Synergy News Wire
SFC At U-16 West Virginia Region 1 Championships
Welcome to the u16 Synergy FC blog from West Virginia. This blog will feature daily updates and interviews from the players. You can also check www.region1.com for more information about the 2009 Region 1 championships.
The team flew from Burlington on June 30 and arrived in Baltimore, Maryland. The team then spent the rest of the day driving to Huntington, West Virginia. On the drive down the team had the opportunity to stop and see the West Virginia University, the athletic facilities, and meet the men's soccer coaching staff.Synergy FC
July 3, 2009
West Virginia
Team opened first round play today at 1:15, with a match against Spirit United Copa (PAE). This was the first meeting of Synergy FC and Copa. Spirit united Copa is currently ranked number 1 in region 1, according to www.gotsport.com.Copa started the match strong, putting a lot of pressure on the Synergy back line. As the first half progressed Synergy (SFC) began to control the tempo of the match, and started playing rhythm football. This created several good scoring opportunities. Finally in the 25 th minute right midfielder Max Hale (5) broke through off of a wicked thrown in by Keagan McDonnell (22). Synergy's back 4 had a very solid match. Standouts Gavin Millay and Blake Begnoche held off the athletic Copa strikers, and outside backs Nathaniel Horton and Lueth Lueth shut down the Copa wide midfielders. The second half was extremely hard fought. Copa raised their level of play, and enjoyed more sustained possession than in the first half, but Synergy remained calm and organized. SFC continued to control the match. In the 72 nd minute Keagan McDonnell broke through the Copa defense, and hit a driven ball passed the keeper into the lower left corner. Keep looking at www.region1.com for more scores and updates.
Max Hale, Number 5, Midfielder/Striker.
Max is in his rookie year with the team, and has proven to be a clutch performer in his first year.
Q: Tell us about your goal.
A: Well, it started out with Keagan's throw in and I moved in the center from the outside. I didn't expect the ball to go through so many people. I fought through the last defender to poke it past the keeper.
Q: How does it feel to score such a big goal for the team?
A: It felt awesome. I felt really important.
Q: How has your experience been with the team for your first year?
A: This has been the best year I have ever played soccer. Its extreme on all levels, and synergy make me work really hard.
Q: Why did you decide to join synergy?
A: Two years ago I transferred to Far Post from Capital. I learned that Far Post is not serious at all. I always admired all that synergy did, especially the style.
Q: What is the mood of the team after today's victory?
A; I think that we are confident, and we are ready to get a second win.
Q: What will be your main focus going into the match tomorrow?
A: To score another goal!Keagan McDonnell, Number 22, Striker/Midfielder
Keagan's journey to the region 1 tournament has been interesting to say the least. He has been in Germany and away from the team since June 14 th. Keagan did not depart from Germany until 12 pm on July 2 nd. He flew from Germany to Boston, and then connected to Cincinnati. Keagan ended his journey with driving from Cincinnati to Huntington West Virginia, finally arriving at the hotel at 2 am. Keagan had the assist on the first goal, and then had a goal in the closing minutes of game.
Q: How were you feeling before the game, since you must have had some jetlag?
A: I was really excited, and wanted to have an impact on the game.
Q: Did you have an opportunity to get any touches in Germany?
A: I juggled with a mini ball in my room.
Q: How long have you played for synergy?
A: 3 years.
Q: Where do you live?
A: Proctor, Vermont
Q: How long does it take to get to training?
A: 1 hour and 45 minutes each way, if the practice is at the tree farm.
Q: What motivates you to be so committed to synergy and football?
A: I want to be the best.
Q: How do you think that you have progressed as a player?
A: I have become a better player in all aspects, and I can't even remember how I was as a player before I started playing synergy. The experience of playing at this club, changes players into becoming great player. The atmosphere is great, because I know my teammates and I want a common goal. And it also helps to have such a great coach motivating us.
Q: What are your career ambitions in football.
A: Go to Europe this fall and sign a contract.
Q: What is your favorite experience with team?
A: Being at the Disney Soccer Showcase.
Q: Any advice for young synergy players that want to go far in football?
A: Listen to Coach Hugh.July 2, 2009
Today the team held a final training preparation session at Huntington High School. Following the tactical session, the team then attended the opening ceremony at Marshall University. Highlights included parachuting by the 82 nd Airborne Rangers, a five versus five between opposing mascots at midfield, a terrific sounding military band, and an outstanding performance of the National Anthem.
Elia Louis, Captain, Number 10, Center midfield
Q: How long have you been with Synergy Football Club?
A: This is my fifth year with the club.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Q: Did you originally speak English when you first arrived in the U.S.?
A: I did not speak English but instead Swahili and French?
Q: What is your best memory when regarding Synergy?
A: My best memory was winning the Jefferson Cup. I remember scoring the winning goal and It was a stunning moment for both our team and the opposition. It gave us regional notoriety and it officially put Synergy FC on the Regional circuit.
Q: How has the team progressed since you joined it?
A: We originally started with just twelve players but because of our small numbers, we created an extremely strong bond and unity. Since then we have grown in numbers to now 16 players.
Q: What is focus going into the match tomorrow against the number ranked team in the region?
A: My focus is to play our style no matter how difficult the opposition.
Q: How will you define whether or not you, personally, have had a successful event?
A: If the team maintains its focus and has a positive attitude.
Q: Any Final thoughts?
A: I think were capable of winning the tournament.Nathaniel Horton, Number 11, Total Footballer
Nickname: Mago (Magician)
Q: How many years have you been with the team?
A: Four Years.
Q: Why did you transfer from your former team to Synergy?
A: Because of the advanced training and competition.
Q: What is your most memorable moment during your Synergy career?
A: Playing against Casa Mia. Even though we lost it provided me with outstanding experience.
Q: What are your expectations coming into Regionals?
A: They are playing beautiful soccer and being successful.
Q: What is your definition of playing beautiful soccer?
A: Simple yet elegant.
Q: How do you feel the night before the first game?
A: I feel exited, confident and ready to give it my all.Blake Begnoche, Number 7, Center Right Back
Q: How many years have you been with the team?
A: 5 years.
Q: How many Regional tournaments have you been in?
A: 5.
Q: What is your most memorable Regional moment?
A: Playing FC Delco in the semi-finals in 2006.
Q: What was so memorable about that game?
A: Being the first Vermont team to ever make a regional semi-final game.
Q: Did you think the team can again make history this year?
A: Yes, I feel we play exquisite football and have a good vibe coming into Regionals.
Q: Who is your favorite player in the world today?
A: Gattuso, because he never backs away from a challenge.
Q: What motivates you to train so hard everyday?
A: Some people don't have the same opportunities as I do and you never know what is going to happen tomorrow
Q: What excites you the most about this year's regional championship?
A: We have a legit chance of winning the entire tournament.
Q: What is the best team you played thus far this season?
A: Real Madrid at the Disney Showcase.
Q: What do you think is the number one ingredient for team success?
A: I think it is not giving up on your teammates no matter the situation and keeping a common goal amongst yourselves.STAY TUNED FOR MORE SYNERGY FC NEWS
June 28, 2009-Voltage Cup Victory for Synergy FC
Four teams from Synergy FC (U10, U12, U14 and U16) traveled to St. Albans, Vermont on Saturday, June 27 to compete in the inaugural Voltage Cup hosted by the Vermont Voltage.
At the end of the day the Synergy U10's, U14's and U16's captured the Voltage Cup with the U12's missing out on a fourth trophy with a controversial last minute penalty kick.
June 17, 2009-Good Times at Annual Synergy Club Photo and BBQ
Great weather, great friends, great food – Great Time for Everyone at the Synergy FC Club Photo and BBQ night!
Andy and Deb Shaw hosted over 150 people at the 2009 Photo/BBQ Party at there house/sports complex on Wednesday, June 17.
The annual get together gives all of the Synergy parents, players and friends a chance to relax, celebrate and enjoy another great year of development and friendship.
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