After months of endless lectures, being awoken by the bells of Memorial Church, and pulling all-nighters in Lamont, it is no wonder that as the past year came to a close, many Harvard freshmen were more than ready for a change.

However, for rookie soccer standout Andre Akpan, that change was not in the form of a snazzy internship or much-needed relaxation. Instead, the Grand Prairie, Texas native used the summer to hone his soccer skills in the presence of the greatest young players in the country, both on the national- and club-team levels.

Akpan broke onto the national soccer scene last winter as part of the United States’ U-20 team for the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament in Panama. There, he helped to earn his team a bid to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring a remarkable hat trick against Haiti.

Unfortunately, his impressive showing in Panama wasn’t enough to guarantee Akpan a spot on the final World Cup team. However, after battling through various training camps over the summer, Akpan was asked to join the U-20 team as they represented both themselves and their country in Canada.

For Akpan, this meant not only playing against the up-and-coming stars of international soccer, but also playing with a new caliber of athletes.
“It’s a whole ’nother level—you’re playing against the next group of the best players in the world,” Akpan said. “You can’t do anything but learn, and I felt like I got better every practice.”

This acquired knowledge and skill was evident during Akpan’s showing in the Round of 16 game against Uruguay, where the U.S. pulled out a close 2-1 win over their adversary. Achieving the victory might not have been possible without America’s Crimson representative, who applied pressure to a Uruguayan defender, causing an own goal and tying up the game, 1-1.

Akpan called the event his greatest moment of the summer, saying it helped him win the respect of his teammates and avid soccer fans world-wide.
“I proved myself a little bit on the field,” Akpan said of the game.
He also noted his ability to overcome the nerves and general intimidation factor that is associated with such a high-stakes moment in a tournament elimination round.

“Once you step on the field in games, it’s exhilarating,” Akpan added.
As if becoming one of only seven collegiate players on a team composed highly of professional international soccer stars wasn’t enough, Akpan added another notch to his belt during the latter part of the summer, when he made a quick transition from the U-20 World Cup team to his home club team, the Dallas Texans 88 Red.Even after missing the beginning of the season, Akpan led his team to the James P. McGuire Cup and the youth national championship title.

These accolades may seem strictly individual, but Akpan’s summer soccer performances could prove to be advantageous to the No. 8-ranked Harvard squad, and the entire Crimson soccer program as well.

Akpan has already had a stunning start to the fall season, leading Harvard in points with eight goals and six assists, as  his teammates sing his praises.
“Our goal is to get the ball to him,” senior co-captain Matt Hoff said. “He’s the go-to guy on our team.”

Head coach John Kerr also recognized Akpan’s abilities, especially a composed demeanor that has helped him to goals against both Ivy League and international opponents.

“On the field, he is a cool customer and very calm even when things seem hectic,” Kerr said. “He is equally calm, cool and collected off the field.”

With the Crimson preparing for what may be its biggest game of the regular season against No. 15 Brown University, Akpan’s composure and talents will be tested. Luckily for Harvard, Akpan’s out-of-the-ordinary summer training will provide the team with a definite advantage.

“I’ve learned to play to another level,” Akpan said.

Building on Akpan’s impressive rookie year, this additional skill can mean only one thing—watch out, Ivy League.

—Staff writer Alexandra J. Mihalek can be reached at amihalek@fas.harvard.edu.