Alumni Spotlight: Kofi Opare
6/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
June 24, 2015
Kofi Opare
Kofi Opare, who was a four-year starter for the University of Michigan men's soccer team (2008-2012), was the eighth Michigan player ever to be selected in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft, going No. 24 overall (second round) to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2013. Since being selected, Opare was traded to DC United on July 29, 2014. After seeing time in U.S. Open Cup action in 2014, Opare has played in 13 league matches with 12 starts for the Eastern Conference-leading United during the 2015 campaign. With national team interest increasing, Opare holds Ghanaian and American citizenship, and has submitted paperwork for Canadian citizenship, as he lived in Toronto during his high school years.
Q. After starting your career with the LA Galaxy and being traded to DC United last season, what has your experience been like overall?
A. My experience in Washington, D.C., has been a great one. One of the benefits of playing professional soccer is the ability to travel to different cities and countries. My latest adventure has placed me in the nation's capital. The city is very diverse, with a lot of different cultures in and around the city. Activities are nothing short of coming, I spend my time exploring the monuments, visiting the National Mall or going boating out in Georgetown. My current residence in Arlington, Virginia, was voted best place to live for people between the ages of 20-30. This statement is true because of the abundance of restaurants and activities in and around the city. There is also a large amount of Michigan graduates that live in the city, and it's also great to hear `Go Blue' from time-to-time.
Q. How often do you keep tabs on Michigan soccer in general?
A. I try to follow Michigan men's soccer program as much as I can. Obviously during the fall, I follow the team a little more. This year the team will be playing in Maryland, so I will definitely be at the game to support the guys.
Q. What are you looking forward to in terms of a possible international career, as you hold options from either Ghana or Canada?
A. I'm looking forward to representing a nation internationally. I believe that international soccer is the highest level of soccer one can compete in, and I want to keep on challenging myself.
Q. You earned your shot on March 28 against your former team the LA Galaxy as you were subbed on in the fifth minute due to an injury. What was going through your mind at that moment?
A. To be completely honest, I did not have time to think about the situation because it occurred very early in match. My focus was to get ready physically to be able to get on the field and help the team out.
Q. You scored your second career goal on May 13 versus Orlando City (which proved to be the game-winner), and was the second goal of your career. Walk us through how that transpired.
A. We had a free kick about 30 yards from goal. Taylor Kemp (our left back) played a great ball to the back post. I managed to get my head on the ball and it went in. I don't score many goals, so I try and treasure the ones I do score.
Q. DC United is having a great year thus far. What is helping the team be so successful in the early going?
A. Our side is currently doing very well this season. What makes our team very successful is that we tend focus on the little details in training and games. We have great team chemistry and everyone is willing to fight for each other. Our team might not have the big names other teams do, but we have 30 solid players, who are willing to contribute to the team, when called upon. This is a testament to our coaching staff and their ability to not only get the right personal for our team but, but also their ability to get everyone to buy into the system. Thus far, we have used a 14 different lineups in 16 games, and we are still managing to do well. I truly believe that we have the ability to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Fans can follow Opare's MLS journey by checking out @KofiOpare6 on Twitter and Instagram.
The Office of Alumni Engagement strives to foster a community, recognize the holistic student-athlete and honor the great Michigan Athletics history. This alumni spotlight illustrates the impact that our alumni are having around the world and how they stay engaged with Michigan.
