Article by Brian Carnaggio | Owl Staff
It’s 5 p.m. and the smell of burning charcoal is wafting through the air, fans are flocking in chanting, “go Bohs, go!” and the sound of soccer balls striking the feet of future stars from all across the county resounds.
The Baltimore Bohemians, a minor league soccer team who will compete in the USL Premier Development League, will make Harford County’s very own Cedar Lane Regional Park their home field for their inaugural season in 2012.
The Bohemians were founded in 2011 by Louis Angelos, the son of Peter Angelos who currently owns the Baltimore Orioles.
They have officially been sponsored by National Bohemian Beer and the club kit will feature “Mr. Boh” on the crest of the team.
The “Bohs’” regular season lasts from April to July. The team will also participate in a fall season where they compete for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
As a club, the “Bohs” will be acquiring roster members from the Baltimore and Harford County area, which will provide players a soccer community to help develop talents and promote the best young players.
Steve Nichols, the head coach of the “Bohs” says, “The Bohemians will do wonders for the Baltimore soccer community, as well as the surrounding metropolitan areas.” He adds, “After tryouts, which were held in December, I am extremely excited to coach the local group of young men, as well as see them passionately compete against some of the greatest youth soccer players this region has to offer.”
As for local talent around Harford County, Harford Community College has produced prospective players from their very own soccer team in hopes of contributing to the Baltimore Bohemians in the future. Star striker for the Harford Owls in the Fall 2011 season, Bryan Steinour, says, “Try-outs were very difficult because I was fighting to play on a program that has great potential and offers the opportunity that can take soccer players to the next level.”
Cedar Lane Regional Park director, John McHugh says, “For Harford County, this gives soccer players from all over the county something to strive for and hopefully join the Bohemians out there on the pitch one day.”
McHugh adds, “Harford County has now brought regional excitement to the area for soccer fans, and the benefits the county will receive from this club’s efforts will be tremendous.”
Q & A with HCC Soccer Coach Jason Muffoletto
By Basir Jamil | Owl Staff
Q: Do you think the women can get back to the finals at nationals?
A: Yes, I think we can… We have the talent, [but] obviously it’s going to be hard. It’s going to take a lot of work.
Q: What are the men’s strengths?
A: The men’s team [has a very strong] offense, with a lot of players and options. Our defenders [and] goalkeepers are all new, but I think we can get it squared away.
Q: Which players on the women’s team will you look to count on?
A: Our team captain Rachel Keeley [is] a returning starter [and] defender, so we rely on her and our goalkeeper Maggie Shifflett… definitely a lot of experience defensively. The women’s team is going to be more balanced [between offense and defense].
Q: For the men’s?
A: We’re going to have a good year from Dylan Tipton, who is a returning forward. One of our returning defenders is Chris King, [who] played a lot last year, and Carmine Hess is our team captain. We need his leadership and experience.