Four Massachusetts teams will spend President's Day weekend in Kansas competing at the Super F Champions Cup, hoping to earn their first-ever National Futsal Championship!
Last year, the Brookline Warriors captured the B19 title, following in the footsteps of former futsal powerhouse Dragons FC. Now the hopes of the Commonwealth are turned over to a quartet of new teams – none of which have ever won a national title, despite all teams having won league and/or regional titles.
Shalrie Joseph Soccer Club will compete in the Boys Under-10 bracket, facing the talented Blue Valley Stars Soccer Club in the round robin. The team won the 2010 Northeast Regional title over Black Knights FC. It is a hardworking team with very strong goalkeeping – and although just a young team, the squad is experienced at penalty shoot-outs, their league semifinals and finals decided from the spot. The club is coached by Jean-Hosler Delcy and looks to be Massachusetts' youngest-ever national champion.
Black Knights Football Club has been one of the finest futsal organizations in Massachusetts for years. Under the leadership of head coach John Montanaro, the Black Knights' U13 team has become the top seed – and champion – in every competition. Although it will be the team's first experience on the national pitch, they are indeed contenders. With exceptional all-around play, and the stellar goalkeeping of Robby Montanaro and Peter Berens, the team is primed for success. It will meet three-time defending national champion Barca Juniors in the round robin.
Pink Ladies Futsal Club returns for its fourth shot at the title, its best finish a third-place result in 2008. It is an experienced side, with five players having competed at the tournament before, including both captains – Marisa Echavarri and Noga Rogel – returning for the fourth time. The team will meet stalwarts Total Prodigy and Blue Valley Stars SC in the first round. The expectations are high, but so is the level of play for the fuchsia females.
The Waltham Hawks were knocked out in the 2009 national semifinals by eventual champion – and league rival – Brookline Warriors. This year Armen Bahlavouni and Dan Iodice's team returns as the favorite, anchored by the remarkable goalkeeping of Pablo Teran and the leadership of Edson Marques. This team is experienced, resilient and extremely well-coached. It will be tested by a fiery Emil Dragicevic team from St. Louis and three other staunch opponents, but if the Hawks are in form they will be parading down Main and Moody very soon.
Please feel free to send correspondence/well wishes to the teams:
Results will be posted nightly on www.futsalma.com and on our Facebook page live from the venues.
© 2009-2011 Massachusetts Futsal Association ~ 508.460.3833 ~ email: info@futsalma.com
website design by BlueIrisWebdesign
Comments