From France to Kansas City: Elie Kisoka's American Soccer Dream

Elie Kisoka left everything familiar in France for the unknown of American college soccer - and scored the Summit League Championship winner with 13 seconds left. The UMKC forward who models his mentality after Cristiano Ronaldo shares his journey from European football to becoming one of the most prolific scorers in college soccer.
In this candid conversation with Gabriella Haugland, Elie reveals the culture shock of American food ("a lot of fried"), the surprise of friendly strangers complimenting his shoes, and playing his first games without understanding a word his coach was yelling from the sideline. He discusses following his grandfather's professional soccer footsteps, surviving two ACL surgeries that left him questioning "why me?", and why his mental coach is as important as his physical training.
From the prestigious Clairefontaine academy showcase to six game-winning goals in his first season, Elie embodies the European work ethic meeting American opportunity. He shares the team's ongoing Europe vs. America training battles, why being married young grounds him, and his message to French players: "Come here - it's one of the best things I did."

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