Coach Kenny Farrell plans to have New Orleans Jesters on the attack this season
Link to original article source here.
The Times-Picayune May 13, 2010, 8:34AM
By Peter Steinbauer
Recruiting is an important part of every offseason for New Orleans Jesters Coach Kenny Farrell. High player turnover in minor league soccer makes it necessary.
Farrell said he had two things in mind as he began searching for players for this season's team. He wanted to improve his team's attack and bring in high-character players that made good impressions on the community.
The Jesters, part of the United Soccer Leagues' Premier Development League, went undefeated last season, but 11 of the 16 games ended in ties.
"I never felt that we could put teams away, so I went after attacking flare players, " Farrell said.
The Jesters play their first home game Saturday night at 7 against the Bradenton Academics at Pan American Stadium. New Orleans lost 5-0 in its season opener Tuesday night against the Mississippi Brilla after falling behind 2-0 on two own goals.
The Jesters are starting their second season of play. The organization changed management after starting as the Shell Shockers in 2003.
Farrell is expecting offensive production from three players. Reece Wilson and Carl Reynolds moved from England to play collegiately for William Carey. Wilson, who has completed his freshman season, had 12 goals, three assists and earned GCAC Player of the Year honors.
In three seasons at William Carey, Reynolds has made three All-Conference and All-Region teams.
Ederson Lopez, one of a several Brazilian players on the team, also will play a key role in attacking.
When recruiting each year, Farrell said, he sells players on the opportunity to play in a professional setting, and the opportunity to live in New Orleans. Players aren't paid.
Farrell has three returning players from last season's opening roster. The high turnover comes from many players recognizing they're unable to make it to professional soccer.
"It takes such a commitment, " he said. "When you realize you're not going to make it, you move on."
The upside was enough for Wilson to join. He said he had several options to play in leagues in different cities, but chose the Jesters based on Farrell's pitch. So far, it's been a good experience, he said.
Farrell had fans in mind during recruiting. He wanted to turn up the pace of play, especially with this being a World Cup year and fans coming to games with increased levels of knowledge.
"Fans demand it, " he said.
He added he felt it was important to get players with high character, because of how tightly knit and intimate the New Orleans community is.
JESTERS ROSTER
Goalkeepers
1 Andre Boudreaux
1 Max Young
13 Juan Robles
Defenders
2 Alan Hannon
4 Brendan Hanaphy
5 Rafael Maccauro
7 Jonas Reiter
12 Jeremy Fisher
14 Robert Rodriguez
15 Grant Guthrie
22 Jose Robles
Midfielders
3 Caleb Turner
6 Ederson Lopez
8 Carl Reynolds
10 Philip DaSilva
11 Fred Parker
20 Olivier Hewitt-Fisher
Forwards
9 Reece Wilson
16 Anthony Judice
17 Juan Rodriguez
18 Andy Brooks Drummond
19 Richard Isberner
23 Franklin Garcia
