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Lunch with Soony Saad

25 July 12:23 pm

Lunch with Soony Saad

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Seventeen-year-old Sierra Lekie submitted the winning entry for Caption Contest #2, right here on the Fan Forum. Her prize? A lunch date with Sporting Kansas City striker Soony Saad. Lekie, a member of her high school debate team, spent most of her summer traveling the midwest to represent Shawnee Mission West in debate competitions. Between the busy schedule of a high school debate guru and a professional athlete, finding a time to convene for lunch was quite the challenge. Last Friday marked the first day since June 4 that the two individuals were available for a bite. Make that available for chatter, as one of the parties was not able to endulge in the fine cuisine of one of his favorite Kansas City restaurants. To find out why Saad passed up his go-to entree, Tilapia Tacos, read on as Lekie gives her account of the experience.

Last Friday, I was fortunate enough to have lunch with my favorite Sporting Kansas City player, Soony Saad. It was my first time at the restaurant, the Mixx, so Soony offered me his suggestions. Unfortunately he couldn’t eat because he was fasting for Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims spend the daylight hours in a complete fast. However, this provided some great conversation. Soony explained the reason for his fasting and how it affects his playing ability with it being so hot outside. We both agreed that the best way to pass the time during this heat wave is to nap, nap, and nap some more. Plus, it makes his thirty days of fasting easier.

Next came a huge surprise! As I was walking into The Mixx to meet up with Soony, I saw someone that looked a lot like Kei Kamara headed into the Chipotle next door. I thought I was just seeing things. To my disbelief, not only does Kei come over to say hello, but also Dom Dwyer, Konrad Warzycha, and Sporting Kansas City's newest addition, Neven Markovic. While I worked through my shock, they introduced themselves and chatted for a little bit. Everyone seemed like one big family, especially as Kei left and gave Soony a brotherly pat on the cheek.

After Soony's teammates left, we shifted focus to Sporting Kansas City and talked about little things only players would know. I was amazed to learn that players are fined if they don’t wear their heart rate monitors to practice, are late to games, or don’t follow the dress code.

This experience wouldn’t have been possible without the fan-focused atmosphere Sporting Kansas City has created and team I've grown to love. I’d like to thank everyone at the organization, especially Soony, and the rest of the players for creating an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.