Downtown Soccer kicks off on new fields

By Ashley Winchester

Downtown Soccer League teams dribbled their way through the drizzle for opening day at the new Battery Park City fields this weekend. Although opening ceremony festivities are postponed until the following weekend (pending hurricane predictions), clouds parted long enough for play Saturday and Sunday in all but the minor division games.

Carl Friedberg, co-coach of the 12-13-year-old division’s Metrostars, opened his season with a scrimmage under the lights Friday night against the Revolution. Playing under the lights was an exciting change for the kids, he said.

“We have five new players this year which is almost one-third of the team,” Friedberg said. “We’re working on forming a cohesive team that plays well together and above all has fun… Playing under the lights and experimenting with the full field was wonderful. The park staff seems friendly and efficient, and we’re looking forward to a great season.”

Many of the teams have maintained the same players year after year. Bob Potter, who coaches two D.S.L. teams, said his under-11 team, Bordeaux, has been together for the past five seasons. Players Sam Gilberg and Emma Munger scored one goal each in their opening game win against Nice, while Emelia Petrarca, Francesca Taylor and Nell Potter shined on defense.

In the 10-year-old division, Sevilla goalkeeper Gabby Eisenberg-Edidin thwarted Valencia’s consistent attacks, letting in only one shot by Asa Capsouto. Valencia players Capsouto, Jamie Florez and Kristen White worked well in offense, consistently setting up shots against Sevilla. Diego Orellana and Max Cohen led Sevilla with one goal each, and Matthew Sheridan scored two for the win.

Minor division teams will open their season under the lights at the Battery Park City fields this Wednesday and Thursday night.

Downtown Soccer League coaches should e-mail information about their games to news@DowntownExpress.com by Monday morning.