Countdown Capsule: Lester Hayes III
August 28, 2014 | Men's Soccer
2014 Player Capsule: Lester Hayes III
BY THE NUMBERS
16 – Hayes III has posted a game-winning goal in each season with the squad, and last year's came in the 69th minute to drop No. 16 Louisville, 1-0, in a key non-conference match
48.6 – The forward's percentage of shots taken that have landed on target (36-for-74) which has seen three straight seasons with a percentage higher than 40%
60 – Number of matches played in his career missing just six in total, and with a minimum of 19 on the agenda, Hayes III has a chance to slip into the top-ten all-time Anteater matches played leaders
The 6-for-5 Hayes III is the tallest field player for the Anteaters and has worked hard to use that to his advantage over the past few seasons. His length and tactical awareness had never been lacking, but his towering presence was still yet to be fully harnessed. The work put in had been evident as the games progressed exploiting his massive wingspan and top-notch leaping abilities to corral more and more possession, and now more than ever, the imposing figure enters his senior season with a fully-loaded arsenal. He also represents the east coast on the squad, the only statesman east of the Mississippi. He has thrived outside the Pacific Time Zone, and was rewarded with a trip to his old stomping grounds to play an NCAA Tournament match in College Park, Maryland, minutes from his high school. Once again, his east coast-appetite will be satisfied with a trip to West Virginia and Georgetown to play in front of friends and family. The fiery figure brings a passion and an edge to his game after tying the team lead with five yellow cards a year ago. The senior has honed his game completely in 2014, and looks to build on his consistent play that seen him total 9, 7, and 10 points in his three seasons. With only an All-Big West Honorable Mention to his name from his freshman season, his interests lie more in a third Big West title and advancing beyond the Sweet Sixteen.
FROM THE TONGUE
"My past few years at UCI have been up and down, but have really molded me into a better person. At times, it was really hard. At times, I loved it. Looking back on it, I wouldn't change it for the world. The school pushed me in ways I never have been pushed before. Athletically, they pushed me to be stronger mentally. Going into my senior year, I'm excited and nervous. We are defending Big West champs with a target on our back, but still underrated in my eyes. A lot of us are not recognized on the national scale, but it's ok. As my teammates and I have said, rankings don't matter once we're on the field. We have to ball and get results. That's what matters most. Let the people keep sleeping on us."
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