By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
July 11, 2022-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) celebrates Patriots FC upon winning the Girls-Under-17 Eastern Regional championship in West Virginia. They defeated Eastern New York’s State Open Cup champs, the Coliseum Inferno, 1-0, in an All-Eastern New York Regional Final on June 29. Patriots FC won all five of their games at Regionals, outscoring their opponents 9 to 3.
They are one of 11 teams from Eastern New York that will be playing for the national championship from July 19 to 24 at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando.
Back row, left to right: Coach Phil Bannister, Daniela Galasso, Olivia Lucas, Una McCorry, Keira Nyarady, Sofia Kolndreu, Sofia Rosenblatt, Claire Friedlander, Leah Rifas, Gillian Alessi, Hayanna Silva, Coach Mike Friedlander
Bottom row, left to right: Micaela Ross, Charlotte Mainiero, Juliette Sullivan, Amanda Berry, Kaitlin Krieger, Anne Maguire, Miya Frank, Giovanna Cartategui
“There were a few reasons for our success,” explained coach Phil Bannister. “Number 1 was the togetherness of the team, they all work extremely hard for each other and to win five games in six days you need that. Secondly was the work and preparation the girls put in before the tournament to ensure they were in the best shape they could be. Lastly, we had a specific game plan for every team we played, we used four different formations throughout the tournament and the ability of each player to adapt to different roles and positions shows a higher level of thinking and understanding for the game.”
The team is based on player development and loyalty. Coaches Phil Bannister and Mike Friedlander report that joining Patriots FC two years ago was very helpful in reaching the next level and the team has improved every year. 10 of the 11 starters in the Regional Final have been on the team for at least five years.
“Our preparation for Nationals will be no different to Regionals, we know the caliber of teams we will be up against and are aware that we are the underdogs,” Coach Bannister stated.
With approximately 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with nine leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/