Serious Injuries Limited His Playing Time

By Ken Hamwey
Staff Sports Writer

Marco Amorim is a high caliber soccer player who knows a thing or two about pain.

The King Philip senior played his entire sophomore season with two fractured vertebrae. As a junior, the center midfielder missed 10 matches because of torn quad muscles in both legs. His statistics for those seasons were paltry — he didn’t score a goal and had only six assists.

Rehabilitation seemed like a way of life for Amorim. During those two years, he underwent physical therapy sessions twice a week and sometimes he had three weekly appointments.  

Fast forward to this fall and his first three games against Mansfield, Franklin and Oliver Ames. He connected for three goals and two assists. “This is the best I’ve felt in three years,” Amorim said. As the 2025 regular season heads for the finish line, the Warriors had a 6-2-3 record and a No. 8 power rating in Division 2. That should provide KP with a high seeding in the playoffs. And, Amorim had 5 goals and 5 assists in KP’s first 11 matches.

The 17-year-old is eager for an opportunity to conclude his final season at KP with some memorable moments in the state tourney. Last year, KP missed qualifying. 

“My goals at the start of the year were to qualify for the playoffs and go on a deep run,’’ he emphasized. “I also want us to contend for the Kelly-Rex Division title, I want to stay healthy, and I want to enjoy the competition with my teammates. My personal goal is to strive to be the Hockomock League’s MVP. These objectives are realistic but it’s going to require focus, hard work and a team-first approach. If we can get to the Final Four, then anything is possible.’’

KP had a one-point lead in the Kelly-Rex Division standings after its first 11 matches.

“It’s great to have Marco back,’’ said coach Mike O’Neil. “He’s an intense competitor who has an elite soccer IQ. He’s very skilled, has speed and quickness and dribbles so effectively. He’s a fine senior leader on the field and he provides encouragement for our younger players.’’

The 5-foot-5, 125-pound Amorim started playing soccer as a two-year-old for the Norfolk Lions in a recreational league. As he grew older, he embraced the sport and has played at the club level for seven years.

“I like the speed of the game, the strategy and the ability to attack on offense,’’ he said. “I like to think that my style is aggressive going for the ball and my passing is more about finesse. The keys to being successful as a midfielder include good field awareness, adept shooting and passing, and dribbling well. Being effective in transition is also important.’’

Though Amorim has struggled with injuries, he has experienced some high-quality moments. “My best game was earlier this season when we defeated Franklin, 3-0,’’ he noted. “That was the first time we’ve beaten Franklin in five years and I had two assists. It really was rewarding to end that losing streak. Another thrilling time was when we faced Barnstable in a play-in game in the tourney my sophomore year. We scored with five minutes to go for a 1-0 victory before Weymouth eliminated us in the next round.’’

Amorim is not only a classy player, but he’s also a class individual, speaking highly about his coach and teammates.

“Coach O’Neil knows the game and he’s a good motivator, always getting the best out of his players,’’ Amorim said. “He’s also consistent, telling us what’s on his mind and not sugar-coaching his words. He’s also willing to experiment with new formations.’’

Amorim also has a high regard for his teammates.

“Our team chemistry is good, our spirit and team atmosphere are a plus and our players are top-notch competitors and close-knit,’’ he said.  

Three players he admires are seniors — striker Nick Longobardi, midfielder George Blakesley, and center back Ryan Love.

“Nick is a super competitor, intense and focused,’’ Amorim noted. “George is a captain who’s fast and quick. He’s also a quality leader who’s well-skilled. Ryan has good movement up and down the field and he’s instinctive and vocal on defense.’’

Amorim is a good student and he plans on majoring in psychology in college. “I likely will enroll at a Division 3 college and I hope to play soccer,’’ he said. “I’m still undecided on a college but my career goal is to become a high school guidance counsellor with an eye towards being an administrator.’’

School administrators are usually top-notch role models who care about students. Amorim already has shown a caring nature. He’s in his third year with the peer mentoring club. “It’s all about helping kids,’’ he said. “We meet and talk about various things.’’

Relying on an athletic philosophy that focuses on a strong work ethic, reaching one’s potential and having fun competing, Amorim said: “I love winning but there are times when you have to accept that you can’t win every game.’’

The personable Amorim, who’s a native of Wrentham, knows he’s learned some valuable life lessons while playing soccer. “I’ve learned how to overcome adversity, to be resilient and how to be a quality leader and teammate,’’ he offered. “Other key lessons are to be responsible and accountable. I’ve also learned that injuries can be very humbling.’’

Calling his parents (Peter and Michelle) role models for their support and encouragement, he’s thankful for all the soccer advice his father has provided. His dad is an assistant coach on the KP varsity.

Amorim is relieved that weekly physical therapy has dwindled, giving way to practice sessions and challenging Hockomock League matches. If physical therapy had a role in his life, it was to create an urge to return to the sport he loves.

“It was tough to sit on the sidelines,’’ he emphasized. “My injuries spurred me to get back. The process wasn’t quick but it has made me a more determined competitor. It’s been difficult but it was worth the wait.’’

Marco Amorim has paid his dues. He’s upbeat about his physical status and he’s optimistic about what could be a very dynamic finish for him and the team he cherishes.