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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Mothers' Day to be Special for Zator Family

May 11, 2017 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


Sunday afternoon will be a very special Mother's Day for Elizabeth Zator because it will be the first time she will see her son, Dominick, play as a professional soccer player. Her memories of Dominick's soccer story go all the way to his youth soccer days in Calgary."When he wasn't even five years old, he was on the sidelines at his older brother's soccer game playing with the ball and he knew exactly what to do with it. The coach sees this and invites him to their next game. The next weekend he is all ready and he's standing in the middle of the field ready to go when he turns to his dad and asks which net. His dad points at the net and he takes the ball with all the kids chasing him and he scores."

After dominating the youth circuit in Calgary, Dominick stayed close to home and enrolled at the University of Calgary where he earned U Sports All-Canadian Second Team Honours and was a five-year starter on the school's soccer team. Zator excelled off the pitch, graduating with a degree and had a big decision to make - to start his career in accounting or try to follow his dream and play professional soccer.

He turned to his mother for advice.

"She told me I was young and I might as well continue to follow my dream. I had my degree in my back pocket and I could get a job whenever I wanted but I couldn't play soccer my whole life."

This wasn't the first-time Dominick had leaned on his mom for her advice before making a big decision. As Mrs. Zator remembers it, when Dominick started at the University of Calgary, he didn't know what he wanted to major in so she helped him find his way.

"He wasn't sure which field he wanted to go into so by asking him questions, I wanted him to make his decision and by elimination he would be well-informed. I asked him what about engineering and he said 'No I don't like physics.' I asked, what about medicine and he said, 'No, I hate blood, I won't be a good doctor.' So, I just asked, 'What do you want to do when you grow up?' and he said he wanted to be the CEO of a big company and make big bucks. I laughed and said no-brainer, accounting is the best choice because if you can read financial statements, you are golden."

Mrs. Zator might be biased towards the accounting field because she is an accountant herself but following in his mother's footsteps seems to be a pattern for Dominick. Arguably the most important part of any person is their personality and Dominick says his mother played a big role in shaping his.

"I always have a smile on my face, I'm super nice because of her, she's always friendly to people and I think I have those kinds of traits. She taught me to be humble and treat people the way you want to be treated. She's a great mom."

Dominick has been able to use all his tools since joining Whitecaps FC 2 in March, becoming a pillar on defense. In just three games, he has carved out his spot on the back line and has become a stabilizing force on one of the youngest teams in the USL. His play on the pitch has carried over from his accomplished university career and to date, he has won 12 of 19 duels, four of six aerial duels, and has 10 clearances in 248 minutes of football. His success on the pitch and in school can be traced back to his mom who couldn't be happier with the way her son has matured into a young man.

"I am proud of the person he has become. He has a strong character and he's respectful to others. I always told my boys, 'If you are going to do something, do it well' and I think he has done that."

Off the pitch, Dominick has had to acclimate to Vancouver, living on his own and the biggest adjustment he has had to make is life without mom around.

"I FaceTime her everyday to stay close with family, that way but it's definitely different having to cook for myself, clean for myself and do laundry. I guess I am finally growing up but it's fun and I'm having a good time."

As for Mrs. Zator, with Dominick away from home for the first time, there have been many changes but one stands out to her.

"We're saving on the grocery bill now."

Whitecaps FC 2 visit Tulsa Roughnecks FC tonight at 5 p.m. Watch live on whitecapsfc2.com. They return home for Mothers' Day on Sunday, May 14 at UBC Thunderbird Stadium at 3 p.m. against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

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