F.C. Revolution

From our news staff.

May 8, 2009

Why did FC Revolution join the league and decide to have a new men's team?

It's extremely important for our younger players and teams to have older role models.  Now, they will be able to see a "live" higher level of play.  We want our players to be able to join us at U8's and to have the opportunity to go through our system all the way through. Next summer, we plan to start a women's team.

What is the goal of the team?

Our goal is simply this - to give as many Berks County and former REV players as possible, the chance to perform during the summer in front of home town fans.

Why the NPSL?

Well, the USL has territorial rights, so we couldn't go with a PDL team, but we are extremely happy with the league so far.  It is a league that is doing things the right way.  College coaches detest summer leagues like this in fear of injury, but we play a 10 game schedule and the season ends with plenty of time for the players to recover.  We also like "NEW"... new ideas...new teams...new philosophies, etc.  Change is good, and we see the NPSL as a great way to showcase local talent.

Why don't you try to sign more Division One players from the tri-state area?

I've been asked that question by a lot of people.  We have connections with just about every D1 coach on the east coast, and originally we were going to go that route. But, we have so much talent right here at home, that we decided to give these players an opportunity to thrive in a great environment over the summer months.  The response so far has been tremendous.  Also, Eric (Puls) and I aren't looking to climb the coaching ranks.  We've been there for several years, and it was a lot of fun, but it's time to give back to the talent right here.

How many "older" players are on the roster?

When you say "old", I'm assuming you're talking about Eric Puls...HA!  Eric is a ten year pro who can still get after it.  He is the smartest player in the area, and has pro soccer experiences in Europe and here in the states.  He also coached professionally, so he will be the assistant coach as well as a player.  His guidance, experience, and knowledge will be extremely beneficial to these young and aspiring players.  FC coach Jeff Koegel is also a former pro, and still young enough to buzz around the field and work his magic.  Other than that, most of the players are between 18 and 22.

How have the players responded so far?

The players are very business-like during the training sessions. They are all aspiring professionals, so the attitude is serious and positive.  This is a very talented group, and we're excited to play the first match.  They all know each other so the "feeling out" phase isn't necessary.  They all grew up playing with and against each other, so it makes everything fun.

What kind of style will the team play?

Attack...attack...attack,  I don't like boring soccer.  Some teams play possession for 90 minutes and some teams play balls to the corner flags all day.  The last time I checked, the goal is straight ahead, so we'll be playing a combination of tactics, but primarily an all out attacking style. With the big man (6'4" Pete Rowley) up top we have a lot of options, and having Eric, Jeff, and Max Ferdinand right behind him...well, we'll just have to see how things play out.  Plus, we have some very fast outside players like Gibrilla Conde, Erik Weber, Mark Yost and several others, who can flat out fly. It should be exciting.

Who are the youngest players on the team?

The youngest is 16 year old backup goalkeeper Josh Pacella, who currently plays for the FC Revolution U17 Caliente team.  Josh is a 6'2" sophomore from Wilson High School who has potential to be big time, and he didn't even see time for his HS team this past fall.  If Josh focuses on becoming a pro, without question, he will become one.  The sky is the limit for this young player.  Current high school seniors Josh Labik and Kevin Leslie from Twin Valley HS, and Gibrilla Conde from Governor Mifflin are names to remember.  All three are special talents, and all three will see the field this summer.

You sound excited.

I am!  There is nothing like seeing high level soccer.  And now, Berks County soccer fans can come out and watch these kids and see what they can do.  All the youth soccer coaches who coached these kids as young players should feel proud of the part they played in their development.  I am very happy that we were able to keep these players right here where they belong.

What about ticket prices?

For the home opener vs. Buffalo City FC,  all RBJSL youth players are admitted free of charge if they wear their local club jerseys to the game.  Adults pay just $6.00, and kids 5 and under are always free. Youth tickets (6-18) are only $4.00.

What Berks County High Schools are represented?

Wow...there are a lot.  Check our roster page for the details on each player, but I can think of Mifflin, Wilson, Exeter, Reading, Fleetwood, Holy Name, Conrad Weiser, Oley Valley, Antietam, Muhlenberg, Twin Valley, Boyertown HS and more, I'm sure.

Who is the starting goalkeeper?

Easy one there...Reading HS and Alvernia grad Rich Kessler is a stud.  He's as quick as a cat, and he is a shot stopper.  Plus, he has been in many big games and is very experienced, so we feel very good about our goalkeeper situation.

Who has impressed you the most so far?

That's difficult to say, but I like Max Ferdinand a lot.  He brings a flair to the game that soccer fans will enjoy.  I also like the energy that Eric Pepper brings...he just goes and goes.  Matt Procopio is a solid player and former college captain.  And of course, Eric and Jeff are real pro's.  The player outside the area who seems big time is Marsal Peters.  Marsal is a former IMG Academy player / student and has the physical tools to play at the next level.  I only mentioned a few players, but they all bring something unique to the team.

Good Luck, Mike.  I hope the team is successful.

We'll measure our success by the play on the field... and not necessarily by wins and losses, or titles.  We want to play attractive, attacking soccer, so the fans enjoy their time with us. Pass the word along to everyone you know.   Tickets are cheap, and the atmosphere at Albright is awesome, especially since there is no track around the field, and the fans are right up against the players.  May 16th is the home opener.  U12 FC Revolution Shoccer player Nat Gallen will be kicking out the first ball.  Nat suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, and will be our first celebrity to kick off the start of a new era in Berks County Men's Soccer. 

JOIN THE NEW REVOLUTION!