Farlley Souza wasn’t born in Brazil.
But he loves soccer like he was.
Souza is a senior on the Father Judge High School soccer team, and he’s been a key member of the team since enrolling as a freshman, and has been a starter on the Crusaders defense since his sophomore year.
He was born in America, but his family is from Brazil. That’s where he believes he got his love for the sport.
“I was born here, but my whole family is from Brazil, so soccer is huge there, it’s in my blood,” said Souza, who starts at centerback for the Crusaders. “I’ve never been there, I was going to go this summer, but I didn’t get a chance, maybe next summer.
“Because of my family, I started playing soccer really young. I was maybe 5 or 6. My family signed me up. Soccer is where I made a lot of my friends and I spent a lot of time with my family around the game. Soccer is a big part of my life.”
It’s also a big part of what he does at Judge, where the Crusaders are annually one of the best teams in the Catholic League.
Last year the Crusaders finished in second place, winning 10 games during the Catholic League regular season before coming up just short in the semifinals.
The year before, in Souza’s first season as a fulltime starter as a sophomore, Judge was a perfect 12-0 during the regular season and advanced to the championship game before coming up short.
Judge has had plenty of regular season success during Souza’s career, and he hopes to have one more strong season this year before heading back to the playoffs and possibly bringing home a championship.
“Last year was tough because we had a great season and then came up short in the playoffs,” Souza said. “But that motivates us for this year. We really want to do well in the playoffs and get a championship. The regular season means a lot, too, but it would mean everything to win a PCL championship. That’s what we all want.”
The Crusaders might have what it takes to do it, too.
Obviously, they’re not alone. The Catholic League is always filled with dangerous teams and by the time the postseason rolls around, most of the teams are so even, it’s a coin flip. That’s what makes winning a Catholic League championship so important to these teams.
But Souza loves what the Crusaders bring to the mix and he’s confident this squad can be among the best in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Maybe beyond.
“Our defense is so good because of the simplicity of it,” Souza said. “It’s not a lot of running, we play smart defense. Blaise Mulvenna is one of my best friends, we understand each other and we work really well together. But it’s not just us. It’s the whole team. I don’t just mean the defenders, either. When you play for (Judge coach John Dunlop), you have to love playing defense no matter where you play. That’s the attitude we have.”
Dunlop has enjoyed as much success as anyone at Judge. He won the school’s first state championship and he always has Judge in the mix during the season and at the end of the year.
This year, he has a lot to work with, and he has a great leader ready to pave the way for the rest of the team.
“I was picked to be a captain and that means a lot, it’s a very special thing at Judge,” Souza said. “It’s special because all the younger guys look up to you. I remember being like that when I was younger. The leadership, you have to show the young kids what to do. When the older guys graduate, then it’s your turn.
“I had a lot of help. Sean McKenna was a great leader. So was Mike Regan. And Abou Cherif, he was great. I had a lot of good players to look up to, and now I hope to set that same example. I take it very seriously.”
He is also taking his life beyond Judge seriously.
After he graduates, he’ll head to Temple University where he’ll continue his soccer career.
“It was perfect, full ride,” Souza said. “They have such a great coaching staff, they saw something in me and it’s close to home, near my mom, which is something very important to me.
“I live with my mom. I want to be close to take care of her. She loves soccer. She never played, but she goes and is at every game I play. My mom’s sister was the same way, but she moved to Brazil. She was like a second mom to me, basically. I’m very lucky.”
With his future secure, Souza is ready to get his final season at Judge started, and he’s very excited about the possibilities.
“My goals are to win the PCL chip,” he said. “It’s important because I have to get one. Making it to the finals twice and not winning, that’s not something to be proud of. It’d be better if you win it.
“Perfect senior year, honestly, I don’t need much. I want a great season, it’s my final season with Judge. I want to look back and say it was a fun time with my friends. And I love playing for Judge, the atmosphere that everyone brings. Every game I’m excited to play, especially at home. I’m excited for the year.”
