Soccer star aims for MLS

Dennis Cardona shows his skills with the soccer ball at the Wellness Center. Growing up in Honduras, he learned how to play and the fundamentals of the game at the age of five. Cardona will make his way to Dallas, Texas in February to try out for Major League Soccer.
Photo by Carrie Cronk

By Kyle Frank, News Writing Student

Dennis Cardona had a stellar first season at OCCC as the leading goal scorer with 10 out of the teams 16 total goals. Now he’s setting his sights on Major League Soccer.

The MLS is hosting tryouts for professional teams February in Dallas. This is where Cardona plans to see “once and for all” if he’s got what it takes for the big leagues.

Cardona’s uncle got him started playing soccer, along with the other children in his family, when he was around five.

Growing up in Honduras, Cardona had a lot of time to play soccer and develop his fundamentals.

Moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Flor. when he was 14, he joined a club team, which taught him teamwork and dedication.

“Whether we were winning or losing, I always tried my hardest, every time,” Cardona said.

After a couple years in Florida, his family found work in Oklahoma City, and moved. Cardona went to Midwest City High School and played for their varsity team his junior and senior year.

With success at every level in his soccer career, Cardona understands he wouldn’t be where he’s at without his OCCC teammates, especially Ricardo Sigala.

“Ricardo Sigala has more vision with the ball in the open field than the rest of us. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have scored near as many goals. He’s got great ball skills,” Cardona said.

Cardona is in his first semester in college and has declared his major as Business Administration.

He thinks he wants to open his own business, like a soccer academy to supply kids with “knowledge of the game” and equipment to keep them safe.

He is deciding between the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University as schools he would like to go to when he has completed his basics at OCCC.

Cardona’s dream job is to play soccer for the rest of his life. He is doing everything it takes to reach his goal of playing in the MLS.

Cardona is still getting used to the pressure of college but is handling everything pretty well. He feels his grades are pretty good, but could be better.

Cardona says, “first things first,” when asked about playing pro soccer. He says there’s a lot to work on until then and plans to train everyday to get into even better shape.

The OCCC team is his team now, however, and he wants to help them as much as possible.

Cardona encourages other OCCC students who play soccer to come and see if they’d like playing for the school. For information on the soccer team call the Pioneer at 405-682-1611, ext. 7440.