Frigid temperatures last weekend didn’t keep the matches from kicking off at Susan B. Anthony Academy in Jamaica, Queens, the winter home of Villareal Bolaños Soccer Academy. “The game is bigger than just wins and points,” says Gerardo Vasquez, coach of NYC Stars FC, a u16-18 team at the Villareal Bolaños Academy. “It means more to come out as a respected player and an impactful individual.”
At only 20 years old, Coach Vasquez has already been coaching for 5 years. When an injury sidelined him 2 years ago, he decided to embrace the leadership role and focus more on coaching than playing. Check out the photos from last Saturday with Coach Vasquez and the Villareal Bolaños Academy.
Meanwhile in Pro Soccer
The January Transfer Window is finally closed. Zlatan is back in Italy, Chicharito is MLS’ newest star signing, Cavani couldn’t escape PSG yet, and Inter Milan beefed up their squad with multiple signings including Christian Eriksen from Tottenham.
The most rewarding transfer so far has to be Erling Haaland to BVB Dortmund though. The Norweigan teen is already up to 7 goals in three games, including a hattrick in his first game after being subbed on in the second half! He’s not only raising spirits and their hopes for the Champions League, he’s even boosting Norway’s National Pension Fund. Meanwhile Man U, who almost signed Haaland, opted instead for a striker from the Chinese Super League who hasn’t played a competitive game since early December. We’ll see how these strategies play out…
Finally, the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant was mourned the globe over this week including in the soccer world. From the ages of 6-13, Bryant grew up in Reggio Emilia, Italy. He played both soccer and basketball as a kid, and was a lifelong AC Milan Fan. Between Neymar’s honoring him mid-match last Sunday, to the countless tributes from soccer players the world over, the world is still processing the enormous and sudden loss. As one more warm glimpse into his sporting mind, I love this clip of Kobe discussing how having a soccer mentality influenced his basketball style for the better.
Coming up:
- The US Men’s National Team takes on Costa Rica today, Saturday, at 4 pm! Though a handful of key players will be absent due to the match not taking place during an international break, it’s a great opportunity to see some of the newest USMNT players take the reigns. Click here for more details
- Tottenham vs Man City tomorrow at 11:30 am EST is the newest iteration of the Guardiola vs Mourhino clash. Here’s a recap of their 22-game decade-spanning rivalry. Believe it or not, their first encounters were on the same team though, back in the mid-90s at Barcelona when Mourinho was the assistant coach and Pep was still playing! See the pics below
Face of Fútbol
Name: Nicholas B. Hunt
Age: 31
From: New York City
Resides in: Bushwick/Catskills
What motivates you to get out and play?
The feeling you get when your mind is clear, when playing is like breathing, and you’re able to share that with you team. And of course staying fit.
I noticed you have a Tottenham tattoo. How’d your love of soccer, and more specifically Tottenham, begin?
Family tradition—my grandfather was a born and bred Tottenham fan.
What’s your favorite NYC soccer memory?
Going undefeated in my Downtown United Youth League in ‘98
Winter is no excuse to not play! Let me know about any upcoming games, I’m always on the lookout for new fields, new leagues, and new anything fútbol.
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See you on the pitch,
Jon D