Vicente Arze
Vicente Arze - Former college soccer player Vicente Arze has agreed to terms with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the USL A-League

Arze recently completed his career at Mercer entrenched in the record books. The Santa Cruz, Bolivia native is second all-time with 19 assists, seventh with 21 career goals and tied for sixth with 61 points. He has also earned A-Sun Freshman of the Year in 2004, is a two-time first team all-conference member and last season was named second team all-conference. Vancouver won the USL Tournament championship in 2006 and finished in the middle of the pack last season at 9-7-12. The USL is a 12-team league consisting of the Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Montreal Impact, Atlanta Silverbacks, Rochester Raging Rhinos, Puerto Rico Islanders, Carolina Rail Hawks, Miami FC, Charleston Battery, Minnesota Thunder and California Victory.

Arce playing against David Beckham - Vancouver White Caps 2 vs. 1 Los Angeles Galaxy - 2008

Vicente Arze comments about former coach Eduardo de Souza, "I had an excellent experience while working with Eduardo de Souza. He was the assistant coach for Mercer University men's soccer team on my first two seasons (2004/2005-2006/2007). De Souza helped teach me some ways to adapt my game to the different style play. I came from Bolivia, South America, so to adapt here in the more athletic and fast pace game I had to improve my fitness level. On top of being a great coach; he was a good and honest person. He was also very dependable even in bad situations. He really cared about his players and always looked out for their best interests."

Antônio Costa Gama
My name is Antonio Costa Gama and I was one of the few people with enough luck and ability to attend college in the United States, and the same time, I enjoy playing soccer. That is, in the beginning of 2005, when I was playing amateur soccer in one of the squares of Porto Alegre, I received the invitation to play football in the United States, through an athletic scholarship at a college of first class. Since that day, stopped and asked me several times if the call was really true and if the dream we always had to have

a better future studying in an American college, is going to be true. After a few days, I decided to return the contact with which I had done the call, and it guided me to Eduardo de Souza, the Edu. Once it started to contact us, even if the distance, I could see how the same was true and loyal with what he said and did. Since the beginning guided me, helped me, gave me tips, among other things, that all of this right until the day of my boarding.

After several months of studies, a job and a good legal psychological preparation, I leave to Macon in Georgia, where I will be study the faculty and play my soccer. Going there, after following step by step what has been passed by Edu, I received very well by him and presented to the other colleagues of time and responsible for the various sectors to which I might need help. I have lived during the time I studied there, the best months of my life.

Traveled a lot, studied new things, discover new cultures, I made new friends and, in particular, noted that many Brazilians can enjoy the same experience, only need to have knowledge of the English language and, essentially, know the right person for you to resolve the necessary to set the bag on the outside, as had the good fortune to know the Edu.Today formed, although I think every day when, once again, something study abroad to experience another experience like this. Daily speak with Edu, either by mail or MSN, showing how well we are friends and as the same worries about the people with who pass through there.

Not only he and several friends had the pleasure of doing it and that, until today, I speak daily with through internet. Who which has the same interest that I was two years ago, I have only one thing to say: if you have a chance, not cease to harness it!

Gonzalo Elorza
Eduardo has played a significant role in getting me to where I am today. I went to school my freshman year of college at a University in Kentucky. After my freshmen year I knew I wanted to transfer out but I wasn't sure how to go about it. Eduardo helped me get a soccer try-out at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. After I tried out he also talked to the coach and put in a good work for me which ultimately led to me being accepted on a full soccer scholarship. But it didn't stop there. Once I got accepted he helped me find an apartment as well as a job. So, I was able to transfer to a great school, I had an apartment and a job. I did not know Eduardo at that time, but he helped me anyways.

My acceptance to Trevecca opened a big door for me. I played soccer for three more years there and graduated with a degree in Accounting. During my time at Trevecca, I was able to build a good relationship and a friendship with Eduardo. Edu is one of the few people I would say I can fully trust. He is a great person, he would help you, and today I can say that he is one of my lifetime friends. I now work for one of the big four worldwide accounting firms, Deloitte and Touche. I am confident that if it wasn't for Edu helping me while in KY, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Gonzalo Elorza - Argentina
Gonzalo_elorza@hotmail.com

Aldo Balsano
I played college soccer for Mercer University in Macon, Georgia in the fall of 2005. Although my college career at Mercer was short, I was very successful at the collegiate level. I was able to develop my soccer skills and become a better player on and off the field. During my time at Mercer I played 15 games and recorded 6.5 shutouts as the starting goalkeeper. Some of my accolades at Mercer were being named to the Atlantic Sun Conference All Freshman team and being named to the Conference Player of the Week three times that season.

Eduardo De Souza, who recruited me out of Miami, had a great influence in my transition from Junior College to a NCAA Division I University. His work ethic and dedication in helping athletes made my college experience a tremendous success. Edu was someone that I could always communicate with and count on for guidance and encouragement throughout the transferring process. I was also fortunate to be coached by Edu before he left Mercer. His knowledge of soccer is incomparable. Edu and I are still in contact with one another and maintain a good friendship.

Aldo Balsano - Miami
balsanoa1@yahoo.com
Fl - USA - Mercer University - Macon, GA

Chrispine Ong' ang'o
My name is Chrispine Ong’ang'o, I am originally from Africa, Kenya. I was introduced to Coach De Souza by another coach from Kenya. I came to US through Coach De Souza trust on my soccer ability and on my commitment to stay in school keeping the demand in and off the soccer field as he expected. I was able to secure a chance to come and play college soccer NCAA D I which is the best level in the U.S.A. It is through this chance; Coach De Souza gave me that I continue to grow both as a soccer player and as a student. Coach De Souza guides me and advises me about the American style of play the game. He also explained the cultural differences that I would be facing in North America. I really appreciate the opportunity, friendship, and integrity that Coach Eduardo de Souza treats every student/athlete he brought in to United States. The Goalway gave me the best opportunity that ever happened in my life. Coach De Souza is a truly professional that care about student/athletes and people in general. His integrity and kindness is unbelievable.

Chris Ong'ang'o
Africa, Kenya

Mariano Monzu
I met Eduardo while I was attending my freshman year at a University in Kentucky. After my first semester I decided that I wanted to move to a bigger city, to a better school. I got in touch with Eduardo through a friend in common and since then we became great friends. He set everything up for me. After my tryout I got admitted with a full soccer scholarship. He not only helped me get to Trevecca Nazarene University but also got me housing, job, and most important a great support and friendship for which I will be eternally grateful.

Today, without a doubt, I can say that Eduardo was right when talking me into Trevecca. He could not have picked a better place. Those three years were amazing. I got to know lots of people, got a great education, got to travel, and also played the sport I love. Now, upon three years of my graduation and work experience I have decided to go back to school. Soon I will be getting a Master in Accounting.

It has been a great ride since I got to the States and a great pleasure to meet people such as Eduardo along the way. As I look back in time and remember my beginning in Kentucky, I must say that Eduardo has played a huge role in changing my life and getting me to where I am today. Eduardo and still keep in touch on regular basis.

HONORS AND AWARDS

• NAIA All American Honorable Mention (First in TNU history)
• NAIA Tran-South All-Conference Men’s First Team (First in TNU history)
• NAIA All-Region First Team (First in TNU history)
• Tran-South All-academic (2002-2003-2004)
• TNU Soccer Team Captain
• TNU Most Valuable Soccer Player

Mariano Monzu
Buenos Aires, Argentina
marimonzu@comcast.net

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