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S2’s Saari Opens Up About Childhood Battle with Cancer

By JOHN ARLIA - john.arlia@uslsoccer.com, 09/06/18, 11:48AM EDT

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Ray Saari overcame a lot of obstacles to reach the USL


Ray Saari in action for S2 against Las Vegas Lights FC. | Photo courtesy L.E. Baskow / Las Vegas Lights FC

Seattle Sounders FC 2 midfielder Ray Saari always dreamt of becoming a professional soccer player, but in a new first-person piece for Issue 16 of Sounders Monthly he details the unimaginable obstacles he’d have to overcome to turn his dream into a reality.

In November 2010, a 15-year-old Saari went to see his doctor for a routine check-up after completing his sophomore season at Oak Park High School in Kansas City. A chest X-ray revealed six tumors, which the doctor believed were cancerous.

After further testing, Saari received his diagnosis: Stage 3B testicular cancer.

Instantly, thoughts about his future in the sport he loved so much flooded Saari’s mind.

Can I still become a pro? Can I keep going to practices? Please don’t take soccer away from me.

Over the next two weeks, Saari had a port put in, underwent an orchiectomy and began chemotherapy. He wasn’t allowed to play soccer, but that didn’t stop him from occasionally sneaking in some kickabouts between treatments.

When Saari’s mother found out that he had disobeyed the doctor’s orders to stay off the field, she surprised her son with her response.

How do you stop a determined child when you know that same determination is keeping him alive?

Saari used that determination to continue with his treatment program as he chased his larger goal. In September 2011, six months after completing his final chemotherapy session, he was deemed in remission and cleared to return to the pitch.

After finishing off his high school career, Saari won three AAC titles in four years at the University of Tulsa. He registered 12 goals and 12 assists from holding midfield during his collegiate career, but went undrafted in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and was once again left to consider his playing future.

Shortly after the SuperDraft, Saari completed a successful preseason trial with Seattle Sounders FC 2 and was offered a professional contract. He fulfilled his childhood dream by signing with the club in March and went on to make 27 USL appearances in his inaugural campaign, recording two goals and four assists.

Saari has registered two goals and two assists in 12 games so far this season and could make his 40th career appearance in S2’s colors on Saturday night when the side take on Sacramento Republic FC at Papa Murphy's Park. For more on his remarkable story, pick up a copy of Sounders Monthly at the NINETY, GuestLink Services locations, Soccer Celebration and Membership Central, or view it online at SoundersFC.com.

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