Warwick Purple Titans starting to jell

Warwick - The Warwick Purple Titans, a new U9 Mixed Team playing in the East Hudson Youth Soccer League, played only their second game together as a team on April 9 against the Washingtonville Scorpions. The Purple Titans are the first Warwick Soccer Club team to be fully coached by a New York Red Bull (formerly MetroStars) trainer from England. Coach Keith Ellis arrived in the United States on March 31 to be told that his first practice with his new team was the following morning and his first game was to be the following Sunday, April 2. That game, against the Orange County Eagles, ended in an 8-2 win by the Eagles. Training commenced in earnest the first week of April, which saw the team, consisting of mostly 8-year-old boys and girls, beginning to better understand the rules of the travel game. By Sunday’s game against Washingtonville, the Purple Titans were improving as individuals and as a team. In the first half standout offensive players included William Brack, Sharleigh Carter, Nick Zintel and Jack Maloujy. William Brack scored the first goal of his hat trick for the game. In the second half, Paul Ginley moved the ball down the field and Dylan Hayes had an assist on goal. Standouts in defense were Brendan Taylor, Clara Timony, Agnes Eigo and on goal, Ian Roeloffs. Christian Rupp was named player of the game as having made such a good effort in defense. Though the team lost 5-3, it was not for lack of enthusiasm and spirit. Their next game will be at home April 23 against Goshen.