From U6 to D1 - Meet Mike and Sal

BROOKLYN, NY - Two players that played through the ranks at the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club will meet eachother on the field on October 31st, 2014. Michael Guzman (left) and Salvatore Barone (right) started their careers together at the club. Today we interviewed both Michael and Salvatore to find out what life is like at a Division 1 College and how their time at the Brooklyn Italians prepared them for it.

Michael Guzman:

What is it like playing at a Division 1 school? How's life at Fairleigh Dickinson University?

"Playing at a Division 1 school is exactly what I expected; fast paced, technical and very physical. I enjoy it so much because my team mates push me so much every practice to get better. As a soccer player that is all you can ask for; to improve each and every day. It's very intense. My first game for FDU we played against a nationally ranked VCU in Virginia. The experience was surreal. Our coaches look to challenge us as players and I personally see that as a great thing in terms of my progression as a player. Also playing D1 soccer you can never lose sight of your goals, in terms of playing time, you need to make sure that you're focused every second. Life at FDU has a very "community" feel to it. It's a very small campus, you see familiar faces everywhere you go and you can make friends rather easily. I've really enjoyed my first month here."

How do you feel the Brooklyn Italians prepared you for D1 soccer?

"The Brooklyn Italians prepared me for D1 soccer because when we were U10, U11 or even U12 we played against and participated in tournaments 2 age groups older than ours. We were exposed to a different pace of the game at an early age. As we got older the transition to the game being quicker and more physical was easier because we had always played against older opposition. It's not like we didn't know how to play and they just put us against these older kids either, we knew how to play and this was thanks to all my coaches from Antonio JR Superbia all the way to Joe Barone. The coaches, no matter who they were, always gave the team confidence in our personal ability and we were always taught to not be afraid to make mistakes. That was important because when playing D1 soccer, you're going to make mistakes but you need to know that there are 10 other teammates around ready to help you."

"Another way that the Brooklyn Italians helped prepare me play D1 soccer is that they taught me the way to play, when I walked into the grass fields at the Verazzano Complex I had no idea what I was doing, I simply knew that if the ball went in the net it was a good thing and I loved playing the sport in general. They nurtured me from my early days, into my teenage years and even now into my freshman year of college. I always have been and always will be grateful to the club for being apart of my life."

What is your fondest memory at the Brooklyn Italians?

"My fondest memory at the Brooklyn Italians definitely has to be when the club surprised everyone and brought in Fabio Cannavaro to meet us at John Dewey High School. It was before the 2006 World Cup as well which makes it even more special because that very same man raised the World Cup that summer. I remember that day so vividly, I was 10 years old at the time and we had Fabio Cannavaro taking pictures with us and even playing futsal with some of us. Now when I look back at those pictures I can't help but laugh every single time. Seeing everyone at the club most of whom are still within the youth system as little kids. Seeing my teammates at age 10 and then seeing them now it's amazing to see how much we have all changed and grown into young men."

You play against Salvatore on October 31st, what is that going to be like?

"Playing against Sal on Halloween is going to be pretty weird. He's always been on my team since we started out together at 4 years old. Even this past summer we played together on the Brooklyn Italians NPSL Men's team. He's like my second big brother, even though he's only a month older than me. We keep in touch a lot and he knows that on Halloween he's on one team and I'm on the other. In my eyes its unfortunate for him that he's on the wrong team. For at least 90 minutes I'm putting aside our immense friendship and I will do whatever I can to help my team win. After the game however he'll be the first person I go to and I'll say "Good game Sally". It'll be a fun game to play in, being back in Brooklyn and seeing all of my friends but once we go there it's all business on the field."

Salvatore Barone:

What is it like playing at a Division 1 school? How's life at St. Francis College?

"Playing Division 1 soccer is definitely a special feeling. The level of competition is so great that's there is no room for error. It always forces you to improve on your game and stay on your toes, something which has helped me improve as a player in all aspects of the game. When it comes to St. Francis, the family atmosphere is second to none. There is always someone to help you when you need it, and everyone's friendly attitude is a definite plus. The academic part is challenging but without a lot of pressure, and in turn makes a really great learning environment."

How do you feel the Brooklyn Italians prepared you for D1 soccer?

"I feel that's Brooklyn Italians has prepared me very well for D1 soccer. The coaching has always been great not only on the field but off it as well. They thought me how to stay disciplined which is very important in D1 soccer. On the field Brooklyn Italians has taught me all the skills and knowledge about the game. They also taught me how to always stay positive during hard times."

Whats your fondest memory at the Brooklyn Italians?

"One of my fondest moments with the Brooklyn Italians was recently when I scored a goal against the NY Red Bulls. Besides that would have to be when I was U-12 and I scored the winning goal in the finals of the Massapequa Tournament."

You play Michael on October 31st, what is that going to be like?

"Playing against one of my closest friends is going to be a little weird. I am so used to being on the same team as him and now we are playing against each other. It is definitely going to be exciting for the both of us and I won't be holding anything back when I go 1v1 with him."