Silver Knights Recall Six to Roster
Published on October 28, 2013 under Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse Silver Knights of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) have announced the return of six players to the 2013-2014 roster. The team brings back forwards Slavisa Ubiparipovic, Antonio Manfut, midfielders Kenardo Forbes, Nate Bourdeau, Cory Elenio, and defender Marcos Chantel.
Silver Knights Forward, Slavisa Ubiparipovic, Bosnian-born player.
Ubiparipovic took the MISL by storm upon joining the Silver Knights, earning MISL Rookie of the Year while leading the team in points with 61. During that 2011-2012 season, Ubiparipovic scored 19, 2-point goals and had 14 assists. Ubiparipovic maintained this great form and completed last year's 2012-2013 season ranked in the top 20 for most goals with 13, 2-point and two 3-point goals combining for 50 points.
"I'm expecting big things from Slavisa this year," Silver Knights coach, Tommy Tanner, said. "I think he knows the game very well and can be one of the top players in this league."
Ubiparipovic is himself looking forward to vast improvements, both collectively and personally, setting high standards for the Silver Knights' season to come.
"The team is a lot better compared to our first two years and so of course our expectations have been rising," Ubiparipovic said. "This year we simply have to make the playoffs ... I am ready to do whatever it takes to help the team achieve its goals ... I expect the majority of the guys will come back with the same mentality."
Ubiparipovic had also played for the Cleveland Internationals PDL team and was on short trial with the New York Red Bulls after the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. Before signing with the Silver Knights, Ubiparipovic also played for the PASL-Pro Ohio Vortex where he received Player of the Week in December of 2010.
Silver Knights Midfielder, Kenardo Forbes, Jamaican player.
Forbes has played professionally in Jamaica and was captain of the Jamaican team, Waterhouse FC. Forbes scored nine points in 13 games in his first season for the Silver Knights, completing three assists.
Forbes enjoyed a much more fruitful season last year. The forward scored nine 2-point goals and completed nine assists, combining for 27 points in 25 games.
"Kenardo, towards the end of last season, really came on," Tanner said. "He does a terrific job of keeping possession and we're going to look forward to him scoring more points this season."
Silver Knights Forward/Midfielder, Antonio Manfut, Cleveland-born player.
Manfut graduated from Lebron James' St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, OH. Despite his age, Manfut has plenty of soccer experience. In 2012, he was captain of the Cleveland White Caps and led them to the Ohio State Championship. Shortly after, Manfut trained with Liga MX giants, C.F. Pachuca.
"This is a great opportunity for Antonio to show everyone all his abilities," Tanner said. "He is a special player, we look forward to him having a great year this coming season."
Manfut scored his first and only goal of the season last year, on his debut for the Silver Knights.
"My goal for the season is to help our team reach its first ever playoff series ever in franchise history," Manfut said. "If you don't aim for the stars, you will never reach them."
Silver Knights Midfielder, Cory Elenio.
Cory Elenio, one of the Silver Knights top points earner with 16 goals and 12 assists during the inaugural 2011-2012 season returns to the squad. Elenio played for the Carolina Railhawks before joining the Silver. He then moved on to the Wilmington Hammerheads. He today returns to the Silver Knights for the coming season. Elenio played his college soccer at the University of Evansville.
"I am really excited to be back playing for Tommy and with the teammates I played with two years ago ... I am excited to be back in Syracuse playing for a great fan base," Elenio said. "I am really looking forward to helping the team out in any way possible, whether that is by scoring, assisting or defending."
Silver Knights Defender, Marcos Chantel, Brazilian player.
Chantel has played for Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo. He then spent a season in the Netherlands, playing for Eredivisie team, LVV Kyepers. In the United States, Chantel played for the Northern Virginia Royals. He also played professionally for the Stockton Cougars and the Baltimore Blast before joining the Silver Knights. In his debut season for the Silver Knights, Chantel scored eight points and had two assists. Last year scored one 3-point goal.
"I expect Marcos to be steady, to give leadership at the back, and keeps us together as a group," Tanner said. "He's great in the locker room, and the experience he brings along with his strength and size are all things that we will need."
Silver Knights Midfielder/Forward, Nate Bourdeau, Baldwinsville-born player.
Bourdeau played at Rutgers University, earning All-Big East honors in his Senior year. He was a highly talented player at CW Baker High School earning CNY Player of the Year in 2007. He also played for Ocean City in the PDL before joining the Silver Knights. Last season, Bourdeau scored four 2-point goals and made three assists, combining for 11 points.
Bourdeau has high hopes, and looks to the strength and solidarity of the group to help through for the coming season.
"We have a good core [of players] returning and we will have another year of experience under our belts," Bourdeau said. "Personally, I want to build off of my rookie year and be a big impact player in the league."
Coach Tanner corroborated himself that there is much more to come from Bourdeau, and expects improvement.
"He learned the game last year, and defensively I thought he was very good for a first-year player," Tanner said. "He has the ability to go forward as well and hopefully his point total will go up this year."
Before the Syracuse Silver Knights begin the regular season, the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) team will host the Baltimore Blast in a free exhibition match on Friday, November 8. Kickoff will be at 8:00PM at the CNY Family Sports Centre.
The Silver Knights will kick off its regular season on November 15th at the Pennsylvania Roar, followed by the home opener versus New York rivals, the Rochester Lancers on November 22nd at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena at 7:30PM. More player announcements coming this week as the Syracuse Silver Knights roster begins to take shape in the teams third season.
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from October 28, 2013
- Silver Knights Recall Six to Roster - Syracuse Silver Knights
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
