Super Y League Feature

Friday, December 11, 2015

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Toronto Lynx Juniors U-16 team preaches possession and methodical passing to build up its attack. Heading the offense is the club’s tall, long-haired striker Massimo Buscema, who causes matchup problems and a heavy work rate to disrupt opposing teams.

“Our method is to play through him,” Lynx Head Coach Duncan Wilde said. “He holds the ball up and brings players into play, and to do that he’s got to work the whole front line.”

Buscema scored a goal and then beat the opposing goalkeeper to a 50-50 chance in assisting Toronto’s other score as the Lynx earned a 2-0 victory against Soccer Plus Academy to open Group C play of the 2015 Super Y League Finals on Friday at IMG Academy.

While the opener wasn’t the smoothest of games for the Lynx, the confidence level is pretty high among this group to make a deep run at the Finals.

“I think we’re a very strong team,” Buscema said after the match. “When we play the game that we’re supposed to play and we’re all communicating and on our game, and all our passes are being made, I think we can go pretty far to be honest.”

The team’s style of play certainly suits Buscema, who has the dynamic ability to play at his feet and in the air.

“We’re always doing one-touch passing for small-sided games and such,” Buscema said. “We don’t really like to concentrate on the long balls. It takes a lot of energy for a striker like myself to get to. So when we’re passing the way we do, it saves energy for everyone as we look to finish.”

Buscema shows some range in his game, as well, tracking back at key moments in the midfield and defense.

“Obviously I’m a striker and I like to hold up, but I can tell when my team needs some help in the back,” Buscema said. “I like to come back and put in some work and take the ball back for us. I know I can do that and head back up there and support the front.”

Buscema joined the Lynx two years ago after one of his friends on the club told him to look into it to see if he was interested.

“It’s one of the really good clubs, with good coaches and well-run practices,” Buscema said. “Duncan is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with for sure. He really knows what he’s talking about.”

Being on the Canadian side of the border and enduring more travel than many other Super Y League clubs, the camaraderie among the group also stands out.

“It’s awesome fun,” Buscema said. “It’s a great group of guys. In the bus, we’re always joking around and having a good time, talking about soccer and talking about what we’re going to do. I love it.”

During Buscema’s tenure with the Lynx, he notes that his comfortability when receiving the ball has improved by leaps and bounds.

“My first touch is probably the thing that’s improved the most,” Buscema said. “When I first came in, it was a little bit weak and it would get a little bit bouncy. It’s definitely improved 100 percent. Also, they’ve really boosted my confidence here.”

As Buscema and the Lynx attempt to advance through the group stage and beyond, the tournament serves as an important stepping stone for the young forward and his future.

“He’s improved greatly over the last six months,” Wilde said. “He’s got the focus now of his college future and is working hard to secure a college scholarship. His work rate has increased and has made him a better player.”

SYNL North American Finals Top Performers
Jason McDonald, Ironbound SC, U18 Boys – McDonald recorded a brace and had plenty of help alongside him during a 6-1 victory against A3 Soccer to lead Group B. Ironbound scored three goals in each half.

Bryan Argueta, Barcelona USA Maryland SC, U18 Boys – Argueta notched a hat trick during Barcelona USA Maryland’s dominant 6-1 win against FCSC United SYL to take first place in Group A.

Lagos Kunga, DDYSC Wolves, U16 Boys – Kunga scored three goals and assisted another during the Wolves’ 8-1 win against ETA United.

Zachary Wallace, ACYS Spirit United, U16 Boys – Wallace netted two goals and the defense held strong for a 3-0 win against Ironbound SC Blue.

Kameron Lacey, Miramar United Elite FC, U14 Boys – Lacey scored three goals as Miramar earned a 5-0 win against ASA Charge in Group D play. Miramar scored four goals in the second half to break away down the stretch.

Elton Quintanilla, Annandale United Majestics FC, U13 Boys – Quintanilla’s well-rounded effort – two goals and an assist – led Annadale to a 3-0 win against DDYSC Wolves in Group B play.

Lucas Ross, NJCSA, U13 Boys – Led by a two-goal performance from the midfielder, NJCSA took the early lead in Group C play with a 3-0 victory against Atlanta Fire United.

Gabriel Toro, Orlando City SC, U12 Boys – Toro broke out with a whopping five goals and an assist during his team’s opening victory in Group A.

Joseph Scally, Long Island Rough Riders, U12 Boys – Scally scored two first-half goals to lead the Rough Riders to a 2-0 victory against West Pines United FC.