Worthington — If you’re watching Thomas Worthington boys soccer, you’ll notice one number that seemingly never leaves the pitch. His jersey number? The one that wins you plenty of money in Las Vegas.
His name? Matheus Silveira.
Silveira is a team-first player, willing to do whatever is needed to help. Last season, that meant moving to defence to fill a team need despite primarily playing winger on the attack.
Head coach Matt Kovach says that willingness to put the team first is simply who Silveira is.
“We knew he was a fantastic winger and he just needed to learn the outside back position,” Kovach said. “We pitched the idea to Matheus and he said he would do it. He took to it really quickly and became a secondary position for him.”
This season, Silveira is back on the attack and shining: six goals and two assists through five games.
Soccer has been a lifelong sport for Silveira, who has played since he was five years old. Over the years, the game has brought him both happiness and a connection to the people around him.
“It is really fun to play and I love the game,” Silveira said. “I’m always there for my teammates and they are here for me.”
Coach Kovach continues to utilize Silveira’s strengths and adaptability in his schemes. He remains a key piece of the offence, but transitions back to defence if the team’s needs call for it.
His goal-scoring ability, combined with a true two-way impact, makes him an indispensable member of Thomas Worthington’s lineup. For Silveira, though, finding the back of the net comes naturally. He says it’s instinctual.
“I just know where to be. I know my teammates and they know how to play me,” Silveira said. “I had a coach in club that taught me how to do this. Now, it is just naturally with me.”
Despite his quiet personality, Silveira’s impact on the pitch is infectious throughout the team. He leads with his actions, not with words or emotion.
For Coach Kovach, that kind of presence isn’t something you can teach or replace.
“The guys really feed off of Matheas when he makes a big play or big run,” Kovach said. “He doesn’t get too high when things go really well or go low when things don’t. It is a quiet fire that suits his even-keeled personality.”
The Cardinals are off to their best start in over a decade, sitting at 4-0-1 through their first five matches. Silveira’s quiet fire has helped fuel the early success, and with the schedule heating up, Thomas Worthington will look to keep the flame burning.
Thomas Worthington returns to action on 1 September hosting Hilliard Bradley in non-conference play.
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