New York Red Bulls II midfielder Omar Sowe signed his first professional contract on August 6, 2019 and is in the middle of his second year with the club. He scored his first professional goal against Louisville City FC on September 21, 2019.
With the majority of the attack departing from the previous season, Sowe has the opportunity to become a key component of the attack when NYRB II return to play in 2020. We caught up with Sowe to discuss the team’s return to training and more.
Q: What was your primary goal during the offseason?
Sowe: My main goal was figuring out how to get in shape and maintain a healthy body, so I could have a good, long season.
Q: How did preseason go for you?
Sowe: This was my first preseason with the club, and it was a good experience for the guys and myself. We got to train with each other for the first time and to really get to know each other.
Q: What has been the biggest learning point for you during the preseason?
Sowe: There was not anything big that happened. I did get to learn more about the system and being able to show it during the scrimmages was great.
Q: After your first season, what were the primary improvements you were looking to make to your game?
Sowe: The main improvement I was trying to make was using more of my weak foot and get my legs stronger, so I’m able to compete for headers.
Q: What were your initial thoughts when the USL Championship announced a return to play date?
Sowe: The one word that came to my mind was excitement. It has been a long time and finally being back on the pitch with the guys is such a wonderful feeling.
Q: Looking back on the first match of the season, what are some things you think the team could work on?
Sowe: We have a young team and some of us are playing with each other for the first time, that within itself is a challenge every day. I feel like the first game told us that we can compete with anyone, but sometimes experience matters and we just need to keep gaining that every day we are on the pitch.
Q: When play is resumed, what are your goals for the remainder of the season?
Sowe: The same goals as before, to win the USL Championship and to work hard every single day to become the best player I can be.
Q: What have you been watching on television during the suspension of play?
Sowe: The main show that I have been watching is Ozark on Netflix.
Q: What would your advice be to some of the newer guys on the team, who are living their first professional season?
Sowe: My advice would be to make sure you are working hard every single day to keep getting better and making your weaknesses into your strengths.
