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.