LEADING BY EXAMPLE KEY FOR JELOVAC

Defender and Captain Bo Jelovac has had a stellar start in the inaugural season of Utica City FC. Hard work, dedication and lots of long training sessions have helped prepare the veteran for this season. Jelovac is coming off a four-goal game last weekend that helped lift the City to a 10-5 win over the Harrisburg Heat.

“This off-season six to ten guys would meet every morning to train together at an indoor training facility,” said Bo Jelovac. “We would play 2v2 and 3v3, it definitely helped us start our season strong.”

The past few years have seen the defender fill many different roles. Switching positions from forward to defense and now guiding the new team to a very hot start. Even though he may have been adjusting his experience is evident on the field. He is having a standout year.

“Bo has a lot of experience under his belt, I believe this is his seventh season playing indoor soccer.” said Coach Ryan Hall. “Last year was his first-year transitioning from a defender to a target, there was a learning curve but now he is obviously a lot more comfortable, he seems more confident especially up top, and you cannot overlook his size.”

The 6’3’’, 200-pound defenseman is a target because of his size and skills on the team. He can make a great defensive play, push up the field and set up a goal or score a goal for his team.

Coach Ryan Hall also stated, “He is a big strong ox and is very technical and when you put those two things together it is a very deadly combination and you saw that last game when he scored four goals.”

When asked why Bo is having such a great start to the season Lucio Gonzaga stated “He is a great player; strong and fast and brings great energy to the team. I played against him for a lot of years, he is a really tough guy to play against and I am glad I am playing with him now.”

Bo is also a great leader, he leads the team by example and energizes the team when on the field or in the locker room. Even though he may be captain he says it has been easy with the teammates he has.

“It’s an honor that Coach Ryan would make me a captain, playing with these guys makes it an easy job and playing with people who have been in the league for almost as long as I have. “

He knows when the team needs a little energy on the pitch and will make a play that is momentum shift for his team.

“Bo is one of the players that leads by example.” said Coach Ryan Hall. “Bo is a physical dominate presences and when he plays, is a ball of energy and that alone picks up the team, that adrenaline, especially when the other team has some of the momentum and Bo can track guys down and make a big play for us, it helps swing the momentum back in our favor and lifts the guys up when we are down.”

Bo Jelovac has had a lot of experience in this league but wanted to come back even better for the new team in the league and for their new fans.

“Experience, being in this league for so long and playing with guy I know well has helped start the season in the right direction,” said Jelovac. “I worked a little bit harder this off season for the new team, new arena, new fans, and wanted to work hard to prove myself to the new fans.”

Come watch tomorrow afternoon as Bo and the team take on their biggest rivals. Kick-off is at 2 p.m. and every fan in attendance will reason a free team photo to have signed post-game. A win tomorrow will allow Utica City FC ring in the new year as the MASL’s Eastern Division leaders. Tickets are still available at www.empirestatetix.com.