New Manager, New Division Set Up, New Hunting Season

     

I blinked and when I opened my eyes, the new season of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League sprang upon me. Fresh faces emerged in the squad and the Division was restructured into two separate conferences. The first major change on the Lion’s side was the official appointment of Chris Minty (formerly the Reserve’s Manager). This appointment was definitely earned, running an undefeated spring campaign and bringing home yet another piece of silverware for the Lions. I was able to snag a conversation with the new Boss to ask about the off-season activities, his coaching style and the coming season.

 

The Pride: So, it's a position you've definitely earned, but how are you feeling being named Manager of the First Team?

 

Chris Minty: It’s a privilege to be managing the first team and I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’m focused on achieving our targets for the season ahead.

 

P: Going into the season and a short off season, did you find any struggles with the transition? How is the new crop of players? And how much of the core stayed intact?

 

CM: The biggest challenge during the transition was recruitment. We lost a number of key players from the club in the summer. Although some important players from the second team remained, they were also affected by departures. Thankfully, with work from the coaching staff, we’ve recruited well and we’re in a strong position going into MD1.

 

P: Speaking of changes, what went into your decision making for the Captaincy of Aaron Forde?

 

CM: Aaron’s a leader and a winner. The lads listen when he speaks and he doesn’t often miss a session. He understands what’s required at this level and he’ll help drive us toward success and three points every week.

 

P: So, last season you were an absolute and certifiable winner in your own right as a player and manager, what expectations and goals do you have, both in league and Cup competitions?

 

CM: The goal for the club is simple: improve on last season and do our best to be in two title conversations. Both leagues will be competitive and there will be no easy games. We’ll take each game at a time and see how things shake out. We have some talented players and I’m confident we’ll be in a good place come May and June 2023. For the cups, I’m hoping both teams can put together cup runs in league and state competitions. We both did well in the league cups, reaching the final and semi-final, but we both went out early in the state cups. I’m hoping we can go further this year.

 

P: You definitely have a different demeanor than Gary (Last season’s manager), which isn't a bad thing, what differences in coaching/philosophy, if any, do you have from him?

 

CM: From my end, I think we approach things similarly, which is maybe why we worked so well together. We’re both passionate players and managers but I think it’s fair to say our delivery differs a bit. Gary has been a huge influence on me and I’ve learned a lot from him. I wouldn’t be at the club without him.

 

P: So, going into MD1. You open up the campaign against the recently relegated Stal Mielec NY. Have you had any looks at their play style last season or is it just viewed as a complete blank slate?

 

CM: Stal are going to be a strong side. They’re good at set pieces and present a threat on the transition. They’ll be strong. We’ve reviewed some tape (thanks, Game in Frame), and they may set up similarly, but as we’ve found out they teams change their setups a lot.

 

P: Final question, Div 2 exploded in size this season. With two conferences within, how much has changed in preparation for the season compared to last?

 

CM: It’s a massive change to be sure but not one that’s alien to me. The Bay State Soccer League (BSSL) has had similar setups in the past, usually based on where teams are located, and you learn quickly whether you’re in the “hard” division.

 

    There you have it folks. I’m predicting a cautious 1:0 win against Stal. We have a lot of stuff going on the background as well. There’s currently a GoFundMe for EV Loves NYC, a food preparation/distribution organization that we associate with (https://gofund.me/9a50c640). We are also currently offering our beautiful new 3^rd shirt for pre-order (NYIFC LIBERTY 3RD JERSEY - Short Sleeve (PREORDER) – NY International FC (nyintfc.shop) ). Finally, on Sept. 14^th, 6:30PM-10:30PM there will be a 4v4 Tournament where 50% of the proceeds will go to the aforementioned EV Loves NYC (information in the graphic below)