World of soccer opportunities reap rewards for former Metro prep Kenan Malicevic

CEDAR RAPIDS - Kenan Malicevic arrived in America with little more than some basic English and the desire for soccer and a better education.

More than a decade after emigrating from war-torn Bosnia to Eastern Iowa, the 28-year-old Cedar Rampage United forward continues to make the most of his opportunities on both fronts.

'Growing up, obviously I was very attached to soccer,” said Malicevic, who will help Cedar Rapids tangle with the Des Moines Menace in an exhibition game Sunday at 3:05 p.m. at Clark Field. 'With all the war that was going on and me growing up there, I was very interested in exploring the world and just kind of seeing what is out there other than Bosnia.”

As a high school freshman in Bosnia, Malicevic met Amir Hadzic, the longtime coach of both the Mount Mercy men's and Cedar Rapids Xavier boys' soccer teams. Hadzic was very impressed with Malicevic's style of play and invited him to finish his prep career in America and pursue collegiate soccer opportunities.

Malicevic promised his family a quick return home should things not materialize the way he and Hadzic envisioned, but deep down he knew this was his ticket to a life far away from the memories of the breakup of the country of Yugoslavia and the ensuing war that ravaged his homeland for nearly four years and took the lives of friends and neighbors.

'Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to leave during the war,” Malicevic said. 'But afterwards, I told my family I was interested in leaving and pursuing soccer opportunities and better education outside of Bosnia.”

As a junior, Malicevic scored 18 goals and helped Cedar Rapids Washington reach the 2006 Class 2A state quarterfinals. Current Rampage United midfielder Jacob Johnson was a freshman on that Warriors' team.

International student law allowed for one year of public school, so Malicevic spent his senior year at Cedar Valley Christian, which was close to his host family.

'It teaches some things that, now I am in this country where everything is perfect when it comes to, at least, peace, it makes me appreciate it that much more,” Malicevic said.

Malicevic parlayed his season with the Huskies into a four-year college career at Drake, highlighted by a 2009 national quarterfinals appearance.

During the summers at Drake, Malicevic helped coach at the West Des Moines Soccer Club and, along with fellow Rampage United teammate Charlie Bales, played with the Des Moines Menace – a developmental team whose current edition has several players coached by Malicevic.

For Malicevic, Sunday's exhibition is not only a step outside of the chase for a Premier League of America division title, but an opportunity to rekindle a few memories from his ample soccer journey.

'Even though it's a friendly one, a couple of years ago I was wearing their jersey,” Malicevic said of the Menace. 'It's definitely going to be a little special of a game for me. A special feeling, for sure.”

Following his graduation from Drake, Malicevic returned to Bosnia and played professionally for two years, then a third in Poland. The draw of the United States remained strong, so Malicevic accepted an offer to return to Drake as an assistant coach last season while pursuing his Master's degree at Mount Mercy. Following the Drake season, Malicevic entertained the idea of playing for the Rampage indoor team last winter, but elected to focus solely on his Master's work.

With his coursework completed, Malicevic's summer with the Rampage United has provided an enjoyable respite before entertaining additional collegiate coaching opportunities this fall. Cedar Rapids is currently tied for first with eight standings points in the PLA West Division.

'Each and every practice, each and every game we are connecting dots more and more and the puzzle is being put together,” Malicevic said. 'We have great chemistry altogether. Each and every game, I can guarantee that we're improving. I hope the fans see it, too. We're here to please the city and try to provide the most entertainment that we possibly can. We are very, very happy.”

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