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Lane United FC's Jose Carlos Terron

By AARON CRANFORD - aaron.cranford@uslsoccer.com, 07/22/16, 1:15PM EDT

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Former Barcelona youth academy player eyes future in U.S.


Photo by John Sperry/Lane United FC

A desire to experience life in the United States and see the growing popularity of soccer led Jose Carlos Terron to Eugene, Oregon, in 2016.

The 25-year-old recently ended his first season in the PDL, scoring once and providing one assist as a defender for Lane United FC. Born in Santander, Spain, Terron is attempting to use the PDL as a platform to earn a professional contract in the U.S.

Terron was a former member of FC Barcelona’s youth academy, joining the Spanish club at the young age of 13.

“The focus of the academy was improving one's technical skills,” Terron said. “Every exercise was with the ball working on ball skills. There was much less emphasis on physical or athletic training. Also, through living in a residential facility, I learned what it meant to be a part of a team: to work together, live together, support each other's efforts.”

Terron was well on his way to the professional level; however, his path turned out to be anything but direct.

“I ruptured my femoral bicep at 19,” Terrron said. “It was difficult because it occurred the last three months of league play, so I was unable to play. I returned to Santander in order to receive physical therapy. Like, for everyone it's difficult to receive news that after six years with the academy I couldn't return, but looking back now, I am grateful for the experience. It was terrific training and an overall positive time.”

Following his stint with Barcelona, the fullback moved on to many different clubs throughout Spain, as well as Italian club Parma. While Terron considers Santander, as well as Barcelona, to be his true home, the left back wanted to see what life – and soccer – was like across the Atlantic.

“I love the U.S., and I wanted to get to know the country better. I know that soccer is becoming more popular, and I wanted to see what that was like – how it was gaining popularity.”

Terron joined Lane United ahead of the 2016 PDL regular season, helping the Northwest Division club’s back line earn five shutouts during the campaign.

“I … play left back because I love to defend, and I can also help with the attack,” Terron said. “Tactically, I am very good at positional placement. I feel I know where to be when. I also believe that I have good ball control.”

The PDL season is now over for Terron, but he does not want to return to Spain just yet. While his family currently lives in Santander, the left back is eyeing a pro career in the States.

“In five years, I'd like to see myself in the MLS. It's a dream of mine,” Terron said.

“If not in the U.S, I'll try out when I return to Spain. I have a family, and we will continue to live in Santander. I currently have a Level 1 and 2 coaching license in Spain. I'd like to earn a Level 3 license so I can coach all levels of play."


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