Nearly 50 strong athletes entertained a small crowd at Sahlen’s Sports Park in the hopes of impressing new FCB head coach Brendan Murphy enough to win a roster spot for the 2013 National Premier Soccer League.
On hand to evaluate players with Murphy and former UB assistant Ian Fairlie, Newfane HS coach Bob Roach and longtime KenTon soccer coach Hector Vasquez, while FCB general manager Nick Mendola also attended proceedings.
Many players who have worn the blue and gold were there as well as current collegiate athletes from schools like Buffalo, Temple, Canisius, Albany, Niagara, St. Bonaventure and many more. All-in-all more than a dozen programs were represented.
“I am excited about the level of players that were here,” Murphy said. “Great representation among the local and regional colleges and a lot of guys really showed well. I appreciate the support from the local college coaches who encouraged their players to come and try out. Without their endorsement, we wouldn’t have had this level of talent.”
See a slideshow of Friday’s tryouts from Upper 90 Magazine’s Brandon Chiarmonte.
“I was very impressed with the competitive atmosphere of the tryout. We appreciate all of these guys coming out and fighting for the opportunity to represent this club.”
The staff is currently evaluating the next steps in the tryout process. Stay tuned to this space for more news.
“Our ownership group has been encouraged to reinstate a reserve side for years in order to grow the depth of our Game Day XVIII,” Mendola said. “The clear depth and excitement from Friday’s group shows that it’s something we must consider strongly in the near future.”
In addition to the tryout, each player received a voucher good for one season ticket for the 2013 NPSL home games.
For more information, email wolf@fcbuffalo.org