Hawks fly high again

Breaking up is hard to do. The Epiphany Hawks CYO soccer team would know: Its split transformed the squad from the regular-season junior-varsity champion one year to a winless varsity program the next.

As a core of fifth- and sixth-graders, the Hawks had been a powerhouse. But last year, as the older players advanced to varsity play in seventh grade while the younger ones stayed behind in JV, it just wasn’t the same.

Once the old gang was reunited on the soccer field this summer, the winning spirit returned. The Hawks varsity squad finished the regular season last month with an 8-2 record and placed second out of 16 teams in the CYO Delco League. Epiphany advanced to Saturday’s semifinals, losing 1-0 to Holy Child. The victors scored the game’s only goal 10 minutes into the contest.

As the league’s lone South Philly representative, the coed squad was especially motivated to bring home a title, but fell two wins short.

Coach Bill McAfee stressed that the season was still worth celebrating.

"To go that far in the playoffs is a success," he said. "As coaches, we don’t put pressure on them that they have to win championships or win each game. We just put them in situations where they can win."

The Hawks made a quick recovery by beating St. Anastasia 6-4 in Sunday’s consolation game. The athletes went 3-1 in the postseason.

Acing tournament competition is no small feat for South Philly soccer players, who are fewer in number than their basketball- and baseball-playing counterparts. Aside from Epiphany, only the Southeast Youth Athletic Association and select Department of Recreation sites offer soccer programs.

Local teams are considered the underdogs when measured against Northeast Philadelphia and Delaware County competition, but the Epiphany players have proven an exception.

"The same bunch of kids has been playing together since they were 4 or 5," McAfee said. "They get along very well. They’re into that competitive spirit."

Epiphany athletes learn the sport through the school’s indoor soccer program, which starts with four teams on the kindergarten-first grade level. The youths play two games a week, and continue moving up the ranks.

By the time the athletes reach fifth and sixth grade, they’re playing outdoor soccer for Epiphany’s junior-varsity team. This was the Hawks’ eighth year playing in the Delco League.

Enthusiasm just might be Epiphany’s secret weapon. The youths eagerly arrive at their home field at 12th and Wharton streets a couple of hours before game time.

In keeping with the coach’s strong team philosophy, the players don’t seem to care who scores the most goals or dishes out the most assists.

"Soccer is a team game," McAfee said. "An individual can’t take over the game like in baseball or basketball. Each person has something to contribute to the team, and they all adapt well to that role."

Eighth-grader Nica Meccariello is so dedicated to her task that she has played both injured and sick. If her knee is banged up, she gets it wrapped and keeps on playing. If she is suffering with a cold, she tries to kick it with soccer.

"She just catches your attention with everything she does," the coach said. "Spirit is huge with her."

When Epiphany faces opponents that have more advanced club players on their roster, the local squad works together to shoot them down.

If the athletes stick with the game, they could establish a valuable feeder program for the Ss. John Neumann-Maria Goretti soccer teams.

Both the boys’ and girls’ programs have struggled, dating back to the high school’s days as separate facilities.

Anxious for new talent, Catholic League coaches attended Hawks playoff games for a closer look at eighth-graders Meccariello, Joey Parmisciano, Billy McAfee (the coach’s son), Mark Gambacorto, Chelse Pitetti, Joey Brydges, Erica Diaz and Albi Furxhiu.

Meanwhile, seventh-graders John Cujdik, Michael Riverso, T.J. Biondo, William Huff, Giuliano Lozzi, John Defeo, Robert Simon, Justin Brydges and Michel Capocci are expected to return next season.

With the determination that took them to the semifinals, the Hawks should continue to soar — and score.

McAfee said his team played hard to the end this season.

"We are very proud of them," the coach said. "It was an outstanding year."