By Manny Otiko
The Ontario Fury indoor soccer team recently held open tryouts to find promising players. from the community. Head coach Bernie Lilavois said the tryout attracted 70 applicants and about 26 made it through to the next round. The next stage will feature the players being reviewed in games in a local tournament.
“We are always looking for players to add to the mix,” said Lilavois. Lilavois also said he was impressed with the level of talent that turned out. He added the team was looking for players in all positions. The tryout not only attracted players from the Inland Empire, but also other parts of the country and overseas.
Lilavois, who has served as head coach of the Fury for three years, said indoor soccer requires different skills than outdoor soccer. He said the indoor games requires players with more technical skills, good possession and the ability to defend. The Fury also includes some former MLS players, such as Israel Sesay, who played for the LA Galaxy, and Tino Nunez, who played for Real Salt Lake.
After the trialists were put through their places in games, Fury players held soccer clinics for local children.
The Fury’s season kicks off on Oct. 25 with a game against an international team. The game will be held at the Citizen’s Bank Arena in Ontario.
“Our success hosting the Arena Soccer World Cup has helped the Fury brand and the city of Ontario across the world,” Lllavois said. “We look forward to having the chance to take on this international team, and we know that our fans will be excited to hear which team is coming to Ontario.”
