A Few Words With Croatian Pro and San Pedro Native Peter Hazdovac
You never know where Yanks abroad are going to show up.
Photo by Branimir Kvartuc
San Pedro native Peter Hazdovac, 22, a graduate of San Pedro High who played club soccer with Fram on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and 66 games in four years at Cal Poly (10 goals and eight assists) is playing professional soccer in the Croatian regional third division.
On Saturday, Hazdovac scored both goals in a 2-0 NK Gosk win, sending the club to the top of the table. Here's what he had to say:
Q: How did you end up in Croatia playing soccer?
A: It was always a dream of mine to play professional soccer and with both my parents being born in Croatia I am able to get citizenship. With some help I was able to get my foot in the door and from there it took off.
Q: How have things gone in Croatia?
A: I came to Croatia in the beginning of July and was sent to Zagreb to the Kranjcar Soccer Academy where I was evaluated by a professional coaching staff. After being in Zagreb for about ten days, the coaches at the academy got me connected with the first division side NK ZADAR. I was able to train with the first division side for two months but since I came to camp late they decided to send me on loan to get some experience. They placed me in Dubrovnik where my family is from, to play for NK GOSK. I have played in seven games scoring three goals. If things continue to go well, my goal is to be back in Zadar or another first division side by mid season break in December.
Q: What is Croatian football like?
A: Like most of Europe and the world, soccer is number one in Croatia. Fans support their clubs with passion and the professional divisions are very well organized. In my first away game in the city of Makarska we were welcomed to the stadium by a group of home supporters. We finished the game winning 2-1 and had to deal with fans ready to jump fences, people spitting, and objects being thrown. This was my first experience as a professional footballer and I really could do nothing but smile and enjoy the situation I was in. Our training is very demanding and has put me in the best shape of my life.
Q: Are there any other Americans playing in Croatia? How have Croatians accepted you? Do you speak the language?
A: As far as I know there are no other Americans playing soccer in Croatia. Being from San Pedro I have always had close ties to Croatia and have visited the country numerous times throughout my life so I am able to speak the language. All my immediate family live in America, but we have plenty of friends and cousins that I am in close contact with here.
Q: How do you like living in Croatia?
A: It is a different lifestyle! People enjoy socializing and are able to find time for themselves everyday. Dubrovnik is a historic city and the tourist capital of Croatia. Even though it's a relatively small city, thousands of people come here for its location on the Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean climate, and history. It truly is a beautiful place to call home and I constantly find myself amazed about the city.
Q: What do you miss about the U.S.?
A: Croatia has always been a second home to me but my friends and family are something that makes being away tough. My family is the most important thing to me and being away from all them is a challenge at times. San Pedro was a great place to grow up because of the people and is the reason why I am looking forward to coming home when our season goes on (winter) break.
Q: What are you long-term goals in soccer?
A: I have come to the point in my career where I understand what it is to be a professional. Like in any other job, I work hard to contribute and make a difference on my team, but I also look a head to advance my career. I am working with an agent in the United States who is helping me find the next appropriate stop in my career advancement. I will play anywhere as long is it benefits my development. Ultimately, I would love to finish in the MLS, ideally playing at the Home Depot Center for the Galaxy or Chivas USA in front of all my friends and family. Soccer is something that has kept me focused in life and allowed me to experience so much. I have worked extremely hard to get where I am at and I understand that now after completing college that this is the time for me to go for my dreams. The people I have met and places I have been is something I cherish more than anything.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Svaka čast mom rođaku Peteru na odličnoj igri koju je do sada pokazao u Hrvatskoj,želim da Peter dobije najbolju ponudu za igru u SAD-u kako bi igrao i bio blizu svoje obitelji i prijatelja što i zaslužuje.
Ovom prilikom pozdravljaju ga mali Kristian,Anamarija i Maro,a također puno puno pozdrava cijeloj Peterovoj obitelji i naravno Nicole od Kristiana.
Puno pozdrava svim hrvatima u SAD-u i Canadi.
Bog i Hrvatsi!
Don Garber....
Did you hear that?
A born and bred American that wants to "finish" his career with MLS.
My question to the commissioner is: Is this kid good enough to play MLS now? Why is he willing to go to a third division club in Croatia instead of plying his trade here?
I think you should have someone in your upper circle (maybe Ivan) interview this kid to find out what pulled him to Croatia (or more specifically why family ties were strong enough to pull him away from MLS)?
Because until this question is answered, young American talent will continue to take their chances abroad with minor leagues (no offense to Croatia.... but compared to EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Seria A, well ...) instead of developing here in MLS.
I am fortunate to be currently living in Dubrovnik where I am working as a photographer for the two national newspapers, Jutarnji List and Slobodna Dalmacija and have photographed several of Peter's games with GOSK. After seeing him play, I agree with the previous comment from PocketKings that Peter is too good for his entire League. The team he is playing for was a pathetic afterthought in the city. After his arrival, Peter brought a new energy and spirit to his teammates, was responsible for goals in every game he played in and took his team straight to first place in the standings. Peter's energy transcends just physical talent and this is what the "secret sauce" to being a pro athlete. I agree that Peter most definitely belongs in the MLS. Your team would be crushed to see you go and would most definitely return to being an afterthought, but the MLS is waiting...
Nick replies: Thanks for the on the scene report. BTW, if you (or anyone else) can translate the previous comment from the Croatian into English it would be appreciated.
I am very proud of my cousin Peter and his excellent play in Croatia. I hope that Peter succeeds in America where he can play in front of his family and friends.
All the best his cousins from the island MLJET, CROATIA. Kristian, Anamarija, Maro.
also hello to Peter's whole family and especially his sister Nicole from Kristian.
Hello to all Croatians in America and Canada.
Yeah, this Peter kid is really good. I first heard of him on CroatianSoccerReport.com. He recently scored 2 goals in a 2 nil win which put his team atop the Croatian Treca Liga (Third League). Hazdovac is a very aggressive player with a Rooney-like shot. He could do some damage in MLS with the experience he now has; should he make that career move. Good luck to you Peter.
-All the best from the States.
THIS KID'S GOT THE DEEP RUN, SON
There is an abundance of excellent young American soccer players that get lost in the shuffle. Peter Hazdovac can not only play in the MLS, but he will have a great career and will make an impact for any team today. Keep kicking Haz!!!
Good job Peter your favorite roomies are proud of you!
-Mare