Silver Knights Announce First Signings for 2014-'15 Season
Published on September 15, 2014 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse Silver Knights of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) have announced the signings of returning players Bo Jelovac, Darren Toby, Nate Bourdeau, Antonio Manfut, and goalkeeper Bryan O'Quinn to the 2014-2015 official team roster.
Jelovac had a breakout 2013-2014 season. The Serbian earned All-MISL Second Team honors in his first full year as a defender in Coach Tommy Tanner's system. The hulking defender chipped in nine goals and eight assists from the back, including a memorable game-winning goal against the Baltimore Blast on January 19, 2014.
"He's gotten more comfortable and is able to understand the game," Coach Tanner said.
With another year to perfect the switch, the attacker-turned-defender knows he can raise his game to even greater heights.
"It was a big learning process for me," Jelovac said. "Now I am going back with a lot of confidence."
Expect the Albany University product to be a stalwart in front of the goal.
Toby is a Silver Knights original, amassing 67 games played with seven goals in three years. The Trinidadian's numbers may not be flashy, but he's known to get the job done.
"He's very, very solid. Daren is the type of guy that is quiet on the field, but he'll look to get forward a bit more," Coach Tanner said.
With 50 career blocks, expect Toby to continue his gritty defensive work as a man on the penalty kill. His fierce play and ability to keep possession in key situations will be a major asset for the Salt City side in year four of existence.
After taking over as the clear cut number one in net, O'Quinn has become one the most reliable net minders in the indoor game. The goalkeeper logged 954 minutes in 16 games played, holding a record of 11-5. It was O'Quinn's best year donning the Orange, Silver and Black.
"We have a number of veteran players returning and we need to look, act, and prepare in different and better ways than we have done in the past to ensure that we obtain different and better results," the Massachusetts-native said. "I am truly honored that the Silver Knights have welcomed me back."
The Silver Knights original will look to push for league honors as the Central New York club aims for a playoff spot in a new league.
Manfut had a dream season last year for the Silver Knights. The 20-year-old scored in his debut match back in 2013 and appeared in all 20 matches last year. The highlight was a 2014 tilt against the Pennsylvania Roar, which saw the diminutive striker notch his first career hat-trick. The striker also scored a crucial goal in the MISL semi-final against the Baltimore Blast to help push the overtime mini-game.
Luckily for Coach Tanner, the midfielder has been eager to work on his game in the offseason back in Cleveland.
"Now having a couple years under my belt, I feel as like I know the game a lot better with the walls, runs and where to be on the field," Manfut said. "I hope to provide a spark every time I step on the field."
Manfut spent his summer applying his trade in Ohio with National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) side AFC Cleveland, scoring two goals with five assists.
With a tremendous amount of upside that drew interest from C.F. Pachuca, this could be a breakout year for the young playmaker.
Bourdeau turned into a consistent player on the team sheet last year, making 20 appearances and producing 13 2-point goals with three assists. The Baldwinsville native expects to improve from his first indoor campaign.
"Personally, I see myself stepping into a more influential role with the squad after my rookie and sophomore years. I will do whatever it takes to make sure the team is winning because it's all that matters," Bourdeau said.
Still, the third-year man has areas to improve on this year.
"He learned the game last year, and defensively I thought he was very good for a first-year player," Coach Tanner said. "He has the ability to go forward as well and hopefully his point total will go up this year."
Ready for a chance to play in front of his home fans, Bourdeau could be a crucial two-way player for the Salt City side.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from September 15, 2014
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- Silver Knights Announce First Signings for 2014-'15 Season - Syracuse Silver Knights
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