Reserves Team Post Season Review

   

            To say that this inaugural season for the NYIFC (R) squad was successful would be the understatement of the season. They reached the semifinals of their Cup Competition, won the Division, won the Division Championship, and went undefeated in the second half season, if there was such an award, Chris Minty would be the absolute front runner for the Reserves Manager of the season. The squad ended the campaign, 16-0-4, 49 GF, 20 GA. While the team didn’t end the season with the most goals, the strongest defense, or best GD, they made the best of what was available and made every minute count. The organization as a whole, showed what a successful they’ve developed, having a flexibility and depth between the 1^sts and Reserves. After everyone had a chance to breathe and relax, I interviewed the successful manager about his thoughts on the season, the Championship Final, and a mini preview on the season coming ahead.

 

The Pride: That was an incredible end to a wild inaugural Reserves season. What was your biggest takeaway from this season?

Chris Minty: I think the biggest takeaway was how important it was to have a core group of lads playing every week. Once we established that, it allowed us to be a bit more flexible elsewhere when we had to be. Commitment was massive for us in the spring.\\

Pride: That goes perfectly with some of my other questions. It seemed like in the first half of the season, there was a need for some gelling. What steps were taken to find that core and what changed in Spring recruitment to allow that boom to happen?

CM: As a new team at NYIFC, most of the players didn't know each other and hadn't played much or any football together before joining. This made every game and training session doubly important. Throughout much of the Fall, we had to learn how each other played. (A notable exception is that Tom Howse and I played together at Kendall Wanderers in the BSSL. Charlie Lopez also played at Kendall, though he was primarily with the first team in the spring.) As spring rolled around, it was clear to me and others that we were able to control games but often lacked creativity going forward and a goalscorer. That all changed for us as Conor King and Alex Teodorescu played exclusively for us in the spring. Sulaiman (Sully) Jalloh played almost every game as well. Between them, they got 17 goals and 10 assists. Nick Platt also played a vital role, setting up four goals and providing the transition from defense to midfield and from midfield to attack. Tom also stepped up in a big way, netting twice, including a massive goal against Block FC. I also stabilized the back line. I managed to stay injury-free and played every game alongside either Ronan Mackle, Manus McGuire, Will Ford, and Corentin (Coco) Claisse. Other defenders stepped in as needed but having a core spine of the team (Zack Werthem—me—Tom and Coco—Conor and Nick—Alex and Sully) set us up for success.

Pride: The end of the Fall Session came with a disappointing Cup defeat against Brooklyn. Many see Cups as a blessing or a curse. Was the Cup departure more of a catalyst for the boys or did it help not having the side distraction for the remainder of the season?

CM: Brooklyn City fully deserved to win that game. They wanted it more than we did and we weren't at the races that day, despite going 1-0 up. I think most of the lads who played recognized the level wasn't where we needed to be. Losing certainly galvanized us going forward and we went on an eleven-game winning streak.

Pride: Speaking of the undefeated Spring Run, it seems like the organization has at least one huge one in their pocket each season now. Was there any point where you started believing that not only could you win the division, but do it undefeated?

CM: After we were able to scrape out a victory against Block FC, I thought we might be able to win it. At 2-2 with a few minutes left to play, we were able to get the job done, thanks in large part to Alex Teodorescu's desire to win. Everyone was in it together and trusted one another. It was pretty special.

Pride: If I'm not mistaken, this was your first season in the CSL. Were you surprised in any way by the type of quality inside of the league?

CM: I played for Flushing FC in the abbreviated 2021 season, along with Gabi Quesquen, Bryan Mendoza, and Kojo Obeng. The standard at the top of the divisions is very high. There are lads coming from NCAA D1, D2, and D3 schools, all of whom have played at a good level.

Pride: Do you foresee any major turnover for next season or major challenges? I don't remember the last team that needed to defend their Reserves Title.

CM: Ukrainians won the abbreviated 2021 season and were on top until the last game of the season. I think it's fair to say there might be some turnover. Life happens. NYIFC, like every other team, just needs to be prepared to adjust, and with its strong organizational structure, turnover shouldn't be a problem. A big challenge will be the new teams in D2. Hoboken, D1's reigning champions, are, I think, entering two teams into D2--Hoboken 02 and Hoboken 03. Manhattan SC have also entered a team. Those three will be very strong.

Pride: Shifting our focus to the Championship Final. It seemed like a common occurrence between the sides, very close, with few opportunities requiring each side to make the most that was given. What are some takeaways for you from a managerial perspective during the match?

            CM: CPR are a very good side with a lot of talent across the field. The last time we played them, it was a tight affair. They don't give up many goals and if you let them play, they will create chances. My main objective was to stay compact and keep things tight defensively. Going forward, I wanted everyone to trust each other and take our chances when they came. Their GK made a couple of great saves. Zack made a couple of great saves, too.

 

            With that, we close the book on the 21/22 season for the 1^st and Reserves Side. The organization promoted and came into the new Division with the splash and should be viewed as serious contenders in the coming season. The Organization is recruiting and are seeking committed players who want to be part of a serious and growing project; an organization that isn’t solely about Saturday and Sunday match days but involving themselves in the community and growing the game. Reach out to @NYIntFC if you’re interested in playing, or, if you have skills you want to bring to help the club grow.

 

-We’re NYIFC, we’re by far the greatest team, New York has ever seen!