Last year he was the top goal scorer in the state, with 28 goals to his credit. This year he has scored 11 goals in his first 10 games. City College striker Mark Knight is on his way to yet another successful year on the soccer field. The 2008 Vaqueros soccer campaign, has gotten off to a promising start with a 7-3 overall record, while outscoring their opponents 34-15, behind Knight’s strong play.
“I have always scored a lot of goals,” Knight said. “It comes naturally for me, and I’ve always been the top goal scorer on all my teams.”
Born and raised in Woking, England, 23 miles south west of London, Knight took the step over the Atlantic Ocean last year after playing lower division soccer back in England. “I’m so happy I came here,” Knight said. “Many of my friends said that the standard of play would be lower here, but they were wrong.”
Knight comes from a big family, having two brothers and one sister to go along with his parents. “I miss my family, but I miss my 3-year old nephew Jack, the most.”
Raised just outside of London, Knight has always been a big fan of Chelsea F.C. “I have seen a lot of Chelsea games with my dad and I’ve traveled all over to watch them play,” Knight said. “They are the best team in the world.”
John Sisterson, head coach of the City College soccer team, does not spare the praise when it comes to his star striker.
“Mark is a strong player, and he has managed to find the back of the net in all levels he has been playing in,” Sisterson said. “We have got a number of inquiries from Division 1 schools, and I’ll bet he will get an offer.” ?
Knight hopes to move on to such a school, and ultimately make his way to the professional level. “I think my style of play would suit the MLS [Major League Soccer] or England, Spain, Germany or Italy.” Knight said. “I’ve been working a lot during the offseason to improve my strength.”
Knight’s teammate, and fellow striker, Sekou Rolland describes Knight as a “laid back, down to earth guy,” off the field, but “on the pitch he’s aggressive, strong, and emotional. He has a really competitive attitude.”
Playing soccer for most of his life, Knight said he doesn’t know what he would be doing if he wasn’t a soccer player. “I don’t see myself working a 9 to 5 job,” Knight said. “My family has told me that there is more to life than soccer, but I honestly can’t see what I would be doing.”
With 13 foreign players representing six different nations, apart from the United States, City College has a unique playing style. “It all blends in to help the team,” Knight said. “It is good to learn to play with players from other countries now, and I think that would help you if you go on and play professional.”
Knight is far from being a minority on the team, having six other British-born players as teammates and a British head coach. “It helps a lot to have British teammates, because they know the game from home.” Knight said. “It also made it easier to adapt, not being the only one.”
Contrary to many other student athletes, the 6-foot, 183-pound, Knight does not drink alcohol. “It’s a personal choice I’ve done as an athlete.” Knight said. “I don’t care if other people drink; it’s just not for me.”
Even though being the lead scorer in the state last year, Knight feels no pressure to repeat that this season. “If I get 20 goals this season, I’m happy,” Knight said. “Of course I want to beat 28 goals but you can’t score that many goals every season.”
With a year of college soccer under his belt, Knight is looking forward to going even further this season. “Being knocked out in the first round of the playoff against Oxnard was terrible,” Knight said. “We got a good attacking team and we are growing stronger with each game we play, and hopefully we can go all the way to the state championship.”
