New York City FC travels down to Orlando today to commence Preseason 2021 and six NYCFC Academy boys will be joining the First Team. Here's some more information on each of the youngsters taking the trip, with insights from U-19 Academy Coach, Matt Pilkington.
Name: Cooper Flax
DOB: January 21, 2004
Position: Midfielder
“Cooper is a composed central midfielder with good space awareness, excellent technique, and a good range of passing. This is Cooper's 2nd pre-season with the first team.”
Name: Diego Rossi
DOB: May 19, 2005
Position: Right Back
“Diego is a combative, energetic full-back who works tirelessly as a fluid player. He is equally effective as a defender and attacking full-back. He has a good range of delivery from wide areas and is brave on and off the ball.”
Name: Dren Dobruna
DOB: July 29, 2005
Position: Left Back
“Dren is a technically proficient full-back whose versatility allows him to play in different areas to great effect. He has an excellent range of passing and crossing that makes him effective in build-up and creating in the final third.”
Name: Mateo Ponce-Ocampo
DOB: March 13, 2005
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger
“Mateo is a versatile attacking player who is an effective dribbler and creative player in the final third. He combines well with good awareness and timing.”
Name: Gianluca Armellino
DOB: March 2, 2005
Position: Forward/ Winger
“Gianluca is a fast and skillful attacking player with a goalscoring instinct and creative ideas in attacking situations. He is a deceptive and dynamic dribbler with a good range of movement.”
Name: Mark Cajamarca
DOB: February 4, 2006
Position: Midfielder
“Mark is a diminutive midfielder with abilities to play in a variety of central positions and roles. He reads the game well and has great spatial awareness and timing. He always plays with a smile on his face and plays in a simple yet effective fluid way.”
