IASA Unbeaten in Opening Fixtures: IASA Players Making Impressions.

25/08/2010

IASA Players making Impressions Around the Leagues.

Played three, won one and drawn 2 and lying fourth in the league table, the IASA team has made an impressive start to their the new league campaign –especially when considering that players have been arriving, from around the world, since early August to the program and are still adjusting to a new football environment and culture.

According to Mark Ellis, IASA football director, IASA beat last week, a previously unbeaten team, 4-1, in their league and were in his words, “a different class”. The first game was drawn even though IASA had the better of play and created several great opportunities to score. Brandon Roane has being looking dangerous and scored a couple of goals in league play with Juan Palacio adding another in their 4- 1 win. Brandon, has forced his way into the semi pro squad, Eccleshill, making his debut as a substitute last night in their 3-1 win.

Mark said, “The first game for IASA was obviously a adjustment as most of the players had literally stepped off the plane to play – as we are getting in more training the class and talent is showing”.  On Saturday, however, the young IASA players learned a good football lesson according to Mark. “ The IASA players were obviously a much better outfit than their more experienced opposition who tried to intimate and out muscle the much younger IASA squad”.  Mark indicated this all part of the learning process – “if your going to move forward and up the leagues in play you need to know how to compete against others who may try to stop you from playing. They are learning to play against men as they transition into men themselves in their football abilities much like top youth academy professionals are exposed to”.

Several IASA players are playing with Eccleshill United in the NCEL, a semi pro, outfit – Joey Spivack, Kjell Stray-Gundersen, Andy Caesar and Tahj Bell are creating exciting waves since coming in to the squad Eccelshill who have won the last three of its four games played so far since joining the squad. Mark indicated that the Eccleshill Manager, Ian Banks a former professional player at Bradford City FC and colleague of Mark believes that some of the players are showing such promise that they have the ability to go higher up the leagues with more development time. In addition CJ Lyle is continuing to impress in training and showing tremendous ability. He will has caught the attention of several coaches within the IASA ranks; many of who have connections across the professional football spectrum.

Upcoming games see the IASA team at home at 3.00pm with some of the IASA players continuing to represent Eccleshill in the NCEL.

The IASA team will play its first showcase game of the season within the next 10 days against Hull City FC (Championship) and then are preparing for another showcase game against Bolton Wanders of the Premiership in the coming weeks.

Game photos will soon be able to be viewed through the gallery link on the web.

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/984.aspx