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[sounderfan]

Ciaran O'Brien, a two-time SPSL South Division MVP, has exceptional soccer instincts.

Boys Soccer Outlook: O'Brien born for the game

By Matt Massey

It's almost as if Ciaran O'Brien was born with a soccer ball at his feet.

The Decatur High School senior has practically been hooked to a soccer IV since birth. The game O'Brien thirsts to play, he drinks in daily. Always has. Always will.

O'Brien, a central midfielder for the Gators, comes from a soccer family. His dad, Fran, played indoors for the Tacoma Stars and outdoors for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and his older brother, Leighton, plays for the Seattle Sounders.

Many family debates started at the dinner table. And the education finished somewhere on the soccer pitch when little Ciaran tagged along.

Knowledge has become the 5-foot-8, 145-pound O'Brien's power.

"I think that exposure to the game gives me an advantage that no one in Washington state has," said Ciaran, a U.S.-born player who gleans some Irish fire from his brother and father. "It's helped me be the player that I am. You can't put a price on what my dad and brother have done for me. You can't buy that.

"Every time I'm at home, soccer is on TV. We are talking about soccer. It's a soccer life."

Entire article:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2002893955_massey28.html