St. Francis alumnus advances in soccer

Yadi Aliakbar, taking the ball upfield for Adrian College, is described by his coach as a fireball. He has been around the game of soccer almost since birth. His father, Lee, is the coach at St. Francis and CEO of the Toledo Celtics Soccer Club. ADRIAN COLLEGE ATHLETICS Enlarge

Yadi Aliakbar graduated from St. Francis de Sales in 2009 and didn't travel far to continue his education and athletic career.

He enrolled at Owens Community College.

Two years later, the former Knights and Express soccer standout took his soccer skills north and is a starting forward at Adrian College.

"Going from St. Francis to Owens was an adjustment to college," Aliakbar said.

"Now it's another jump from Owens to Adrian. "It's definitely a different level. It's a faster pace and stronger boys."

Adrian College coach Chris LeFevre welcomed the seasoned player into the Bulldogs program with open arms.

The 5-foot-9-inch, 154- pound junior brings a level of skill and intensity the Bulldogs could use as they come off a 9-9-2 season in 2010, the program's most successful season since 1983.

"We actually knew about him when he came out of high school two years ago, but he decided to go to Owens," said LeFevre, who is in his third season as the Bulldogs coach.

"He's a very talented player and technically he's been sound. He's definitely an attack player, so we're trying to help him up the field. He's kind of the maestro."

Aliakbar was in the starting lineup for the Bulldogs during their first five games of the season. He has had no goals or assists during Adrian's 1-3-1 start.

His transition from Owens, where he recorded three goals and four assists last season, has meant learning a new system, playing with new teammates and adjusting to the four-year program's higher level of play.

Yet LeFevre said Aliakbar's impact can't be calculated by individual statistics.

"We're five games into the season and he's starting to find his way and rhythm," LeFevre said. "He's going to find his way sooner than some players."

Aliakbar, a Perrysburg resident, arrived on the Adrian College campus this fall confident he could contribute to the Bulldogs' program.

He believed his soccer experiences would help him adjust to playing at Adrian, which is approximately 45 minutes northwest of Toledo.

"The transition was very smooth and the team was accepting," Aliakbar said. "In terms of style of play, it's a possession style and we look to hold on to the ball and pass the ball quickly. Fortunately, I fit into the game they play here."

Aliakbar has been around the game of soccer almost since birth.

He played for his father, Lee, who is the coach at St. Francis and is the Toledo Celtics Soccer Club chief executive officer and director. He had also played for Adrian assistant coach Kirk Brazeau, who has been a Celtics coach.

Aliakbar was a Celtics coach while attending Owens.

LeFevre said growing up in an environment where the game of soccer was prominent in family activities made it almost natural for Aliakbar to quickly pick up the game.

At St. Francis he earned All-District First Team recognition.

"It definitely helped because he's had experience with a successful team," LeFevre said.

"But to be honest, it's really different at the college level than at the high school and club levels."

Yet, the Bulldogs coach said, Aliakbar had the characteristics to continue to be successful in soccer even before arriving at Adrian.

"He's very clean," LeFevre said. "He's competitive. He doesn't fold under pressure. He's a fireball."

Aliakbar seemed destined for the sport. "My first gift was a soccer ball in my crib, and I've enjoyed the game ever since," he said.

Contact Donald Emmons at: demmons@theblade.com, 419-724-6302 or on Twitter @demmons