At Tales From Sport, we believe in giving athletes the platform to tell their stories first-hand. Of course, fans of any sports will always have their own opinion on what a players greatest moment was, but does that player feel the same? Or is there another, more personal moment that stands above all others?
In this series, we will be asking professional athletes from various sports one simple question, What do you consider the greatest moment of your career?
In the latest edition of this series, Professional Footballer/Soccer Player Pato Botello Faz joins us to share his answer.
‘My Greatest Moment in Sport’ by Pato Botello Faz
The greatest moment I’ve had playing football has to be my first professional goal. It was back in 2019, I was playing my first professional season for Lansing Ignite and at that point of the season I wasn’t getting much playing time. That game was against North Texas and my family lives in San Antonio, Texas so they were able to go to the game, I also had around 10 friends that made the drive from all over Texas to make it to that game. On previous games I would come in as a sub in the last 5-10 minutes of the game but that game they put me on around the 65th minute. I was able to score my first professional goal in front of all my family and friends, I can’t explain how I felt but it was definitely the best feeling I’ve had playing this sport and it’s something i will never forget. I couldn’t celebrate much because we were losing so i grabbed the ball from the net and took it to the center circle but the emotions that I felt that night were like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
Check out Pato’s goal below, the build up starting at the 2hr 58min mark.
Pato Botello Faz Profile
Patricio Botello Faz, or ‘Pato’ as he is better known, plays as a forward for Detroit City FC. Having recently agreed a new deal with the club, Pato will be part of the DCFC squad that will embark on their first season as part of the USL Championship in March. Previously part of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), Detroit dominated in their two year spell, having won two Season Championships, a Fall Championship, a Legends Cup two regional titles in the NISA Independent Cup. Pato finished 2021 as the club’s overall leading goalscorer, having notched ten goals, also chipping in with five assists.
Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Pato grew up playing in local teams before moving to San Antonio, Texas when he was 16. During his college years, Pato played for St Mary’s Rattlers, an NCAA Division II team based at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Pato will show a keen eye for goal in his time at St. Mary’s, scoring 39 times in 65 games.
Alongside his college career, Pato also played for two USL League 2 teams in the shape of Texas United and Corpus Cristi FC. Again, Pato was prolific, finding the net six times in 12 games for Texas United, and eight in 9 games for Corpus Cristi.
On leaving college, Pato was signed by Lansing Ignite, where he would score his first professional goal (and, of course, favourite moment in sport), one of seven league goals in 21 games for the club. Pato would go on to play for South Georgia Tormenta before making the move to Detroit City, where again he has found his scoring touch.
Although taller at 6ft, Pato could fairly be described as from the Carlos Tevez mould. A willing runner who is able to make something of nothing, he possesses physicality with an abundance of skill. Playing predominantly through the centre, Pato is also capable of drifting wide and driving at defenders. His work rate, goals, and ability to hold up the ball and bring others in to play have made Pato a firm favourite at Keyworth Stadium.
After a solid 2021, Pato will be hoping to build on his success and take his game to the next level. All of us at Tales From Sport wish he and everyone at Detroit City all the best for the upcoming season.
Keep up with Pato as he continues his career by following him on Twitter & Instagram
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