Goalkeeper named 2013 outstanding senior male player

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This article was published 07/03/2014 (4225 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A former Wolseley resident has been named the Manitoba Soccer Association’s 2013 outstanding senior male player.

Tyson Farago is a 22-year-old goalkeeper who played last season with WSA Winnipeg in the Premier Development League (the third tier of North American soccer).

In November he was offered a professional contract with FC Edmonton of the North American Soccer League last November, the league that is just one step below Major League Soccer. Farago signed a one-year deal with Edmonton, with the club retaining an option for a one-year extension.

“If I do well, they can exercise the option so I can stay for another year. After that they would have to offer me another contract,” Farago explained.

Farago said his team has two-and-a-half weeks left in its pre-season. The club’s first game is April 12 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla.. The NASL season runs until November.

“We have nine games in the first half of the season, and then there’s a month off, and we play the rest of the games,” Farago said.

Farago has been playing soccer for 17 years, since he was five years old. He’s played with age-group national teams and he’s also trained in Brazil and in the U.K.

“I love the beautiful game. It’s inexpensive to play, and so many people around the world play it,” Farago said.

Farago said there’s more to being a keeper than keeping the other team from scoring.

“We do a lot of footwork, a lot of handling, a lot of diving,” Farago said. “I’m used to being in the net, and I don’t think I can keep up with the guys on the field,” he added with a laugh.

Farago said he enjoys being the commander in the back as it comes with the responsibility of organizing a team’s back four defenders and commanding the field.

“I like to command my team, make sure everyone is in position. I also like making the big save. It’s a great feeling,” Farago said.

The former Winnipegger does get homesick from time to time, and that’s why he’s thankful for the one-month break during the NASL season.

“I can come back to Winnipeg and hang out with family and friends,” Farago said. “I’ve been away from home before, so it’s not the most difficult thing for me anymore.”

The Manitoba Soccer Association’s awards banquet is March 15 at Canad Inns Polo Park (1405 St. Matthews Ave.). The reception starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased at the MSA office at 211 Chancellor Matheson Rd.

Tony Fonseca of the Canadian Soccer Association will be the keynote speaker.

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