BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team participated in a unique team building activity during preseason training. With a squad made up of athletes from many different backgrounds, head coach TJ Kostecky decided to unite past players with present ones to foster a better understanding of LIU Brooklyn men's soccer history.
Current players reached out to numerous members of the LIU Brooklyn Hall of Fame, and then presented their findings to the rest of the 2014 team. Many of these past players have made an impact not only at LIU, but also in the soccer world.
Senior forward Brice Merwine had the chance to connect with Richard Chinapoo, a four-time All-American at LIU who went on to play with the New York Cosmos in the 1980s. Both Merwine and Chinapoo are from Pennsylvania.
Jacob Smith, a senior defender, spoke with recent LIU Brooklyn Hall of Famer Rosario Composto. Composto mentioned the strong team bond him and his Blackbird teammates had, and how his playing experience at LIU helped him become a part of the 1974 United States Olympic soccer team.
Several current Blackbirds reached out to members of the team during the 1960's, when LIU Brooklyn earned much of its national success. Sophomore midfielder Raffi Gregorian reached out to Gary Rosenthal, a former Dean of Students at LIU. Rosenthal coached the Blackbirds during this period and helped them rise to the national level.
Senior midfielder Nick Cavaretta spoke to the 2014 Blackbird squad about the 1966 team that played in the NCAA Championship game, while sophomore forward Stephen Mensah talked about Dov Markus, the first ever recipient of the Mac Hermann Trophy in 1967, collegiate soccer's highest honor.
Finally, senior defender Tyler Draovitch connected with Arnold Ramirez, a former LIU head coach. Ramirez had the chance to coach his son with current NY Cosmos coach and former MLS and international standout, Giovanni Savarese. The two led LIU Brooklyn back to the national stage once again.
The exercise helped both the current LIU players and coaches come away with a renewed appreciation for the program, just in time for the season to begin. The Blackbirds play their home opener this Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1:00 p.m against Saint Joseph's.