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Members of the South Philadelphia Soccer Club did not need last month’s FIFA World Cup to elevate their competitive natures; they had medal dreams of their own. Two weeks ago in York, dreams became realities as the club’s representatives helped three of their four teams capture medals at the Keystone Summer Games.
The event united 7,000 athletes competing in more than 30 sports. The South Philadelphia competitors represented Team Metro, a region consisting of players from Philadelphia. Gracing the field for four of the region’s five teams, the fleet youngsters lived up to their club’s “Champions On and Off the Field” motto by scoring two gold medals and a silver.
The club filled roster spots on two 16-and-under boys’ teams — one winning gold, the other taking home the bronze — while the 18-and-under boys’ crew took home the silver. The 14-and-under girls’ squad also left town with gold draped from their necks, with Julianna Casasanto, 13, of the 2000 block of Porter Street, playing a key role in the golden effort.
“We draw 80 to 85 percent of our club players from South Philly,” Mark Casasanto, father of Julianna and 18-and-under player Mark, said at FDR Park, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue.
The club originated in 2006 and now includes seven teams competing in seven leagues. Competing in various tournaments gives the players exposure against top competition.
“We’re able to attract kids from the Northeast, Bensalem and New Jersey,” the older Mark Casasanto, who serves as executive vice president of the club, said. “I’m eager to see what our results from the Games will do for us.”
At the Games, the younger Mark, 16, joined with Juan Cora, 16, of the 400 block of Mifflin Street, to give the 18-and-under team its second straight medal. Last year, the boys won gold, yet lost a chance to repeat, falling to Lehigh Valley in the final match.
Both players attend Roman Catholic High School, Broad and Vine Streets, where Mark’s father helps out as an assistant varsity coach.
“The experience at York was great,” Casasanto, a soon-to-be junior who began playing at 3, said. “I attribute my success to my dad’s hard work and to the fact that I have plenty of people to back me up.”
“I loved the Games,” Cora, who began acquiring his knack for marking players at 5, added.
“Juan’s a fullback so he usually has to pursue the other teams’ top player,” the elder Casasanto said.
If he were a girl, Cora would certainly shadow Julianna. The 13-year-old striker collected two goals and three assists in two days of action, taking her team one step further than last year’s squad progressed.
“I prefer to make plays for other people, the left-footed Casasanto, who overcame an ankle injury to compete, said. “Scoring two goals [at the Games] surprised me.”
That she played through her injury to compete did not surprise her father, whose son missed his medal match with a partially dislocated shoulder.
“Most of our rosters have 18 kids, and we’re always looking for talent,” Casasanto, who coaches 17- and 9-year-olds, said.
That talent could come from the numerous camps that schools will begin conducting in two weeks.
“Soccer is definitely one of the most physically demanding sports,” Cora said.
“It is but the fact that we started so early has made success easier for us to achieve,” the younger Mark said. “I think the Games backed that up.”
“The Games were definitely a thrill for these kids,” the father said. “For many, they were the first shot at state competition. These kids are all growing exponentially.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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