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.