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It’s been a dream season for 24-year-old Spanish international Vero Boquete. The Philadelphia Independence striker just earned Player of the Year honors; a just reward for a stellar regular season in WPS. Vero will now look to lead the Independence back to the WPS Championship by defeating magicJack on Saturday in the Super Semifinal at PPL Park.

Earlier this week, Vero answered questions on her success this season and the state of women’s soccer in Spain. (Note: The first question is dated, obviously, as Vero has this week been named league MVP.)

You may win the WPS MVP award this season and have scored several game-winning goals. What does that all mean to you?

I am one of the five nominees and that is success for me. I don’t know if I will win, but I am now tremendously happy. I came here with great desire to perform well and to help the team. Now I only think of continuing like this in the playoffs.

What has it been like having fellow Spaniard Laura del Rio on the Philadelphia Independence with you?

Really good. It’s always easier to play with someone you know. We have played together on the national team and speaking the same language helps.

What was it like growing up playing soccer in Spain? Did you always aspire to be a professional soccer player?

It was not easy. In Spain there is still a lot of chauvinism and I found myself with many obstacles. But with the support of my family and friends, I continued to fight for what I enjoyed most: soccer. When I was little, I only thought about playing. Little by little I saw that there was a future and that soccer was my life.

Spain is currently on top of the men’s football world at the senior, youth, and club levels. What will it take for the Spanish Women’s National Team to have similar success?

The U-17 and U-19 women’s teams have also achieved success, but all in all, we have not gotten to do anything important. We need more support, more facilities and that way we can have more dedication.

Spain did well in the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and recently won the 2011 UEFA U-17 Women’s Championship. Do you think Spain could qualify for their first ever Women’s World Cup in 2015.

Yes, I believe that in Spain there is a good level of skill. What we are missing to improve is our physical aspect so that we can compete with the other women.

You made your U.S. club debut with the Buffalo Flash in the W-League. How did they discover you?

A colleague of mine told them about me and they became interested. I never thought about it, I had great desire to come to the USA and have the possibility of playing in WPS.

Did you have a soccer idol growing up?

In Spain women’s soccer is unknown and the young girls only see men’s soccer. I hope that changes soon and that young girls have female models. My favorite player was the Brazilian Ronaldo and now it is Messi.

You’ve scored plenty of goals for every team you’ve played on. What are your unique traits as a striker?

That you should ask those who watch me play. I only intend to do my best possible and if I have to give a characteristic, I would say I am fast and tactful with the ball and very fast in games.

On Tuesday Vero’s MVP award got a mention on AS’s website. AS is the second most circulated sports newspaper in Spain. Thanks to Vero, Kate, and Kim the roommate for translating!

Another Spanish success

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• Soccer
• Sports
• WPS

This post is related to an ongoing story:

• 2011 WPS Playoffs

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