Gaolie Chris Antonino savors USL Team of the Week selection
by Gary Tim
Chris Antonino’s first momentous honor in his competitive career has him agog with gratitude, but the Brooklyn Knights’ goalie wants to use his USL-PDL Team-of-the-Week award to steer his team’s drive to the 2008 crown.
Antonino joins ten other players from the country-wide, 67-team league on the Week-4 honor roll that was named on May 14. He got the nod for his stifling saves in his team’s 1-nil season opener at home to Westchester Flames in rainy weather on May 9. The Knights’ starting goalie had 10 saves to prop the shut-out, including back-to-back close quarter ‘put-aways’ late in the game.
For a player who normally goes airborne, vertically and diagonally, Antonino was naturally ‘grounded’ and looking into the horizon for the season’s greatest prize. “Absolutely, you’ve got to be playing well to be recognized by the league, so I’ll love to see more of our players get up there, ‘cause that would mean we’re making a difference, and eventually lead to a good season and the championship.” He recalled being nervous and not as confident last year, but prepared for ‘his difference’ by having a personal trainer (Guillermo Natia) “who assisted me with a lot of ‘one-on-one’, as well as what I did in gym and practice.” To Antonino, the selection is encouraging, though it’s for a week. “And we still have a full season to go.”
Antonino said he got the favorable news by text message while leaving the gym, and he thought “it (the selection) was cool and great, actually.” He said he worked hard at being better, and the honor reflects his commitment. “I’m very happy, though I’m not letting it get to my head, I’ve a whole season to go, so I’ll like to continue like this or better.” The former Archbishop Memorial HS (New York) said the last time he got a euphoric moment playing soccer was when his school won the NY State championship in 2004.
Knights’ teammates were also joyful, and they congratulated Antonino for the early-season award. He said his parents, Jerome (father) and Jeanne (mother) were sharing the elation, as well. “They talked about it and they know how much I put into soccer and how much I love playing with the Brooklyn Knights. They are really happy.”
As goalkeepers go, Antonino is not your typical ‘drill sergeant’ brand. He tries not to scream and yell pointlessly, and only belts his voice to let teammates know what he sees. “I do it not to be mean, but to let them know what I see as a goalkeeper, because at times, I can see the game better than them.” He credits his defense as the ones largely responsible for encouraging his saves since it’s not totally up to him to prevent the attack scoring.
“However, I worked hard at coach Joe’s (Balsamo) instructions, and learn from a lot of international goalkeepers,” noted the 5’10” keeper, regarded as ‘small’ for a position populated by bigger players. “I don’t let it affect me. I feel like if a ball is up there, I can jump as well as those guys to get at it. It’s all about my passion to do well.”
The sophomore English major at St. Francis College (Class of 2010) is not setting a career in stone, just yet. “I’m leaning towards teaching, right now, but that can all change ‘cause I’m taking it year by year.” With soccer as his sporting ‘first love’, Antonino wants to play as long as possible, especially in the nets. “I’ll just keep working hard, do my best and do what it takes. You know, if I can play a few years after college, I’ll love to do that.”
He has been admiring Manchester United’s striker Wayne Rooney for his passion and endurance since the Englishman hit the ‘big times’ when he (Rooney) was only 15 years old. But, Antonino gives Italian keeper Bufon the nod “as the soccer great he would like to one day meet and talk with.”
The 20-year old New Yorker is the eldest of six brothers and three sisters, and grew up playing soccer, baseball and basketball with several friends in the neighborhood. With an enviably huge ‘in-grown’ fan base, Antonino can draw support from a literal 24/7 source. “Most of the time my family try to come to home games and you might see the younger ones scampering behind the goal area, so that’s my inspiration right there.”
While savoring his auspicious selection, the Knight’s prized custodian reserved “a special big thank you to everybody, especially my team which is very good and most likely we’ll continue to show we’re good.” He also thanked the “fans, family, friends and the USL organization for “these opportunities to be the best I can be.”
