News & Highlights

NY Croatia First Team ended the first half of the season leading the Metro 1 East division by 5 points. Despite the comfort zone the team did not stand pat thinking they would cruise to a title. They acquired 4 new high caliber players to bolster the roster and make up for the loss of Steve Demaio. Edoh Soldi, Louis Brun, Danny Cadena and Brandon Guishard have all signed on to help secure NY Croatia's drive for promotion to the 1st division.

Steven Joseph DeMaio, is the new midfielder of The Orange Travel Aruba FC for the remainder of the season.

Steve wears number four. The American has already debuted with The Orange FC last Sunday against the Supersonics where they scored three goals.

Steve began playing soccer at an early age. He attended James Madison University in Virginia where he was part of the team during his four years of college. When he returned to Connecticut he played with the NY Croatia soccer club.

The new Orange player came to Madrid to study Spanish and learn the Spanish culture. The idea is for Steve to play the Cup trophy and continue with the Orange FC next season if his job opportunities will permit.

New York Croatia in Metro Div. One are another once great club seemingly on the comeback. The Croats, who won their last First Division title a decade ago, ended the fall with a five-point lead (6-1-2, 20) over Shamrock in Metro Div. One (East). In the West, Clarkstown appear a shoo-in for the title on account of a massive 10-point edge over Guyana Juniors.

“Croatia has a long and storied history that has been coupled with the CSL for over 20 years,”said Tommy Radalj. “Unfortunately, the team fell on bad times in the late 90s and reformed last year to rejoin the CSL in Metro Division Two.”Still, the hastily assembled side played well enough to earn promotion to Metro One.

“The reason for our success this year is that we have a grassroots effort in recruiting players,”explained Radalj. “Everyone is familiar with each. We haven’t simply picked players up off the street.”

This, he added, has led to team cohesion and less individual play.”Predictably, Radalj and Co. are happy campers this winter break. “With Croatia in first place at the midway we feel very good with our chances of promotion. We continue weekly practices and play in as many winter leagues and tournaments as we can.”