Spring 2021 Northwest Herald Boys Soccer Player of the Year: Jacobs’ Liam Armstrong

Liam Armstrong had an outstanding junior soccer season at Jacobs when he scored 15 goals and the Golden Eagles won a Class 4A sectional championship.

Armstrong scored even more goals in this shortened season (16) than he did in the full 2019 season, helping Jacobs to the Fox Valley Conference regular-season championship and a 12-1-1 record.

The Eagles were unable to finish the season as they would have liked to, with the FVC Tournament title as well. Hampshire defeated Jacobs, 1-0, in a penalty-kick shootout for the championship.

But Armstong was a force for the team that dominated in the regular season and won back-to-back FVC titles. Armstrong is the Northwest Herald Boys Soccer Player of the Year, selected by the sports staff with input from area coaches.

Armstrong, who was an All-Area first-team selection last year, answered these questions from sports writer Joe Stevenson about celebrations, teammates and the sport he loves.

If you could change something about soccer, what would it be?

Armstrong: I wouldn’t penalize players for doing a dope celebration.

If you could train with any player in the world for a week, who would it be?

Armstrong: I would love to train with Zlatan Ibrahimovic (a Swedish player with AC Milan), simply because I don’t think he is human. He’s going on 40 and he’s still world-class. I would love to learn all about his training habits, diet, pre-game routine, etc.

What would be the best way to celebrate a goal?

Armstrong: You can ask my teammates because I did this all season, but I actually came to school before every game and asked them what celebration I should do if I scored. I would practice dances and a bunch of other things so when I scored I could do something fun and to get the team pumped up. For me, the best way to celebrate a goal is with the fan section with all your teammates next to you. Scoring a last-minute winner and running to the fans all hyped is something that every kid dreams about.

What is your favorite wild animal?

Armstrong: I’m a big bird person, so I would have to say it’s a tie between a flamingo or a duck. My favorite color is pink so flamingos are an easy choice there and I like ducks because my favorite hand in poker is pocket 2′s (which is nicknamed pocket ducks).

What would be your walk-up song if you played baseball?

Armstrong: My walk-up song would have to be ‘Solar Eclipses’ by Hollywood Principles. It’s my favorite song in Rocket League (video game) and gets me hyped in any scenario.

What sport that you don’t play would you be good at?

Armstrong: I’ve only ever played soccer growing up, but I like to toss around the football with my friends a lot so I’d probably have to say football. If I played a position though I would probably opt for kicker.

What is the last good book you read?

Armstrong: I’m not a huge reader, but I recently just read Andrea Pirlo’s biography for school. He was a player I really admired watching growing up so reading about his life through his own words was very fascinating and eye-opening.

Do you have any hidden talent?

Armstrong: Not much of a shocker, but I love to hacky sack. I bring one with me everywhere I go and juggle it pretty much every day.

What is the toughest part about soccer?

Armstrong: I would say the toughest part is that it’s just very time consuming. I play year round for club and high school and you don’t get a whole lot of downtime. Soccer is my one true passion in life though, so it’s worth every minute of my time.

Who is your funniest teammate?

Armstrong: Definitely PJ Hopkins, without a doubt. Every time we would go to practice or games he was cracking jokes and being his normal, funny self. He’s just a lot of fun to be around and he’s a great guy.

What are some good words to live by?

Armstrong: Celebrate the little things. I had coach AJ Cappello for my freshman year here and that’s something he’d say to us every game. I feel like it’s something that’s applicable both on the field and off it, especially in the times we’re in now.

What is something good that actually came out of this pandemic year?

Armstrong: I got a lot closer with my friends and family and started to appreciate the little things a lot more. I also had a lot more downtime where I could focus more on myself and my mental state.

What scares you?

Armstrong: Sam ‘Aspen’ Rainer running full speed at me.

What is the toughest injury you ever sustained?

Armstrong: I suffered a really bad concussion my freshman year where I blacked out mid-game from a collision. I was out of commission for about two months, which was not fun.

What is the nicest gift you ever received?

Armstrong: I got a Wayne Rooney (former player, current soccer manager in England) bobblehead for my 10th birthday. That was pretty dope.