Bocas Begin Season in NC
November 13, 2002
Bocas begin season in N.C.
Published in the Ocean County Observer 11/13/02
Staff report
The Jersey Shore Boca under-18 men’s soccer team will begin its 2002-03 season in Raleigh, N.C., this weekend in the 2002 CASL Raleigh Shootout.
The event is one of the largest and most competitive tournaments in the nation. More than 400 colleges will be represented by recruiters at the three-day event. All games will be played at the 28-field WRAL Area Soccer Complex.
Boca is one of 48 teams competing out of the more than 300 that applied for entry into the event. It is the lone New Jersey team accepted into the event.
In preliminary-round action, Boca will square off against the Meadowbrook Soccer Club (Ala.), Mount Pleasant Mutiny (S.C.) and CASL Premiere (N.C.), the host team.
“If you’re a high school junior or senior looking for some exposure to college coaches, I believe this event is one of the most attended recruiting events in the nation,” Boca coach Walt Konopka said.
“When our Boca under 17s attended this event last year, our sidelines were packed with collegiate coaches from all levels watching our players. I believe we also drew some attention because of the history and reputation of our club.
“Our roster has several kids who are being recruited by Division I schools. I think we will be able to hold our own against this great competition. However, we’ll have to wait until Monday to determine that now. Won’t we?”
The field also includes national powerhouses Albion Hurricanes (Tex.), Blackwatch Celtic (Fla.), Chicago Sockers, Jackson FC (Miss.), New Orleans Soccer Association, Memphis Futbol Club (Tenn.), Tulsa Nationals (Okla.) and the Dallas Texans among many others.
Several Boca teams have competed in the event over the years. Boca has been in existence for more than 20 years and is one of the most respected clubs in New Jersey. The club is based in Toms River. Programs include youth level teams from under 11-19, an under 20-23 program and a men’s semi-pro team.
Boca is also a member of the USL’s Super Y-League.
from the Ocean County Observer
Published on November 13, 2002
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