VR Training at Met Oval

The Met Oval Mind Gym is now in operation! Sessions are being prepared and coached by our own Stefano Gandini.

On Tuesday’s, from 5:30pm – 8pm various Met Oval players are being selected by the Met Oval staff to train with this cutting-edge virtual reality technology.

On Friday’s, at the same time Coach Stefano is available for private sessions. Single sessions run $45 while there is a discounted rate for various packages.

Some of the goals of the program are to add a sense of tactical awareness to the player as well as providing cognitive and decision training.

Come in and be in the 1st wave of players learning this new technology that help improve your mental game!

For questions and registration please contact Stefano Gandini at Stefano.metoval@gmail.com.

Come to the Party as Met Oval Hosts NYCFC on Sunday, April 7th!

It’s always a big day when NYCFC visits the Oval yet on Sunday Met Oval is pulling out all the stops for this United States Soccer Federation Development Academy battle.

We will be having a Barbeque from 12pm – 6pm in addition to live DJ Frankie FLO!

Plus, Met Oval will be streaming all of our games live (look to our social platforms for a link prior to game time), a first for all Development Academy clubs in the region!

Game times Met Oval vs NYCFC on Sunday, April 7th:

9:30am 2007s (U12)

11:15am 2007s (U12)

1:15pm 2004s (U15)

3:15pm 2002s (U17)

5:15pm 2006s (U13)

7:00pm 2005s (U14)

So come on down to Met Oval for a good time on Sunday! And if you can’t make it then don’t forget to watch the matches streaming live!

Go Met Oval!

SPRING BREAK CLINIC AND GOALKEEPER CAMP

Met Oval will be hosting a week of Spring Break

Training Clinics the week of April 22 - 26, 2019 along

with Saturday, April 20. Sessions will run from 9-11AM

& will be $40 per session payable on site at Met Oval.

Simultaneously, we will be having a GOALKEEPER CAMP at Met Oval.

For information/Reservations for the Spring Break Clinics email Clare.metoval@gmail.com

For information/Reservations for the GK Camp email Sebastiano.metoval@gmail.com

Details for the GK Camp below:

MET OVAL GK COACH SEBASTIANO MANA (italian_goalkeeping)

When: April 22-26

Time: 9.30 – 11.30 AM First group (9-12 y.o.); 11.30 – 1.30 PM Second group (13-18 y.o).

Where: Met Oval Field – 60th St. & 59th Ave, Maspeth, NY 11378

Who: The camp is aimed at the goalkeepers of all teams between the ages of 9 and 18

What: The goal of this camp is to dedicate each session to a different skill that the goalkeepers must have: reactivity, position, high and breakaway saves, communication and feet skills.

Fees: $50 single day session, $200 full week. Cash payment on site

Registration deadline: April 19

Daily program structure

9.30 – 10 AM First group arrival, check-in

10 – 11.30 AM First group practice

11.30 – 12 PM First group dismissal, second group arrival, check in

12 – 1.30 PM Second group practice

1.30 – 1.45 PM Second group dismissal

Technical program

Monday: Reactivity - Many drills of the Spanish school to improve the reflexes and accelerate reaction times.

Tuesday: Position - You do not always need a spectacular dive to make a big save. The right position is the key to success.

Wednesday: High coming out - The goalkeeper must be the master of the penalty area. Some drills of the German school to improve the timing and increase courage and self-esteem.

Thursday: Low and breakaway coming out - The 1vs1 situations are a matter of timing and cold blood. Some drills of the Italian school to improve the ball attacking.

Friday: Communication and feet working - The communication is the most important skill for a goalkeeper, it’s possible to prevent many dangerous situation by only using the voice. Also, the modern goalkeeper touches more balls with his feet than with his hands and plays an important role in the build up. This session will be focused on how to communicate with teammates recreating game situations in which the goalkeeper finds himself using his feet.

Two more players from Met Oval’s U19 NPL team commit to college

Met Oval would like to congratulate both Kendell Thomas and Zakhar Pobutskyi for their commitments to college! Kendell and Zakhar are both playing on the Met Oval U19 NPL team. Kendell will be attending Iona and Zakhar has committed to the College of Staten Island.

We asked them both a few questions about their decisions and their time at Met Oval.

Kendell Thomas

 Why did you pick Iona?

I picked Iona not only because they have a competitive Division One soccer program, they also have great academics. A deciding factor for me also was that I am able to get away from Brooklyn but still close enough where I can always come back to see family and friends. I know the majority of kids want to go to school to get away from their home town, but I am from New York City, the best city in the world, and I never want to leave.

What is your primary position?

My primary position is CDM but I am very versatile. I can also play CM and CB.

How long have you been at Met Oval?

I have been with Met Oval for basically my whole career. I played for Saba (a former Met oval affiliate) from ages 9-11, Central Brooklyn Soccer Club ages 12-15 (Met Oval affiliate), Met Oval Academy age 16 to present.

Is there anybody that you would like to thank?

I would like to thank Coach Shomari, Coach Juan, Coach Mark, Coach Yannick, Coach Filippo and Coach Giuseppe for helping me develop both on and off the field. I couldn't ask for a better group of coaches to help me throughout my years in club soccer. I would like to say a special thank you to Coach Steve who has been really helpful with my college recruiting process. I was having a really hard time finding a school before Coach Steve started to help me out.

How has Met Oval helped your development?

Met Oval has helped me develop by helping me find my strengths as a player and allowing me to display them at the highest level. They have also helped me in finding my weaknesses and turning them into strengths. On top of this they have allowed me to make Met Oval my home, a place I can go to for extra training or even spend free time after school.

Zakhar Pobutskyi

Why did you pick the College of Staten Island? 

I have been hesitating what college to pick for a while but made my final decision to go to College of Staten Island. One of the main reasons why I’ve picked this college is the opportunity to continue my athletic career as soccer player, since the college is in the D2 program. Also, they have great academics and great campus.

What is your primary position?

I play a central forward

How long have you been at Met Oval?

I joined Met Oval during my freshman year in high school and been a part of it for almost 4 years

Is there anybody that you would like to thank?

First of all, I’m very grateful to my parents and especially my Dad, who would drive me to a practice every day after a long day at work. I really value such strong support. I also want to thank all the coaches and staff at Met Oval, especially Chris Welch, Steve Halo and Juan Angel de Bernardo, who always believed in us and never let us give up.

How has Met Oval helped your development?

Met Oval has definitely helped my development in many aspects. They have taught me how to build a correct tactic to win. They showed me different techniques and ways to succeed on the field. But most important they helped our team to become friends and supporters of each other. I truly believe that everything that we achieved as a team is a result of hard work and devotion. Met Oval helped me to develop very strong traits in my personality such as determination. They taught me to never give up and always believe in yourself!

Met Oval Awarded Full USSF Development Academy Status

Today the United States Soccer Federation's Development Academy announced that Metropolitan Oval has been awarded the U18/19 Boys Development Academy (DA) team. This addition bestows full academy status onto Met Oval by the USSF.

Full academy status completes Met Oval’s development pathway offered through its Youth Center of Excellence. “Achieving full academy status has been the goal of Met Oval since I arrived at the club in 2015,” says Director of Coaching Filippo Giovagnoli. “Now our top-level players will be granted the continuity that they deserve. Full academy status will enhance the overall reputation of the club while aiding our players in their post Met Oval pathways be it college or professional.”

Metropolitan Oval is a leader in elite player development having placed over 40 youth players into professional academies in the United States and abroad over the past 4 years. With programs based in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island, Met Oval can now offer talented players of the region the avenue, the expertise and the platform needed to pursue their soccer dreams after they graduate from the youth ranks.

Met Oval’s partnership with NYCFC has provided a route for the most talented players in the region to attain their goal of playing professionally. This includes Justin Haak, who spent many years developing at Met Oval before joining NYCFC. Haak recently became just the 3rdplayer to sign a Homegrown deal with the MLS club.

"This is a testament to the high caliber staff at the Oval and the professional development environment which they have crafted. This coupled with investment in our facilities and technology has solidified Met Oval and its youth center of excellence as the leading developer of talent in the region," says Sporting Director Jeffrey Saunders.

www.metropolitanoval.org

About:

The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing the New York regions elite level soccer talent at our Youth Center of Excellence while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment. Our professional pathway places players in youth national team programs, MLS and Int'l academies and collegiate programs. In the past years, Met Oval has placed more youth players in MLS and Int'l academies than any other club in the region. Met Oval is an affiliate partner of NYCFC and a Nike Premier Club.

The Met Oval's soccer facility in Queens was originally built in 1925 by immigrants from Germany and Hungary, and remains the most historic soccer facility in the United States. The Met Oval is a Non-Profit organization and the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities and now has additional programs in Long Island and Brooklyn.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

Predictions come true, former Met Oval player Justin Haak signs Homegrown deal with NYCFC

It comes as no surprise to Met Oval that our former player, Justin Haak, has signed a Homegrown deal with NYCFC. As reported in Husdon River Blue, an SB Nation site, back in February, 2018, it almost seemed inevitable.

 Justin is playing with the NYCFC U19 academy, which he helped win the 2018 US Soccer Development Academy championship in that age group. NYCFC beat LA Galaxy in the final and Haak provided a man of the match performance.

Haak has turned heads at NYCFC with his tremendous performances for their academy team and also for the US Youth National Team where he was on the U18 squad that won the prestigious 2018 Vaclav Jezek Youth Tournament title in the Czech Republic back in August.

 Haak, a Brooklyn native, even received a write up on mlssoccer.com for his performance in a preseason match in Mexico with the first team.

 As discussed in the previously mentioned article in Hudson River Blue,  Met Oval Sporting Director Jeffrey Saunders is quoted, “He [Haak] would be just as effective in a U-19 academy game as I think he would be in an MLS game. I think you will get the same performance, same maturity level.”

Congratulations to Justin Haak on his next step on his path to pro journey. Met Oval is proud to have played a part.

Metropolitan Oval Produces Two More Division 1 College Soccer Players

Met Oval would like to congratulate both Jose Silva and Mamadou Diallo for their commitments to university! Mamadou and Jose both are playing on the Met Oval 2001 NPL team.

Jose Silva will be attending UMass Lowell in the America East Conference while Mamadou Diallo has committed to Fairleigh Dickinson University in the Northeast Conference. Both have Division 1 soccer programs.

We asked both Mamadou and Jose a few questions about their decisions and their time at Met Oval.

Jose Silva

Why did you pick UMass Lowell?

I chose UMass Lowell due to their success in the America East conference in recent years. Also, their program plays out of the back and likes to keep possession of the soccer ball, a trait we share here at Met Oval.  

What is your primary position?

My primary position is right wing back, as I enjoy going up and down the field.

How long have you been at Met Oval?

I have been at Met Oval since my sophomore year so for 3 years now.

Is there anybody that you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my parents for supporting me all these years and always believing in me. Coach Steve Halo for putting me in contact with UMass Lowell and working restlessly to help me achieve this goal of mine. And coach Mark Van Lith for teaching me how to play soccer the way it should be played and never giving up on me.

How has Met Oval helped your development?

 Met Oval has helped my development in so many ways. Of course, on the field they have taught me how to play my position correctly and other important knowledge for success within this game. And I think the coaches here have proved this with the success of all their teams this season. But just as important, Met Oval has helped me mature and grow as a person off the field. Throughout these years I have been through many ups and downs, but the coaches were always there to offer support and push me to achieve this goal. They truly cared and made me feel like family. It has been a privilege to play for Met Oval and I will always be grateful for this club.

Mamadou Diallo

Why did you pick Fairleigh Dickinson University?

I picked Fairleigh Dickinson University because it’s a great school academically, and they have a great D1 soccer program which I feel is a good fit and will allow me to grow as a soccer player and help get me to the next level.

What is your primary position?

I am a central defender.

How long have you been at Met Oval?

I’ve been at Met Oval for almost 2 years.

Is there anybody that you would like to thank?

I would to thank all the coaches and staff at Met Oval because they all helped in some way to get  where I am today, especially coaches Filippo Giovagnoli, Giuseppi Rossi, and Juan Martin de Bernardo.

 How has Met Oval helped your development?

Met Oval helped my development by making to train at a high level. Also by getting as much exposure as possible by going to tournaments all around the country, and putting me to play against the highest competition in the country. 

 

Three Met Oval players commit to Division 1 soccer programs!

Met Oval could not be happier as three of our players: Cyrus Margono, Mathis Varin, and Marti Farre, have made their respective college commitments and will all be playing Division 1 soccer next season! All three players are currently on the 2001 NPL team coached by Juan Martin De Bernardo and are high school seniors.
 
Cyrus will be attending the University of Denver, Mathis will be attending the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), and Marti will be attending St. Bonaventure University.
 
Met Oval is proud to be able to provide a challenging and inspiring learning environment for accomplished youth soccer players to develop and reach their goals while striving to be a leader in the development of the next generation of talent.
 
Met Oval builds players that represent the highest standards of character both on and off the field embodying the core club values of Passion, Teamwork, Effort and Creativity.
 
In the cases of Cyrus, Mathis, and Marti, Met Oval is thrilled to be able to assist them in a huge life goal of attending and playing soccer in college. All the best.
 
The players were kind enough to sit down and answer some questions from us regarding their recent decisions.
 
Cyrus Margono
 
Why did you pick the University of Denver?
 
I chose to play soccer at the University of Denver because they have consistently been a top 10 program, with world class facilities and a coaching staff who made me feel like family. I truly believe they have the culture and program to help me achieve my goal of having a professional career playing at the highest level of soccer. Also, their academic programs are fantastic and offer what I want to study. 
 
What is your primary position?
 
Goalkeeper
 
How long have you been at Met Oval?
 
I have been at Met Oval since the summer leading up into my freshman year of high school. 
 
Is there anybody (coaches?) that you would like to thank?
 
Without many of the coaches at Met Oval I couldn’t have dreamed of being where I am today. Coach Filippo, Mark, Steven, and Fulvio all developed me into the player and person that I am today. More recently, without the help of coach Steve I wouldn’t have been able to get into any high-level program like Denver. Also, Jeff Saunders and Chris Welch have been very influential in my time at the Oval as they worked with me on all aspects of my life. 
 
How has Met Oval helped your development?
 
When I was 12, I first tried out for Met Ovals u14 DA because I was leaving my old club (NYSC). Met Oval believed in me and gave me the tools to succeed. Without the help of the coaching staff I wouldn’t be where I am today. They have developed and given me fantastic opportunities as a person and soccer player. 
 
Mathis Varin
 
Why did you pick UPenn?
 
I chose to attend the University of Penn for two major reasons: 
 
The first reason is UPenn's newly hired coaching staff. Head Coach Gill (previously Georgetown), Coach Delano (perviously Harvard), and Coach Lowry (Lipscomb) all have had successful and extensive backgrounds both as players and as coaches in college soccer.  That being said, I'm confident that they will both be able to help me develop my game and push the program into a place where it will be able to challenge even the most established soccer programs. 
 
The second reason for my commitment to UPenn is the level of education that the school offers. As an Ivy League school, Penn is undoubtedly one of the best school's in the country. 
 
What is your primary position?
 
My primary position is the 8 (center-mid). 
 
How long have you been at Met Oval?
 
I have been at Met Oval for 5 years. 
 
Is there anybody (coaches?) that you would like to thank?
 
There are numerous Met Oval coaches, managers and other members at the club who have played a key role in my development - and I would like to thank them all for their training, guidance and assistance.
 
Jeff Saunders who brought me to the club as a U-13.
 
Chris Welch and David Curmi who managed our teams and always looked out for my best interest.
 
On the coaching staff: Coach Hugo (now NYCFC), Coach Buckle (ex-Academy Director), Coach Filippo (current Academy Director), Coach Mark, Coach Yannick, Coach Giuseppi, Coach Juan and so many others.
 
How has Met Oval helped your development?
 
Met Oval has without doubt played a critical role in my development as a player. The club has always prioritized my development as a player and a person -- it is the club’s philosophy. Throughout my 5 years at the club, I have been given the freedom to play multiple positions which has exposed me to different aspects of the game and broadened my skill set. Due to the outstanding coaching that I have received, Met Oval has helped me improve tactically, technically, and physically. In summary, Met Oval has holistically made me a far more complete player. 
 
Marti Farre
 
Why did you pick St. Bonaventure University?
 
For me, the most important thing when it came to picking a school wasn’t the reputation or whether they were ranked in the “Top-25”. It was picking a place where I feel comfortable, knew I would have a great 4 years and most importantly to pick a place where I was wanted. Reputation and rankings can always change, but feeling wanted and comfortable are hard to come by when picking a school, which is the biggest reason as to why I picked St. Bonaventure. 

Met Oval Development Academy Teams Beat Rivals BW Gottschee in Local Derby action while NPL teams top Everton.

It was an excellent weekend overall for Met Oval as all league teams posted high winning percentages against quality opposition.
 
Saturday at the Oval featured six USSF DA matches versus long time local rival BW Gottschee where Met Oval posted an overall record of 4-1-1 with a display of technical and tactical play.  The success of Met Oval’s Youth Center of Excellence was on full display. 
 
The day started with the U15 DA team taking an early lead before securing a 3-2 win. Then the U17 DA team posted a 3-1 victory (could have been much more) in what may have been their best performance of the season and the first time they’ve had their full roster available this season after numerous injuries. 
 
The U12 DA team were able to post a 4-2 victory after drawing their first game 1-1. The day then ended in style as the U14 DA team posted a 3-1 to victory at as the sun set on Met Oval's brand new field surface. 
 
Elsewhere, in Westchester County at Everton, the NPL teams played very well going 3-1. Included in these results were victories by the 2005 NPL team (4-2), the 2006 NPL team (3-2), and the 2007 NPL Queens team (5-1).

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing New York's elite level soccer talent at our Youth Center of Excellence while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment. Our 'Professional Pathway' places players in youth national team programs, MLS and Int'l academies and collegiate programs. 

Met Oval Partners with InBounds to Bring a Revolutionary Field Surface to NYC

The Metropolitan Oval, New York’s only club owned field, will be resurfaced this summer with Northeast’s first professional grade, non-infill field.  Met Oval has partnered with InBounds to install the Pure Play brand of sports turf at their Youth Center of Excellence in Queens. Pure Play is the first truly non-infill synthetic turf playing surface currently being installed in the United States and the new playing surface at Met Oval will be the first of its kind in the Northeast and third in the USA.

Pure Play was developed to provide athletes with a durable, synthetic playing surface that most closely mimics the feel and playability of natural grass fields without their inherent limitations such as consistent playability.

Pure Play’s new, innovative, patent pending technology achieves the high-performance standard specified by FIFA including: shock absorption, vertical deformation, rotational resistance, ball roll and ball bounce without the need for any infill additives.

Pure Play is safe and is not abrasive using an innovative type of curly yarn with a shock pad as a base. Infill turf has raised health concerns in recent years due to harmful substances transferred by crumb rubber onto players or into the environment.

"This is the only turf on the market that I feel comfortable working with because it provides a great alternative to crumb rubber infill. I've been working with Pure Play to help evaluate the health/safety and playability/performance qualities of this new non-infill turf. It's great for keepers, you can get your foot under the ball to chip, bounce and roll the ball - just like real grass. Pure Play is a superior product that calms the mind knowing it’s free from carcinogens."

Ethan Zohn - Winner of the reality show Survivor, former professional goalkeeper, Major League Soccer Analyst, two-time cancer survivor.

The new field installation begins on July 3rd and will be completed in time for preseason in mid-August. In addition to the new field surface, Met Oval will be outfitted with new professional grade soccer goals, new player dugout seating, new spectator seating, a SAQ and warm up area as well as new retaining walls.

“One of the cornerstones of developing elite youth talent is the environment in which they train.  With a commitment to professional grade facilities, staff and playing surfaces, our Youth Center of Excellence will continue to create the professional and collegiate players of tomorrow.  It is our belief that such an investment in the Met Oval facility is imperative to maintain our role as a national leader in talent development”  says Jeffrey Saunders, Sporting Director at Metropolitan Oval.

Once again Met Oval is at the forefront of cutting edge technology that will improve the overall quality of play at our facility and will also directly contribute to the development of the Met Oval players.

Come and check out the new field in the fall. Can’t wait to see you there!

The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing New York's elite level soccer talent at our Youth Center of Excellence while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment. Our 'Professional Pathway' places players in youth national team programs, MLS and Int'l academies and collegiate programs. In the past three years, Met Oval has placed more youth players in MLS and Int'l academies (over 30) then any other club in the region with 6 players moving to NYCFC alone over the last 6 months ranging in age from U12- U17.

Four More Met Oval Players signed by NYCFC

The Metropolitan Oval's professional pathway continues its success as four more players have been signed by NYCFC for the upcoming season. This brings the total number of Met Oval players selected by NYCFC to 28 in the past 3 years with 6 being selected in the past 6 months alone, ranging in age from U12- U17.  In total Met Oval has placed over 35 players into professional academies over the past 3 years.

Davi Alexandre (2007)

Davi played up with Met Oval’s 2006 USSF Development Academy this past season. He is a technically sound player who is capable of playing in multiple positions although more often than not Davi could be found as a centerback anchoring the defense. Davi is very mature for his age and has consistently shown a high intelligence on and off the field and has led Met Oval’s class of 2007.

Francesco Vecchio (2006)

Francesco has been working with Met Oval’s Director of Coaching, Filippo Giovagnoli, for many years and has a work ethic that is second to none. Francesco understands the game well and uses his field intelligence to read the run of play.  He brings a high intensity to each session and is comfortable at multiple positions.

Luis Meneses (2006)

At first glance, Luis's creativity is obvious. He routinely surprises with his penchant for subtle flicks and twists in order to beat his opponent. He is fearless and always willing to take a defender one vs. one. But don’t be fooled by the flair as Luis is also a tenacious defender bringing that same intensity on both sides of the ball. Luis can play in multiple positions but is often at the center of midfield.

Santiago Arias (2008)

Santi is a 2008, but he played up with the 2007 Pre-Academy this past season. Santi is naturally gifted and has a fantastic feel for the game. He possesses excellent technical skills to match his intelligence and strength.

Met Oval congratulates Davi, Francesco, Luis, and Santi for signing with NYCFC! We wish these players good fortune in their future soccer endeavors.  Met Oval's Youth Center of Excellence is the leading developer of youth talent in the region.

Met Oval is currently holding tryouts for all teams. Please visit our website to register. http://www.metropolitanoval.org/tryouts.

The Met Oval is a Non-Profit organization and the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities and now has additional programs in Long Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Met Oval 2001's win NY State Cup and 2002's win NYCSL League Championship

What a day! While playing on adjacent fields simultaneously at the HBC Complex in Long Island both the 2001 and 2002 squads used dominating second half performances to win their championship matches.

The 2002's game was a few minutes ahead and after they beat Valencia 4-1 to win the NYCSL League Championship the entire squad moved over to the neighboring field to cheer their 2001 academy teammates on to victory.

After the 2001's dispatched Manhattan Soccer Club by the identical 4-1 score to win the NY State Cup, both squads celebrated their victories together on the field.

It wasn't only the players that were celebrating, as the fields were so close, the Met Oval families and friends were constantly cheering each other on as the goals kept coming.

It was a truly tremendous atmosphere as everyone involved were so excited for the players.

Because of the wins the season continues!

The 2002's have now qualified for the National Cup Mid-Atlantic Regionals which will take place from June 30-July 3 in Somerset, NJ. If they win the qualifier then the team will move on to the National Cup Finals in Aurora, Colorado from July 20-24.

The 2001's have now qualified for the National Cup Finals.

Met Oval is a United States Soccer Federation Development Academy with a proven path to pro that has placed over 30 players into professional academies. Met Oval is dedicated to developing elite soccer talent at our Youth Center of Excellence while offering players of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment.

Interested in becoming a part of Met Oval? We still have upcoming tryouts for next season.

IMG_2147.JPG

Met Oval goes to Italy

The players and coaches of Met Oval have returned from their successful trip to Italy after visiting Chievo Verona and Juventus. It was a fantastic time for all and something that they will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives.

One of the highlights was the trip to Juventus. As a general rule Juventus do not receive guests to play at their Vinovo facility. However, the Met Oval Development Academy teams (2004 and 2006) were given this privilege.

The reason behind this prestigious invitation was due to the contacts that Met Oval Director of Coaching Filippo Giovagnoli has with members of the Juventus family. Giovagnoli played with current Juventus Technical Director Federico Cherubini and has previous relationships with several Juventus coaches; Giovanni Valentini, who he worked with at the AC Milan camps, and Edoardo Sacchini.

“It was a really exciting day and our players performed unbelievably in the games,” said Giovagnoli of their time at Juventus. “They played with an extra tenacity and cohesiveness that we have been teaching them. It made me proud watching them playing so well against an institution as prestigious and well drilled as Juventus. It was an amazing experience for them.”

 

Met Oval’s Kameron Blaise gets signed by NYCFC Academy

Met Oval’s skilled and speedy winger Kameron Blaise has become the latest member of Met Oval’s “Path to Pro” pipeline. NYCFC Academy signed Kameron Blaise in early April after being with Met Oval for three years. This marks the 23rd Met Oval player who has been signed by NYCFC academy in the past 3 years.  Kameron is a 2001 born player who currently is a member of the Haitian U17 and U20 National teams. Learn more about his story in his player profile here.

The coaches at Met Oval encouraged the move for Blaise. “Kameron was ready to make this next step in his development,” said Assistant Director of Coaching Mark Van Lith. “He has improved as a player and has become more tactically aware than when he arrived. He always had the speed and good technical skills and now he is a complete player. Kameron is an excellent example of the success of our path to pro program and how our coaching methodology works focusing on individual development over team results.”

"I'm excited to take the next step in my soccer journey by moving to NYCFC.” said Blaise, “They are a club that in just a few years has risen to be one of the elite teams in MLS. I would like to thank Met Oval for believing and working with me to improve as both a player and as a person and for preparing me for this transition."

In his debut for NYCFC U17’s Kameron had a goal and an assist to lead his new team to victory.  This is yet another example of the developmental success that Met Oval nurtures not just at the younger ages but also throughout the high school years and marks the 2nd Met Oval U17 player to join NYCFC academy this season. Congrats Kameron!

 

About:

The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing the New York regions elite level soccer talent at our Youth Center of Excellence while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment. Our professional pathway places players in youth national team programs, MLS and Int'l academies and collegiate programs. In the past years, Met Oval has placed more youth players in MLS and Int'l academies then any other club in the region. Met Oval is an affiliate partner of NYC FC and a Nike Premier Club.

The Met Oval's soccer facility in Queens was originally built in 1925 by immigrants from Germany and Hungary, and remains the most historic soccer facility in the United States.  The Met Oval is a Non Profit organization and the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities and now has additional programs in Long Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan.

www.metropolitanoval.org

Metropolitan Oval Awarded Additional USSF Development Academy Teams

As officially announced by the United States Soccer Federation Development Academy,  Metropolitan Oval has been awarded the U15 and U16/17 Boys Development Academy (DA) teams in addition to its existing U12, U13 and U14 DA teams.  This will complete Met Oval’s “Path to Pro” development pathway offered through its Youth Center of Excellence. With programs based in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, Met Oval can now offer talented players of the region the tools, the expertise and the platform needed for success.

Metropolitan Oval is a leader in elite player development having placed over 30 youth players into professional academies here and abroad over the past 3 years.  This includes 2 former Met Oval academy players who made their 1st team debuts for NYC FC this month in the preseason. Met Oval’s successful partnership with NYC FC has provided a route for the most talented players in the region to attain their goal of playing professionally.

“Metropolitan Oval has been a part of US Soccer’s Development Academy for over a decade and this expansion is a tribute to the work our staff has done developing elite caliber players. The Oval and our Youth Center of Excellence is a unique talent greenhouse that blends a wholly owned facility, the highest licensed coaches and a curriculum built around technically advanced, possession oriented play.”  said Sporting Director and Board Member, Jeffrey Saunders.

“We are proud of how our athletes are developing both on and off the field,” said Director of Coaching Filippo Giovagnoli. “By expanding the ages of the Development Academy it will only encourage the growth of the players and help them to reach their goals of playing collegiately and professionally.”

Tryouts for USSF Development Academy teams ( 2007-2002 born) will commence in April and conclude in June. Check the website for dates and times in the coming weeks.  

www.metropolitanoval.org

 

About:

The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing the New York regions elite level soccer talent at our Youth Center of Excellence while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment. Our professional pathway places players in youth national team programs, MLS and Int'l academies and collegiate programs. In the past years, Met Oval has placed more youth players in MLS and Int'l academies then any other club in the region. Met Oval is an affiliate partner of NYC FC and a Nike Premier Club.

The Met Oval's soccer facility in Queens was originally built in 1925 by immigrants from Germany and Hungary, and remains the most historic soccer facility in the United States.  The Met Oval is a Non Profit organization and the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities and now has additional programs in Long Island and Brooklyn.

 

Esad Mackic, former Met Oval Academy player, comes on for David Villa in preseason friendly

Yet another Met Oval Academy player made his debut for NYCFC's first team in a preseason friendly with the Montreal Impact. Esad Mackic, class of 2000, replaced an outstanding David Villa in the second half of the 2-2 draw.

Mackic joins Justin Haak as Met Oval Academy products to play for NYCFC this preseason thus proving that clear pathway from Met Oval's Youth Center of Excellence to the professional ranks.

Met Oval Player Profile - Kameron Blaise

Based out of Suffolk County, Long Island, Kameron Blaise has traveled the globe following his passion – soccer. Extended stays in both Italy and Brazil have helped with his development as has his last two plus years with Metropolitan Oval.

Kameron (16, birth year 2001) is primarily a left winger that likes to cut inside to use his more powerful right foot. Occasionally Kameron also plays on the right side or even up top as a striker. He is known for his speed and technical ability and relishes a chance to take on defenders one vs. one.

The Haitian Football Federation noticed Kameron slightly over one year ago and invited him for a trial with the U-17’s and he has remained in the mix ever since appearing in several friendly matches to date. Kameron has been invited to an upcoming tournament in Martinique in preparation for the U-20’s cycle of CONCACAF appearances for the next U-20 World Cup in 2019.

One person instrumental in the development of Kameron as a player has been Met Oval Director of Coaching Filippo Giovagnoli who was able to see his ability from a young age and has “consistently pushed my limits,” says Blaise. It was Giovagnoli who brought Kameron into the Met Oval family for his first trial. Kameron was invited as a guest player and given a shirt for the day. However, after the match when he was returning the jersey it was Met Oval Sporting Director Jeffrey Saunders that said to him, “Don’t worry, you can keep that.” From that moment forward Kameron Blaise was a Met Oval player.

It was also Giovagnoli that arranged Kameron’s aforementioned trips to Italy where he was able to play and train not only with his peers from the States but also with third division side A.S. Gubbio 1910, where he was able live with the team and get accustomed to soccer in a European environment.

“Commitment is the key to future success,” says Blaise, who travels 55 miles each way to practices at Met Oval. He has also been having personal training sessions with another coach from Met Oval, Giuseppe Rossi, to help improve his game. When asked about Kameron, Rossi responded that, “Kameron is a very talented technical player who uses his speed to blow past defenders. He is excellent with the ball at his feet and does a good job getting past his opponent.”

Kameron joked during this interview that when he was growing up at first he thought he was “the next Messi” because he was scoring so many goals and better than everyone that was playing with by some distance. Now that he has matured a bit Kameron expressed, “You never want to be the best on the field because that means you aren’t learning anything, and Met Oval has helped me become a better player.”

Is this New York City FC academy player the club’s next Homegrown signing? Justin Haak, a former Metropolitan Oval youth player, has impressed in training camp so far.

New York City FC brought five academy players to this year’s preseason training in Florida: Joe Scally, Tyler Shaver, Justin Haak, Dante Polvara, and Gio Reyna. While Reyna (son of Claudio Reyna) is probably the name that jumps out to most people — and he has definitely stood out in training and with the U.S. Youth National Team — Justin Haak has been the most impressive academy player so far. He doesn’t look out of place during drills and seemingly has a very high motor. I got some first-hand insight by speaking with someone who knows him quite well, Jeff Saunders.

Saunders is the Sporting Director at Metropolitan Oval, one of NYCFC’s youth affiliates, where Haak trained prior to the NYCFC academy. (For an in-depth look at Met Oval go here.) Met Oval has been an excellent pipeline for the academy, sending over 20 players in three years. They are based out of Queens, with a practice field that overlooks Manhattan.

Saunders called Haak a capable and very fit player, which confirmed my initial impressions of watching him play. Haak primarily features as a no. 6 (holding midfielder), but can play the no. 8 role (box-to-box midfielder) as well. Saunders says he “reads the play very well and is very good at cutting off the channels and funneling the play.” And he can pass too!

But what stood out the most from our conversation was just how hard of a worker Haak is. Also — just as important — he is a team guy and “tactically very astute.”

Saunders had a lot of praise for the Brooklyn native and relayed that he is doing well in training camp with NYCFC. But Haak’s success comes as no surprise to Saunders. “He would be just as effective in a U-19 academy game as I think he would be in an MLS game. I think you will get the same performance, same maturity level,” says Saunders.

Hopefully NYCFC sign Haak soon, as he has clearly has graduated from the U-19 team. Whether the next step is straight to the first team or the NPSL or USL, they need to promote him as soon as possible. Haak’s biggest test will be in the preseason friendlies, where the club will find out where exactly he’ll fit in best.

Link to original article on SB Nation's Hudson River Blue: https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/2018/2/5/16966928/new-york-city-fc-academy-player-justin-haak-homegrown-signing

MET OVAL 2018 BENEFIT

Tickets are now available for the Met Oval 2018 Benefit.

Click here to purchase

 

Yes, there will be great food. Yes, there will be flowing wine and beer. Yes, there will be a chance to show off your party clothes; we know how much you love those soccer mom/dad sweatpants, but we also know you have glitter! Yes, there will ample time to show off your dance moves -- and we know you have them!

 

But this party is really about coming together as a community, thanking the coaches and raising money to support their efforts with our boys.

 

Proceeds will go to improvements to the facilities, technology and financial aid.

 

Please join the Met Oval 2018 Benefit

Silent Auction Items you will love!

Central Lounge

Saturday, March 3rd

6:30PM - 10PM (+ Afterparty if you are up for that!)

20-30 Steinway St,

Astoria NY 11105

 

Live Drawing of a 50/50 Auction at 9PM

 

Ticket Prices increase on February 15th, buy yours now!

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Met Oval Benefit Committee

(Join the benefit committee now by emailing MetOval2018Benefit@gmail.com)

 

https://metoval2018.eventsmart.com/events/met-oval-2018-benefit/