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Fordham Prep duo sign to play D-I soccer
Photo by Dylan Butler
It’s been a special few weeks for the Fordham Prep soccer program.
Former standouts Mike Mazzullo (Toronto FC) and Ryan Meara were both selected in the MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 17 and, on Monday, Meara signed a contract with the Red Bulls.
On Friday, Mark Kramarchuk (Bucknell) and Dylan Cope (Iona), who helped guide the Rams to their first-ever CHSAA state title, signed with Division I schools.
“They were both such a big factor in winning a state championship and going on to higher and better things is what is all about,” Fordham Prep coach Pete McNamara said. “Getting them ready to play at the next level and having them do it is kind of special.”
McNamara also said he seems similarities between Kramarchuk and Cope and Mazzullo and Meara.
“They had a tremendous high school career and they’re ready for the next jump, a very productive month for Fordham Prep soccer,” McNamara said.
Kramarchuk, a standout central defender and MSG Varsity first-team all-city selection, said he chose Bucknell over Lafayette, Cornell, Brown and Princeton.
He said he was looking for a balance of a strong academic school and a soccer program and he found both in the Patriot League squad.
“When I went there I liked the campus, it’s not a big school,” Kramarchuk said. “Classes are small, which I liked. The soccer program is good, D-I, and it’s been successful.”
McNamara thinks Kramarchuk’s skill sets will translate well to Division I soccer.
“I think Mark is going to be a great defender in college,” he said. “I think he’s a good man-marker and he reads the game really well.”
Cope chose Iona over Siena and Albany. He said the MAAC program, coached by Fernando Barboto, had everything he was looking for.
“It has a great soccer program, met the coach and he’s a great guy,” Cope said. “He knows what he’s talking about. I went to a practice and the way he dealt with his players I liked. They play really attractive soccer, not just kick and run. They have a really good business school and the campus is nice. Overall it’s a total package.”
While Kramarchuk anchored the Rams stout defense, Cope, who was also an MSG Varsity first-team all-city player, scored just about every important goal for Fordham Prep.
Cope played up front out of necessity in high school, but he said he’ll likely be somewhere in the Gaels.
“Dylan’s skills as an offensive factor we saw in high school as well. He’s going to be tested, but he’s very creative. He’s the type of kid you need in college, a dangerous player like him with skill, making offensive thrusts.”
While Cope said he’s excited to play Division I soccer, seeing two Fordham Prep grads reach the profession ranks gives him additional hope for his bright soccer future.
“It’s awesome to see people you know going on to that level,” Cope said. “It motivates you to do that as well.”
Contact Dylan Butler at dbutler3@cablevision.com
Follow him on Twitter: @Dylan_Butler
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