MARCO FABIAN LOOKS TO ADD ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP

Within a two-year span, Marco Fabian lived a dream, not once, but twice.

In 2012, not only was Fabian a member of the Mexican Under-23 national team, he helped the squad become the first Concacaf men's soccer team to secure an Olympic gold medal.

In 2014, he played in the first of two World Cups in Brazil, before suiting up for the 2018 tournament in Russia.

"I really thank God that I had the opportunity to represent my country two times," the Empire Strykers midfielder said about the World Cup.

Given that he grew up in a soccer-mad country, it was not surprising for Fabian that playing in the World Cup "was one of my dreams when I was kid. It was a dream come true. I don't have exactly the words to describe the feelings."

That's certainly understandable.

"It's different, the Olympic Games and World Cup, but I think both are really important," Fabian said. "They are the best tournaments in the world. I was part of both, and I never imagined I would be. My dream was only just playing Olympic Games. But I never imagined I would win a gold medal."

Fabian's World Cup dream was born in 1998. As an eight-year-old, he watched his first World Cup on TV with his father.

"I remember this team from France with [Zinedine] Zidane, with Ronaldo [Brazil] in the final," he said.

The French won on home soil, defeating the Brazilians, 3-0.

It just spurred Fabian's desire to excel in the sport.

At the London Olympics, he scored in the 3-1 semifinal win over Japan. In the gold-medal match, Fabian's bicycle kick hit a post before assisting on Oribe Peralta's second goal in a 2-1 triumph over Brazil at Wembley Stadium.

Fabian, who made his international debut in 2012, represented Mexico 43 times, scoring nine goals.

Two years later came another moment to savor.

With El Tri clinging to a 1-0 lead in the rain, Fabian replaced Andres Guardado in the 67th minute against Cameroon in the team’s 2014 World Cup opener in Natal, Brazil. His charge? At the very least, help the Mexican keep the lead and perhaps add to it.

"We just had on our minds how many of millions of people we represented at this moment," he said.

Fabian helped Mexico secure a 1-0 victory.

"We had a lot of energy, a lot of motivation," he said. "The second half, we had a lot of chances. Everyone was really happy, because starting with a win is good."

The 5-foot-7 Fabian played in three World Cup games in 2014, appearing once in 2018.

With the United States and Canada, Mexico is one three co-hosts at the 2026 World Cup. The Mexicans will host the opening match of the competition at Estadio Azteca against South Africa on June 11. El Tri will face the Korea Republic in Zapopan on June 18 and the winner of a European playoff between the Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark and North Macedonia at Azteca on June 24.

For visiting teams, Azteca can be a cauldron to play in, the home team fans can be so intense and passionate.

"It's really important to play there, at home. It's a magnificent setting," Fabian said. "The opportunity to play at home in the bigger stadium, with all fans, with all people, with our families, and I think it's extra motivation for everyone."

While El Tri is favored to win on its own soil, Fabian isn't taking anything for granted.

"Mexico starts against South Africa," he said. "But I always say there is no easy team. You have to prepare for everything. For the opening game, Mexico has to be ready."

The Mexicans have reached the quarterfinals, which traditionally has been the fifth round, when they hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986. Fabian hoped that his country would go further.

"We have a good a lot of good players, quality players, a good team," he said. "First of all, we have to think about the first games and the group. We have a chance to go more than the fifth game. This is a great opportunity.

"I'm really excited to see the World Cup next year."

Fabian won't worry about Mexico until June. Currently, his focus is on another soccer team - the Strykers, who will host the San Diego Sockers in their home opener at Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif. today at 7:05 p.m. PT.

"I'm really happy to play in this great league, the MASL, and represent my team," he said. "I will try to put my best for the team to win a championship here. I still train hard. I still try to play hard."

The 36-year-old midfielder's transition from the outdoor to indoor game was remarkable. While some outdoor players will struggle, Fabian was the exception. He scored 35 goals and assisted on 12 others in his inaugural 2023-24 season. He earned MASL newcomer of the year honors and named to the Elite Six. He followed that up with 25 goals and 16 assists last season. Fabian scored once in the Strykers' 5-4 overtime win at the San Diego Sockers on Nov. 28.

Fabian said that "the transition was not easy."

"It is really a different part of soccer," he said. "I'm really happy. I am still learning from teammates, from the coaches, from everyone. We have a lot of young players with a lot of quality. It's a really exciting game. The fun thing about football is the goals, the opportunities to score goals.

"Indoor soccer is like a big show. It's exciting. People are really happy when you [score]. We have to enjoy it, too. I just want to share it with the fans."

Fabian's goal is simple: help the Strykers win their first MASL title.

"I came to win and I have an opportunity right now," he said. "I don't want to think of the future."

As for that future, Fabian doesn't know how long he will play.

"I don't know how many seasons I can play," he said. "Maybe it's my last one. Maybe I have another one. Maybe I have three, four or five more. I really don't know. But the most important thing is the present, this season, and how much I want with all my force to play with the same goals, same dreams. I want this to be historic for the league and for my team with a championship."

That would go perfectly with an Olympic gold medal and a pair of World Cup appearances.

Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter.