The Monroe Township Soccer Club recently went to Italy and participated in the San Marino Cup tournament last month, taking first in its group.
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MONROE — The Monroe Township Soccer Club recently went to Italy and participated in the San Marino Cup tournament last month, taking first in its group.
The 14th annual event, held in San Marino, Italy, is the largest Italian youth soccer tournament for boys and girls.
More than 2000 participants from 75 teams in 18 Countries on four continents took part in the July 8-12 tournament , according to its website.
”The 1998 team did absolutely fantastic,” said Coach Bill Craver, of Monroe, in an email on Sunday. “They were in what we called the group of death facing teams from Italy, Denmark and Brazil. They won the group, which was absolutely amazing. Since the group play was so tough, the boys had some bumps and bruises which impacted us in the quarter final game against a team from Gibraltar.”
Coach Craver said the team played fantastic, but at times had to play with only 10 men on the field due to injuries and were knocked out of the tournament.
The two teams are associated with Monroe Township Soccer, according to Coach Craver.
”The older team, which classified as 1998 Boys division had players all from Monroe Internazionale Team, as well as Monroe Thunder,” Coach Craver said. “We had three guest players we picked up in Italy as well as two younger players from Monroe.”
The players are Michael Carvalheiro, Tyler MacDonald, James Mischuck, Josh Wood, Ryan Craver, Justin Armorer, John Reyes, Robbie Nason, Matt Perrella, Kush Shah (1999 player playing up), and Liam Craver (2000 Player playing up).
”The younger team was classified as 2000 Boys Division,” Coach Craver said. “This team was mostly a group of friends with two guest players we picked up in Italy as well as two older players that were allowed to play down.”
The players are Christian Pomponio, Liam Craver, Evan Koczan, Kush Shah, Sammy Rikshpun, Owen Burnett, Jared Burnett, Met Capani, Amet Korca, Ryan Craver (1998 playing down), and Matt Perrella (1998 playing down).
It was the first time for all the players participating in an international tournament except for Ryan and Liam Craver as well as Jared and Owen Burnett, according to Coach Craver.
”What an experience it was training at Coverciano, the Italian National Training Grounds, in Florence,” said player Kush Shah, of Monroe in an email on Tuesday.
”The 2000 team started out slow going 0-3 in pool play but played close games,” Coach Craver said. “Since they weren’t a real team they will still trying to find their rhythm.”
When they entered the knockout round they ran the table and won the tournament by beating teams from Venezuela and Twain. They then beat a team from Vancouver in Penalty kicks in the final. Liam Craver, Evan Koczan, and Jet Capani scored their kicks while Christian Pomponio was a beast allowing only two goals in and saving the rest.
”I really enjoyed the soccer, but my favorite part of the trip was sightseeing Milan, Florence, Pisa and Rome were awesome, but there’s really nothing quite like Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel is amazing,” ,” said Josh, 15, of Monroe, who plays center mid-fielder in an email on Tuesday.
Parent Bill Wood, of Monroe, found the soccer “great” but agrees the sightseeing and food was “unforgettable.”
”What I will always remember from our time in Italy was the camaraderie and closeness that they boys developed during the stay and the new and even in some cases lifelong relationships formed between all of the families,” said Mr. Wood in an email on Tuesday.
”It was such an amazing opportunity that I am so happy and thankful to have been a part of with my son,” said Shanon Nason in an email on Tuesday.
A favorite part was when her son, Tyler, scored the first goal in the first game.
”The expression on Robby’s face was the best and I just know they all believed at that moment that they had a shot at going all the way,” said Ms. Nason.