Justin Haak in Picture Above
“THE PATHWAY” It’s no secret that elite clubs are often judged by a prevalence of home-grown, youth academy graduates who transition into professional environments. Our 'Professional Pathway' places players in MLS, Int'l academies, collegiate programs and youth national team camps. In the past four years, Met Oval has placed more youth players in MLS and Int'l academies (40+) than any other club in the region. We have sent hundreds of players into the collegiate game with a number of standouts at premier (d1) soccer institutions, since the inception of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
Standout MetOval Academy Players
Justin Haak is currently on the first team of NYCFC. He is a center mid smart tactically, high soccer IQ, physically strong, a ton of vision awareness and wide range of passing. He has the ability to get out of pressure quickly. On the other side of the ball he is aggressive, tenacious and difficult to pass.
Niko Kapanadze studies his trade now at NYCFC, a striker, attacking player with a lot of quality to be able to finish. He is a hard worker and also unpredictable (Suarez type). Puts opposing teams under 90 minutes of pressure.
Carlo Brown - Currently at NYCFC as a striker , physical, fast, relentless and has a knack for finding the back of the net. Carlo, a long time standout at Met Oval, has improved his technical and tactical ability here at Met Oval. Improved movement in the box to create space where there is none, a real poacher for goal.
Manoli Smalios - NYCFC keeper , great shot stopper, reliable, good feet and decision maker.
With our strong affiliation with NYCFC we are able to communicate between clubs on what players are ready to make the jump. All NYCFC players were at MetOval during their prime phase 2 development.
Met Oval Places Players in ACC, Big Ten, Patriot League and Ivy league to Name a Few.
Aiden Bora on commitment - “I chose St. John’s because it has a very historic soccer history with a respected past and good academics and they were willing to give me a chance to play for them.
It is also very close to home which is very helpful. I play central midfield, I have been at Met Oval for 6 months now and I would like to thank Coach Filippo for giving me the opportunity to join his team and showcase my talents, I would also like to thank coach Steve for all of his help and knowledge with the college recruitment process. I have definitely developed my skills and knowledge of the game at Met Oval. They have also had a positive impact on my character development in the past months.”
Marco Cottone on commitment - “I chose NC State because it’s a great school and has a great soccer program that I was looking for at the division 1 level. I play center back. I have been at met oval for 3 years. I would like to thank coach Filippo and coach Giuseppe for helping me get better and progress as a soccer player. I would also like to thank coach Steve for all he has done for me with the recruiting process. Met oval has helped me improve my skills and my character as a player on and off the field. They also helped me understand the game more and gave me an opportunity to play everyday in a competitive environment.”
Wyatt McCarty on commitment - “I chose Amherst because it offers a very high level education in addition to one of the best d3 soccer programs in the country. I play center midfield. I’ve been at Met Oval for a year and a half. I’d like to thank all the Met Oval staff though notably my head coach Filippo as per pushing my soccer and character development. I honestly think I’ve developed at met oval far more than at any other club I’ve played at. I’ve not only found myself constantly improving but always enjoying it more and more. The staff and players create a soccer culture that encourages competition, joy, and sportsmanship in a manner that accumulates to create one of the best youth development environments in the country.”
Murat on commitment - “I chose Wisconsin because it’s a great school and has an amazing coaching staff, along with a very professional environment. I play attacking midfield. I’ve been at Met Oval for about 2 years. I am grateful for all the help and support of the amazing Met Oval coaches. Met Oval has given me the chance to constantly learn and grow as a player along with being nurtured to play every minute of the game with enjoyment and no fear.”
Mathis on commitment - “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 (previously 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. My primary position is the 8 (center-mid). 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. et 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.”
Met Oval Pushes/Encourages Standout Youth Players To GO TO Professional Clubs
Davi - NYCFC - High IQ, physical, always played a year up, disciplined focused coachable, great decision maker on both sides of the ball. Technically improved a lot with us. Consistent performer on the field and a leader as well.
Santi - NYCFC - A Lot of desire very athletic for his age. Very technical and with us he grew tactical awareness, discipline and focus.
Javier Gonzalez - NYRB - High IQ physical, disciplined focused coachable, great decision maker on both sides of the ball. Technically improved a lot with us. Always had a desire to play and get better everyday.
Met Oval Places More Players in USSF U.S. Youth National Team Training Centers and National Camps Than Any Other non-professional Club in the Region.
Cameron - Haiti u17 - He is a really quick, dynamic and unpredictably creative. His 1v1 ability is very high. We helped improve him tactically at Met Oval
Piero Elias - Center mid Peru u17 - Physically strong and powerful. Great range of passing defensively dominant, tenacious and tough to dispossess.
Bella Sember - USWNT u17 - She is technically gifted! Been at the club a long time. Exemplifies a lot of the values of the club. Desire to be the best player on the pitch.. Plays without fear. Tactically smart. Great vision , has a really good final ball and can finish with both feet.
Club Advancement
Here at Metropolitan Oval the “youth center of excellence” we always look for different avenues to improve as a club in all aspects of soccer. With our main focus on the individual development of players, we want to provide an elite environment for our athletes and opponents. Our VR cognitive training system immerses our athletes into real game like situations. This enables us to provide our players with really specific information, on decision making in certain areas of the pitch. Expansion plans are underway at our historic facility to include an indoor gym. This investment will aid in our players strength development and injury prevention, along with a focus on nutrition and healthy eating. At the “youth center of excellence” we prepare each player to be the best version of themselves while at the oval.
Skyline View at Met Oval