Get to Know Tuesday: Jose Alastuey

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team brings back 17 returners and adds 10 newcomers to the 2020-21 squad. Throughout the offseason, we will be getting to know an Owl each week leading up to the first spring game. Our fourth Q&A is with sophomore midfielder Jose Alastuey.

The Zaragoza, Spain native is coming off a stellar freshman season, having scored three goals for six points, including the game-winner against Old Dominion to send the Owls to their first Conference USA Tournament. Alastuey was the second leading goal scorer and took the fifth most shots on the team. Playing in 14 games, Alastuey drew the start in 12 with 905 minutes played during his rookie year.

Q: What factors intrigued you the most in wanting to play soccer and continue your education at FAU?
A: Joey [Worthen] and [former assistant Jose] Robles watched me play in a showcase in Madrid, and after the first game, they came right away to the hotel to tell me they wanted me to join FAU. Their interest in me, the ambition of the soccer program and the amazing facilities helped me commit to FAU. Also, FAU has a very strong business program, which is very important to me.

Q: How did you take advantage of the extra time you had during quarantine?
A: I could spend a lot of time with my family, which I usually can't because I live abroad. I had so much fun with my brother. We worked out together, watched Netflix and even learned how to cook pretty well, haha.

Q: Your game-winning goal in overtime against ODU sealed the deal for FAU qualifying for its first C-USA Tournament. Describe what happened on the field (and what went through your head) when you saw the ball hit the back of the net?
A: When the ref called the free kick, I already knew I was going to score the golden goal. I felt it, so I did it. After the goal, I started screaming and running to the stands to celebrate it with the fans and with my teammates. It was the most emotional goal I've ever scored because of what it meant to the team and the soccer program at FAU.

Q: What are your goals for this season?
A: We have a great and competitive team this year. Our goal should be winning the conference and getting into the NCAA Tournament. I think we can finish being ranked between the best 30 colleges in the country. Personally, I want to keep growing as a soccer player, and increase my goals and assists.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals? If so, what?
A: I always kiss my necklace before putting on my jersey.

Q: What has been your favorite class you have taken at FAU so far?
A: Macroeconomics because I learned a lot thanks to the amazing teacher I had.

Q: If you could be good at another sport, what would it be and why?
A: Skiing because it is my favorite sport after soccer, but I cannot ski to avoid injuries that could affect my soccer career.

Q: What is your favorite place you have traveled to?
A: I would say any place in Spain. It is a beautiful country with a lot of gastronomic, cultural and landscape variety.

For complete coverage of FAU men's soccer during the offseason, follow us on Twitter (@faumsoccer), Instagram (@faumsoccer) and Facebook (FAU Men's Soccer).

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