Dominic Goncalves off to Strong Start in Final Season with Spartans

Senior Dominic Goncalves has one main goal in his final season with the Spartan men's soccer team: get back to the national tournament.

Born in Egham, England, Goncalves had a love of soccer at a very young age. Since the age of four, he has been playing soccer and learning from his role model and older brother Phillip, who has "always pushed and driven him to perform at his best".

Having an older brother who also played soccer allowed Dominic to "be a typical younger brother" constantly playing and learning soccer throughout his childhood from Phillip.

After an illustrious high school career at Richmond-Upton-Thames high school marked by multiple Salesian Player of the Year awards and a Managers Player of the Season award in 2007-2008, Dominic decided to continue playing soccer in the states at UT.

As a freshman, Dominic played key minutes in an upsetting loss in an Elite Eight match at Lees McRae, ending the Spartans 2009 Championship run. That small taste of the NCAA tournament has left Goncalves with unfinished business in the midst of his senior season.

His college career at UT has been successful to say the least, racking up five goals, seven assists, and a total of 15 points.

At the end of the 2010 season, Dominic underwent minor knee surgery to repair cartilage damage. The injury was shadowed by his desire to return to top form and continue to play at the highest level. Dominic's "enjoyment and all around love for the game" have fueled him to endure extensive rehabilitation in order to overcome his surgery and return to the game he loves.

This season, Dominic has come out strong, starting in eight out of the Spartan's first 11 games and recording two assists along with multiple shots on goal.

While the senior public health major currently has "no idea" what his plans for after college are, he is fairly certain that he will stay in the states rather than heading back home to England.

Dominic's effort in his final year reflects another personal goal of "playing more and being more involved with the team". With five games remaining in the regular season, Goncalves plans on continuing his high level of play in order to give the Spartans the national championship run they are all hoping for.

Written by David Bowers