NPSL Team Spotlight: OSA FC
Top NPSL Teams Spotlight: OSA FC are in the regional round of National Premier Soccer League playoffs. In the NPSL for two years, OSA FC continue its 2016 season this weekend with a matchup against undefeated Albion SC Pros in the 2016 NPSL Playoffs West Region Semifinals.
OSA reach the semifinals following a win over CD Aguiluchos in Oakland this past Saturday as the Washington club aims to keep its season alive as they travel to Mission Bay High School Stadium.
SoccerToday spoke with OSA FC’s Giuseppe Pezzano about the success of the club over the past season and what the preparation was like.
Soccer News: OSA FC is an American Soccer Club with an Italian punch — reflecting a team that brings the best of these two different soccer realities into one. Team owner and manager Emily Magneto respects the Italian flair of ACF Fiorentina, and with the coaching team — Filippo Milano, Paul Aur and Jesse Wheelock — is galvanizing the OSA FC for its latest challenge of taking on Albion SC PROS in the 2016 NPSL Playoffs West Region Semifinals this Saturday at Mission Bay High School Stadium.
OSA FC topped CD Aguiluchos in Oakland with a 2-3 victory to secure a spot in the NPSL Western Semifinals.
The Numbers: The OSA FC record is 5 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses – 17 points, earning 3 shutouts so far with a total of 20 goals scored. The team ranks #27 on the NPSL Power Rankings out of all eighty NPSL teams competing this season.
Next Match: 2016 NPSL Playoffs West Region Semi-Finals will be played on July 16 when OSA FC (#6) take on Albion SC Pros (#1).
Related Coverage: NPSL UNDEFEATED ALBION PROS
SoccerToday asked OSA FC’s Giuseppe Pezzano why his team is performing so well – here are the General Manager’s insights:
Diane Scavuzzo: What is OSA FC’s record this NPSL season?
Giuseppe Pezzano: 5-3-2 and one win in the playoffs.
Diane Scavuzzo: How many shutouts have you earned?
Giuseppe Pezzano: OSA FC has recorded three shutouts this NPSL season.
Diane Scavuzzo: How many total goals has OSA FC scored?
Giuseppe Pezzano: We have scored 17 goals in regular season and three in the playoffs
Diane Scavuzzo: Who are your top three goal scorers?
Giuseppe Pezzano: OSA FC’s top goal scorers are Eli Gordley, Steven Wright and Gabe Vellum.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your top performing Goalkeeper and what are his strengths?
Giuseppe Pezzano: Keegan Rodgers is the top goalie for the OSA FC and – He is extremely technical and totally fearless.
Diane Scavuzzo: What has made your team so successful?
Giuseppe Pezzano: The right mix between college players, international players and veterans.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals for this season?
Giuseppe Pezzano: Advance in the West Playoffs as far as we can.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your team’s training schedule?
Giuseppe Pezzano: We currently train 2-3 times a week.
Diane Scavuzzo: How many players were dropped / picked up from the beginning of the season?
Giuseppe Pezzano: OSA FC dropped at least 10 players since the opening of the NPSL soccer season.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you monitor your players nutrition, fitness?
Giuseppe Pezzano: During the pre-season, we paid attention to fitness, and during the season we always recommend what to eat before games.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is special about your coach’s training, approach, philosophy?
Giuseppe Pezzano: The season is very short and there are few practices. Therefore the goal is to create a team that can adapt and play some good quality football in the shortest time possible. To create a group of players that can reliably trust in each other. The team is very technical and young. I think we have one of the youngest rosters in the league.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long has your team been in the NPSL?
Giuseppe Pezzano: We have competed in the NPSL for a total of 2 years.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long has your head coach been coaching?
Giuseppe Pezzano: Filippo Milano has been coaching for 2 years.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your average attendance?
Giuseppe Pezzano: Our average attendance this year is about 200 fans.
Diane Scavuzzo: How important are the fans to your players?
Giuseppe Pezzano: Important because a strong fan base brings a lot of energy to the stands and helps the players compete.
Diane Scavuzzo: How have you used social media this season?
Giuseppe Pezzano: We have used Facebook and Twitter as a way to communicate with soccer fans.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your biggest rival/or what game are you most looking forward to?
Giuseppe Pezzano: Portland Spartans FC. Sergio Medel is their Head Coach. Our record with them this year was 3-1-1.
Editorial Updated at 5 pm PST on 6.15.16. Emily Magneto was originally incorrectly reported as coach.
