Forgue is on the brink of greatness
By Christopher Parish
ESPNRISE.com
When Downingtown West senior boys' soccer player Brian Forgue graduates, he wants to study law. Which is fitting, because right now he's the star member of one of Pennsylvania's best defense teams.
Need some evidence? Downingtown West surrendered just eight goals in 28 games last season, and Forgue was a big reason why. In his junior season, the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder was named an NSCAA/adidas All-American for his defensive efforts. Forgue was one of only two non-senior defenders in the nation to earn the honor and was one of only three players from Pennsylvania at any position.
At a young age, Forgue laced up his cleats and took to the pitch. Some of his earliest memories are of standing on the sidelines at his older brother's games. By the time he was 6 years old, he was already playing club soccer. It was then that Forgue caught the eye of John Hatt, one of the local club coaches and the man who would eventually be his varsity coach at Downingtown West.
"Even at 6 years old, you could see his work ethic," Hatt says. "He was a good young player."
Forgue auditioned to play for the Spirit United/FC Delco Strikers but decided to try out for one of the club's older teams. Surprising even himself, he made the squad. For much of his young club career, he played with and against older and more advanced players.
As a seventh-grader, Forgue made the FC Delco Hammerheads squad, eventually captaining the team for four seasons. His coaches and teammates were clearly a good judge of talent. His teams won three Region I championships and seven EPYSA State Cup championships, in addition to finishing as national runners-up in 2006.
Meanwhile, Forgue was also earning playing time for Downingtown West. He made the varsity team as a freshman but spent much of the season on the bench. But as a sophomore, Forgue earned a starting job and the results spoke for themselves. The team won the Ches-Mont League in 2006, then repeated in 2007, advancing to the state tournament.
Forgue's tenacious defense helped lead his team to the PIAA Class AAA state championship game against Peters Township last season. But an overtime loss shattered West's hopes for a title. Peters Township's Shane Pruitt, now a freshman at Lafayette, scored the clincher in the extra period, deflating fellow All-American Forgue and the Whippets, 2-1.
"It was tough to come that far and not finish the job," Forgue says. "Up to that point last year, we had surpassed every obstacle that we had met. But it kind of hurts to be crushed at the last moment. A lot of guys won't voice it, but it's all inside of us. We need to avenge that loss."
Rebounding from such a loss won't be easy, especially when the defeat is still on the minds of so many returning players this season. Hatt tries to stress a mentality of one game at a time, urging players to do the little things first before working their way up to the ultimate goal. This year, that might be tough.
But when asked how he intends to keep everyone focused, Hatt barely hesitates. "That's Brian's job," he says. "That's my captain's job." Forgue isn't particularly concerned with the captain title he earned as a junior - just the responsibility that accompanies it.
"It's not even about wearing the arm band during the game," he says. "Leadership is an action, not a position. You're a family out there, and you have each other's backs. To be viewed as their leader means the world to me."
Forgue takes a lot of pride in his ability to help his team win. He couldn't care less about his goal-scoring totals or the number of assists he tallies. "I'm not that concerned with statistics," says Forgue, who recorded four goals and eight assists last year. "The greatest accolade that I can win next year is a state championship."
With Forgue leading the defensive effort this season, the team will benefit in other areas of play. Forgue's very presence affords Hatt strategic versatility. "We're able to take a lot more chances," Hatt says. "We can significantly change formations, and that makes it tough for other teams to prepare for us. We build our team from Brian out."
Preparation is what often separates good lawyers from great lawyers, so it's no surprise that preparation and a willingness to work hard have always been among Forgue's strengths. "He had that work ethic when he was 6 years old, and he never lost it," Hatt says. "He is vocal but he leads by example."
For his part, Forgue is constantly driven by a desire to win.
"I love the competitiveness of soccer," he says. "I have a strong competitive nature, whether it's just pickup games with friends or anything. Every time I step onto the field I like to win, and I just want to be the best that I can, whether it's a night game under the lights against a cross-town rival or a day game against a no-name team. That's my mentality."
Forgue has made a verbal commitment to play soccer for Penn State, relishing the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten. But for now, Forgue's mind is on that elusive state championship.
Until he's met that goal, the defense won't rest.
DELCO's Alec Weiss & Kyle Soroka Commits Future to Villanova University
DOWNINGTOWN, PA (August 26, 2008) — The announcements come fast and furious for the former Hammerheads with Alec Weiss and Kyle Soroka the latest to commit their college future to local standout Villanova University. Nova's Big East soccer program, led by first year head coach and FC DELCO Academy staff member Tom Carlin, is making a play for dominance in this highly-competitive conference with a stacked 2008/2009 recruiting class that includes former FC DELCO Academy player Matt Margiotta. The upgrade continues with the addition of both Weiss and Soroka for the 2009/2010 class. Congratulations to all.
Two DELCO Hammerhead Standouts Commit to Old Dominion University
DOWNINGTOWN, PA (August 22, 2008) — Old Dominion University head men's soccer coach, Alan Dawson, pulled of coup of a lifetime by receiving verbal commitments from both Chris Harmon and Jordan LeBlanc—both standouts from this year's FC DELCO Hammerhead's Region I Regional Champions and National Finalist. The Monarchs are perennial Colonial Athletic Association conference standouts and last year's CAA champions (8-2-1).
Disney USA "All-Stars" Ready for World's Best in England
LONDON, UK (August 20, 2008) — Cobham will host an array of football teams from around the world this weekend when the Academy's international competition begins on Saturday. The three-day international tournament is a celebration of football to unveil or new Academy and Community Replacement Building at Chelsea's training ground, with eight of the world's top Under 16 teams joining the festivities.
The teams will include Ajax and Bayern Munich, who have some of the best youth systems in Europe. Ajax's youth system can boast greats like Johan Cruyff and, more recently, Dennis Bergkamp, the De Boer brothers, Patrick Kluivert and Edgar Davids. But not only will Ajax and Bayern Munich be taking part in the competition, River Plate and Suwon Samsung Bluewings will also be in contention as well as Russian side Tolyatti FC, the US's Disney Soccer 'All-Stars' and Lebanon's Al-Nejmeh FC from Beirut, who are representing Chelsea's Global Charity Partner, Right to Play. The Disney Soccer 'All Stars' are made up from 18 of the US's best young players, who were selected after the Chelsea sponsored Disney Soccer Showcase.
FC DELCO's Andrew O'Malley was selected, along with 17 other players at last year's event, to represent the top youth talent from the United States. The US All-Stars marshall up at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex for a light training session and media gathering before heading off to the Chelsea's new training facility in Cobham, just outside of London. Once in the UK, the All-Stars will get in a few training sessions as well as a Stamford Bridge stadium tour before the tournament begins. The All-Stars open the tournament this Saturday against Tolyatti Academy (Russia) after which they will be treated to an Chelsea FC vs. Fullham FC Premier League game at Craven Cottage. On Sunday the All-Stars face two of the best academies in the world; Bayern Munich Academy (Germany) and AJAX Academy (Netherlands). On Monday, the semi-final and consolation matches take place with the finals to be held at Chelsea FC's historic home grounds, Stamford Bridge.
Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's Director of Football Development, will begin the tournament by unveiling a plaque to formally open Cobham training ground's new Academy and Community Replacement Building. 'The facilities at Cobham are a tribute to how much stock the club places in developing young talent,' said Sir Trevor. Academy Manager Neil Bath added: 'These facilities are amongst the best in the world and will play an important role as we develop more and more young players through the Academy system.' The tournament kicks off this Saturday at 11am when Chelsea face River Plate FC. There will be full coverage of the Cobham Cup as the competition unfolds on Chelseafc.com.
FC DELCO's Schmid Named To U.S. Soccer's Development Academy Mid-Atlantic 'All Division' XI
CHICAGO, IL (July 18, 2008) — Today, FC DELCO U-15/16 Academy's Joseph Schmid was named to the Mid-Atlantic divison's 'All Division' XI squad. In its inaugural season U.S. Soccer has established an annual all-divisional squad for each of its 16 divisions for both age groups. Selection is based on votes by divisional coaches throughout the entire season. In addition to Schmid's All-Division XI section, he has appeared twice this season for the U.S. Under-17 squad in Academy competition. For more information cleck here for the official U.S. Soccer communication.
FC DELCO Academy Posts Under-15/16 Roster for 2008/2009 Season
DOWNINGTOWN, PA (July 9, 2008) — Today, FC DELCO Academy posted its U-15/16 roster for the 2008/2009 season. The U-17/18 roster is expected sometime later this month. The U-15/16 roster is primarily a combination of FC DELCO's powerful Roadkill squad and younger Academy players from last year's pool. This year's U-15/16 team will be coached by Rob Irvine. Rob, the FC DELCO's Assistant Coach of the Roadkill last year under John Hingley, is the assistant men's soccer coach at the University of Pennsylvania.
At the Division I level, Irvine spent three seasons (2001-03) as an assistant coach for his alma mater, Syracuse University. During that time, he earned his masters in public administration at Syracuse.
During his tenure, the Orange had a player earn Soccer America Freshman of the Year (Jarett Park in 2001) and another, Chris Aloisi, selected in the 2004 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft. In addition, Irvine coached three players who helped Canada to a quarterfinal berth at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.
Irvine also has experience coaching at the Olympic Development Program (ODP) level, as he was a staff coach for the Region IV camp in 2004. He currently holds an “A” license from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
Irvine enjoyed a successful playing career before he jumped into coaching. A two-time captain at Syracuse, he played for Canada’s Under-17 national team at that age group’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in 1991, and in 1993 and 1994 he was in Canada’s Olympic Soccer Team pool of players. Irvine also played professionally for a number of years.
2008/2009 U-15/16 Academy Roster
FC DELCO Academy Taps Villanova's Tom Carlin As Newest Staff Member
DOWNINGTOWN, PA (June 5, 2008) — In a move to further enrich the Academy experience, FC DELCO Academy Director, Alan Mezger, today named the Head Coach of Villanova's Men's soccer program, Tom Carlin, to his already stellar list of staff coaches. "Tom brings not only his credentials of coaching to the Academy, but his experience and knowledge about college soccer and the recruiting process which is very important for our athletes," said Mezger. "This brings our total Academy staff to 10 coaches and supporting personnel; one of the best and most committed within U.S. Soccer's Developmet Academy," he added.
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FC DELCO Teams Compete In U.S. Soccer's Development Academy Spring Showcase
ROCKFORD, IL (May. 26, 2008) — This past weekend FC DELCO participated in U.S. Soccer's Development Academy's largest showcase event of the year at the Rockford Sportscore in Rockford, IL (just west of Chicago). With 126 teams competiting, including the U.S. Under-17 Residency team, the National Development Academy Spring Showcase was the highest concentration of U.S. soccer talent ever gathered at one location. This fact was not overlooked by various collegient, Professional, and national scouts that were in attendance. It was a mixed weekend for DELCO as the Under-17/18 team went 1-1-1 and the Under-15/16 team went 0-1-2. Both squads took the opportunity to augment their rosters. The Under-17/18 called up three players from the Under-15/16 squard and the Under-15/16 took the opportunity to call up two players from their developmental roster
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FC DELCO Academy Taps Penn's Rob Irvine For Next Season's Under-15/16s
DOWNINGTOWN, PA (May. 14, 2008) — Today FC DELCO announced that it has tapped into its deep and rich pool of coaches to name University of Pennsylvania's assistant men's soccer coach as next season's head coach for the Under-15/16 division of their U.S. Soccer Development Academy. "Rob was a natural choice for this position with his current experience with our highly-successful Roadkill team, USSF A license, and significant college recruitment experience - which will be critical for our Academy players," said Academy Director, Alan Mezger.
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MLS Philly makes hires as it grows - Rob Smith comes on board as expansion club begins long process
CHESTER, PA (May. 12, 2008) — Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, just became a whole lot stronger. And more experienced. The ownership group for Major League Soccer Philadelphia 2010 announced the hiring of two more key executives on Monday -- Rob Smith as director of operations and Dave Debusschere as chief financial officer. Both executives will officially begin their assignments on June 2. Smith is currently the president of FC Delco and the varsity women's soccer coach at Downingtown (Pa.) High School. FC Delco, which was ranked as the No. 1 soccer club in the United States in 2004 by SoccerAmerica, has produced seven USYSA national championship teams and six runner-up appearances since '91.
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FC DELCO Faces Off Against The Red Bulls At Giants Stadium
RUTHERFORD, NJ (Apr. 27, 2008) — Both FC DELCO Development Academy teams tied their Academy league games this past weekend at Giants Stadium against the New York Red Bulls. The games were part of an all-day event that included the New York Red Bulls MLS game against the San Jose Earthquakes. While the New York Red Bulls toppled the San Jose Earthquakes 2-nil, both Academy games drew 1-1 with spirited play on both sides. It was a great experience for the boys to perform in an environment such as Giants Stadium and just one more example of how U.S. Soccer's Development Academy is differentiating itself from our traditional notion of premier-level youth soccer. |
Poor 2nd Half Performances Gives Match Fit Academy the Day
PRINCETON JUNCTION (Mar. 16, 2008) — A poor 2nd half performance by both FC DELCO Academy teams allow Match Fit Academy to take all the points last Sunday in US Soccer's Mid-Atlantic conference clash at the Mercer County Community College. While FC DELCO Under-16 squad seems to struggling to find last season's form, the Under-18 performance was particularly hard to take as they let a 2-nil lead slip starting in 1st half stoppage time. |
FC DELCO's Under-18 Academy Squad Prevail Over Potomac SC
GERMANTOWN (Mar. 2, 2008) — Potomac SC and FC DELCO kicked-off round two of US Soccer’s National Development League under sunny winter skies yesterday at the vast recreational complex known as the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown , MD. The Under-18 game pitted last year’s national finalist FC DELCO against the up and coming Potomac SC. |
Academy League Off to a Slippery Start on Heels of Ice Storm
USTC gets hit with overnight ice storm; "All Hands to the Pumps!"
DOWNINGTOWN, PA (Feb. 18, 2008) — For a while there it didn't look like FC DELCO or PA Classics would get their first game of the Academy League season in last week when the Downingtown area was hit with a freak overnight ice storm. At 8:00 Sunday morning, the turf field at the United Sports Training Center was covered with 2" of ice and only a skeleton crew on board for the relatively light schedule of winter events. |
FC DELCO Mourns the Loss of Cole Ballay
Former FC Delco Hammerhead player, Cole Ballay, was tragically killed on Tuesday afternoon in a car accident in Whitemarsh Township near his high school, Germantown Academy. Cole was an integral member of the Hammerheads since his U-13 season and also was an EPYSA ODP member and former Region 1 ODP player as well. Cole was a great athlete, student and friend and will be sadly missed by his teammates, coaches and club members. Everyone at FC DELCO sends their prayers and condolences to Cole's family including his parents, Nan and Tom, on their loss. |
FC DELCO opens Academy League in Texas Winter Showcase
The 2007/2008 US Soccer Academy League opens up this weekend for many of the 64 Academy clubs in Frisco, TX at the beautiful Pizza Hut Park; home of the MLS FC Dallas. Forty-four of the country's top teams from all over the country in the under-16 and under-18 age groups will converge on Pizza Hut Park for two days great competition and fun.
Amazingly, in its short existence, the Academy has emerged as the primary vehicle for US Soccer to identify talent for the national programs. As such, US Soccer, including MNT head coach Bob Bradley, will have an enourmous presence at this weekend's games. In addition to national team scouts, many of the top college programs will be present to identify top college recruits for the next few years. |
Summoned to England for soccer Leeds, UK — Andrew O'Malley, 15, will be demonstrating his skills at a special event for Chelsea FC in London, England this summer. |
White overcomes racial adversityHis feet have made him a living. They also might have saved his life.
It was a pretty typical March evening in Belgrade. Jeremiah White was in his first season (2004) with Serbian soccer club OFK Beograd and had just finished dinner with several teammates. |
Leeds United Invites FC DELCO's Nick Irvine to Train In England Leeds, UK — Leeds United, an English football club with a rich history and tradition, has invited FC DELCO Under-16 goalkeeper Nick Irvine to train for two weeks this coming February at their Elland Road facilities in Leeds, England. Leeds United is currently fighting their way back to the top-flight after suffering financial difficulties a few years back. |
Announcing The Newest Member of the FC DELCO Development Academy On Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008, at 1:32AM, the Mezger's welcomed the newest member to the FC DELCO Development Academy team, Raegan Louise Mezger. Completing the transaction just before the January transfer window closed, Raegan Louise enters the Academy for a record transfer fee of 8lbs. 9oz. After passing a medical, the gaffer (Alan Mezger) said, "At 22in. Raegan is sure to make a massive impact in our back-line." Both Mom and the center-half are doing well and resting "comfortably." |
Chelsea invites top U.S. youth players to train ORLANDO -- Eighteen of America's best youth soccer players, including FC DELCO's own Andrew O'Malley, were named to Disney's Soccer Showcase All-Star Team during a
ceremony at Disney's Wide World of Sports. |
DELCO Under-16s Produce Mixed Results At Disney Showcase Coming off a good showing at the 2007 Nike Friendlies last month at the IMG Academy's complex in Bradenton, FL, the FC DELCO Development Academy Under-16s were looking forward to a good result against tough competition at this year's Disney Soccer
Showcase presented by Chelsea Football Club. |
FC DELCO Academy Staff Coaches Playing Professionally Academy coaches Jeff Larentowicz and Jerry White have both made the rounds recently in the media; Jeff as a part of last year's MLS season
culminating in a trip to the finals of the MLS Cup championship, and Jerry playing in Denmark. Inside you will find exciting pictures and videos of them in action. |
FC DELCO Academy Players Selected To Represent The US National Team At The 2007 Nike Friendlies CHICAGO (Dec. 1, 2007) – U.S. National Team coaches selected twenty-nine Academy players for two
U.S. National Training Select Teams participating in this week’s Development Academy Nike Friendlies: Including Dante Marini, Andrew O'Malley and Joseph Schmid. |
US Soccer Academy to Stage 2nd Showcase in Frisco, TX, Feb 16-18, 2008by US Soccer 10/19/2007
CHICAGO (Oct. 19, 2007) – The U.S. Soccer Development Academy will stage its Winter Showcase at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas from Feb. 16-18, 2008. The U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups will each boast 43 elite
clubs from across the country and a total of 86 games that will be played over the course of the weekend. More [+] |
US Soccer Development Academy Fall Showcase Resultsby US Soccer 10/12/2007
CARSON, Calif. (October 12, 2007) – With more than 700 players representing 38 of the nation’s best youth teams all in one place, the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. was the perfect backdrop for the first-ever
U.S. Soccer Development Academy Fall Showcase. More [+]
Results Page |
US Soccer Announces Showcase Details For The Development AcademyChicago (October 3, 2007) – Today US Soccer announced some important details regarding key Development
Academy Showcase weekends starting with the Fall Showcase at the Home Depot Center. National Team (and college) coaches will be on hand to observe Development Academy matches and address all Academy players as a group.
All Showcase events will include:
- Gatorade will be available for all matches
- DVDs of each match made available to the National Team coaching staff and any collegel coach that requests
- Player's lounge with food, drink, games, and a place to unwind and relax
- Wireless network facilites for players, coaches, and press
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US Soccer Responds to Region 1 ODP Player RestrictionsChicago (October 1, 2007) – US Soccer to a big step today in advocating on behalf of their Development Academy players. Academy
players are strictly managed with respect to the amount and quality of their practices and games. This is a critical component of US Soccer's plan for their National Team. Recognizing that players have made commitments prior to the Academy
announcement, US Soccer agreed that they should fulfill their ODP obligations for the upcoming year.
Breaking away from all the other USYSA regions, Region 1 has decided to deny their regional players that are a part of the Developmet Academy the opportunity to participate in the Inter-Regionals and any european trips. This is unfortunate as the affected regional players have fully committed and embraced the ODP program.
US Soccer has decided to step in and help the Region 1 pool players currently in the Academy. They have invited them to a national training camp to be held over the Thanksgiving holidays (similar to the Inter-Regionals) at the Residency Center in Bradenton, FL; expenses paid. Also, a team will be selected from this camp to represent US Soccer at the upcoming Nike Friendlies in December, again all expenses are covered.
Kudos to US Soccer for doing the right thing. |
