Marauders men's soccer player Paul Ekwueme sits down to discuss getting drafted by Hamilton's Premier League team, Forge FC
It has been over two months since fourth-year honours commerce student and Marauders soccer player Paul Ekwueme found out that Hamilton’s very own Forge FC drafted him in the U Sports draft, and he still cannot believe it. Forge FC is one of eight teams in the Canadian Premier League.
“There wasn’t a lot of information before the draft started. You don’t get much news on which teams are watching [you]. But I was super happy to get drafted,” said Ekwueme.
Ekwueme was selected in the first round, seventh overall, by his hometown team, Forge FC. In the U Sports draft, Canadian Premier League teams select university soccer players. However, they do not play for the team immediately, as they are first offered developmental contracts.
This allows a student to travel and practice with the team while maintaining their eligibility to play for their university's sports team.
“I’ve been with the team since day one, participating in practices and preseason. You’re basically on trial with the team,” said Ekwueme.
I’ve been with the team since day one, participating in practices and preseason. You’re basically on trial with the team.
Paul Ekwueme, Soccer Player
McMaster Men's Soccer
Ekwueme said there are eight more weeks of preseason before the official season starts in April 2025.
“I was one of the older, more experienced guys at McMaster. Going to Forge, I’m kind of the opposite—I’m one of the younger guys. It’s been an adjustment having to learn from other players, but it’s been a great experience for sure,” said Ekwueme.
Ekwueme has been playing soccer since the age of four. He credits the influence of his older brothers as inspiration for picking up the sport.
He has kept his schedule busy, playing for Alliance United FC in League1, a men’s semi-professional league. He has also played for the Marauders men’s soccer team for the past two years.
“Having a really good team together, with great strikers who scored a lot of goals and defenders who kept clean sheets, helped me play better and get drafted,” said Ekwueme.
The selection by Forge FC meant even more to Ekwueme because he was not drafted the year before. Going into the season, he feels hopeful that they will eventually call his name to officially play for the team.
“I’ve done a lot of hard work leading up to this point, and I know that I have to keep working,” said Ekwueme.
As for whether Ekwueme will return to play for the Marauders, it is still uncertain. He told The Silhouette that it will depend on whether Forge FC offers him a full-time contract.
“My goal is to one day play as a professional, win games and win more awards. Just seeing some of the older, more experienced players at Forge and the careers they’ve had, it’s very motivating,” said Ekwueme.
My goal is to one day play as a professional, win games and win more awards.
Paul Ekwueme, Soccer Player
McMaster Men's Soccer
The official Canadian Premier League season will begin on April 5, 2025, when Forge FC takes on Cavalry FC in their first game of the season.
Marauders' soccer team losses OUA semifinals to Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in a penalty shootout
The Marauders' men's soccer team faced the Ontario Tech University Ridgeback's at the OUA semifinals on Oct. 26. The Marauders had many opportunities to score against the Ridgebacks team that finished in the top five in their division. Despite having several opportunities to score, the Marauders could not get the job done.
Amir Shirazi, captain of the team, thought they did well against the Ridebacks, despite the missed opporrtunites.
“We did a good job against them [The Ridgebacks] throughout the game, but obviously the disappointing thing was the chances that we missed," said Shirazi
We did a good job against them [The Ridgebacks] throughout the game, but obviously the disappointing thing was the chances that we missed.
Amiri Shirazi, Captain
McMaster Soccer team
Shirazi, a fourth-year commerce student, scored a goal to put them up, but it was later deemed offside by the official.
With both teams scoreless, the game went to a shootout.
“We practiced penalties before, as we do before any playoff game. We knew what to expect going in,” said Shirazi
Both teams exchanged goals throughout the shootout. The Ridgebacks’ four straight goals and the key saves made by their keeper secured the win.
Despite the loss, Shirazi and the rest of the team were proud with the way they played.
“We knew they were a dangerous team, but me, the rest of the team and the coaches are proud of the way that we played. We stuck to our gameplan," said Shirazi.
We knew they were a dangerous team, but me, the rest of the team and the coaches are proud of the way that we played. We stuck to our gameplan.
Amiri Shirazi, captain
McMaster Soccer team
Shirazi finished the season with the most goal and assist contributions in the OUA tournament. He also finished second in goals, scoring 10 through 11 regular season games. As a whole, the Marauders were second in their division.
Shirazi told the Silhouette that the team attained their goal of at least making it to the semifinals.
“I had a great season, so when you look at it that way, there was a lot of individual success for me. But honestly, I don’t measure that the same way as playing in the finals," said Shirazi.
Although the Marauders missed a chance to play in the OUA championship, key players like Shirazi will be returning next season. For him, it will be his fifth and final year.
Having won the tournament in the 2021-2022 season, they are hoping to match this prior success next year
Amir Shirazi named athlete of the week for his outstanding performance against Brock Badgers
The men's soccer forward for McMaster University, Amir Shirazi, was selected athlete of the week following his strong performance on September 1st. Following a difficult 2 to 0 setback to the York Lions on Friday, Shirazi was a major factor in McMaster's 2 to 0 victory against the Brock Badgers on the night of Sunday Sep. 8 at 8:15pm, securing the Marauder's first victory of the season by scoring both of of the two goals.
When asked about the honor, Shirazi replied with humbleness. "It feels good to be recognized, but honestly, it’s all about the team. We knew it would be a tough weekend playing our biggest rivals right away. We’re happy with the win, but we could have done better," said Shirazi
It feels good to be recognized, but honestly, it’s all about the team. We knew it would be a tough weekend playing our biggest rivals right away. We’re happy with the win, but we could have done better.
Amir Shirazi, forward, McMaster men's soccer
Between the two games, Shirazi played for 173 minutes, showing his stamina and determination. It can be exhausting to play back-to-back games, but Shirazi explained how he remains prepared. “Last year, I played a lot of minutes during doubleheaders, so I knew what to expect. It’s about preparing well, resting after the first game, and getting mentally ready for the next one,” said Shirazi.
While describing how he scored the first goal, Shirazi mentioned that it was a tactic he had already practiced with teammate Carlos Spiro. “Carlos cut in and played across. I headed it in after the goalie made a great save. We practiced a similar play in preseason, so I kind of knew what was coming,” said Shirazi.
Carlos cut in and played across. I headed it in after the goalie made a great save. We practiced a similar play in preseason, so I kind of knew what was coming.
Amir Shirazi, forward, McMaster men's soccer
Shirazi received a free kick which led to his second goal. “In the game against York, I had a free kick from the same spot, but it hit the post. So, when I got the same chance against Brock and scored, it felt really good,” said Shirazi.
Although the team was frustrated by the outcome against York prior to facing the Brock Badgers, Shirazi clarified that they saw it as a teaching moment. “We made mistakes in the first half, but we created a lot of chances. We just couldn’t finish them. We took what we learned from that game and brought it into the next one, and we got the win,” said Shirazi.
In addition, Shirazi attributed his success to his colleagues. “The midfield, wingers, and fullbacks are all working hard to get me the ball in good positions. Guys like Mohamed El-Shachman, Carlos Spiro, and Damiano Refosco are the reason I’ve been able to score so many goals. It’s a team effort,” said Shirazi.
The midfield, wingers, and fullbacks are all working hard to get me the ball in good positions. Guys like Mohamed El-Shachman, Carlos Spiro, and Damiano Refosco are the reason I’ve been able to score so many goals. It’s a team effort
Amir Shirazi, forward, McMaster men's soccer
Despite his achievement this past game, Shirazi is more focused on the group's future performance than on individual awards. “Every year, we aim to win the OUAs and qualify for nationals. That’s still my goal. I just want to help the team finish in the top two and do well in the playoffs. My job as a striker is to score goals, and I’ll keep doing that to help the team win,” said Shirazi.
As the Marauder's continue their season, Shirazi will be a key player to watch as the team pushes for a strong finish in the OUA standings.
After a successful OUA campaign, the men’s soccer team took their game to the U Sports national tournament
After successfully defeating Toronto Metropolitan University in the Ontario University Athletic championship game, the Marauder men’s team looked to continue their impressive win streak at the U Sports national tournament. This year’s tournament was hosted in Kamloops, B.C., where the team would face both freezing weather and higher level opponents.
The OUA finals win was already an impressive feat by the Marauders as coming into the offseason, they were not the favourites to make it to the finals.
“The OUA conference is the toughest in the country for soccer and no one really gave us a chance, especially under the circumstances,” said head coach Chris Markou.
Through defeating the Guelph Gryphons, Nippising Lakers and TMU, the team did the seemingly impossible. They subsequently put themselves in a spot to take on the Thompson River Wolfpack, the hosts of this year’s U Sports National Championship.
Facing sub-zero temperatures, the Marauders would have to face two major obstacles. The first being the new weather, which TRU would be better accustomed to. They would also face an opponent who had much older players, bringing more experience.
“We had the youngest team assembled there,” explained Markou.
The first game of the tournament would see the Marauder side lose to TRU in a disappointing fashion. Following a tie at the end of regulation and a scoreless overtime period the team lost in penalty kicks. A missed shot by Justin Woods caused the team to fall to the Wolfpack team, finishing with a 5-4 score in penalty kicks.
Though the team put on an impressive display overall. The game finished 1-1 with a spectacular free kick goal hitting the back of the net by Miles Green. Other notable performances were put on by Ahmad Mansour, Sam Richardson and Justin Wood.
The Wolfpack ended up building on this early momentum, later matchup against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in the final. TRU would go on to win this game by a score of 2-1, taking home the national championship on their home turf. The Marauders on the other hand would head into the consolation bracket as a result of their first-round loss.
The Marauders played the following day against the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Patriotes. After a grueling 120 minutes of soccer the day prior, the team was unable to stand up against UQTR.
“We had just played 120 minutes against the host school and then we were back on the pitch for Friday on a quick 16 hour game turnaround for UQTR at 1:30 PM. There is little to no recovery time and we had a few players that physically couldn't carry on the Friday. To be able to mentally pick yourself up from such a close loss to play a consolation match the next day is such a challenge for any athlete,” said Markou.
After a red card was given to centre back Ahmad Mansour, the team lost control of the game. The final score was 5-0, seeing UQTR win and thus, having the opportunity to play a third game to challenge for the fifth place spot in the tournament.
Two disappointing results for the Marauders saw them exit the tournament early. But for such a young team the experience is invaluable.
“U Sport Soccer Championships was a fantastic learning experience for not only the players but for myself and my coaching staff,” said Markou.
Their last game against UQTR marks the end of the team’s season. As a team with a new head coach, and 11 new athletes joining the Marauders, the team will hope to continue their upward growth from here.
With several coaching vacancies filled, let’s look at McMaster’s newest coaches
By Alyssa Wheeler, Sports Staff Writer
With the fall semester quickly approaching, McMaster University fall sports teams have also begun preparations for the upcoming season. Soccer, football, cross country, field hockey and lacrosse are amongst the many sports beginning this fall season.
Many teams this past offseason found themselves experiencing change, as a few teams have brought in some new faces to their coaching staff.
The men’s soccer team welcomed Chris Markou as its new head coach this year. Previously Markou served as the assistant coach for the team, alongside the former long-time head coach, Dino Perry. He also played for the team during his time in university, earning himself a spot in McMaster’s Hall of Fame.
"Last season I wanted to bring some value to the existing coaching staff regarding player development and bringing a winning team-first mentality through my own McMaster soccer experiences," explained Markou.
"Last season I wanted to bring some value to the existing coaching staff regarding player development and bringing a winning team-first mentality through my own McMaster soccer experiences."
Chris Markou, New COACH of MCMASTER UNIVERSITY's MEN's SOccer Team
In his former role under Perri, Markou worked on player development. With this background and mentality in mind, he has begun to implement those goals with his current squad. It’s important to Markou to create a strong team which competes for major titles this year.
Going forward, Markou wants to build an improved culture of McMaster soccer. He also highlights the impact of his younger players in building this culture and hopes to contribute to this culture as well.
"I'm focused on creating a positive soccer culture and enhancing the student athlete experience. I have made some very difficult decisions lately, but I also believe I've made some very good decisions for our team and program going forward," explained Markou.
"I'm focused on creating a positive soccer culture and enhancing the student athlete experience. I have made some very difficult decisions lately, but I also believe I've made some very good decisions for our team and program going forward."
Chris Markou, New COACH of MCMASTER UNIVERSITY's MEN's SOccer Team
The men’s soccer team is looking to improve on the previous season’s results, which saw them lose in the first round of playoffs to the Carleton Ravens. With a few new recruits and a new head coach the men's team is certainly one to keep an eye on.
The women’s rugby team has also welcomed a new head coach with the arrival of Chris Jones. His arrival has been praised by the associate director of high-performance sport, Keenan Jeppsen. These praises include being a coach who looks to develop players, while taking an all-angles approach to building a formidable team.
With the team losing several key players due to graduation, Jones is looking to fill those vacancies and build an even stronger team. Like the men’s soccer team, they are also looking to improve upon last season’s results, in which they lost in the first round of playoffs to the Guelph Gryphons. With a new attitude, led by Jones’ upbeat personality and holistic coaching nature, the women’s rugby team should be another exciting team to watch this coming season.
C/O Yoohyun Park, Multimedia Coordinator
These are the McMaster sports teams to watch this year
In the 2021-2022 season, there was plenty to be proud of in the world of McMaster University sports. Between the school's 11 U Sports clubs and the 16 Ontario University Athletics teams, there was always something going on. Now heading into the 2022-2023 season, here are the teams you should have your eye on.
Honorable mentions
The women’s volleyball team may not have finished the year on the podium, but they certainly had a promising year. The team is centered around star Sullie Sundara, the 2021-2022 rookie of the year award winner, first team all-star and U21 team Canada member, as well as fellow first team all-star Jessie Nairn and second team all-star Ellie Hatashita. The team finished second in the West, having won eight and lost four in the regular season before being upset by the Western Mustangs in the quarter final. Going forward, the team has a very young core, only having lost a couple players heading into the season. With their last OUA championship having been only five seasons ago, and their last finals appearance only four seasons ago, they have a chance to make it back and do some real damage this season.
The 2021-2022 men’s baseball team was one for the history books. Despite what the team has been through, they managed to bring home an OUA silver. Outfielder Nik Motruk also won the most valuable player award, while Joshua Kalmin took home rookie of the year honors. It was a huge year for the team and one would feel safe in assuming the club would find themselves in the power rankings the following season. However, many key graduating members have kept the team in the honorable mentions. Back-to-back MVP winner Motruk and former Cy Young winner (awarded to the league’s best pitcher) Julian Tymochko as well as a couple other notable contributors have completed their time at McMaster. The baseball team faces an uphill climb as they look to return to the OUA playoffs in their upcoming season.
5. Men’s Wrestling
The men’s wrestling team went a long way in 2021-2022, finding their way into the five spot in this season's power rankings. Over the past year there were two major tournaments for the team, the Brock Open and the OUA Championship. At Brock the men’s team managed to pull away with a first place finish, as Francesco Fortino, Trystan Kato, Luken Lawson and Sarpartap Lally all won the gold in their respective weight classes. Five other members of the team also found themselves on the podium with silver or bronze.
Shortly after the Brock Open, McMaster as a team finished second in the province at the OUA Championship. Peter Shirley, Trystan Kato and Francesco Fortino took home gold medals, while the team also earned two silvers and no bronze finishes. Shirley would finish the season as OUA’s outstanding male wrestler of the year.
All members of the team are expected to return for the 2022-2023 season.
4. Men’s Basketball
Following a loaded year for the team, the men’s basketball team just fell short after losing a close matchup to the eventual OUA champion Brock Badgers in the semi-finals. The team saw a blazing hot start leading into the winter break, winning all six of their matchups. Following their return to play in January, they started to slow down, in part due to more difficult competition. The team still finished with a strong 11 wins and five losses. They were the only team — regular season and playoffs — to defeat the Badgers all year.
The team, led by former Maine Red Claws assistant coach Patrick Tatham, is full of explosive young talent. In 2021-2022 they only had one player, Luka Mircetic, in his fourth year of eligibility (or later), creating a path for sustainable success. With Jordan Henry (first team all-star), Mike Demagus (second team all-star), Culley Bremner (all-rookie team) and co returning this season, the continued chemistry between the already strong ball club could go a long way.
3. Men’s Soccer
The 2021-2022 season was a strong, but underwhelming one for McMaster men’s soccer team. After finishing second in the central division with an overall record of 6-2-2, the Marauders fell in their first round quarterfinal matchup against the defending champion and nationally third ranked, Carleton Ravens. The team was expected to go much further, but ultimately fell victim to an unfortunate early round matchup, facing arguably the most difficult team possible.
Despite the early playoff exit, the team showed promise. Dusan Kovacevic and Al-Shakman were named to the All-Canadian team, while Al-Shakman was also selected to the all-rookie team, and named OUA Central rookie of the year.
Heading into the upcoming season, it is a team still rich with talent. The biggest challenge for the club will be overcoming a coaching change, following the departure of longtime McMaster head coach Dino Perri, who spent the last 14 years with the team. He won three OUA titles and qualified for five national championships, which included a silver medal run in 2014. The Hamilton Soccer Hall of Fame member will be succeeded by assistant coach Chris Markou, who will take on an interim role.
2. Women’s Basketball
The women’s basketball team has to be one of the most exciting young teams McMaster has to offer. In a 2021-2022 season that was supposed to be a rebuilding year, the team finished with a winning record of nine wins and six losses, locking themselves into a playoff spot. Their season would end in a close 49-45 loss to the Brock Badgers in the quarterfinal.
McMaster’s basketball teams commonly credit their success to a strong culture. Along with 28 year veteran coach and three time coach of the year award winner Therese Burnes, the entire roster from the 2021-2022 season is expected to return. The team, led by Sarah Gates and Mia Spadafora — both members of the Marauders 2019 national championship team — has a great opportunity to continue their upward trajectory on a path of improvement through a greater sense of familiarity and on-court chemistry. There could be much more than just a playoff berth to remember the 2022-2023 season by.
1. Men’s Volleyball
There is no team more clear cut for the number one spot than the Marauders men’s volleyball team. Since the 2007-2008 season, McMaster has won the provincial title in a staggering 10 of 14 playoff runs, the most recent being the 2021-2022 season in their return to the court.
The Marauders shined bright all season long, sweeping their way to the OUA championships by winning all 15 games they played. Ranked as the third best team in Canada, they continued through to the national championship, where they placed fifth. Individually, the team was loaded with accolades. Dave Preston took home the coach of the year award, Robbie Fujisawa and Maxime Gratton were named to the all-rookie team while Gratton won the rookie of the year, Wojtek Kraj and Mateusz Wlodarski made the second team all-star and team captain Jordan Pereira and Sam Cooper were named to the first team all-star.
Pereira is the only graduating member of the team, with everyone else slated to return to the court, so the Marauders have an incredibly bright future ahead as they continue to dominate the volleyball world.
Anand Sergeant is going into his third year on the men’s soccer team and is ready to build off of a highly successful campaign that he had the 2018-2019 season. Sergeant is one of the team’s top players and boasts an impressive resume. For his success on the field, he was named a first-team Ontario University Athletics all-star.
With a large portion of the team in their second year and above, the players have a wealth of knowledge at their disposal. Their familiarity with the competitive level of play inherent in varsity athletics will continue to guide them in using their strengths to their advantage. Most importantly, the current roster is one that has grown together.
Anand Sergeant - Men's Soccer
Anand Sergeant (14) M
“I’m optimistic about our team this year. We have a group of players who have been around for a few years now, so we have more experience under our belts. I think that shows in games like yesterday’s against York, where the result wasn't what we wanted but . . . this year I really noticed a good composure amongst the whole team. I think that’s a sign that we’re maturing together. We have the players required for a deep playoff run,” said Sergeant.
Chemistry may play a large role in the team’s ability to succeed this year, many of the players have gotten to a point where they have a deep understanding of the nuances of each other’s game.
“Growing [up] with guys in your year and adjacent years, you get to know everyone's tendencies. I think that's really important when you go on the field together because it’s like [there is an] unspoken chemistry, [you can] communicate and work off the guys around you. I think that experience definitely means a lot to the team this year,” Sergeant said.
The team has its eyes set on gold as they strive to make it to the OUA championship and, hopefully, to the U Sports national championship as well.
“The ultimate goal for everyone is winning a championship, so there’s the OUA championship which would be massive to win, it's been a long time since McMaster has done that. Then the ultimate ultimate goal is the U sports national championship, which is in November and brings together the best teams from every conference,” said Sergeant.
Seeing as though Sergeant is a decorated and talented player, his role on the team naturally developed into a leadership role. Sergeant embraces this role and the challenges that come along with it. He spoke of how he was inspired by veteran players and their desire to lead the team.
From then on, he felt more of a responsibility to be a leader on his team. Due to his experience, he wants to be someone that other players on the team can look to for advice or answers to questions. He said that his ability to lead lies in his preparation, focus and performance.
Sergeant and the men’s soccer team are one to watch this year as they look forward to a great season and deep playoff run. You can catch their next game when they play the Brock Badgers on Sep. 14.
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For many players, the reach of sports extends far beyond the lines painted on the field. This is definitely the case for fourth-year midfielder Yordan Stoyanov of the men’s soccer team, who was awarded the Ontario University Athletics West Community Service Award.
“It feels nice to be recognized for something… I was doing because I wanted to just give back to the community, help out,” Stoyanov said. “That's what I got in my first few years as well. I just wanted to give back.”
“It wouldn't have been possible without all the other organizations and everybody that was a part of everything that I could contribute to. So I'd like to thank them all,” Stoyanov added.
Men's Soccer -- @mcmasteru's Stoyanov wins @ouasport Community Service Award, while six Marauders were named as all-stars on Thursday. #GoMacGohttps://t.co/Q2RV4AxZ17
— McMaster Athletics (@McMasterSports) 1 November 2018
[spacer height="20px"]The third Marauder in the last four years to win the distinction, Stoyanov was heavily involved in many programs in the McMaster community. Stoyanov was involved with Think Pink and other fundraising organizations, in addition to being the team’s representative for Mac Athletes Care.
“The hospital visits… I think it's great because you can interact with kids and it's just a great experience overall,” Stoyanov said. ”The leadership component of that is you talk to your teammates and you ask if they're interested. It's not just ‘soccer, soccer, soccer’; there's another part of it. So that is something I really like.”
The importance of giving back to the community was something instilled in Stoyanov going back to his earliest days as a Marauder and drove him to want to be a part of initiatives like Mac Athletes Care. This also something that comes as second nature to the midfielder.
[pjc_slideshow slide_type="stoyanov"]
[spacer height="20px"]“In my first and second year, a lot of the veteran players would always talk to us about doing hospital visits, and you just get to be a part of something bigger,” Stoyanov said. “Another reason was because I like being involved in it. I want to have an impact on my environment and the people around me.”
Stoyanov’s large off-field impact does not discount his important place on the team. As one of the longer tenured players in the program, the venerated midfielder was one of the team’s co-captains this past season. This put him squarely into that leadership role, helping mentor younger players adjust to the new environment, especially with concerns such as balancing their academics with athletic responsibilities.
“My role would be to support the players during games or practices, even outside of the practice, outside of the change room,” said Stoyanov. “Just trying to set a good example for the new guys coming in, as one of the leaders of the team.”
Despite being unable to directly help his team in the later stages of the season due to an injury, Stoyanov saw this time as an opportunity to make an impact off the field for his team, which is in line with what he considered to be his role.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo4VWGUBLWK/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=p3p1zs1gj626
[spacer height="20px"]Although McMaster had a shorter playoff run than they would have liked this season, Stoyanov still sees a lot of positives in what he took away from the season, including the friendships maintained between the players.
“I felt we had a good start to the season, it was a great bunch of guys,” said Stoyanov. “I think we played well, play[ed] good soccer. We had some unfortunate results that could have went both ways. The start of the season, the goal was to make it to nationals, and the fact that we fell short of that is a little bit disappointing. But I think the overall attitude is very positive, and everybody will support each other throughout the season. So I think coming into next year, we know what we need to work on and I think we'll be much better.”
Stoyanov hopes to play another year in the maroon and grey come next season, where hopefully they will be able to make a lengthier playoff run. Yet, whatever the result on the pitch, it is clear that a new season will bring more opportunities for Stoyanov to give back to his team and the Marauder community at large.
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By Lucas Uggenti
Challenge. That’s just another word in the dictionary for McMaster men’s soccer team’s Carlo DiFeo, as he has proven on numerous occasions throughout his soccer career that overcoming challenges is exactly what it takes to achieve greatness.
Although most things come naturally for DiFeo on the pitch, he has never been one to shy away from competition and continues to train every day to make his dream of becoming a professional soccer player a reality.
“Saltfleet’s in my blood,” said DiFeo when asked about his younger playing days.
[spacer height="20px"]DiFeo started his soccer career playing for his hometown team, the Saltfleet Strikers, where his father managed and coached him until he was 14 years old. Aldo DiFeo played an important role in his son’s development, always striving to teach Carlo that soccer is more than just a game and that the little things are what make playing worth it.
Aldo used his ability to communicate and his high soccer IQ to help shape Carlo into the player and man he is today, on and off the field.
“My dad is the realest man ever,” DiFeo said. “He taught me how to have the right mentality when dealing with any type of adversity, whether that be not starting in a match or dealing with an injury.”
Aldo had to sacrifice his own personal time to help Carlo continue down a successful path, never once complaining about the hours spent developing game plans and training techniques to help both his son and every player he coached. Not to mention the countless hours spent behind the wheel, all of this did not go unnoticed by the young McMaster star.
“I wouldn’t be who I am on the pitch without him,” Difeo said. “He made me fall in love with the game.”
DiFeo’s resilience is what separates him from his peers and what gives him the edge in competitions. He will never be the strongest guy on the pitch or the tallest, but DiFeo has an incredible skill set and an understanding of the game which is unlike no other.
This put him on McMaster’s radar at an early age, where DiFeo was looked at as a potential good fit for the program. Unfortunately for Mac, he decided to stay back for a fifth year of high school where he continued to train with the Ontario provincial team.
DiFeo has had the opportunity to travel the world and play in different countries throughout Europe with the team, giving him a better look at what international soccer was going to be like.
DiFeo has a knack for finishing what he starts, and his loyalty to the game and his team is a big part of what makes him so successful today. His decision to stay back another year to develop ultimately benefited him and McMaster by the time DiFeo chose to join the team.
“I wanted to play for Mac,” said DiFeo. “I’ve always heard good things about the soccer program and coach Dino [Perri]. It was a team I wanted to be a part of.”
Using his skillset to his advantage, DiFeo always could escape danger by not putting himself in it, which is a lot easier said than done. He is not shy to admit he’s been battling such adversities since he first put on the boots.
“It’s a challenge, especially being a 5’8” midfielder,” DiFeo said. “I played with a group of guys who were taller and stronger. It opened my eyes to the notion that a position is never given, you have to earn your spot. If you’re not playing good that week then you’ll lose your spot and start on the bench. It really opened my eyes to competitive football.”
[spacer height="20px"]DiFeo’s most recent challenge came in the form of a position change. He has played most of his life in the number 10 role, an attacking midfielder, and most recently changed to a right fullback.
DiFeo was given a responsibility on the pitch that differed greatly from his usual spot as coach Perri decided to move DiFeo to the fullback role. The move came as a pleasant surprise for both DiFeo and the McMaster soccer team as he continued to be the most effective player on the pitch.
This opened new avenues for DiFeo outside of McMaster, as he now has found himself a starting role on the Oakville Blue Devils, a successful team in League 1 Ontario. The position change has allowed DiFeo to become more versatile in attack, giving his coaches a different weapon to use. This has helped him become a regular starter for Oakville which included starting in important matches such as the Canadian Championship final and a match against Frosinone, a top team in Italy.
DiFeo consistently deals with any piece of adversity thrown his way and will continue to strive in the right direction to get to his final goal. With an excellent support system behind him, and a strong soccer program at McMaster, DiFeo is well on his way to a long and successful soccer career.
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Football
The main event of the weekend ended in success for the McMaster Marauders as the men’s football team defeated the University of Toronto Varsity Blues 37-3. With quarterback Andreas Dueck starting and playing the entire game and a breakout performance from receiver Tommy Nield, this big win coming off two tough losses is exactly what the Marauders needed before they face their rivals the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks. This game on Sept. 22 will be just as much of a mental match as it is physical, as the Marauders’ 2017 season came to an end at the hands of the Golden Hawks.
Women’s Rugby
The women's rugby team faced the Queen’s University Gaels, but were unable to hold their own and lost 34-14. This loss caused them to drop five places to 10th in Tuesday's U Sports national rankings. Up next, they face the University of Western Ontario Mustangs, who are currently 0-3, and will hopefully be able to see a positive change in the rankings the following Tuesday.
Men’s Soccer
It was a scoreless first half for the Marauders when they faced the Brock University Badgers. Unfortunately for Mac, the Badgers were just able to edge them out by scoring twice in the second half. Even though rookie substitute Daniel Vicente was able to connect with the goal post, McMaster now sits 3-2-2 before they face their next opponents, the Mustangs on Sept. 21.
Women’s Soccer
The women’s team found themselves in another draw after playing the Badgers as well. Both Stephanie Roberts (who we profiled on Sept. 5) and Lindsay Bosveld scored for the Marauders but Brock was able to match their production. The team now stands 2-2-3 and will have to make some changes before facing the 4-0-3 Mustangs on Sept. 21.
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