Wolves gearing up for home opener Friday
Nick Andreola brings a well-rounded game to the pitch for the St. Catharines Club Roma Wolves.
The 21-year-old Niagara Falls native is strong on the defensive side of the ball and also does a good job creating offence as an attacking midfielder.
“He is very versatile and can play any position as midfielder,” Wolves coach Federico Turriziani said. “Very strong and aggressive in the defensive phase, he is also capable of great technical skills and assisting on goal opportunities.
“Very easy to coach and great leader on the field.”
Turriziani feels it is only a matter of time before Andreola makes his presence felt on the scoresheet.
“In our system, we have him as central attacking mid and we are sure he is going to score a few goals soon,” he said.
Andreola made an impression on Roma technical director Davide Massafra last season despite being hampered by a knee issue.
“I had the pleasure to coach him last year during the short season and I was very happy with his performance and effort,” Massafra said. “I talked to coach Federico before the season about how important he would be for us and how much we should invest in him.”
Massafra also appreciates what Andreola brings away from the field.
“Nick is a very mature young man with an incredible sense of work and discipline on and off the pitch,” he said. “I’m proud of him as a player and as a person.”
Andreola, who also plays soccer at Laurier where he is studying business and financial management, enjoys his role with the Wolves.
“They are using me more as attacking midfielder which is what I play at school as well,” he said. “It’s perfect. I like being in that Number 10 role, creating and providing that link between the strikers and the midfielders and trying to create for our team.”
Andreola, a graduate of A.N. Myer, said having good vision for the game is vital in his role.
“[It’s important) to know where your teammates are going to be and knowing when they’re going to be there and being comfortable with the players you are playing with,” he said. “I played with [Roma striker) Michael Soloman before so I have a pretty good idea when he’s going to make a run and wants it at his feet. Just finding pockets in the midfield and the defence you can exploit.”
Andreola said he feels more at home after a year under his belt at the League1 level.
“Even with the structure of the league, last year it was a little messed up because of COVID but this year we’re starting to find our form,” he said. “I struggled with some injuries last year so it’s nice to come in fully fit and I’m getting good minutes so I’m starting to feel a lot more comfortable.”
Andreola was thrilled when Roma was granted a League1 franchise last season.
“We always had a decent group of players in Niagara Falls so we wanted to keep that same group together,” he said. “A lot of us came here and keep that core group together so when we’re 24 to 25, hopefully we can all develop together.”
The Wolves, coming off a 1-0 loss to the North Toronto Titans last week at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, are 1-2-1 so far this season. They host the Woodbridge Strikers Friday at 8:45 p.m. in their home opener.
“Friday night is going to be awesome,” Andreola said. “It will be nice to get our feet under us at home. It’s not an easy place (for visitors) to play.
“The atmosphere last year, it was nothing like I’ve ever been part of. With all the away games we played this year and last year, there was no other team in Ontario doing it like that. It was awesome with the flares and the music and the presentation. It was fantastic. It created that professional environment.”
The women’s team, off to a 3-1 start, are at Pickering Sunday. Their home opener is Friday, June 3 versus Waterloo.
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