Player Profile: #10 Paul Wilson
August 5, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
Player Profile: #10 Paul Wilson
Paul Wilson is an international football player from May Penn, Jamaica. Wilson began his soccer career with Portmore United FC in Jamaica in 2009, playing for their youth team. He continued with Portmore's senior team until the City Islanders signed the international star in the 2016 season. Here, Wilson shares about his first season with the Islanders, his personal life and his goals.
Q: You played with Portmore United FC for 7 years. What was it like signing to a new team after working with one team for so long?
It was hard to leave Portmore after being at Portmore for so long from a very tender age. But to sign with Harrisburg is like a dream come true because in Jamaica most of the guys in Jamaica always wanted to come to America to play professionally. It is a dream come true for me.
Q: What are some of the differences between soccer in Jamaica and soccer in the States?
It is more professional. The league itself and the facilities are much different.
Q: Did you play for an academy? Can you describe that experience?
No, we don't have academy in Jamaica. I was with Portmore for 13 days and went straight to the senior level. We won every single time for Portmore United.
Q: What do you believe your strengths are as a player? How do they benefit the City Islanders team?
I'm a very hard worker, disciplined. I am always dedicated to the things that I do.
Q: Do you have a favorite highlight moment from this season?
Yes, I remember scoring my first goal for the Islanders. It was against Louisville city...at home. I remember when coach came to me and said, "I want to see if you'll be the first Islander player to score on the Island." And I said, "Hopefully."
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in soccer?
Thierry Henry and Daniel Shaw. Daniel Shaw is from my community. [Shaw] retired from soccer in Jamaica now. But Thierry Henry... is my idol.
Q: Do you enjoy other sports? Which ones and why?
Yes, cricket and track and field. You know Jamaicans are known for speed and stuff, so...I have a little speed. I did them in primary school.
Q: Do you set personal goals for yourself when you start a new season? What were some of your goals this season and how are they coming along?
Yes. I said I need like 5 goals and like 5 assists just for this first season. But uhm...I've reached 4 goals and 3 assists now so I think I'll push it a bit to 8 each. So hopefully I can reach it.
Q: Are you satisfied with your performance so far this season? Why?
Thus far, yes, but I think more is to come.
Q: What team did you enjoy playing the most this season? Why?
Louisville City. They are a very good team...well I heard they are a very good team. But with the way that we possessed the ball, I was like, "really? This is the best team? One of the best teams in the league - So, yeah. And also Cincinnati. They are a very good team as well. And the atmosphere in Cincinnati is awesome. Sixteen, seventeen thousand... all their fans are awesome.
Q: What was it like getting used to the players?
It was easy. Because I am a very jovial person, I always make friends easily. I really like the guys here.
Q: What do you do when you aren't playing soccer or practicing for soccer?
Listen to my music, dancehall and reggae.
Q: What advice would you give a younger player who wishes to play professional soccer?
Stay focused. Work hard. You have to be disciplined, determined, and you have to be dedicated.
Q: What are your predictions about the team for the remainder of the season?
We are going to make it to the playoffs. I believe that we have the type of players that can take us to the playoffs.
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