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).
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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 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.
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.
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.
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
Metropolitan Oval East expands its Long Island Programs and names Yannick Salmon as Director
Metropolitan Oval, a USSF Development Academy club and New York’s top developer of youth soccer talent, is expanding its Met Oval East program in Long Island. Increased demand for a proven curriculum, the highest level coaching and a professional pathway in Long Island has led Met Oval to grow its elite talent programs to additional players in Suffolk and Nassau counties.
A USSF development Academy club with teams from for elite youth players ranging from age 8-18, Metropolitan Oval is a NYCFC affiliate club and a Nike Premier club. In the past 3 years alone, the Oval has seen over 30 of its players signed into professional academies both domestically and internationally. Over 20 of these players have been signed into the NYCFC Academy program at varying ages while two former Met Oval players made their 1st team debuts for NYCFC this preseason further solidifying the Oval’s proven professional pathway.
Met Oval has named current academy and performance coach Yannick Salmon as Director of its expanded Met Oval East operations.
Salmon has a deep connection with Long Island, hailing from Westbury and has been working as a coach and performance trainer at Met Oval for the past 3 years. He was the former “Nassau County Player of the Year” and had a standout career in Division 1 (Maryland, Rutgers) before playing overseas.
The expanded USSF Development academy, pre-academy and NYCSL programs at Met Oval East will be offered to players born from 2011 through 2002. These programs provide a direct pathway to New York City FC of Major League Soccer and high level collegiate programs.
The primary headquarters for Met Oval East will be the Elite Sports Factory in Massapequa, Long Island in addition to outdoor fields located in Hicksville and Massepequa. The all-weather, indoor facility offers a unique opportunity for year round soccer training for all its players.
Tryouts for Met Oval East in Long Island:
Players born 2011 through 2007
Date : Monday April 23rd and April 30th
Location: Elite Sports Academy 5600 Old Sunrise Highway Massapequa, NY 11578
- 5:30 - 6:30 player born 2011/2010/2009
- 6:30 - 7:30 - players born 2008
- 7:30 – 8:30 – players born in 2007
Date : Friday 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
Tryouts for programs in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan will be announced on April 21st. Please check the website for additional details at that time. www.metropolitanoval.org
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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.
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.
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!)
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/
Metropolitan Oval’s Track Record of Development Tops the Region
The mission of Met Oval of being the leading academy in the region in terms of player development has been on full display for many years as it continues to push out players to Major League Soccer academies and professional clubs. Our affiliation with the New York City Football Club is at the forefront of this mission.
From the age groups with birth years of 2000-2007 our “Youth Center of Excellence” has now placed 20 players with NYCFC in the last three years alone. This pipeline has been essential for the growth of these NYCFC teams as our players constitute a strong Met Oval contingency and bring what they have learned at Met Oval to their new club.
Many of these players have gone on to become regulars at NYCFC. Some of these regulars include Justin Haak and Velko Petkovic (2001’s) who both play on the NYCFC U18/19 squad.
The NYCFC U16/17’s has no fewer than six former Met Oval players. They are Sal Rasizzi and Filip Mirkovic (2001’s), along with Nicholas Kapanadze, Omar Torres, Manoli Smalios, and Ethan Wood (2002).
Alejandro Suarez, Jobani Garcia, and Lucas Jaramillo (2003’s) are currently members of the NYCFC U15 team.
The NYCFC U14 regulars consist of three former Met Oval players, all 2004’s. They are Justin Kern, Gabriel Birnbaum Duchovny, and Jacob Thomas.
Keanu Stingome and Diego Rossi (2005’s) both play on the NYCFC U13 team while Ryan Duarte (2007) is a regular for the NYCFC U12’s.
There are also several former Met Oval players currently with the New York Red Bulls. These include Balthazar Saunders (formerly of NYCFC in addition to Met Oval), Bryan Toxtle, and Ezra Widman.
Met Oval also has some former players currently at clubs overseas. They include Aziel Jackson (Toulouse), Vincent Oprea (Watford), and Carlyle Smart (Rosenborg).
Lucas Arzan has one international cap for Puerto Rico and Cameron Blase who has been a member of Haiti’s U17 program.
The most recent player to leave Met Oval for NYCFC is the aforementioned Filip Mirkovic. Filip came to Met Oval two years ago as a 2001. He came in as an attacking midfielder, however the coaches at Met Oval in conjunction with him decided that the best path for him in player development was to switch positions to more of a defensive midfielder, commonly referred to as a number 6. Now he grown into one of the best players at that position in the region and has made the switch to NYCFC.
Filip is a good example of a player coming to Met Oval at a more advanced age (by academy and youth soccer standards) and being able to develop into an elite player.
“Met Oval developed me not only as a player but a person as well.
Without Met Oval, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.” – Filip Mirkovic
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!
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Met Oval 01's Head to Nationals, Sport Tech @ The Oval, National Team Call ups and Professional Pathways
Met Oval and its Youth Center off Excellence thrived this year promoting a technical and cognitive based curriculum that accelerated development of the players in the club. Many milestones were met including, the addition of UEFA Pro / A and USSF B licensed coaches, expansion of our player pathways, implementing use of sports technology and strong team results.
Met Oval 01's Head to Nationals
The Met Oval’s 2001 team had a stellar year competing in the NEPAL Pre Academy league, attaining a Playoff spot and going on to win three straight road playoffs games culminating in a 3-2 victory over Philly Union that propelled them in the NPL National Finals in Indiana.
Oval Teams Thrive
Met Oval’s USSF academy teams continued their strong showing through the spring with a series of noteworthy performances. U14’s drew with Philly Union, U12’s beat the Red Bulls and U13’s going undefeated against NY academy teams. More importantly the accelerated development ofplayers is in full view as the technical and cognitive training was evident in game play.
Met Oval’s younger groups thrived in the NYCFC and Pre Academy academy leagues proving that early foundational development is key to building an elite player. Our satellite programs in Long Island as well as Brooklyn have facilitated a broader base of talent and elite player potential.
Leader in Sports Technology
Met Oval invests in sports technology systems that no other academy clubs of the region utilize. Met Oval has partnered with FieldVision to install the first operator less camera system at our Youth Center of Excellence. The permanently installed system allows for the club to film all training and game events at the oval without need for a camera operator. The footage is automatically uploaded to the cloud and accessible by the coaches and players for review. This allows coaches to better the developmental environment while allowing kids the chance to experience a professional game film environment. This spring, academy teams had video review once a week and this will expand to all teams in the club as well as the addition of live streamed games. In conjunction to the FieldVision system, Met Oval has been using ChyronHego’s PAINT application for analytics and education of related to film tape. This professionalgrade application is used by hundred of professional clubs and broadcasters world wide to provide more insight from footage.
Professional Pathways
Met Oval continues to be a leader in player development placing the highest number of players in regional USSF talent ID centers and into the NYCFC academy program. Over the past 2 years, more then 20 Met Oval players have been selected for the NYCFC academy, more then double any other club. In USSF regional ID training events, Met Oval players represented on average of 35% of invited players. We had one current player called up to a Youth National team camp and over 10 former Met Oval players called in to USSF youth national team camps or trips this past year.
The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy and Nike Premier Club 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 years, Met Oval has placed more youth players in MLS and Int'l academies then any other club in the region.
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
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Strong Team Performances and National Team Call Up
Strong Performances by Teams Highlights Met Oval's Commitment to Elite Player Development at our Youth Center of Excellence
The Oval's U14 USSF academy team went undefeated in April with three hard fought tests in USSF Development Academy league play. The team tied the MLS's Philadelphia Union U14 team 2-2 in an exciting game that saw the Union tie it up in the dying seconds. The team followed this game with another gritty performance against the Cosmos which ended in a tie 0-0. Early in the month the team was victoriousagainst a tough Continental Delco sqaud.
The Oval's U13 USSF team continued their good form this spring beating the Cosmos 3-1 in a game played at Met Oval. Earlier in the month they beat Continental Delco and then lost to the Philadelphia Union.
The Oval's U15 Pre academy team has also put together a undefeated April run as they take aim at the NEPAL playoff and a bid for the NPL National Title. The team tied the Philadelphia Union 1-1, Beat local rival BW Gotchee 1-0 and tied FC Everton Westchester 1-1.
Met Oval 04's trained at the famed Ajax Academy while the 06 group participated in the Iber cup in Dallas
The Met Oval U12 USSF academy group headed to Holland for 10 days over Easter to train at the storied Ajax Academy. During the week they played friendlies against the Ajax Academy, Almere FC and AFC Amsterdam's U13 groups. During the final weekend they headed to Drunen, Hollandfor the Force Cup which assembled professional academy teams from throughout Europe in the 2004 age group. Playing 7 games over the weekend the group finished 8th and savored an experience to compete with the best teams and players of Europe.
The Met Oval 06 group headed to Dallas for the Iber Cup where the played domestic and Int'l teams including RSC Anderlecht and the Dallas Texans. Met Oval's performance analyst traveled with the group to provide daily video and performance review helping the group understand the work required on and off the field to develop to ones highest potential.
National Call up
Met Oval is proud of our 2001 player Kameron Blaise who was named to the Haitian U17 national team roster for the upcoming Concacaf U17Championships later this year. He joins a growing list of Met Oval players who have been called into youth national camps or Int'l competitions.
Summer Camps / Affiliations
Met Oval is proud to announce a new camp program with Venezia FC of Italy. The newly promoted Serie B club will run two camps in conjunction with Met Oval this summer in Queens and Long Island offering the top player in older age groups a trial at the Academy in Venice.
These complement the Ajax Academy, David Villa DV7 and Met Oval skills camps slated for this summer. See info and sign up below.
High performance Summer Camps for elite level players during the summer. Locations in Queens and Long Island with Internationally certified coaches.
Met Oval and Venezia FC Announce Training Relationship
Met Oval, Venezia FC Announce Training Relationship
Relationship includes joint camps in New York, training opportunities in Venice
NEW YORK and VENICE, Italy -- April 20, 2017 – Metropolitan Oval, the elite youth academy and U.S. Soccer Development Academy member based in Queens, New York, and Venezia FC, the historic professional club of Venice, Italy, today announced a relationship that will create unique training and development opportunities in both New York and Venice, beginning with Met al/Venezia FC joint camps to be held in New York this summer.
In July-August 2017, Venezia FC coaches will join Met Oval coaches in New York to hold two one-week camps, with the top players born in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 to earn opportunities to train with Venezia FC in Venice. The first camp will be held July 24-28 at Cedar Creek Park on Long Island and the second camp will be held July 31-August 4 at Met Oval in Queens.
Beyond joint camps, Venezia FC also plans to provide regular training and tryout opportunities for top Met Oval players and will aim to share best training practices.
In January 2017, Met Oval director of coaching Filippo Giovagnoli visited Centro Sportivo Taliercio, the training ground for Venezia FC's first team and all youth academy teams.
"It was clear that Venezia FC is focused on the technical and tactical development of young players and have built a pathway to becoming a professional that will benefit Met Oval players," said Giovagnoli. "The synergies between Met Oval's Youth Center of Excellence and Venezia FC's system will facilitate high level player development."
Venezia FC’s role in the affiliation with Met Oval will be managed by Paolo Poggi, director of international projects, and Ted Philipakos, CEO. In February 2017, Poggi and Philipakos visited Met Oval’s facility. Poggi is a former star player for Venezia FC and several other top Italian clubs, including Udinese, Torino, and Roma. Philipakos is a former player representative and a former sports marketing professor at New York University.
“When Filippo Giovagnoli visited us, we discovered that there was a good foundation for a collaboration between Met Oval and Venezia FC, because our fundamental approaches to training and development had important similarities,” said Poggi. “I’m excited to begin and to see growth in the players and the coaches.”
“As a native New Yorker, I’m very familiar with Met Oval’s tradition of player development, and I’m very pleased that this collaboration can further advance that tradition and create exciting opportunities for young players in the area,” said Philipakos.
The Metropolitan Oval is a U.S. Soccer Development Academy dedicated to developing New York's elite level soccer talent at its Youth Center of Excellence while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment. The Met Oval’s 'Professional Pathway' places players in youth national team programs, MLS and international academies, and collegiate programs. 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 a non-profit organization and the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities. Instagram @metovalacademy , Twitter at @Met_Oval and Facebook @ www.facebook.com/MetropolitanOval
Venezia FC is celebrating the 110th anniversary of the club's original founding in 1907. Venezia FC will compete in Italy's Serie B in the 2017/18 season, after achieving its second consecutive promotion since coming under American ownership led by Joe Tacopina. In recent months, Venezia FC's revitalization has been featured by BBC, Bleacher Report, ESPN, The Guardian, KICK, SportsBusiness Journal, Victory Journal, and more. Venezia FC can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/veneziafc, on Instagram at @veneziafc, and on Twitter at @VeneziaFC_EN.
TRYOUT DATES & LOCATIONS ANNOUNCED
Tryout Dates for Met Oval and Met Oval East
@ Met Oval ( 60-58 60th st, Maspeth, NY 11378)
Wednesdays from May 17th - June 14th
2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 born - 4:30pm
Fridays from May 19th - June 16th
2005 born - 6pm
2003 and 2004 born - 7:30pm
Mondays from June 5th - June 19th
2001 and 2002 born- 7:30pm
Wednesdays from May 24th - June 14th
2000 born - 9pm
@ Met OvalEast ( 98 Cherry Ln, Hicksville, NY 11801 )
Mondays from May 8th - June 12th
USSF Development Academy and NYCSL Pre-Academy tryouts
2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 born - 7:30pm
Club Info:
Met Oval is a U.S. Soccer Development Academy that fields teams in the USSF Academy program, NYCFC Youth League, NEPAL Pre-Academy, the EDP league and the USL Super Y-League. The Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an every day environment designed to produce the next generation of National Team players. The Academy’s programming philosophy includes increased training, development focus, and more competitive games.
Met Oval has an affiliate relationship with New York City FC, sister club of Manchester City, which provides a clear pathway for Met Oval players to reach the highest level of competition. Through New York City FC and Manchester City FC, Met Oval coaches and players will have the opportunity to work with renowned soccer coaches and training staff who provide expertise and resources.
For questions about Met Oval players or any of the teams, please email info@metropolitanoval.org