Jason Sabio
Jason Abbott Abantao Sabio (born 30 June 1986) is a Filipino soccer player who plays as a center-back or a right-back. He is more comfortable at central defense because of his leap, speed, and communication skills. Born in the Philippines, he migrated to the United States as a child and played collegiate soccer for Birmingham–Southern College. He then played in the semi-professional National Premier Soccer League before moving to the Philippines to play for Kaya and Ceres in the United Football League. He represented the Philippines national team in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in which they finished third, and in the 2012 AFF Championship where they were semi-finalists. Early life Sabio was born in Manila, Philippines whose parents are physicians. His mother is originally from Koronadal and his father is from Marikina. In 1989 Sabio's father started working in the United States, and by 1991, Sabio and his mother followed. They were originally based in Long Island, New York but moved to Huntsville, Alabama when Sabio was in the 5th grade. Growing up in Huntsville, he spent a lot of time at his best friend's (named Edward Wills) house due to his parents working a lot. Wills was a soccer player and he was the one who got Sabio into the sport by the 7th grade. Playing career College career Sabio was recruited from Grissom High School by Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) where he received an academic and athletic scholarship. He played for BSC's soccer team, the Panthers from 2004–2007 and won two NCAA Division 1 Big South Conference championships. Sabio revealed that after two years, he took classes at Northwestern University and almost transferred there but decided to stay at BSC due to their better paying scholarship. After graduation, he was offered a contract to play professionally in Germany but declined the offer due to personal obligations and opting to teach and coach in a high school. Club career A former Alabama Spirit player, he was signed by Rocket City United (RCU) for the 2009 NPSL season in late April 2009. He made his debut in RCU's opening game on 2 May 2009 as he conceded two goals in their 2–1 defeat to Saturn FC. He would concede another two goals in their following match against Pumas FC but RCU were able to win 5–2. It would be his last match until their 1–1 away draw to Chattanooga FC on 21 June as Sabio had other commitments which included trying out for the Philippines national team. During his absence, RCU suffered a second league defeat, losing 2–0 to Atlanta FC. This would be their last defeat in the regular season and Sabio would be part of RCU's undefeated run which led them to win the Southeast Division Championship. However, he conceded four goals in a 4–2 defeat to the Erie Admirals in the NPSL National semi-finals. Sabio was bound to play for RCU in the 2010 NPSL season but was unable due to commitments to his law firm work.