No remorse from Byers
Jordale Byers likes to look at the world as the glass being half full.
The 29-year-old Toronto native has a long and extensive soccer resume ranging from League1 to the Canadian Soccer League to both Canadian collegiate and university levels.
Through it all, the St. Catharines Club Roma Wolves winger has learned to attempt to take the positive out of any situation.
“It’s being focused and taking the good with the bad and looking at more of the positive things,” Byers said. “I feel we sometimes focus on the negative things instead of looking at the positive and using that as an aspect of maturing and going along with the game.
“I feel like I’m a little older where I’ve been through some trials and tribulations where you have to be positive and come with a determined mindset just through the years of experience playing.”
Roma director of soccer operations Carmine Provenzano loves what Byers brings to the Wolves.
“He brings such a positive attitude and what a great kid, what a great find,” Provenzano said. “Comes from Mississauga every night to train. Is very dedicated to play at the next level. Has such a great attitude, whether he’s starting or not. He does anything for the team.”
Byers has lived across Canada, including a couple of years in Niagara Falls, where he attended Stamford Collegiate.
He was introduced to the Wolves through Roma’s Christian Lacuesta at winter tryouts.
“Niagara is like home to me,” Byers said. “I still have family here and it just made sense to come to St. Catharines. I like the atmosphere and love the coaches.
“They offered me a (chance to) stay and now I’m part of the Den and I’m a Wolf.”
Byers continues to have aspirations of playing overseas following the League 1 season.
“My main focus right now is on the league and game by game and helping Roma progress and stay in the top league for League 1,” he said.
Byers feels he still has plenty of gas left in his tank.
“Some people would have already hung up the boots. I’ve had opportunities but injuries have held me back so I still believe I’m a player that has a lot to offer the game and the game can still help me progress.
“I don’t think it’s over yet. No last dance yet.”
The Wolves dropped a 2-1 decision to Scrosoppi FC Friday night at Roma to drop their record to 1-6.
Michael Solomon scored for Roma.
Alexander Zis and Tomasz Skublak, with the winner in the 86th minute, replied for Scrosoppi.
“The team hasn’t jelled yet. The team is still in its premature mode. Now that we’ve played five or six games the team is jelling a lot better,” Provenzano said. “They’re coming along.”
The Wolves are at Guelph United Sunday and home to Hamilton United Wednesday, June 14 at 8:45 p.m.
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