Boys’ Soccer Program Participates in Elite Showcase

The boys’ soccer team participated in the Mainline Soccer Jamboree at the United Soccer Training Center in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, this past Sunday, September 16.

 

The showcase featured 20 independent schools from the east coast and provided exposure to college countless coaches who came out to watch the athletes in action. The invitation-only event was facilitated by Colgate University.

 

“It was a nice recognition for all the players,” said head coach Tony Bednarsky. “The main purpose of the day was to give the kids some exposure to colleges and college coaches. There were over 400 elite players at this showcase, so it was really special.”

 

The Knights' day began at 8:30 when they left the GSB campus. They were set to face Northwood School, an elite soccer school in New York and one of the toughest teams in the entire showcase, later in the afternoon.

 

The Knights put up a good fight against the Huskies, but in the end, they fell 3-0. Goalkeeper Alex Borto ’22 made 12 saves, almost all of them against difficult shots.

 

“My biggest worry going into a showcase like this against predominantly upperclassmen was that our younger players would have a “deer in the headlights” feel to it,” explained Bednarsky. “Fortunately, that was not the case. Although we played a superior team, we went toe to toe against them and had a respectable showing. By the time I got home, I already had six calls from college coaches including #1 ranked Wake Forest and Michigan asking about our players so it was still very successful.”

 

It was not only a benefit for the players’ college aspirations, but for the rest of their 2018 season as well.

 

“Playing such an experienced and high-power team, although we lost, will prepare us down the line for counties and states. I doubt we will face a team like this again this season.”