Wolves upset Blue Devils
Matteo Muza has never been intimidated on a soccer pitch.
Even as a youngster, the 20-year-old fullback for the St. Catharines Club Roma Wolves generally played up a division with older players, determined to do whatever it took to improve his game.
“When I was a younger and playing in my own leagues where we live in Hamilton, I always played a year up. I feel like I’ve always had that drive to want more,”Muza said. “My dad pushed me when I was young to always do better. That’s where it started and then I kind of took it upon myself to really want more and push myself even further.”
Wolves technical director of soccer Davide Massafra previously coached Muza with Empire Soccer Academy and was quick to notice his drive and determination.
“I’ve known Matteo for the last five years as a young player. At the time I met him I was training players with Empire and this kid was little. He hadn’t grown much but he told me he wanted to be with these (older) boys. He told me he wanted to train hard, wanted to get better and look where he is right now.”
Massafra said Muza had the patience necessary to work hard and keep his eyes on the big picture.
“The challenging thing coaching youth is the parents and players want results right away,” Massafra said. “I try to show them it’s a long pathway and to work hard and be patient and the results will come. With Matteo we were lucky because he and his family had trust and patience and worked hard.”
Muza played two years for Roma’s reserve team before moving up to the Division 1 squad this season.
“He’s a very coachable kid who can work at any position,” Massafra said. “He’s the kind of player every coach wants.
“He’s getting the minutes he deserves. I’m very proud of him.”
Muza feels he has improved significantly over the last couple of seasons with Wolves.
“It’s a big step up and I’ve really enjoying it. It’s been phenomenal,” he said. “I think this year, especially, I’ve improved a lot. Game experience really helps your confidence as well. I’ve improved a lot since last year.
“I love the club. I can’t say better things about it.”
Muza has always played at fullback.
“I like helping the team defend and win games but I also feel as a fullback I have that opportunity to go forward and play when I want to. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Musa, who played one season for the Brock Badgers before taking last year off to concentrate on his medical sciences studies, is considering suiting up for the Badgers again this year.
The Wolves edged Blue Devils FC 2-1 Friday night at Roma to improve to 4-9-2. The Blue Devils came into the game in second placed with a 10-2-3 mark.
Michael Solomon and Christian Cerchiara scored for the Wolves.
“The results haven’t come as much as we wanted but the performance was there,” Massafra said when asked for his overall impressions of the season. “We always played against every strong opponent and (the games) were always tight.
“Our goal is to try and get the points we deserve. We’re really happy with the way the boys are working hard and playing. We’re a young team and looking to the future.”
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