6,616 miles and a 16-hour flight separates the city of Pittsburgh from the hometown of Point Park’s first Japanese-born athlete.

Yuki Takeda, a native of Yokohama, is a defensive right-back for the Pioneers men’s soccer team and an illustration of how the “beautiful game” is a universal language.

Takeda’s journey to the United States didn’t begin in Pittsburgh, but actually in Kentucky where he attended Campbellsville University.

Due to the lack of activity in the area, Takeda was dissatisfied and disinterested with the school’s location and environment.

“There was nothing to do during the week,” Takeda laughed. “Campbellsville had Walmart and a gas station. That was it.”

Takeda ventured into finding a livelier place to get an education while still remaining competitive in soccer by transferring to Point Park University.

“Point Park is a very nice location,” Takeda said. “Our team has a good stadium. I think it is the best in the league. That’s why I came here.”

There are numerous cultural differences between the United States and Japan that extend into the game of soccer. The rules may remain consistent throughout the leagues, but the manner in which it is played in varies throughout the world.

“Japanese style is more technical. Passing, passing, passing,” Takeda said. “In the U.S. it is more physical.”

Josh Williams, senior defender and captain of the team, is especially impressed by his teammate’s performance thus far.

“He has a lot to offer,” Williams said. “He’s athletic and he brings an energy to the team that doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Jeroen Walstra, who just entered his 11th year as the Pioneers’ head coach, expects that Takeda’s “energy” could catapult the Pioneers further throughout the season.

“He’s good at forward runs and getting crosses over,” Walstra said. “I hope he has a huge number of minutes by the end of the year and leads us to the national tournament.”

Takeda prides himself in his success on the field. After striking a laser-beam from 18-yards out, his first goal while wearing the green and gold, he posted encouraging words on Facebook to accompany the highlight video.

“Even after several years of playing soccer, each goal means just as much as the first,” Takeda said.

Scoring will bring a smile to Takeda’s face, but he truly gets a sense of fulfillment with his skills on the defensive side of the game.

“My job is to shutout every single game and sacrifice for the team,” Takeda said.

Takeda studies business marketing, but if the opportunity happens to arise, he would like to continue playing soccer on the same field, only professionally and as a member of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

“I want play for them after graduating from Point Park, but it’s really tough,” Takeda said. “Everyone is really good.”

Williams has faith in his fellow teammate’s goal to play professionally.

“I think he can do it,” Williams said. “With the level he plays at it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think he could.”