About Us

My Soccer Journey
• Played for teams including LYSA, Longwood Travel, Sachem, and Smithtown Galaxy.
• With Smithtown Galaxy, achieved a notable NYE 1 ranking, won multiple tournaments, and competed against the highest-level teams in the United States.
• Traveled across the country to participate in top tournaments, including events with college scouts in attendance.
• Won the NYCSL Championship and the Long Island Cup, showcasing exceptional teamwork and competitive spirit.
• Competed with SUSA U-23 and USA Malatyaspor (Semi-Pro), playing one division below MLS.
• At USA Malatyaspor, I had the privilege of being coached by Umit Karan, a professional soccer player who competed in the Champions League and played for some of the best teams in Europe. This invaluable experience further deepened my understanding of the game and elevated my competitive mindset.
Coaching Experience
• Years of Coaching Experience: Since 2015.
• Led teams to success:
• LI Cup Champions.
• State Cup Finalists.
• Multiple division championships with U16 and U13 boys’ teams.
• Winner of multiple tournaments at both local and regional levels.
• Team Rankings:
• U16 Boys: Ranked Top 35 in NYE.
• U13 Boys: Ranked Top 70 in NYE.
• Emphasis on player development, teamwork, and fostering potential both on and off the field.
Philosophy & Vision
• Player-Centered Development: My coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every player has unique strengths and potential. I focus on creating an environment where players feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow both on and off the field.
• Fostering Teamwork and Leadership: Soccer is more than just a game—it’s a platform to teach important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and accountability. I strive to help players understand their role in a team and develop the confidence to lead in any setting.
• Focus on Discipline and Resilience: Success requires discipline, hard work, and resilience. I emphasize these values in every training session, helping players embrace challenges, overcome setbacks, and learn from every experience.
• Passion for the Game: I am committed to instilling a lifelong love for soccer in each player. Beyond the technical and tactical aspects, I encourage players to find joy in the process, respect the game, and appreciate the camaraderie that comes with it.
• On and Off the Field Success: My ultimate goal is to guide players to excel not just as athletes but as well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed in life. Whether it’s through college scholarships, semi-professional opportunities, or personal development, I aim to unlock every player’s full potential.
Emre Can
Hometown: Middle Island, NY
Growing up I was local and played for Longwood soccer clubs, when I started
taking soccer more serious I joined LGN (played at nationals), then after high
school I played at Suffolk community college and became a regional champion and
finished #3 in the country, after I finished playing college ball I then
decided to play semi pro and join the UPSL, I have played for Empire,
Braveheart, and now playing for Renegades.
My favorite part of the training is joking around with the kids and making
an environment they love to be in.
Certifications: USSF License D
My favorite drill is developing the kids 1v1 ability, whether it be ball
mastery, 1on1 towards net, or a small sided game.
My favorite team is Real Madrid
Elizabeth Shields
Hometown: Shoreham, NY
Playing Experience & Achievements:
Began playing with sound beach soccer travel in division 1, then advanced to
ISA playing EDP and NPL. After that I went on to Albertson playing NPL, ECNL
and later DA. In high school I played for SWR in which we went on to be
undefeated state champs. After high school, I went on to play college soccer at
Farmingdale State College where we were NCAA Skyline Champions many years in a
row.
Favorite Part of Training:
My favorite part of training is working on small-sided games because they
combine technical skills, quick decision-making, and teamwork in a really
competitive environment.
Favorite Drills:
Some of my favorite drills are Possession games and positional 4v4 + 3
advancing to goal as well as 1v1 to goal.
Favorite Team: Chelsea F.C.
Kerim Can
Hometown : Middle Island, NY
Playing Experience & Achievements
I began my soccer career at age 12 with Longwood Soccer Club (Thunder),
competing a year above my age group. At 16, I advanced to Lake Grove Newfield,
where I played with the U18 team, continuing to challenge myself at a higher
level.
I later joined Sound Beach Soccer Club and competed in the UPSL
(semi-professional) with New York East. During my time with Lake Grove
Newfield, I also played with my age group, where we achieved significant
success, including winning the Jeff Cup, New York State Cup, and multiple
additional tournaments.
Following high school graduation, I continued my semi-professional career in
the UPSL, playing for New York Empire, NY Athletics, and currently competing
with the New York Renegades.
Coaching Certification
• US Soccer D License
Coaching Philosophy
My favorite aspect of training is incorporating high-tempo, competitive
games at the end of sessions, where players are fully engaged, focused, and
applying what they’ve learned in a realistic environment.
I emphasize intensity, decision-making, and technical execution under
pressure to help players develop both confidence and game awareness.
Preferred Training Drill
A key drill I implement is a possession-based sequence that transitions into
a finishing opportunity on goal. This allows players to develop composure in
possession while reinforcing attacking movement and end-product.
Favorite Club-Tottenham Hotspur
Yunus Can
Hometown: Middle Island, NY
Playing experiences
Played for LYSA soccer up until 15, moved to LGN soccer, Ranked #1 in New
York. Currently Playing semi pro for the number 1 ranked team in the whole of
USA, Renegade FC.
Certifications- USSF License D
Favorite part of training-playing very intensely and focusing on the
fundamentals of Soccer and improving as a player and team
Favorite drill-possession in a box, works on passing and moving in tight
areas.
Favorite team- Real Madrid.
Matthew Piazza
Hometown: Port Jefferson Station, NY
Favorite part of training: incorporating drills into game like scenarios
Favorite drill: passing drills that evolve into shots on goal
Favorite soccer team: NY Redbulls