing left for herself. One day, I’m gonna give it all back, every late night, every sacrifice, every moment she believed in me when no one else did.”

Despite OA soccer’s success as a program, Josh keeps his focus on what’s ahead. Josh knows there is more success on the way and believes no teammate should feel scared. Instead, he trusts that confidence defines the team’s path, not a record. 

“We are not the underdogs, as they say, any team that comes to play us, they’re scared of us because we won the 3peat, there’s nothing to feel pressure about.”