Dacres adds chemistry, goals for surging LCFC

Kadeem Dacres arrived to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in 2012 as junior college standout at forward. His coach asked for better defense, and Dacres provided it.

Now a Louisville City FC midfielder, Dacres was one of the first to sign on to coach James O'Connor's inaugural roster in December. O'Connor asked for better conditioning, and again Dacres answered the call.

Stepping up has led Dacres, 23, to a breakout season for the first-year United Soccer Leagues club, cemented by a goal that on Saturday started Louisville City FC's rally to its sixth straight win. Seeking seven, Dacres will aid the attack at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday against FC Montreal at Louisville Slugger Field.

"He has one quality that you need – just the ability to take players on," said Dacres' coach at UMBC, Pete Caringi. "He has that confidence about himself."

Dacres, drafted out of college by the Chicago Fire, didn't sign with the Major League Soccer club. He instead went to the USL's Arizona United for a season, scoring three goals in 24 games.

Through 19 matches this season, Dacres' five goals are second-most on the Eastern Conference's No. 2 team.

"During the offseason, I really worked on my strength back at UMBC, where I played collegiately," he said. "That was my main focus coming in -- that I was as strong as possible for the season.

"I was just determined to showcase that I have what it takes."

UMBC's Retrievers last year played in their first College Cup – NCAA soccer's final four – and were ranked the preseason No. 12 team in the nation this week by coaches.

Dacres isn't the only star player coming out of Caringi's program. He's just one taking advantage of its success.

"He got to be around a good soccer environment, and we had discussions as far as what he wants out of his career and making sure he's the best player he can be," said Cargini, noting, too, that Dacres plans to come back after this USL season to finish the final semester of his undergraduate degree.

Dacres, who played on U.S. Soccer youth teams, actually rooted for the Jamaicans, the nation that upset the Americans, in the recent CONCACAF Gold Cup. Both his parents were born on the Caribbean island before they met in New York, his home state.

Dacres netted a goal on Jamaican keeper Ryan Thompson, who also plays for the USL's Pittsburgh Riverhounds, in stoppage time during an April road match. Should the chance come for his own roster spot on the National Team, Dacres said, "I'm definitely not closing any doors."

With Louisville City FC, he's sticking true to his style: adjust to what's needed.

"I think off the field he has a tendency to be more laid back," Caringi said. "He's a fun-loving guy and a great teammate – chemistry kind of guy. On the field, he becomes much more serious, driven and focused."

Added Dacres: "For the most part, I'm like any other person."

Well, except for his job, to which he added, "Did I mention I'm kind of a jokester, too?"