Morris Elite SC just completed their first season in the USL League 2, and the experience proved to be vital for the club’s future, both in the league and for development of their players.
In Morris Elite Soccer Club’s first season in the USL League 2, president and founder Vincenzo Bernardo had high aspirations for the team. Of course, that is not surprising due to the success the club has had at the academy level over the years. But more importantly, he and the rest of Morris Elite SC remained committed to the goal of developing youth, from both the academy level to the USL2 side.
Previously, MLS Multiplex wrote about the commitment to development within Morris Elite. At the time, the team was just starting the USL2 season, and the club expressed the hope for success, and the desire to make the playoffs. However, it was understandable the goal would be difficult to achieve, especially in the first season. So, not only did Morris Elite SC have that drive, but there was the goal to increase the competitiveness of the team, and provide another option for the younger players to continue their development.
In the end, the team finished with 11 points in 14 games, finishing 8th out of the nine teams in the USL2 Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The goal of playoffs will have to wait, but the experience gained in the first year is vital to finding success for the future. It also provided a fantastic learning opportunity for both the coaches, staff, and players, for now the club will know what to expect next season. That, and the developmental opportunities provided to the younger players, makes the first season worthwhile, and successful. For Morris Elite SC, there is now no direction but up.
Certainly, there is plenty of promise for the club, especially as seen by their impressive success this past weekend at a national level.
Fortunately, FanSided’s MLS Multiplex had the opportunity to speak with Bernardo about the first season for the team, and how joining USL2 contributes to their goal of developing players for the future.
Bernardo has had quite a journey in starting Morris Elite SC several years ago. A former United States youth international, he signed with Serie A side Napoli as a teenager and has played all over the world. This gives him a unique experience in terms of his understanding of youth development.
Fansided: Vincenzo, a first season in the USL nearly done for Morris Elite SC. How did this go for you and the club?
Bernardo: I thought the season as a whole was a big learning experience for all of us. We had some very good moments throughout the season which we will look to build on going forward.
Fansided: The league is all about player development and Morris Elite, originally an academy, wanted to create that pyramid for players to progress through the system. Did you see any of your homegrown players get first team minutes?
Bernardo: Yes. We had a handful of our USL Academy players make their USL2 debuts this season, which was great to see. Aiden Cardella was the first academy player to score for us and his goal was a game winner which made it even better.
The league is about development and growth. Morris Elite SC has been around as an academy for several years. We added the USL team this year specifically to grow the club. There is a need for development of young players and this created a developmental pyramid for us.
Now with our youth teams succeeding at the USL Academy level, there is now a place for these young players to go. There is a pathway within our club to go from the youth levels to now competing and playing alongside and against professionals and international players.
Fansided: You played for a Serie A team and in other first divisions around the world. It is just year one but were you able to integrate anything you learned from your time abroad into this first season?
Bernardo: Yes, having the experience playing overseas has definitely helped with our vision for this USL2 senior team. I connected with the players and shared my thoughts with them throughout the season. I also speak to the coaching staff every day to share thoughts and ideas with one another.
Having seen and experienced and played at that level in Europe with a big team, I do feel that we can integrate a certain mindset to help players mature and grow. Having a team in the USL2 is a goal for these young players to get to – to help ready them for college soccer or a career in MLS or overseas.
Having a system set up to develop and grow players is something I didn’t have growing up in this country. Now in northern New Jersey, we have a pathway for development that is unique, will showcase young players, provide greater competition and exposure as these players progress from the youth levels to someday playing in college and as professionals.
Fansided: With an eye towards next year, what is Morris Elite looking to build upon and add?
Bernardo: We are going to continue to give our academy players who are ready and deserving the opportunity to join the team next season. We will also look to bring back the core players and build the roster around them by adding top college players throughout the country.
Next year’s team will be very exciting to watch as our goal will be to qualify for the playoffs.