les nouvelles / una notizia / noticias / uma noticia
MFA's CUP RUNNETH OVER
May 28, 2024 (Vaughan): The writer should be the last person to quote scripture. But the lads of MFA enjoyed a little Divine Intervention knocking off their second Premier Division side on route to an appearence in the Quarter Finals of the L1ON Cup competition. A combination of injury , player absences and Coach Peppe's penchant to give some young players a chance to play made this latest conquest over powerhouse side Alliance United even more surprising. But the greatest takeaway from the match was the overt leadership that percolated to the top from a trio of leaders on the team.
May 28, 2024 (Vaughan): The writer should be the last person to quote scripture. But the lads of MFA enjoyed a little Divine Intervention knocking off their second Premier Division side on route to an appearence in the Quarter Finals of the L1ON Cup competition. A combination of injury , player absences and Coach Peppe's penchant to give some young players a chance to play made this latest conquest over powerhouse side Alliance United even more surprising. But the greatest takeaway from the match was the overt leadership that percolated to the top from a trio of leaders on the team.
DISAPPOINTING TRIP TO THE FOREST CITY
May 25, 2024: (London ON): It started badly for the Saints at Tricar Field in London. Two goals conceded in the first half made a road win a slim possibility - especially for a team that has experienced minimal offensive output early in the League 1 Championship campaign. Justin Robertson has joined the team after completing his academic calendar Stateside. It was the hope of Mister that Robertson's speed, tenacity and energy could uncork an offence that has been experiencing barriers in finishing. Robertson's transition back to the squad was difficult and he was substituted for new signing Baldwin before the halftime whistle. Also - exciting Midfielder Daniel Avila did not make the trip to London for reasons unknown to the writer. Elijah Seymour connected for Master's to give the Scarborough squad some life in a match where they were pushed onto the back feet. Another goal was not in the offering in the second half despite a new commitment to the game plan. Final: FC London 2 - MFA 1.
OF NOTE: The team has announced the release of Jamaican Forward Ryan Brown. Brown has not appeared in a regular season match.
May 25, 2024: (London ON): It started badly for the Saints at Tricar Field in London. Two goals conceded in the first half made a road win a slim possibility - especially for a team that has experienced minimal offensive output early in the League 1 Championship campaign. Justin Robertson has joined the team after completing his academic calendar Stateside. It was the hope of Mister that Robertson's speed, tenacity and energy could uncork an offence that has been experiencing barriers in finishing. Robertson's transition back to the squad was difficult and he was substituted for new signing Baldwin before the halftime whistle. Also - exciting Midfielder Daniel Avila did not make the trip to London for reasons unknown to the writer. Elijah Seymour connected for Master's to give the Scarborough squad some life in a match where they were pushed onto the back feet. Another goal was not in the offering in the second half despite a new commitment to the game plan. Final: FC London 2 - MFA 1.
OF NOTE: The team has announced the release of Jamaican Forward Ryan Brown. Brown has not appeared in a regular season match.
WHEN A SCORELESS DRAW STILL EXCITES
May 18, 2024 (Scarborough) : The Scoreline read: Master's FA 0 - BVB Waterloo 0. Some would suggest that a 'deposit free' game would be a dud - like matches in Blighty in the dead of winter when a cupper or some Bovril is the only thing to warm the hearts. But the two L1ON squads put on a spirited affair under the early summer sunshine.
May 18, 2024 (Scarborough) : The Scoreline read: Master's FA 0 - BVB Waterloo 0. Some would suggest that a 'deposit free' game would be a dud - like matches in Blighty in the dead of winter when a cupper or some Bovril is the only thing to warm the hearts. But the two L1ON squads put on a spirited affair under the early summer sunshine.
PEPPE'S ROAD WARRIORS, JUNIOR'S BABIES AND CANTO DEGLI ITALIANI
May 10, 2024, (St. Catharines ON): For players of Master’s Futbol Academy senior men’s team ‘Friday Night Lights’ has a much different meaning than the big screen's depiction of a bunch of high school gridiron football players in Texas. For the footballers of MFA 'Friday Night Lights' represents the headlights and taillights of the gridlock that jams the motorways from the GTA to the Garden City at the end of the work week. It's not an easy commute for the faint of heart. Yet the boys of MFA carpooled and made the journey without hesitation. Better yet- they tamed the Wolves of Niagara Region by a 2-0 scoreline: a clean sheet and three points in the bag. Two goal scorers who haver risen through the MFA system - fondly named Coach Junior’s MFA babies. Daniel Avila and Aidan O’Keeffe cut their footballing teeth at Master’s Futbol Academy. They represent a true player development model that is alive and kicking under the roof of MFA situated on the Pickering / Scarborough border.
As part of the opening pageantry, the Roma Wolves make a habit of playing both the Italian and Canadian national anthems. Our Italian cousins produced such a patriotic song, that it brought a tear to the eyes of MFA Head Coach Giuseppe Mattace Raso on Friday night. Coach Peppe dotted the pregame training pitch with cones in the colours of the Vatican as a sign of patriotism and good luck. The Saints, new and old, were blessed on Friday night - both in English and Italian.
May 10, 2024, (St. Catharines ON): For players of Master’s Futbol Academy senior men’s team ‘Friday Night Lights’ has a much different meaning than the big screen's depiction of a bunch of high school gridiron football players in Texas. For the footballers of MFA 'Friday Night Lights' represents the headlights and taillights of the gridlock that jams the motorways from the GTA to the Garden City at the end of the work week. It's not an easy commute for the faint of heart. Yet the boys of MFA carpooled and made the journey without hesitation. Better yet- they tamed the Wolves of Niagara Region by a 2-0 scoreline: a clean sheet and three points in the bag. Two goal scorers who haver risen through the MFA system - fondly named Coach Junior’s MFA babies. Daniel Avila and Aidan O’Keeffe cut their footballing teeth at Master’s Futbol Academy. They represent a true player development model that is alive and kicking under the roof of MFA situated on the Pickering / Scarborough border.
As part of the opening pageantry, the Roma Wolves make a habit of playing both the Italian and Canadian national anthems. Our Italian cousins produced such a patriotic song, that it brought a tear to the eyes of MFA Head Coach Giuseppe Mattace Raso on Friday night. Coach Peppe dotted the pregame training pitch with cones in the colours of the Vatican as a sign of patriotism and good luck. The Saints, new and old, were blessed on Friday night - both in English and Italian.
BEING TFC ACADEMY
TFC Academy 4 - MFA 2
May 4, 2024 (Scarborough ON): Negotiations went well into the eleventh hour as L1ON license holders stood back and waited for the final piece of the puzzle to be inserted. A deal was eventually struck to have TFC Academy join League1 Ontario … again.
L1ON’s shiny new recycled toy would be placed into the Championship Division and slug it out for promotion or relegation - yet the later may never be in question.
The TFC Academy ,with its endless resources and backed by Canada’s largest sports conglomerate, would be the ultimate test for competing Academy and community based clubs. The incumbents would showcase their well intentioned methodologies against Big Brother yet possess a fraction of the resources of their powerful sibling.
After TFC Academy dismantled a very talented Darby FC in the season opener by a comfortable margin of 4-1 ( a game that could have been 10-1 if not for the heroics of Darby goalkeeper Matt Zaikos) Goliath paid a visit to Scarberia. The outcome was … well predictable. Master’s fought hard, attempted to implement their style of possession - based football but the outcome signified a divide.
Not a divide in talent but a separation in resources. Both teams possess rosters and technical minds capable of elevating the Canadian game. Unfortunately only one team has the the deep pockets to maximize the plan within Canada’s unusual - yet talent laden soccer landscape.
Some would suggest that TFC Academy’s inclusion is promoting an unfair playing field. Others would proclaim that it is giving L1ON athletes stiff opposition to test their professionalism, talent and resolve against one of the country’s most well healed academy teams. The bar has been raised … very high.
TFC Academy 4 - MFA 2
May 4, 2024 (Scarborough ON): Negotiations went well into the eleventh hour as L1ON license holders stood back and waited for the final piece of the puzzle to be inserted. A deal was eventually struck to have TFC Academy join League1 Ontario … again.
L1ON’s shiny new recycled toy would be placed into the Championship Division and slug it out for promotion or relegation - yet the later may never be in question.
The TFC Academy ,with its endless resources and backed by Canada’s largest sports conglomerate, would be the ultimate test for competing Academy and community based clubs. The incumbents would showcase their well intentioned methodologies against Big Brother yet possess a fraction of the resources of their powerful sibling.
After TFC Academy dismantled a very talented Darby FC in the season opener by a comfortable margin of 4-1 ( a game that could have been 10-1 if not for the heroics of Darby goalkeeper Matt Zaikos) Goliath paid a visit to Scarberia. The outcome was … well predictable. Master’s fought hard, attempted to implement their style of possession - based football but the outcome signified a divide.
Not a divide in talent but a separation in resources. Both teams possess rosters and technical minds capable of elevating the Canadian game. Unfortunately only one team has the the deep pockets to maximize the plan within Canada’s unusual - yet talent laden soccer landscape.
Some would suggest that TFC Academy’s inclusion is promoting an unfair playing field. Others would proclaim that it is giving L1ON athletes stiff opposition to test their professionalism, talent and resolve against one of the country’s most well healed academy teams. The bar has been raised … very high.
DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU
April 27, 2024 (Vaughan ON) Coach Devon Porter has been around football a long time. He understands the dynamics of football and particularly the landscape of League1 Ontario. MFA's Assistant Coach had a bold proclamation after his charges lost a hard fought opening game of the 2024 campaign. "If you don't cash in on your early chances against experienced players you will get stung in the end," was his decree.
UMSC ,stacked with L1ON veterans, did indeed sting MFA. After a first half when the Saints of MFA were on the front foot for most of the half they could not convert on their dominant possession - based football. On the other hand the Strikers of UMSC needed one chance and cashed in. The balance of the match was a surgical closing down of any progress MFA would make.
UMSC 1 - MFA 0
SMILES, HUGS AND THE FRUITS OF A PROJECT
April 21, 2024 (Mississauga) : 2023 was challenging for MFA Head Coach Giuseppe Mattace Raso , MFA Technical Director Junior Groves and the other technical team associated with the Men's Senior program. The plan was to institute a professional program with professional standards. It's daunting and a bit foreign for many young Canadian athletes to digest. Despite the many potholes along the way in 2023 there were also glimmers of hope as collectively the team started to shine late in the season. Throughout the offseason the team has evolved. Players committed to this professional hypothesis trained all winter while others didn't return or elected to market themselves elsewhere. On a cool but sunny afternoon in Mississauga the MFA Project was tested in Cup Competition. It was a stiff test against the ProStars Academy - highly regarded and playing a Division above MFA in L1ON's new multi-tiered structure.
The result: MFA 4 - ProStars 1. But of greater significance is that the team played with a technical savvy well above their pay grade.
It was all smiles and hugs for the MFA faithful. Steady progress has been unleashed.
April 21, 2024 (Mississauga) : 2023 was challenging for MFA Head Coach Giuseppe Mattace Raso , MFA Technical Director Junior Groves and the other technical team associated with the Men's Senior program. The plan was to institute a professional program with professional standards. It's daunting and a bit foreign for many young Canadian athletes to digest. Despite the many potholes along the way in 2023 there were also glimmers of hope as collectively the team started to shine late in the season. Throughout the offseason the team has evolved. Players committed to this professional hypothesis trained all winter while others didn't return or elected to market themselves elsewhere. On a cool but sunny afternoon in Mississauga the MFA Project was tested in Cup Competition. It was a stiff test against the ProStars Academy - highly regarded and playing a Division above MFA in L1ON's new multi-tiered structure.
The result: MFA 4 - ProStars 1. But of greater significance is that the team played with a technical savvy well above their pay grade.
It was all smiles and hugs for the MFA faithful. Steady progress has been unleashed.
St Catharines Roma Wolves: Looking Forward in 2024
There is no doubt from football historians that the evolution of Club Football can be traced back to the intersection between Sports and Social Clubs. From Bologna to Buenos Aires and many places in between, the two entities have breathed simultaneously under the same roof.
For the St Catharines Roma Wolves and Club Roma, this connection has been immersed into the landscape of Canadian soccer for decades. Be it participation and success in such storied leagues like the NSL, CSL and CNSL. After a short hiatus from high-performance football, the St Catharines Roma Wolves joined League1 Ontario in 2021. Club Roma, sitting in its splendour in the heart of the Niagara Region, has been a fixture in the community with its over 600 members from a variety of professions and trades. Club Roma boasts renowned banquet halls, conference facilities and a restaurant. But of greater significance to domestic football in Canada is that Club Roma oversees a multi-layered football entity - including a 750-capacity private football stadium, with an immaculately maintained natural turf field, that is the envy of the league.
The 2023 season was challenging for the Wolves, yet the learning experience was invaluable.
"It was an up-and-down season last year. We lost a lot of points at the beginning of the season, but we competed in all games especially with the best teams in the league, despite the big difference in experience,” announced Wolves Head Coach Federico Turriziani (fondly known as Coach Fede and pictured below) who brings an impressive resume from his native Italy.
Coach Fede is convinced that with new tactics and strategies implemented during the upcoming season, the Wolves will surprise many and will be in the thick of the promotion race, possibly reaching the top four in the Championship table. But he is a firm believer that the club must develop local players during the journey.
“The club's vision is to develop players from St Catharines, and in general from the Niagara region: 90% of our roster is formed by locals,” he stated. “We added a few pieces to complete the roster with experienced players from the GTA.”
The Wolves have been training extensively in preparation of the season opener - a Cup tie against Championship rivals North Mississauga at Brock University on April 21. They will be eagerly awaiting their home opener at Club Roma in May when they can once again showcase their ‘Club’ to the league.
“We are looking to train 3/4 times per week, focusing on tactical sessions and video analysis in the next few weeks. I want our team to be extremely organized and tactically prepared versus our opponents. Despite not being in a professional league, we want to work with a lot of professionalism and take care of each detail on and off the pitch,” Coach Fede proclaimed. “With TFC back in the league, each game becomes very important and we are happy to take part in it. Myself and my coaching staff are ready for the challenge, I think that London, Darby, Master’s and N. Mississauga could be very competitive teams, but for others it will be hard to play at Club Roma,” he added.
Davide Massafra, Club Roma Technical Director, is convinced that the club is undergoing some positive changes while providing a “unique environment” for all of Roma’s L1ON teams.
"After a change in leadership last June, the Club is fully invested in creating a unique environment for our L1 teams. We proudly represent the City of St Catharines and the Niagara Region. We are affiliated with Niagara College and Brock University, and we want to emphasize the best talented local players,” Massafra reported.
He is confident that with Coach Federico’s experience and expertise the club can push their players to the next level.
“ After last season, we brought back a lot of local talented players who aim to bring our Club to the Premier Division. We are confident we can create a bright future here, and we anticipate that our High Performance Youth Program is going to help us to develop domestic players in the next few years,” was Massafra’s strategic battle cry.
“The club has invested a lot to bring our game experience to the next level. Our grass pitch will be even better, and with our restaurants and the new "Sala 61" , our new sports and activities event venue, we want to make our Friday nights very special at Club Roma this year,” he stated.
Just a testament that Sport and the Social Club are alive and kicking in League1 Ontario.
CONQUERING A MASSIVE PROJECT STEP BY STEP
The Kitchener- Waterloo area is steeped in rich footballing history and tradition. Michael Morcoccia (pictured above) is a football coach with a resume littered with experience and accolades. BVB Waterloo, a team that has been KW’s lone representative in L1ON for several years, has never set the men’s circuit on fire. Last season, their position in the league table had them looking up at others instead of headlining in a very competitive senior Men’s field. It is the desire of the think tank at BVB Waterloo to change that scenario moving forward in 2024. Their recent marraige to Moroccia, a coaching architect with a proven track record from his successful days in London, is their first step in a viable football reclamation project.
Morcoccia understands that such a massive project won’t bear fruit overnight but he is confident that they can start building something special step by step.
“As we are preparing for the upcoming season, we are looking to rebuild the men’s program and make some massive improvements moving forward,” Morcoccia announced of his most recent project after an exciting yet forgettable time with the now defunct Electric City FC of Peterborough. “We understand that it is going to be a large task, but are excited at the prospect of bringing some excitement back to the club on the men’s senior side,” he added.
BVB Waterloo has been quite active in recruiting local young ballers adding some L1ON veterans who are looking for new challenges into the mix.
“Our goal is to identify and recruit some of the top young players from the region and find them a home within our team. We are also looking at having some other talented players from around the league to help provide some experience,” Morcoccia explained.
One player who will joining Morcoccia is JP Stojanic (pictured below) who made a name for himself during a decorated career at Conestoga College.
Although Morcoccia’s primary goal is to have his team compete game in and game out he has set some realistic goals for the 2024 campaign. “ I think the general objective for this first season would be to finish middle of the pack and then hopefully in our second season, be a team fighting for promotion,” he proclaimed to Touchline Insider.
“Having had success in this league before, I am very realistic and aware how competitive our division could be this season. It will be extremely difficult for us to compete with well established teams like TFC, FC London, Darby and Masters in the upcoming season, but we will do our best to prepare for these matches and hopefully take some lessons into the second half of the season, he added.
BVB Waterloo’s new Gaffer is prioritizing creating an identity within the team.
“We are really enjoying ourselves so far in training, and I am very happy with the effort I have received from the players thus far,” he reported.
A massive football project in KW is underway , with an experienced football architect manipulating the design step by step.
The Kitchener- Waterloo area is steeped in rich footballing history and tradition. Michael Morcoccia (pictured above) is a football coach with a resume littered with experience and accolades. BVB Waterloo, a team that has been KW’s lone representative in L1ON for several years, has never set the men’s circuit on fire. Last season, their position in the league table had them looking up at others instead of headlining in a very competitive senior Men’s field. It is the desire of the think tank at BVB Waterloo to change that scenario moving forward in 2024. Their recent marraige to Moroccia, a coaching architect with a proven track record from his successful days in London, is their first step in a viable football reclamation project.
Morcoccia understands that such a massive project won’t bear fruit overnight but he is confident that they can start building something special step by step.
“As we are preparing for the upcoming season, we are looking to rebuild the men’s program and make some massive improvements moving forward,” Morcoccia announced of his most recent project after an exciting yet forgettable time with the now defunct Electric City FC of Peterborough. “We understand that it is going to be a large task, but are excited at the prospect of bringing some excitement back to the club on the men’s senior side,” he added.
BVB Waterloo has been quite active in recruiting local young ballers adding some L1ON veterans who are looking for new challenges into the mix.
“Our goal is to identify and recruit some of the top young players from the region and find them a home within our team. We are also looking at having some other talented players from around the league to help provide some experience,” Morcoccia explained.
One player who will joining Morcoccia is JP Stojanic (pictured below) who made a name for himself during a decorated career at Conestoga College.
Although Morcoccia’s primary goal is to have his team compete game in and game out he has set some realistic goals for the 2024 campaign. “ I think the general objective for this first season would be to finish middle of the pack and then hopefully in our second season, be a team fighting for promotion,” he proclaimed to Touchline Insider.
“Having had success in this league before, I am very realistic and aware how competitive our division could be this season. It will be extremely difficult for us to compete with well established teams like TFC, FC London, Darby and Masters in the upcoming season, but we will do our best to prepare for these matches and hopefully take some lessons into the second half of the season, he added.
BVB Waterloo’s new Gaffer is prioritizing creating an identity within the team.
“We are really enjoying ourselves so far in training, and I am very happy with the effort I have received from the players thus far,” he reported.
A massive football project in KW is underway , with an experienced football architect manipulating the design step by step.
The Grass is Not Always Greener
Many clubs within L1ON have undergone significant facelifts and are spending the preseason hyping their 2024 campaigns by enticing players with pot of gold promises. Players are moving with the belief that the grass is always greener elsewhere. Darby FC ,on the other hand , have quietly soldiered on throughout the offseason with player retention taking top priority. The spine of the team remains intact - a group of talented veteran players overseen by the same dedicated coaching staff. Darby has even added a few promising youngsters from the Reserves who have risen through the ODPL ranks to balance the overall Whitby player pathway.
Hermann Kingue returns as Head Coach with Patrick Tobo and Chris Reilly once again assisting. L1ON veteran Matt Zaikos (pictured below) returns as captain , flanked by his usual lieutenants who were within an inch of landing in the top flight this season. Zaikos reports that 80% of the 2023 roster will be returning ,describing the team as a “tight group” who are determined to land in their rightful place in the Premier Division. Nothing short of promotion will be considered a success this season for this seasoned group.
It all starts at the Telus Dome in Whitby , with its pristine new playing surface , when Darby hosts the young high flyers from TFC Academy. The turf is not necessarily greener elsewhere.
Many clubs within L1ON have undergone significant facelifts and are spending the preseason hyping their 2024 campaigns by enticing players with pot of gold promises. Players are moving with the belief that the grass is always greener elsewhere. Darby FC ,on the other hand , have quietly soldiered on throughout the offseason with player retention taking top priority. The spine of the team remains intact - a group of talented veteran players overseen by the same dedicated coaching staff. Darby has even added a few promising youngsters from the Reserves who have risen through the ODPL ranks to balance the overall Whitby player pathway.
Hermann Kingue returns as Head Coach with Patrick Tobo and Chris Reilly once again assisting. L1ON veteran Matt Zaikos (pictured below) returns as captain , flanked by his usual lieutenants who were within an inch of landing in the top flight this season. Zaikos reports that 80% of the 2023 roster will be returning ,describing the team as a “tight group” who are determined to land in their rightful place in the Premier Division. Nothing short of promotion will be considered a success this season for this seasoned group.
It all starts at the Telus Dome in Whitby , with its pristine new playing surface , when Darby hosts the young high flyers from TFC Academy. The turf is not necessarily greener elsewhere.
FINALLY! Visit https://www.league1ontario.com/news_article/show/1304822 fpr more details. Now we have 10.
CREATING CULTURE
March 22, 2024 (Windsor) In his three years in charge of Windsor City FC Valter Cosenza has seen growth. Cosenza, who originates from Brazil but has found a home in Southwestern Ontario, has high standards. His expectations mimic those of anyone attached to Futbol in Brazil. “High performance sport is based on merit, the player needs to deserve it and show that the player is capable to play the game,” is Cosenza’s battle cry as he embarks on changing the culture of football in Essex County. A transition that he admits won’t happen overnight but is moving in the right direction.
“Changing players' culture and their way of thinking is not easy, players from the region need to understand that nothing is easy. After winning everyone is happy but defeat is part of development , the big problem is how we act after a defeat. Do we want to improve be better and fix or simply accept it easily. In the last 3 years my biggest focus has been practicing, fix , repeating and practicing again, fix again and repeating again.....commitment to wanting to improve in all aspects,” he explained of his challenges and mission.
Although Windsor FC faces the challenges of travel , logging more miles on the team bus than any other team in the Championship Division, he is confident that his team will be ready for the 2024 campaign. Teams visiting the state of the art Sportsplex, a multi-million dollar facility on the grounds of St. Clair College, won’t be welcomed by amenable hosts. Just ask anyone attached to MFA’s First Team last season who took it on the chin by a hungry City team.
Cosenza is expecting some turnover in player personnel this season with 30-40% of his incumbents returning. Dylan Satto, a veteran of L1ON, will be returning along with Matthew Andres, Jonathan Acapito, Ilija Pavicic and Bastian Aguilar will join several new faces. Cosenza admits, however, that despite signing several new players he is still “reassembling” the team.
In any event Windsor City will be in the mix starting with their April Cup encounter at home against fellow Championship side BVB Waterloo. The winner of that match will travel to Mississauga to play Sigma.
March 22, 2024 (Windsor) In his three years in charge of Windsor City FC Valter Cosenza has seen growth. Cosenza, who originates from Brazil but has found a home in Southwestern Ontario, has high standards. His expectations mimic those of anyone attached to Futbol in Brazil. “High performance sport is based on merit, the player needs to deserve it and show that the player is capable to play the game,” is Cosenza’s battle cry as he embarks on changing the culture of football in Essex County. A transition that he admits won’t happen overnight but is moving in the right direction.
“Changing players' culture and their way of thinking is not easy, players from the region need to understand that nothing is easy. After winning everyone is happy but defeat is part of development , the big problem is how we act after a defeat. Do we want to improve be better and fix or simply accept it easily. In the last 3 years my biggest focus has been practicing, fix , repeating and practicing again, fix again and repeating again.....commitment to wanting to improve in all aspects,” he explained of his challenges and mission.
Although Windsor FC faces the challenges of travel , logging more miles on the team bus than any other team in the Championship Division, he is confident that his team will be ready for the 2024 campaign. Teams visiting the state of the art Sportsplex, a multi-million dollar facility on the grounds of St. Clair College, won’t be welcomed by amenable hosts. Just ask anyone attached to MFA’s First Team last season who took it on the chin by a hungry City team.
Cosenza is expecting some turnover in player personnel this season with 30-40% of his incumbents returning. Dylan Satto, a veteran of L1ON, will be returning along with Matthew Andres, Jonathan Acapito, Ilija Pavicic and Bastian Aguilar will join several new faces. Cosenza admits, however, that despite signing several new players he is still “reassembling” the team.
In any event Windsor City will be in the mix starting with their April Cup encounter at home against fellow Championship side BVB Waterloo. The winner of that match will travel to Mississauga to play Sigma.
PLANTING A NEW SEED IN THE FOREST CITY
March 20, 2024 (London, ON): With a population of over half a million inhabitants L1ON Championship side FC London is banking on their wide web of some home grown talent or players with strong ties to the Forest City to propel them to promotion. Not that long ago London was considered a men’s powerhouse in L1ON.
Yiannis Tsalatsidis returns as Head Coach of FC London’s men’s program after two years as an analyst with Calvery FC of the CanPL. Tsalatsidis sees the perfect tonic for a return to glory in London and is confident that he can grow his football project after laying a strong foundation. FC Landon’s marketing team have been making a splash during the preseason.
“The squad has a perfect blend of youth, experienced, and veteran League1 players. Each week we are experimenting and adding new tools to your playing identity,” he reported of the team’s pre season preparations. Including 3 tier 1 friendlies. “One things for sure, we’re going to be a side that’s adaptive and and growing week by week by week. Attitude and momentum will be our X factor,” he added.
One player making his return to London is Markham resident Bradley Heath (pictured top) - a player who collected League accolades during a previous stint in the Forest City before signing with the failed experiment formerly known as Electric City FC. Heath’s leadership on the back line will fortify his young teammates.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
March 3, 2024 (York University) : During the 1970s the sitcom All in The Family invaded many North American’s televisions. It depicted a diverse caste of characters living under one roof in a working class neighbourhood. All while , trying to navigate through many layers of societal anecdotes - with some humour about domestic dysfunction attached for good measure.
The 2024 version of All in the Family just might include Master’s Futbol Academy’s project of inviting North York Academy as a house guest for a season while already hosting IFC Academy as dinner guests. IFC has masterfully taken on the assignment of overseeing the technical side of the League1 Ontario men’s senior team and the u20 squad. This season the newly formed League2 will be adopted by North York Academy’s highly regarded technical team - all under the watchful eye of MFA Founder and Technical Director Junior Groves. From the outside looking in this marriage could be a stroke of genius - with a ‘player’s first’ methodology at the forefront of all stakeholders engaged.
On a cool Sunday morning all three parties congregated at York University to assess a large throng of players to see if and how these athletes can fit into a seamless multi-layered system under the banner of League1 Ontario while paddling in the same direction.
The 2024 version of All in the Family will be far less spicy and more productive than the storylines from the television series of yesteryear. Unlike the lead actor Archie Bunker in the television show the three headed prong on MFA, IFC and NYA are well positioned to make this household a functioning family unit , while maintaining their respective brands and autonomies moving forward. Not an easy task but a very doable exercise. Canadian football could be blessed by the outcome of cooperation and respect.
March 3, 2024 (York University) : During the 1970s the sitcom All in The Family invaded many North American’s televisions. It depicted a diverse caste of characters living under one roof in a working class neighbourhood. All while , trying to navigate through many layers of societal anecdotes - with some humour about domestic dysfunction attached for good measure.
The 2024 version of All in the Family just might include Master’s Futbol Academy’s project of inviting North York Academy as a house guest for a season while already hosting IFC Academy as dinner guests. IFC has masterfully taken on the assignment of overseeing the technical side of the League1 Ontario men’s senior team and the u20 squad. This season the newly formed League2 will be adopted by North York Academy’s highly regarded technical team - all under the watchful eye of MFA Founder and Technical Director Junior Groves. From the outside looking in this marriage could be a stroke of genius - with a ‘player’s first’ methodology at the forefront of all stakeholders engaged.
On a cool Sunday morning all three parties congregated at York University to assess a large throng of players to see if and how these athletes can fit into a seamless multi-layered system under the banner of League1 Ontario while paddling in the same direction.
The 2024 version of All in the Family will be far less spicy and more productive than the storylines from the television series of yesteryear. Unlike the lead actor Archie Bunker in the television show the three headed prong on MFA, IFC and NYA are well positioned to make this household a functioning family unit , while maintaining their respective brands and autonomies moving forward. Not an easy task but a very doable exercise. Canadian football could be blessed by the outcome of cooperation and respect.
TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS, TESTING AND TRAINING
With tax time quickly approaching for most Canadians it has been taxing for the MFA inner circle of Technical Director Junior Groves, Coach Peppe and the technical staff. The technical team will soon be forced to siphon through a large list of trialists to finalize the roster. Coach Peppe has put the athletes through the professional rigours of training and assessment. On Friday nights there are bone-crunching small-sided games followed by Sunday afternoons when the schedule includes testing and traditional 11 v 11 matches.
With tax time quickly approaching for most Canadians it has been taxing for the MFA inner circle of Technical Director Junior Groves, Coach Peppe and the technical staff. The technical team will soon be forced to siphon through a large list of trialists to finalize the roster. Coach Peppe has put the athletes through the professional rigours of training and assessment. On Friday nights there are bone-crunching small-sided games followed by Sunday afternoons when the schedule includes testing and traditional 11 v 11 matches.
January 21, 2024 (North York) Trials scheduled for Saturday February 10 from 12-1PM at York Lions Stadium Dome. No walk ons permitted. Contact www.NorthYorkAcademy.com for details.
SMALL-SIDED = Fun /Adjustability /Multifunctionality
“The benefit to training in smaller spaces is you don’t give players time to think… “.
Pep Guardiola
January 19, 2024 (Vaughan Sportsplex II) On a frigid Friday night many Ontarians huddled inside their homes, displaced from the confines of a winter blast. Coach Peppe and his MFA - L1ON technical staff, however, were dissecting and training a large throng of players inside the confines of domed protection from the elements.
The theme of the night was small-sided games. It was a chance for the players to have some fun through their many contacts with the ball while demonstrating their willingness to work to the assessors. It was also an opportunity for the players to demonstrate their ability to adjust to a demanding environment.
But for Coach Peppe the small-sided games allow players “the possibility of pursuing both physical objectives and technical - tactical ones.”
It might be sub-zero outside but things are heating up for the Saints.
“The benefit to training in smaller spaces is you don’t give players time to think… “.
Pep Guardiola
January 19, 2024 (Vaughan Sportsplex II) On a frigid Friday night many Ontarians huddled inside their homes, displaced from the confines of a winter blast. Coach Peppe and his MFA - L1ON technical staff, however, were dissecting and training a large throng of players inside the confines of domed protection from the elements.
The theme of the night was small-sided games. It was a chance for the players to have some fun through their many contacts with the ball while demonstrating their willingness to work to the assessors. It was also an opportunity for the players to demonstrate their ability to adjust to a demanding environment.
But for Coach Peppe the small-sided games allow players “the possibility of pursuing both physical objectives and technical - tactical ones.”
It might be sub-zero outside but things are heating up for the Saints.
LOCAL RIVALS RETURN:
January 11, 2024 (Vaughan ON): L1ON announced the sudden departure of ECFC from the men's and women's Premier leagues. With the men's departure, Woodbridge was promoted to the Premier Division while Pickering FC purchased ECFC's Men's licence and will join the Championship. With the addition/return of Pickering, there will be a fierce rivalry between MFA, Pickering and Durham neighbours Darby FC.
January 11, 2024 (Vaughan ON): L1ON announced the sudden departure of ECFC from the men's and women's Premier leagues. With the men's departure, Woodbridge was promoted to the Premier Division while Pickering FC purchased ECFC's Men's licence and will join the Championship. With the addition/return of Pickering, there will be a fierce rivalry between MFA, Pickering and Durham neighbours Darby FC.
GOOD VIBRATIONS
January 8, 2024 (La Masia Training Facility, Pickering): The football world rolled into 2024. Coach Peppe , along with MFA Technical Director Junior Groves, have started the calendar year with a bang. The MFA League1 Ontario I.D. Sessions moved east to La Masia , tucked neatly into the wilderness of the Pickering / Scarborough border. A large throng of trialists showed up on a cool winter evening and provided a very focused and intense training session, comprised of several small-sided games. Coach Peppe concluded: " Alive FOOTBALL, Good VIBRATIONS, good FOOTBALL. 2024 has started on the front foot for the MFA family.
January 8, 2024 (La Masia Training Facility, Pickering): The football world rolled into 2024. Coach Peppe , along with MFA Technical Director Junior Groves, have started the calendar year with a bang. The MFA League1 Ontario I.D. Sessions moved east to La Masia , tucked neatly into the wilderness of the Pickering / Scarborough border. A large throng of trialists showed up on a cool winter evening and provided a very focused and intense training session, comprised of several small-sided games. Coach Peppe concluded: " Alive FOOTBALL, Good VIBRATIONS, good FOOTBALL. 2024 has started on the front foot for the MFA family.
“We're sitting in here, and I'm supposed to be the franchise player, and we in here talking about practice. I mean, listen, we're talking about practice, not a game, not a game, not a game, we talking about practice. Not a game. Not, not... Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it's my last. Not the game, but we're talking about practice, man. I mean, how silly is that?..” NBA Legend Allen Iverson.
Creating Culture Through Training
Dec 3, 2023 (BRAMPTON) Despite Allen Iverson’s grit and determination his reluctance to engage in practice would never have been endorsed by the MFA Coaching staff. Iverson, an iconic basketball player , had his fabled remarks adopted by a generation of young athletes. Iverson’s dissemination, however, has contributed to the few who have lost touch with the sacrifices needed to push themselves towards a professional career. Modern day Sport Science suggests that talent alone isn’t enough.
Assistant Coach Seif Radwan shares a vision that radiates throughout the technical staff of the Master’s Futbol Academy Saints’. For every MFA training session , including the weekly player ID sessions that have been taking place at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Sports Dome, there is a penchant for detail and extensive planning dedicated to every second players step onto the field. Drafted by Head Coach Giuseppe Mattice Raso (Coach Peppe) , in consultation with his team of Assistants - Coaches Seif and Orazio. All three men are also part of the bones of the International Football Club Soccer School and Academy - one of Ontario’s more respected and growing soccer organizations. Coach Peppe is a firm believer that he has sorrounded himself by great staff, helping him move forward with an encore of MFA’s challenging and rewarding project.
For Coach Seif the organization of the sessions is one of the most important components of coaching MFA’s group of high performance athletes. “Coach Peppe usually has a session plan ready and will converse with myself and Coach Orazio on the typology of exercise that he would like us to run either based on a periodized program, our analysis of the games and the recorded sessions or a combination of both,” explained Coach Seif of the details incorporated into each session. “On that basis we have a discussion on what the session will look like and Coach Peppe gives us the freedom to create the exercises that we see fit to achieve the physical, technical, tactical and psychological goals of the session,” he added, describing session planning as being one of the most exciting parts of coaching.
The ID Sessions have been well attended with an army of trialists showing up to the Sports Dome on a weekly basis even though the League1 season is several months away from kicking off.
Coach Seif reports that the high numbers at sessions is a good sign for the club. “ I attribute the interest to positive word of mouth regarding our professional and intense working environment, which is also very stimulating and fun for the players,” he reported.
But he proclaimed that starting early can not be over-stated. “We see this as an opportunity to have our players continue to absorb our football ideas and build on the strong finish of last season. The way we ended the season was simply reaping the rewards of all the hard work we all put in on the training field throughout last season when we started to work with the team," he explained. “By starting early, we aim to reap the benefits right away and hit the ground running with strong performances from our first league game.” But Coach Seif sees a bigger picture to this methodology - a vision shared by Coach Peppe. They believe that working throughout the off season is a way of changing the football culture in Canada. “Starting early and training all year round (with the exception of the after season break) is not something that everyone does here. However, we are committed to coaching the team with high professional standards, and we want to work with players that believe in that vision,” Coach Seif concluded.
Dec 3, 2023 (BRAMPTON) Despite Allen Iverson’s grit and determination his reluctance to engage in practice would never have been endorsed by the MFA Coaching staff. Iverson, an iconic basketball player , had his fabled remarks adopted by a generation of young athletes. Iverson’s dissemination, however, has contributed to the few who have lost touch with the sacrifices needed to push themselves towards a professional career. Modern day Sport Science suggests that talent alone isn’t enough.
Assistant Coach Seif Radwan shares a vision that radiates throughout the technical staff of the Master’s Futbol Academy Saints’. For every MFA training session , including the weekly player ID sessions that have been taking place at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Sports Dome, there is a penchant for detail and extensive planning dedicated to every second players step onto the field. Drafted by Head Coach Giuseppe Mattice Raso (Coach Peppe) , in consultation with his team of Assistants - Coaches Seif and Orazio. All three men are also part of the bones of the International Football Club Soccer School and Academy - one of Ontario’s more respected and growing soccer organizations. Coach Peppe is a firm believer that he has sorrounded himself by great staff, helping him move forward with an encore of MFA’s challenging and rewarding project.
For Coach Seif the organization of the sessions is one of the most important components of coaching MFA’s group of high performance athletes. “Coach Peppe usually has a session plan ready and will converse with myself and Coach Orazio on the typology of exercise that he would like us to run either based on a periodized program, our analysis of the games and the recorded sessions or a combination of both,” explained Coach Seif of the details incorporated into each session. “On that basis we have a discussion on what the session will look like and Coach Peppe gives us the freedom to create the exercises that we see fit to achieve the physical, technical, tactical and psychological goals of the session,” he added, describing session planning as being one of the most exciting parts of coaching.
The ID Sessions have been well attended with an army of trialists showing up to the Sports Dome on a weekly basis even though the League1 season is several months away from kicking off.
Coach Seif reports that the high numbers at sessions is a good sign for the club. “ I attribute the interest to positive word of mouth regarding our professional and intense working environment, which is also very stimulating and fun for the players,” he reported.
But he proclaimed that starting early can not be over-stated. “We see this as an opportunity to have our players continue to absorb our football ideas and build on the strong finish of last season. The way we ended the season was simply reaping the rewards of all the hard work we all put in on the training field throughout last season when we started to work with the team," he explained. “By starting early, we aim to reap the benefits right away and hit the ground running with strong performances from our first league game.” But Coach Seif sees a bigger picture to this methodology - a vision shared by Coach Peppe. They believe that working throughout the off season is a way of changing the football culture in Canada. “Starting early and training all year round (with the exception of the after season break) is not something that everyone does here. However, we are committed to coaching the team with high professional standards, and we want to work with players that believe in that vision,” Coach Seif concluded.
HUNGRY TO STICK
Nov 26, 2023 (Brampton). Coaches Peppe and Seif continued their weekly ID sessions in Brampton at the Wet N Wild Sports Dome. Although several members of last year’s team were missing for this session it was still well attended by trialists and players who toiled with MFA’s reserve squads.
For Goalkeeping prospect Andrew Bottiglia, a native of Ottawa who attends Trent University in Peterborough, he is willing to make the commute for a try out with a League1 Ontario team. “Yes it’s not too bad though , last year I played in Vancouver and the year before in England,” he reported.
For incumbents Jason Alvarado and Deandre Branch they are fresh off their OCAA seasons. For Alvarado his George Brown Huskies made it to the semis but were knocked off by regional powers Humber.
Coach Peppe was pleased with the energy in the dome. “I certainly felt the right hunger and determination from the group who are trying to gain a spot on the roster,” explained Coach Peppe. “Players are proving to be open minded towards a modern and dominant football approach, “ he added describing improvement in the group week after week.
MFA Technical Director Junior Groves was also on hand before he makes the trek to Jamaica where his daughter Izzy will be debuting with the Reggae Girlz national team. Coach Junior was impressed with the talent on display under the dome.
Sessions will continue for the Saints’ hopefuls. Keep an eye on Social Media for announcements.
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Nov 26, 2023 (Brampton). Coaches Peppe and Seif continued their weekly ID sessions in Brampton at the Wet N Wild Sports Dome. Although several members of last year’s team were missing for this session it was still well attended by trialists and players who toiled with MFA’s reserve squads.
For Goalkeeping prospect Andrew Bottiglia, a native of Ottawa who attends Trent University in Peterborough, he is willing to make the commute for a try out with a League1 Ontario team. “Yes it’s not too bad though , last year I played in Vancouver and the year before in England,” he reported.
For incumbents Jason Alvarado and Deandre Branch they are fresh off their OCAA seasons. For Alvarado his George Brown Huskies made it to the semis but were knocked off by regional powers Humber.
Coach Peppe was pleased with the energy in the dome. “I certainly felt the right hunger and determination from the group who are trying to gain a spot on the roster,” explained Coach Peppe. “Players are proving to be open minded towards a modern and dominant football approach, “ he added describing improvement in the group week after week.
MFA Technical Director Junior Groves was also on hand before he makes the trek to Jamaica where his daughter Izzy will be debuting with the Reggae Girlz national team. Coach Junior was impressed with the talent on display under the dome.
Sessions will continue for the Saints’ hopefuls. Keep an eye on Social Media for announcements.
--
LOOKING FOR A PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT
Nov 19, 2023, (BRAMPTON): Tucked neatly between the Etobicoke / Brampton border sits the Wet and Wild Amusement Park. Within the borders of this park is a sports dome. The park is deserted waiting out its winter hibernation yet the turf field inside the dome is pulsating with footballers who have been moved indoors due to the chill of Canada's unforgiving winter months. Coach Giuseppe Mattace Raso (fondly known as Coach Peppe) and his technical team have made the dome their temporary headquarters while they assess the Pro-Am talent for Master's Futbol Academy Saints' venture into the 2024 Championship Division of League1 Ontario.
The session was well attended by incumbents, players from the MFA U23 teams who want to move up and newcomers invited to the session. Although Coach Peppe described the session as being "vibrant and positive" he is a little puzzled by the number of uncommunicated absences from the session. While Coach Peppe is determined to get an early start on the L1O season he is also trying to instill a sense of professionalism in his young squad. Attendance and commitment at these sessions will shape the final roster. Coach Peppe has proclaimed that his roster will be cemented early with professionally minded players. He warned that players who continue to sit on the fence will be left off the squad.
Nov 19, 2023, (BRAMPTON): Tucked neatly between the Etobicoke / Brampton border sits the Wet and Wild Amusement Park. Within the borders of this park is a sports dome. The park is deserted waiting out its winter hibernation yet the turf field inside the dome is pulsating with footballers who have been moved indoors due to the chill of Canada's unforgiving winter months. Coach Giuseppe Mattace Raso (fondly known as Coach Peppe) and his technical team have made the dome their temporary headquarters while they assess the Pro-Am talent for Master's Futbol Academy Saints' venture into the 2024 Championship Division of League1 Ontario.
The session was well attended by incumbents, players from the MFA U23 teams who want to move up and newcomers invited to the session. Although Coach Peppe described the session as being "vibrant and positive" he is a little puzzled by the number of uncommunicated absences from the session. While Coach Peppe is determined to get an early start on the L1O season he is also trying to instill a sense of professionalism in his young squad. Attendance and commitment at these sessions will shape the final roster. Coach Peppe has proclaimed that his roster will be cemented early with professionally minded players. He warned that players who continue to sit on the fence will be left off the squad.
SHAKING OFF THE RUST
Nov 10, 2023. (YORK UNIVERSITY): Rusty is the best term to describe MFA's performance at York University on a chilly Friday night. The hosts, North York Academy, have put together an U23 squad who have been competing in a local Men's League. NYA wanted to test their resolve against a stong opposition. NYA came out to win and prove a point to their League1 cousins that they belonged. That message was delivered loud and clear to MFA. Time to shake off the rust.
Nov 10, 2023. (YORK UNIVERSITY): Rusty is the best term to describe MFA's performance at York University on a chilly Friday night. The hosts, North York Academy, have put together an U23 squad who have been competing in a local Men's League. NYA wanted to test their resolve against a stong opposition. NYA came out to win and prove a point to their League1 cousins that they belonged. That message was delivered loud and clear to MFA. Time to shake off the rust.
GETTING AN EARLY START ON 2024
Oct 14, 2023, (SCARBOROUGH): it was an opportunity to get on the L'Amoreaux Sports Complex carpet one last time before the gates will be locked. MFA drassed a group of their U17 and L1O U23 NE team to take on a group of trialists who wanted to make an impression on the MFA Technical staff. The MFA youngsters performed well boding well for MFA's future. One player who shined throughout the match was MFA U17 keeper Plaskit who played well beyond his years.
Oct 14, 2023, (SCARBOROUGH): it was an opportunity to get on the L'Amoreaux Sports Complex carpet one last time before the gates will be locked. MFA drassed a group of their U17 and L1O U23 NE team to take on a group of trialists who wanted to make an impression on the MFA Technical staff. The MFA youngsters performed well boding well for MFA's future. One player who shined throughout the match was MFA U17 keeper Plaskit who played well beyond his years.