The Mike Of All Trades

(note: This is not the same article that will be published in the 2008 Hanover Park Forum, as this version has been deemed “too controversial and offensive” for print.)

Soccer is often regarded as the “Beautiful Game” in other parts of the world. It is a national pastime that is supposed to showcase the beauty, creativity, ingenuity and pure craftsmanship that comes with it. But where is this joy and fun on the field during our boys' matches? The look on the faces of our team is often described as blase and uninspired.

Chelsea. Real Madrid. Manchester United. Brazil. Argentina. These are examples of teams that have experienced a great deal of success in the world of soccer over their existence in club and international play. While they are not short on talent, they exhibit a passion for the game that is unrivaled. They truly love the game. Players such as Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered true geniuses on the pitch. They are talented, but pure talent alone does not take a player alone to stardom. Those two possess a passion for the “Beautiful Game”; they play with joy and grace in their games. Genuine love for the game translates to success in soccer. We just don't see a team at Hanover Park that shows a desire to play for the entire ninety minutes; there are a few exceptions of course on the team, but winning is not determined by an individual effort, but by the effort of the entire team.

Coach Donald Manfria was brought in last year to reverse the trend of many consecutive losing seasons since the 90's. In the beginning of his stay here, the team was given shirts that were adorned with the slogan “Hanover Park Soccer, A New Era”. Now I hope this “New Era” calls for excellence, but it got off to a rough start last year when it actually reduced by half the number of wins the previous year as the 2007 Hornets only won one game.

This year, captains Dave Gallo and Jimmy Cicchino lead a team comprised of mainly juniors and seniors. They will adapt to a new formation, the 3-5-2, as opposed to the 4-4-2, which the team played mainly in the past. The new formation will stress ball control in the middle of the field, as teams in years past were out-muscled in the middle of the field. This new ball-control scheme will allow for more opportunities for shots on goals and less shots give up. In the back three, our Hornets have Michael Varesano in the middle, with Steve Wong and Joe Cardoso manning the sidelines. Robert Jeanette, Bobby Wong, Pat Brown, Dave Gallo, and Gerrard Zarra control the middle of the field. Up top scoring is Vittorio Carenzo and Jimmy Cicchino. (Note: Starting lineups are subject to change.)

There is talent on this team, no doubt, but unfortunately our Hornet's physical gifts are not up to par to back that ball skill up. Size is not present on the pitch on our side of the ball. How can the passion and creativity of the game be nurtured in an environment where one errant pass can lead to a public chastising by the coach? A fear for committing mistakes inhibits these player's natural abilities. It seems like every year has been a rebuilding year.

When is it time for soccer to come out of the depths of the unappreciated?

When will boy's soccer cease to be the butt of every joke?

Can this be bulletin board material that will ignite the best season the Boy's Hornets have had in years? Maybe. Hopefully.

An accurate portrayal of the state of soccer at Hanover Park?
Sadly more likely.

Listen, the best medicine doesn't always tastes good, but it's necessary.

Will this be a “New Era” of supremacy or futility? Only time can tell.
Boys, choose your destiny.