Name the leading three teams in the English Premier League (as of standings on Oct. 19). Jot down the name of the GK for the US Men's National team. For extra credit, name the coach of the team. Then tell us your favorite player on the US squad. Respond accurately for all four questions and you qualify as an avid Farmingdale High School Boys Varsity Soccer team fan. It's guaranteed every member of this team knows the answers to those queries. These 21 student-athletes eat, breathe and sleep the sport 24/7/365. Sweep, clear, drive, center. Tough defense leads to striking offense. Coach's Bruce Tetelman and Scott Rollins call the shots for the 2003 Daler squad. This group is mastering one of the key aspects of the sport. "They play a short passing game style," commented Coach Tetelman, "and have improved greatly on their ability." They have also improved on effectively reversing the ball from one side of the field to the other. Progress is made at practice. "They display a hard work ethic during practice sessions," said Coach Rollins. "There's a great camaraderie among them." Ball control and trapping skills are constantly worked on each day. Defensive techniques and strategies are covered along with training and endurance drills.

Jon Caceres, Nick DeRiso, Felipe Diaz, Steve Marcus, Keith Melink, Vito Messina, Bryan Patterson and Will Xenakis provide senior leadership. Junior talent consists of Steven Blau, Andrew Buckley, Sal Cardillo, John Dean, Dan DeCarla, Brian Eyester, Dan Hrubec, Dan Kadishson, Brian Schreiner and Derek Wilson. Contributing underclassmen are Andrew Kohlman, Thomas Maca and Anthony Veveakis. Dedication comes naturally to the Daler Men. "On days off from scheduled practice, they have organized their own practice." Coach Tetelman noted. That type of mind-set will be well rewarded throughout the season. Goooooaaaaal, Dalers!

(email your answers for the above questions to GoDalersFFA@optonline.net and the Friends of Farmingdale Athletics will provide the correct answers)

Stephen Marcus, Grade 12

Stephen has been an impact player for the Daler Varsity Boys Soccer team throughout his high school career. He has "12 years of experience starting with intramural play" and "gives credit to the Farmingdale Strikers, my first travel team" for a good deal of his inspiration. On the academic scene he enjoys the business courses on his schedule as they "prepare me for my future." Stephen plays for the Long Island Junior Select Soccer Team, is vice president of the Varsity Leaders Club and enjoys playing basketball. He volunteers his time through community service projects such as Special Olympics, blood drives and food drives. He has also taught soccer to kids with disabilities. He intends to graduate with the Class of 2004, attend college and study business and marketing. He has brought a lot to the varsity team through "leadership, motivation and a positive attitude." Stephen works everyday to improve on his skills of the game citing his "ball control with a trainer" as being very important to his overall game. This Daler is all business when he steps on the field.

Coach's Corner: Stephen has developed excellent ball skills and sees the field very well.

Vito Messina, Grade 12

Vito has been the backbone of the Daler offense. He has played soccer for the past 11 years where his career began "with the Farmingdale Wolverines Intramural program." He enjoys spending time with friends and family. Vito stresses a solid education and finds math interesting as he "likes to work with numbers." History makes the list of favorite subjects "because the past intrigues me." He plays with the Farmingdale Panthers Soccer team and hoops with the PAL. Vito makes time to participate with the Senior Citizens Dance and lends a helping hand to children at religious instruction classes. There is only one way to play the game of soccer and it includes "hard work and determination" according to Vito. He is always working to strengthen his game and finds "making runs without the ball" helps to make him a complete player. Vito is a Daler with the right stuff, both on and off the soccer field.

Coach's Corner: Vito is the most aggressive on the team and shows the most toughness. He would run through a brick wall for his teammates.

Bryan Patterson, Grade 12

Bryan is a Daler for all seasons. He's played soccer for 13 years, beginning with the intramural program in Farmingdale. "My dad and Vito Messina's dad were the coaches," he reflected. "We were always the Farmingdale Express and I give that team credit helping me along the way." Bryan takes his studies seriously. Physical Education class is a favorite "because you get to play sports, which I love." Chemistry also makes the list, too. "I had a great teacher," he said, "and we did some pretty cool things." Bryan is a three-year member of DECA, the French Club and the Varsity Leaders Club. He has earned letters in volleyball and bowling as well as JV basketball. He enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends and participating in sports. His goals after graduation include "going to college to become either a Phys Ed teacher or work for a professional sports team." Bryan has given his time for Special Olympics, DECA heart walk and blood drives. He's also been involved with the Senior Citizens Prom, Field Day with elementary kids and the Salvation Army. He takes pride in the senior leadership he has brought to the team and the sport. "I play a heads-up, unselfish game," he stated, "and always have the drive and will to win every game." Improving his game each year, Bryan says he's worked on his first touch. "I will kick a ball against a wall so I have to trap it when it comes back," he described. Farmingdale High School has declared this Daler a community treasure.

Coach's Corner: Bryan has the hardest and farthest shot on the team. He has the potential to get even better than he is right now. He is the leading scorer on the team.