There’s Something in the Water at Met Oval as We Finish the Season with Several of the Region and Country’s Top Goal Scorers

As the seasons for our Development Academy teams come to a close several of our players have reached some prolific individual accolades in the goal scoring department.

 

Starting with the 04 DA, Massimo Murania finished the season with 22 goals, which tied him for the most in the country. However, Massi’s superior goal differential places him at the top of the list for the most goals for the 04’s (U15’s) in the entire nation!

 

On the 02 DA (U17) team, Balthazar Saunders has amassed 21 goals over the course of the campaign as the team’s primary number 9. This ranks Balthi as the second highest scorer in the region and the fourth in the nation.

 

For the 05 DA (U14) team our count is unofficial but we have done our research and it looks as if Carlo Brown has scored more goals in his age group than anyone in the region and perhaps the country with a total of 30.

 

Cyrus Klinenberg led the 06 DA (U13) team with 14 goals. He proved to be a threat on free kicks as well as from open play and was featured on the DA Top Plays.

 

All four players have had tremendous seasons and we look forward to their return next year.

Met Oval Relaunches Girls Program

Met Oval could not be more excited to announce that we are migrating our Youth Center Of Excellence structure and methodologies to include girls! Met Oval is dedicated to developing New York's elite level soccer talent by offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment.

Met Oval already develops the most talent in the region and now we will add to that by including girls in our program. Our “Professional Pathway” will help these girls to play professionally and in college.

 

The girls program will relaunch at Met Oval East for the 2019/20 season with girls born 2007-2011.

 

The Head Coach of the 2007 Girls team will be Michael Filippi. The team will train in Hicksville, New York, alongside the boys teams and play their games at Metropolitan Oval field in Maspeth.

 

“We’re very excited to be able to finally bring a girls program to Met Oval,” says Met Oval East Director Yannick Salmon. “It has been a goal of ours for years but we feel that now is the right moment. As our program continues to grow out East, we look forward to spreading our club values and philosophy to aspiring players all over Long Island.”

Met Oval's Carlyle Smart commits for Division One school George Washington University

Congrats to Met Oval’s Carlyle Smart of the U19 NPL team who has committed to George Washington University! Carlyle took some time to answer a few questions about his decision and Met Oval.

Why did you pick George Washington University?

I picked George Washington because they have a strong soccer program with many international players, and players from MLS academies. Yet at the same time they are great academically. Also, after speaking to the coaches I will have a big role next season within the team.

What is your primary position?

Left Wing


How long have you been at Met Oval?

Two Years

Is there anybody that you would like to thank?

I would like to thank Filippo for bringing me into the club and recognizing my potential, and making me feel welcome and important when I first arrived. He’s the one who gave me my first opportunity at Met Oval

I would like to thank Mark, he was my first coach when I came to Met Oval he really helped develop me as a player, I felt like I grew a lot under him and improved many aspects of my game, and I feel that he used my set of skills very well within the team and we accomplished a lot with the team that year, it will be a season I’ll never forget.

Also Coach Juan he has helped me this year, really polishing my game especially with the decision making aspect, I have improved a lot under him and have become a more efficient player.

Lastly Coach Steve he helped a lot reaching out for teams and giving me advice about the college process, and as you can see now I’m committed to GW so clearly he’s done a good job in a short period of time.

How has Met Oval helped your development?

Met Oval has helped develop me a lot as a player and as a person. I have become a stronger, smarter, more technical player during my time here. I believe in their philosophy and how they teach kids the “right” way to play football. Every practice is intense and we make each other better. I wouldn’t be the player or person I am today without this club.

USSF DA Tryouts at Met Oval - For Current DA Players

Met Oval is having tryouts for current players of other USSF DA’s that are interested in Met Oval. Per USSF rules, these tryouts must take place after the DA regular season.

Current USSF DA Players Only

Wednesday June 26

Thursday June 27th

@ Met Oval 

2007, 2006, 2005

5:30 registration 
6-7:30 tryout

2004, 2003, 2002/1

7pm registration
7:30-9 tryout

Please email clare.metoval@gmail.com to register with the following information:

NAME

DATE OF BIRTH

EMAIL

CURRENT CLUB

TELEPHONE NUMBER

MET OVAL ACADEMY FULL DAY GOALIE CAMP - GK COACH SEBASTIANO MANA (italian_goalkeeping)

When: July 1st – 3rd

Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (early drop off at 9 AM and late pick up at 5 PM available on request)

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 10 (2009 born) and 17 (2002 born)

What: The camp will be focused on ball attack, getting up techniques, position recovery, coordination, explosive strength.

Fees: $75 per day – $200 all days. Cash payment on site

Registration deadline: June 28th. To register write to sebastiano.metoval@gmail.com


Daily program structure

9:30 to 10          Arrival at Met Oval Field

10 to 10:30          Warm up

10:30 to 12    Morning session      

12 to 1:30            Lunch break

1:30 to 2:30 Video

2:30 to 3          Warm up

3 to 4:30          Afternoon session

4:30 to 5 Dismissal

 

Technical program

Monday: ball attack - how to make your body bigger and the goal smaller. Courage, timeliness and reactivity.

Tuesday: getting up techniques – pros and cons of European and South American style.

Wednesday: position recovery – follow up of the getting up techniques, from theory to practice.


A couple reminders on what to bring:

  • Players should wear long sleeves and long pants;

  • At least two t-shirts;

  • Bring a water container;

  • Packed lunch;

  • Snack;

  • Suntan lotion;

  • Printed medical information that the coaches may need (allergies, etc...);

  • Some money for ice cream.


Met Oval Launches New "Mind Gym"

Met Oval has debuted its new “Mind Gym,” a virtual reality based cognition training system by Beyond Sports. It is the first installation of its kind in the country. Click here for video.

The Beyond Sports system takes tracking data from real professional games and renders it as immersive virtual environments where players can experience the action from any tactical vantage point including the first person point of view of every player. The Beyond Sports system is currently being used by national teams including the World Cup holders Germany and Holland as well as elite professional clubs from around the world including Arsenal, Ajax, PSV, AZ Alkmaar and many others.

Met Oval players will discuss strategies and tactics with coaches in a custom curriculum designed to engage and accelerate a player’s cognitive development and apply their knowledge directly onto the field of play.

The “Mind Gym” at Met Oval… Now Open.

2018 Met Oval Tryouts

Programs in Queens, Long Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan

Tryouts for USSF Development Academy, NYCFC ADL, Pre-Academy and NYCSL teams

Players must pre- register online at http://www.metropolitanoval.org/tryouts/

 

Queens and Manhattan (Randall’s Island) based programs

Tryout Location: Met Oval, 60-58 60th St, Maspeth, NY 11378

Players born 2011 through 2001

April 30th, May 14th, June 4th

4:30 - 6pm -  players born 2011 – 2008

6:00 -7:30pm - players born 2007 – 2004

7:30 - 9pm - players born 2003 -2001

June 18th /19th /20th /21st *

4:30 – 6pm -  players born 2011 - 2008

6:00 -7:30pm - players born 2007 - 2004

7:30 – 9pm - players born 2003 -2001

*Current USSF Development Academy players should attend tryouts only after their season is finished

 

Long Island based programs

Players born 2011 through 2007

April 23rd and April 30th

Location: Elite Sports Factory, 5600 Old Sunrise Highway Massapequa, NY 11578

-       5:30 - 6:30 players born 2011/2010/2009

-       6:30 - 7:30 - players born 2008

-       7:30 – 8:30 – players born in 2007

April 27th and May 4th

Location: Holy Trinity High School, 98 Cherry lane, Hicksville, NY 11801

-       5:45 - 7:00 player born 2011/2010/2009

-       6:45 - 8:00 - players born 2008 and 2007

Players born 2006 through 2002

May 7th, May 21st, and June 4th

Tryout Location: Wantagh Park, 1 King Rd, Wantagh, NY 11793

-       6:00 - 7:30pm players born 2006 - 2004

-       7:30 - 9:00pm - players born 2003-2002

 

Brooklyn Based Program

Tryout Location: Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park

Players born 2011 through 2007

May 25th and June 1st

5 - 6pm – players born 2011 - 2009

6 - 7pm – players born 2008 - 2007

 

 

Met Oval 01's Advance to the NPL National Final Game vs the San Jose Earthquake

 

The Met Oval 2001 team has advanced to the NPL National Championship game to be played at the Grand Sports Park in Indianapolis, Indiana on Monday July 17th at 11am.  http://nationalpremierleagues.com/npl-finals

The Met Oval 01 team coached by Mark Van Lith is currently on a nine (9) game wining streak having won all of their playoff games including the NEPAL final against the Philadelphia Union securing their NEPAL Pre Academy title and booking their place in the NPL finals. The team has only lost twice out of sixteen games in 2017.

This week at the NPL national finals they have impressed with three straight group stage victories and a 4-0 win today in Semi-Finals.  They will play the San Jose Earthquake in the National Final on July 17th at 11am.

Go Met Oval!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

wwww.metropolitanoval.org
 

Met Oval Solidifies Role as Elite Talent Development Academy

Met Oval Solidifies Role as Elite Talent Development Academy

The fall season has further established Met Oval and its Youth Center of Excellence as the regions leading elite talent development environment.  With the addition of higher licensed coaches, the expansion of the USSF academy status and a growth in Met Oval’s affiliate program, the elite development environment has been strengthened and significant progress has been seen both on the individual and team levels.
 
Player News

USSF Youth National Team Call ups

Met Oval current and former players have impressed at the national level this Fall.  In the first National Camp for the YNT U14 group, Met Oval player Jobany Garcia was invited for the week long camp at the US Soccer Training Center in Los Angeles.  Jobany was one of only 3 players from our region invited. Pictured above second left back row.   (Congrats also in order for Jack Mcglynn and Ryan Kipness)

http://www.ussoccerda.com/161114-peay-names-48-player-u14-bnt-roster-for-november-training-camp

In addition, congrats go out to former Met Oval players who have been called into Youth National Camps this past year.  Veljko Petrovic, Balthazar Saunders, Justin Haak and Aziel Jackson.
 
MLS academy selections

This year, seven additional Met Oval players were selected to join the NYCFC academy. These on top of the five Met Oval players selected in the 2015 cycle further demonstrate the elite development acumen that lies at the core of Met Oval’s philosophy and Met Oval’s important role in NYCFC’s affiliate program.  Currently 12 Met Oval players have been selected for NYCFC’s academy which equates to approximately 33% of the NYCFC academy roster.  In addition congrats go out to former Met Oval players Balthazar Saunders and Jose Flores who lead the NYCFC U14 and U16 academy teams in goals this fall with 11 each.
 
2016 NYCFC Academy player selections:

2002 born players  Manny Smalios, Pierro Elias, Omar Torres, Peter Dres and Niko Kapandaze, 2001 born player Victor Souza, and 2000 born player Jose Flores.
 
Team news

Met Oval’s Academy teams concluded a productive Fall with a tough slate of games against the NY Red Bulls and BW Gotchee. Met Oval academy teams went undefeated in our 4 game stand versus Gotchee on the weekend of November 12/13th.  The U12 group played one of their most complete performances of the year winning the two games 4-1 and 7-0.  The U13 and U14 group both tied 1-1 in competitive matches that highlighted our possession oriented style of play. On November 19th, Met Oval hosted the NY Red Bulls academy for a slate of games on a mild fall day.  The U12 group split games with the red bulls wining and losing 3-1 while the U13 and U14 lost games that eventually got away from them in the 2nd half to a strong Red Bull’s group.

In other league play, the Met Oval 05, 06, 07 and 08 groups have shown strong performances over the fall implementing the individual technique and style of play worked on though out the weekly training sessions.  The Met Oval curriculum is rooted in its approach to individual technical development in the Phase 1 development cycle and slowly injecting game cognition at the Phase 2 cycle.

Met Oval’s older teams continued their progression acclimating to new leagues and competition. The 03 and 04 EDP groups as well as the 2001 Pre Academy competed all Fall while the 2000 group will star their season shortly after winning their first State Cup game and going 4-1 at the Super Y championships in Florida.

Met Oval’s U18 won their 3rd consecutive National Championship at the IMG complex in Florida this month.  Ivo Mohorovic’s men won the title at the Super Y Finals winning all games in the 5 day competition. Congrats on a very successful few years.
 
Club Updates

Met Oval has expanded its use of video analysis technology through affiliations with FieldVision and Hud’l.  Investing in a full time analyst and related technology has allowed coaching staff to further expand players cognitive development.  Academy players will continue to have weekly video review session with analysis of principles of play.
 
Met Oval’s U12 academy group have been invited to train at the Ajax Academy in April.  The 10 day trip will see the group train at Ajax’s De Tokemost, play friendlies against Ajax Academy and other Dutch teams and compete in the Force Cup against academy teams from the leading professional clubs in Europe. Please help them fund raise via  the donation link below and forwarding to your friends and family.

Remember all donations are tax deductible so now is the time to donate!
https://www.generosity.com/sports-fundraising/met-oval-u12-academy-team-trip-to-ajax
 
During the summer of 2017, a Met Oval 06/05 and 03/04 team have been invited to the inaugural Southampton Cup in the UK to play against Europe's finest academies including RSC Anderlecht, Dinamo Zagreb, Real Club Deportivo La Coruna and Southampton.

Affiliations

Met Oval’s affiliate network has grown stronger in the past year as we welcomed additional clubs as partners in the elite youth development pathway.  With affiliate clubs in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island more youth now have an opportunity to develop to their full potential while best practices are shared across coaching staff.  
 
Coaches

Met Oval is delighted to welcome Mark Van Lith to our coaching staff.  Mark was a former coach at the Ajax Academy in the Netherlands and will assume the role of Asst Director of Coaching and the U13 USSF academy coach.  Mark holds a UEFA B license and is in the midst of attaining his USSF B license.

Met Oval also welcomes James Francis and Eduardo Cruz who joined the staff this Fall.  James is a UEFA B licensed coach from the UK who also manages our analytics department. Eduardo is a USSF B licensed coach who has coached through out the senior and youth ranks in his native Colombia as well as here in the USA for many years.

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season from all of us at the Met Oval !!

For more info visit www.metropolitanoval.org

The Metropolitan Oval Foundation is a 501(3) Not for Profit dedicated to developing the regions elite players while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play in a committed environment.  Met Oval is a USSF Development Academy member, a Nike Premier club and a NYCFC affiliate club and the only youth club in New York City to own its own field and related facilities.

Ballon d'or Winner Gianni Rivera Visits Met Oval

Met Oval was honored to have the former Italian star,  Gianni Rivera, one of the best soccer athletes of his time, visit Met Oval last week.

In the course of nineteen professional seasons Rivera, a midfielder-playmaker, played in the Italian Serie A with single allegiance to AC Milan. During that time he secured for his team:

4 scudetti (league titles)

2 UEFA Cups (1967-1968, 1972-1973)

2 Champion League Cups (formerly Champions Cup) (1962-1963, 1968-1969) 

1 International Cup (1969)

Rivera has also played 63 games with the Italian National team and scored 15 goals, including the seventh winning goal in the iconic semifinal Italy-Germany (4-3) which allowed Italy to enter the final game against Brasil in the 1970 World Cup. The year before he was voted Ballon d'Or winner, a title that had narrowly escaped him in 1963, when he was a runner up.

After retiring, Gianni Rivera had a successful run as a politician. He served first in the Italian Parliament, then in the European Parliament. He remained in touch with the Italian soccer world, and in 2013 he was appointed President of the Technical Sector of the Italian Soccer Federation.

It was a great privilege to have him come visit Met Oval and oversee a night of our training.

Met Oval U12 Academy Top NY Red Bulls

Met Oval U12 Academy Top NY Red Bulls

The Met Oval U12 Academy teams traveled to NJ to face MLS side NY Red Bulls in USSF Development academy play in the highly anticipated matches.

In the first game, Met Oval' U12 had to adjust to the high pressing style of the Red Bulls and subsequently went down 0-2 in the first half.  After some tactical changes by Coach Filippo Giovagnoli, the 2nd half was a a different affair as the players came out with a new focus.  Goals by Alex Apielwiez, Jacob Thomas and Ambrogio Musso sealed the victory as the Met Oval dominated possession throughout the 2nd half.  Final 3-2.

In the second game, The Red Bulls again jumped out to a lead scoring three first half goals and leading at half time 3-1 with Kaden Davidson notching the goal.   Again Met Oval mounted a strong second half performance with goals by Marco Derlly and Kiequon Aaron to come back for a 3-3 tie.

This weekend Met Oval teams suit up for Columbus Day Tournaments and the NYCFC affiliate festival.

Met Oval U14's win agianst New York City FC in USSF Development Academy Play

 

In another sign of the continued strength of Met Oval 's Youth Center of Excellence, our U14 USSF Development Academy team topped our MLS affiliate partner New York City FC's U14 team by a score of 2-1 in a closely contested match Sunday at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. Johns University.

Although five Met Oval U14 players were selected to join NYC FC this past summer (the most of any club), Met Oval's current U14 team was poised to show their talent and grit in what turned out to be a physical and tactical encounter.  NYC FC had the better of the first 15 min with a number of shots by Balthazar Saunders ( ex Met Oval) saved or blocked. Met Oval's Jasson Garay tormented the defense using his speed to exploit many 1v1'sfrom the wide left position and saw his most dangerous effort parryed wide by NYCFC goal keeper Manny Smalios ( ex Met Oval).   The ensuing corner landed in the mixer and Met Oval's Jobany Garcia slotted it home for the lead. 1-0.


NYC FC's Balthazar Saunders offered a reply pouncing on a square ball through the back line, beat two players and the keeper to slot home the equalizer. 1-1. Met Oval's Jasson Garay again broke through the NYCFC back line on a through ball from Marco Cottone arriving to a 1v1 with GK Manny Smalios who took down Jasson and was issued a red card.  On the ensuing free kick from 30 yards out, Met Oval's Santi Campos found the top left corner in what may be a goal of the season contender. 2-1 Met Oval.

The 2nd half was defensive oriented for Met Oval as they dropped in the midfield to control the tempo of the game, relinquishing more of the possession in favor of counter attacking opportunities.  The game finished 2-1 for Met Oval handing NYC FC its first loss of the season. Met Oval's back line including Gk Juan Cruz had a strong performance and boasted three U13 players playing with the U14 team. It was a reunion of sorts with so many current or former Met Oval players on the field and in the stands.

In other weekend action, The Met Oval U15 Pre Academy team came from behind to beat Beachside 3-2 in NEPAL play. Two goals from Jordan May plus a goal from Charlie Welch powered the team to a 1-1-1 record on the season so far.

The Met Oval USSF Development Academy teams hosted World Class on Satruday.  The U14 won 1-0 on a penalty by Jack Wagner.  The U13 lost 3-2 on disjointed game with four goals from set pieces. The U12 Academy teams were both victories 5-3 and 3-1 in a positive display of technical capabilities.

The 04 EDP team split their weekend games loosing away at CT Rush and then rebounding to top Manhattan Soccer Club at Randall's Island 3-1.  The 03 EDP team lost to MatchFit away while the 06 and 07 Met Oval East teams were victories over DUSC.

Other News:

Met Oval Brooklyn player Merce Keller won theNYC FC "Once in a Lifetime" video contest.  Check it out here https://t.co/OSLqYPjtkZ

Both NYC FC's U14 and U16 leading scorers are former Met Oval Players.  U14 player Balthazar Saunders has netted 5 goals in 5 games this season while U16 player Jose Flores has scored 4 goals in 4 games.

Follow us on Twitter @Met_Oval and Instagram @metovalacademy

www.metropolitanoval.org

About US

The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing the highest-quality soccer talent in New York City while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment through specialized training, team play, camps and clinics.

The Met Oval's soccer facility 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 the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities through its Youth Center of Excellence. Met Oval is the leading elite talent developer in the region with our professional pathway which builds players for USSF Youth National team participation, Int'l and MLS academies, and collegiate careers.

Academy Season Kicks off on 9/11 Weekend with Hero's Salute

Met Oval's season got off to a positive start this weekend with most teams in competition.  The U13 and U14 USSF academy teams visited NJCSA on Saturday.  After a sluggish start, the U13s dominated possession and were technically and tactically solid in a 4-0 win.  Striker Markus Anderson had a brace as did the central midfielder Steffen Nikolic in what turned into a attacking minded second half.

The U14 USSF Academy team played a spirited game against a much bigger NJCSA team who fielded mostly 2002 players.  Met Oval with a third of their team playing up an age (2003),  recovered from going behind 0-1 on a penalty call.  Abdul Seck tied it up in the 70th minute and Met Oval nearly stole the winner in the final minutes.  The game ended in a 1-1 tie.

The 03 EDP team had a strong start playing well against a good Athletico team and ended up losing 1-2. The 04 EDP team traveled to Shoreline in CT where they managed a 1-1 draw.

On Sunday 9/11, the action shifted to a home stand at Met Oval's Youth Center of Excellence where the club hosted NYSC inNew York City FC Affiliate Development League games.  Prior to each match there was a moment of silence to remember all the Heros associated with the tragic events of 9/11.  Never forget.

There where seven games lasting throughout the day from 2008s though 2005s which highlighted the the technical and athletic abilities from players from both clubs.  

 

 

 

On Sunday

 

Met Oval Players Called up for USSF Youth National Team Camps

Many current and former Met Oval players have recently been called into USSF National Team camps across the USA.  So far this year four players with roots at Met Oval have competed to represent the USA on Youth National Teams.   Met Oval's Youth Center of Excellence focuses on developing elite level talent for the US national teams, professional academies and collegiate careers. Met Oval offers a professional pathway through its affiliation with New York City FC.

Veljko Petkovic (currently at NYCFC) attended the U16 national camp in California this spring and was selected to represent the U16 team at an international tournament.  This was Veljko's second national team camp previously attending one in the Fall of 2014 while at Met Oval. 

Balthazar Saunders (currently at NYCFC) was selected to attend the U15 National camp this month in Portland, his first call up.

Bella Semper was selected for the U14 girls national team camp this summer her second call up. Bella plays within the boys program at Met Oval.

Angela Aguero (currently at World Class) was selected for the U15 girls national team camp this summer and played for years within the Met Oval boys program.

In addition, Justin Haak ( currently at NYCFC) was selected to attend the Generation Adidas ESP event in San Jose last month which highlights talented U15 players.  Justin played at Met Oval for a number of years until moving to NYCFC via our professional pathway partnership with NYCFC.

Over 10 former or current Met Oval players have been called into USSF National Team Camps in the past 2 years demonstrating the elite development environment at hand at Met Oval's Youth Center of Excellence in Queens.

About:

Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing the highest-quality soccer talent in New York City while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment through specialized training, team play, camps and clinics. The Met Oval's soccer facility 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 the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities.

 

 

 

Met Oval Beats Red Bulls in League Play

Met Oval's U13 and U12 teams both played at Red Bulls this past weekend in what has become a heated local derby.  

The Met Oval U13 triumphed over the Red Bulls 2-1 on Sunday and clinched 2nd place in the Pre Academy league behind the Philadelphia Union with a record of 18-2-2 for the season.  The Red Bulls tallied first early in the game after a deflection off goal keeper Manny Smalios.  The lead did not last long as Santiago Campos found a streaking Niko Kapandaze who slotted home the equalizer to make it 1-1. Red Bulls had additional chances but could not finish as the half ended 1-1.   The second half was all Met Oval as the group showed their determination as they controlled the midfield and back line and created numerous chances through a number of high paced counter attacks.  Midway through the second half, it was deja vu as Santiago Campos again found Niko Kapandaze with a beautiful weighted through ball and Niko side stepped the keeper and slotted home for his second of the game and put Met Oval in the lead for good. Goal Keeper Ethan Wood ensured victory with a series of exceptional saves to close the game out.  The entire team showed why they are ranked in the top 5 nationally with a technical and gritty performance against a strong and highly skilled Red Bulls group.

On Saturday, the Met Oval U12 's traveled to Red Bulls for a pre-academy league game.  On a hot and humid day, the first half saw the Red Bulls control the pace and possession but they were unable to score. The second half was the reverse as Met Oval controlled the ball and created five clear chances which they could not convert.  The game finished 0-0in the return game of one earlier in the spring where Met Oval won 3-2 at Met Oval.

Met Oval U13's host Gotchee on Sunday June 12th at 12noon in the first round of the U13 Pre Academy playoffs as Met Oval finished 2nd and Gotchee finished 7th in the league table.

Tryouts will continue for all age groups on Monday June 6th and Monday June 13th.  www.metropolitanoval.org/tryouts

 

 

METROPOLITAN OVAL PARTNERS WITH THE MANHATTAN KICKERS FOOTBALL CLUB

Metropolitan Oval has entered into an affiliate partnership agreement with Manhattan Kickers Football Club which will see the two clubs build a best-in-class approach to youth soccer player development in the New York City region through a number of joint programs, shared knowledge and a more coordinated approach to player integration across all levels of youth soccer.  

The partnership will provide a comprehensive, European-styled youth player development program for ages 3 -18 and will be anchored around Metropolitan Oval’s Youth Center of Excellence, New York City’s only club-owned soccer facility.  Players of the two clubs will have unrivaled access to top coaches and have the opportunity to play at the highest levels of competition in the New York City region throughout each stage of their development.  Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy Club, a New York City FC Affiliate Partner and a Nike Premier Club.  This partnership aims to provide a better defined pathway to the US Youth National Teams, professional academies both domestically and internationally, as well as collegiate careers.

“Manhattan Kickers FC has demonstrated as a club that it is one of the top development academies in the region for players aged 6-12.  The club focuses on individual technical skill sets which is parallel to Met Oval's philosophy and will further strengthen the environment in which players develop their technical, cognitive and tactical attributes” said Metropolitan Oval’s Director of Coaching, Filippo Giovagnoli.

Accomplished youth players from all five boroughs will have the opportunity to train in programs based in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.  Both clubs have built highly successful programs based on possession-oriented soccer that focuses on individual development over team results.

“MKFC is pleased to partner with Met Oval with the goal of strengthening the youth soccer environment in New York City. With the partnership, we hope to help build on what Met Oval has already accomplished and also to improve the overall experience of MKFC youth players, by offering a continuous pathway where they can be guided by top-level professional coaches. Both organizations are working towards the same goal, so this partnership is just an initial phase of what we hope to be the continued mission of providing the best possible soccer environment for New York City youth soccer players.” Evan Rosenthal, President, Manhattan Kickers FC

Players are eligible to participate in the USSF Development Academy, the NEPAL Pre-Academy and New York City FC Affiliate Development League.  

For information on Tryouts please visit www.metropolitanoval.org/tryouts

About Met Oval

The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing the highest-quality soccer talent in New York City while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment through specialized training, team play, camps and clinics.

The Met Oval's soccer facility 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 the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities through its Youth center of Excellence.  Met Oval has produced Professional, Collegiate and Youth National Team players.

www.metropolitanoval.org

About Manhattan Kickers

Manhattan Kickers Football Club (MKFC) is a non-profit youth soccer school in New York City serving players ages 4 to 12. The club believes foremost in the development of individual skill and game intelligence, and the coaches strive to instill a passion and respect for the game in the players, along with the right attitude to succeed. MKFC values these characteristics over wins and losses, as they are ultimately what form the foundation for the highest level of soccer player and citizen.

The club’s curriculum is modeled after professional European and South American Academies, and focuses intensely on developing the technical ability and game intelligence of the players. The club believes it is at these young ages where the fundamentals are learned which will enable a player to have future success. With over a decade of experience, MKFC’s special focus on the early years is unique because in the United States those crucial ages are largely neglected or left to inexperienced parent-coaches, new coaches with little experience, or recreational teams. MKFC’s exclusive focus on those ages has allowed the club to create a specialized program catered to the needs of players at that stage of development.

In just over ten years, MKFC players have reached the highest levels of soccer – professional contracts in the MLS and abroad, places in professional European and American youth academies, the United States National Program, as well as earning college scholarships and spots on top youth clubs in the area.

http://www.manhattankickersfc.com

Five Met Oval Academy Players Train at Manchester City's Academy

Five Met Oval Academy players were selected to train at Manchester City's Academy as part of the New York City FCselect program.  The players spent nine days in Manchester training at Manchester's Ethiad Campus, playing friendlies against Man City and other EPL youth academy teams and attending a Man City EPL game as well as the Semi-Finals of the Champions League.

" The facilities, the training and the entire experience was amazing. I got to meet professional players and understand what it takes to reach my dream of being a professional player" said Met Oval player Alejandro Suarez.

These types of experiences add to the development of young players from the New York region both on and off the field. 

Met Oval is USSF Development Academy Club and an affiliate partner of New York City FC which is owned by Manchester City.  Met Oval runs a Youth Center of Excellence based out of New York's only club owned soccer facility.

For more info, or to register for tryouts or summer camps:  http://www.metropolitanoval.org

Met Oval beats local rivals NY Red Bulls and Albertson in local derby play

In a busy derby weekend for Met Oval teams, The U12's dominated possession in a 3-2 win over the NY Red Bulls in Pre Academy action. This was the Red Bulls first loss of the season. Met Oval controlled the first half exploiting much of the space give by the Red Bulls. Stefan Nikolic notched a brace while the winner came from Alex Bal after a beautiful ten pass combination.  The U12s sit at the top of the U12 Pre academy standings.
 

In U13 action, Met Oval continued its progression toward the playoffs and national championship with a 1-0 win over local club Albertson.  The winner came in the second half after a multi-pass play out of the back and a through ball found Abdul Seck who did not hesitate to finish a beautiful upper 90 shot. Met Oval's solid defense prevailed as Albertson only manged one shot on target during the entire game.  With the victory, the U13's climb to #5 in the national ranking with a 13-1-2 record and a share the Pre Academy U13 top spot with the Philadelphia Union.
 

In other action, the U11 pre academy group played Gotchee in a fierce local battle.  The Met Oval U11 Blue lost in the final minute (2-3) while the U11 White beat Gotcheee 6-2.
 

The U14s Academy lost to the Philadelphia Union after hanging tough in the 1st half.  The U15/16s split their weekend games in a EDP college showcase.  The younger age groups played in the local NYCFC league and the NYCSL.