Every team has that player nicknamed, “The Energizer Bunny.” For the past several years in the NYC adult program, that player has been Stephen Soto. Tragically, Stephen passed away Wednesday, May 23th after complications from a brain surgery. Nobody embodied the Street Soccer Skill “Play With Heart” more than Soto. His energy, positivity and attitude was infectious to our Street Soccer Family. Stephen began with SSUSA back in 2014, when he attended the SSUSA National Cup and traveled to the Street Soccer Charlotte Cup as well. If there was a Street Soccer event happening, Soto wanted to be there. He helped build our Street Soccer Parks, keep score at tournaments and rarely missed a practice or game. Soto attained his goal of finding permanent housing, moving into an apartment in Staten Island in 2016, where he had been living until his passing. Last week, the NYC SSUSA Family dedicated their league game to Stephen, unveiling a banner post-game and wearing armbands bearing his name. Our deepest compassion and condolences go out to the family and friends of Stephen Soto.
