ANSONIA — The U15 Boys Soccer team closed out their season undefeated and taking the top spot in their CJSA South Central District Division.
The team scored a total of 25 goals in league play, while allowing only six goals to be scored against them. The team celebrated their Division Title at their end of year scrimmage with the U15 Girls team. Mayor David Cassetti joined in on the celebrations, presenting each player with a medal and a personalized championship jacket which were donated by an anonymous team sponsor.
In addition to recognizing the team, Mayor David Cassetti also presented head coach Paul Velardi with a “Key to the City” to recognize his “years – DECADES – of service to the youth of Ansonia and phenomenal undefeated season.”
Coach Velardi has been coaching the U13/U14/U15 Boys team since 2006, first taking on the challenge when his son, Matthew Velardi, played. This year, Coach Velardi was assisted by Julio Calvao, Nick Bebon, Anthony Labrador and Talan Johnson.
When asked about the team’s biggest challenges for the season, Coach Velardi shared that the biggest challenge was integrating the first year players (those who age out of the U12 program) into the U15 style of play. Specifically, Coach Velardi stated that “every coach has their own play style and when half your team is new, it takes some time to teach them to drop all their past teaching and commit to [his] play strategy.” Coach Velardi credited his team captains for accelerating the younger players’ integration effort.
Coach Velardi credits the team’s success during the 2023 season to “the manner in which all [the] players trusted each other and relied on each other.” He shared that several opposing team coaches commented and complemented the team’s passing skills. Coach Velardi stated that “a team that works together so seamlessly can overcome most challenges, including a stronger, faster and better skilled opponent.”
The Spring 2024 soccer season will most likely see the U15 Boys team moved up into the next competitive division, but Coach Velardi is not concerned about his team’s ability to rise to the challenge, stating that “we look forward to the challenges ahead and I hope that we are tested more than we have ever been. I don’t want anything to come easy for us. It’s important that we earn our successes. And we have the right team to do it with.”
Congratulations to all the U15 players: Anthony Marcucio, Jr., Anthony Marini, George Marini, Austen Bebon, Brycen Carvalho, Chase Muzzi, Chasein Tanase, Colby Skurja, Dan Brejwo, Edwin Rivera, Manny Guevara, Ethan Cwanek, Ethan Jankauskas, Gideon Bryce, Jack O’Brien, Jose Palma Garcia, Kollie McCabe, Kollin McCabe, Matthew Frouge, Sam Bebon and Sean Gibbs! Looking forward to seeing what the Spring 2024 season has in store for you!
Spring registration is now open! Kids from any community can register at ansoniasoccer.org
Editor’s Note: This article and photo was supplied by the team. Send your write ups to ValleyIndependentSentinel@gmail.com.
