Williamsburg International F.C.
 | ||||
| Full name | Williamsburg International Football Club | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Doylies; WIFC | |||
| Founded | 2011 as "Doyle's Corner Football Club" | |||
| Ground | McCarren Park, Bushwick Inlet Park | |||
| President | Charles von Rosenberg | |||
| Manager | Jason Roos | |||
| Treasurer | Gerald van den Berg | |||
| League | Cosmopolitan Soccer League | |||
| 2023-24 | 7th | |||
| Website | http://www.wifcny.com/ | |||
|
| ||||
Williamsburg International F.C. is an American amateur football club based in Brooklyn, New York. Established in 2011, the club's first and reserve teams play in the second division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, an elite amateur league, under the umbrella of the United States Adult Soccer Association.
Press Beginning in Spring 2024, with a feature on Williamsburg International's season opener,[1] the Game on Wheels sports blog, written by Tyrese Alleyne-Davis began a series of articles covering the club.
Williamsburg International FC Club President Charles von Rosenberg was interviewed by Game in Frame as part of the Spring preview series in January 2022.[2]
Williamsburg International FC Club Manager Jason Roos was interviewed as part of a feature on the club by Protagonist Soccer in February 2021.
The club was mentioned in a September 2020 op-ed in The New York Times on keeping New York's rich amateur soccer legacy alive during the COVID-19 pandemic.[4]
In September 2018, the club was one of six teams featured in Front Row Soccer's coverage of the annual Sal Rapaglia Cup.[5] Williamsburg International earned their spot in the tournament, reserved for the champions of the Eastern New York State Soccer Association's competitions, by winning the 2018 Jack Flamhaft Cup.
In February 2017, Charles von Rosenberg, one of the club's founders, was interviewed by American Pyramid Blog as part of their ongoing feature highlighting soccer at the local level.[6]
In 2016, Josh Roos, WIFC Communications and Marketing Officer, was interviewed as part of ThemeBoy's showcase to discuss his redesign of the club's website.[7]
History
[edit]Early years (2010–2013)
[edit]Williamsburg International Football Club was founded in 2011 as "Doyle's Corner Football Club" in New York City. The club played in weeknight men's leagues in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn before joining the Cosmopolitan Soccer League in August 2013.
A frequent early gathering spot for post-match drinks was Astoria's Doyle's Corner Pub, influencing the early naming of the team and referenced to this day through the club's moniker "The Doylies". It was here where the team first learned of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League and began to dream of a full-fledged eleven-a-side club.[8]
During this time the club earned its first trophy by winning the 2013 New York Men's Williamsburg Wednesday Fall Championship. The Doylies would go on to have continued success in weeknight leagues and small-sided tournaments, winning trophies in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Rise in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League (2013–2020)
[edit]Under the direction of the club's first head coach, Ben Reichner, the Doylies managed a successful inaugural campaign, including an undefeated spring half of the season.
Bennett Grubbs took the reins in the second season and began building a system and style that would grow into a championship formula. An underwhelming sophomore season, and an 8th-place finish, gave way to optimism as the club entered its third year bursting with talent and possibility.
Capping off a third season in which they lost but a single match, Williamsburg were triumphant in a 3–0 defeat over Metro 2 East Conference Champions Shamrock SC at Randall's Island on June 5, 2016, to win the 2015–16 CSL Metro 2 Division title. Goal scorers in the title match were Mark Gallagher (1) and Andreas Moudatsos (2).[9]
Mark Gallagher took over coaching duties as the club moved up to the CSL's Metro 1 Division. A change in division and a change in coaching had little impact on the Doylie's fortunes as the team soared to a 13–2–3 finish, winning the division title by 4 points over NYFC Iliria. The Doylies clinched the title with an 8–1 romp over Deportivo Sociedade NY at Randall's Island on May 14, 2017, with goals from Mark Gallagher, John Kaddo (2), Nicolas Mikolenko (3), and Charles von Rosenberg (2).[10]
Back-to-back titles earned promotion for Williamsburg to the CSL's second tier, where the club has made its home since 2017.
In 2024, Williamsburg International FC narrowly missed out on the Division 2 Cosmopolitan Soccer League playoffs, falling 0-3 in their final match of the season. [11]
Post-COVID Growth (2020–Present)
[edit]In 2020, the entire New York Soccer community felt the impact of restrictions on social activities due to COVID-19,[12] and Williamsburg International was no exception. Beginning in Spring 2021, teams began again playing competitive matches. Many clubs struggled to survive the impact of the pandemic.
Under the leadership of Club Manager Jason Roos, Williamsburg International FC began a rapid period of growth in the post-COVID era. The club launched a third Men's team in Fall 2021, competing in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League Fourth Division. In Fall 2023, Williamsburg International FC launched a Women's Team competing in the New York Metropolitan Women's Soccer League B Division. [13]
Club motto
[edit]The club's official motto is "Maxime Parva Faciunt Differentiae" (The little things make all the difference).
The club's unofficial slogan is "Serious Fun".
Yearly records
[edit]| League Champions | Eastern New York State Champions |
Williamsburg International FC Men's I
[edit]| Season |
Head Coach |
Division |
W |
D |
L |
Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 |  Eduardo Garcia
|
CSL Division 2 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 7th |
| 2022-23 | Eduardo Garcia
|
CSL Division 2 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 6th |
| 2021-22 | John Kaddo
|
CSL Division 2 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 8th |
| 2020-21* | John Kaddo
|
CSL Division 2 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 7th |
| 2019-20* | John Kaddo
|
CSL Division 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 11th |
| 2018-19 |  Mark Gallagher
|
CSL Division 2 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 5th |
| 2017-18 | Mark Gallagher
|
CSL Division 2 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4th |
| 2016-17 | Mark Gallagher
|
CSL Division 3 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 1st |
| 2015-16 | Bennett Grubbs
|
CSL Division 4 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 1st |
| 2014-15 | Bennett Grubbs
|
CSL Division 4 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 8th |
| 2013-14 | Benjamin Reichner
|
CSL Division 4 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 4th |
2019-20 and 2020–21 seasons were shortened due to COVID-19.
Williamsburg International FC Women's I
[edit]| Season |
Head Coach |
Division |
W |
D |
L |
Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Malya Hirshkowitz
|
NYMWSL B Division | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4th |
Williamsburg International FC II
[edit]| Season |
Head Coach |
Division |
W |
D |
L |
Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Augustus Esgro
|
CSL Division 2 Reserve | 7 | 3 | 8 | 10th |
| 2022-23 | Augustus Esgro
|
CSL Division 2 Reserve | 3 | 2 | 11 | 8th |
| 2021-22 | Augustus Esgro
|
CSL Division 2 Reserve | 6 | 3 | 11 | 8th |
| 2020-21* | Augustus Esgro
|
CSL Division 2 Reserve | 3 | 2 | 5 | 7th |
| 2019-20* | Augustus Esgro
|
CSL Division 2 Reserve | 7 | 1 | 2 | 3rd |
| 2018-19 | Augustus Esgro
|
CSL Division 2 Reserve | 10 | 3 | 3 | 3rd |
| 2017-18 |  Christopher Jee
|
CSL Division 2 Reserve | 8 | 3 | 5 | 3rd |
| 2016-17 | Richard Butterworth
|
CSL Metro 2 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 7th |
2019-20 and 2020–21 seasons were shortened due to COVID-19.
Williamsburg International FC Men's III
[edit]| Season |
Head Coach |
Division |
W |
D |
L |
Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Joseph Cascio
|
CSL Division 4 | 8 | 1 | 9 | 9th |
| 2022-23 |  Adolfo Rodriguez
|
CSL Division 4 | 8 | 1 | 9 | 6th |
| 2021-22 | Charles von Rosenberg
|
CSL Division 4 | 4 | 2 | 12 | 9th |
Honors
[edit]Eastern New York State Soccer Association
[edit]- 2017-2018 Division 1 Jack Flamhaft Cup Winners[14]
Cosmopolitan Soccer League
[edit]- 2016-2017 Metro 1 Division Champions[15]
- 2016-2017 Metro 1 Fair Play Award
- 2015-2016 Metro 2 Division Champions[16]
- 2015-2016 Metro 2 Western Conference Champions[17]
- 2014-2015 Metro 2 Fair Play Award
- 2013-2014 Metro 2 Fair Play Award
- 2023 Summer Division 3 Champions
- 2022 Winter Division 2 Champions
- 2018 Spring Division 1 Champions
- 2017 Fall Division 2 Champions
- 2017 Summer Division 2 Champions
- 2016 Fall Division 1 Champions
- 2016 Fall Division 2 Champions
- 2015 Fall Division 1 Champions
- 2015 Fall Division 2 Champions
- 2013 Fall Division 2 Champions
- 2017 Champions
- 2016 Champions
New York Soccer Winter Classic
[edit]- 2016 Champions
Club records
[edit]- As of as of 2023–24 Season. Players still active for Williamsburg International FC are shown in bold.
Men's Records
[edit]
|
|
|
Women's Records
[edit]
|
|
|
Hall of Fame
[edit]During Williamsburg International's 10th Anniversary Celebration, the club elected five members as part of an inaugural Hall of Fame cohort. In order to be considered for the Hall of Fame, players must no longer be active players. Hall of Fame nominees are voted on by current and former Williamsburg International players.
Class of 2022
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
Non-profit
[edit]In 2017, Williamsburg International FC was incorporated in New York State as a 501(c)(3) non-profit[20] with the purpose of promoting the enjoyment of association football, to promote the enhancement of the football skills and sense of community of all its members through the arrangement of training, matches, and social activities.
Berk scholarship
[edit]Named in honor of Anna Berk, the wife of club founder Benjamin Reichner, the WIFC Berk Scholarship[21] annually recognized a young soccer player who embodied the values and spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and outstanding character. Williamsburg International partnered with local youth club F.C. Select[22] to support young players in the Williamsburg community.
Executive committee
[edit]Current members
[edit]- President - Charles von Rosenberg
- Manager - Jason Roos
- Treasurer - Gerald van den Berg
- Social Chair - Mara Greene
Former members
[edit]- President (2013–2019) - John Erganian
- Manager (2013–2016) - Benjamin Reichner
- Chief Brand Officer - Richard Butterworth
Rivalries
[edit]Williamsburg International has enjoyed many rivalries over the years. The most consistent of these rivalries has been with New York Ukrainians, who share the Doylies home field at McCarren Park. The teams met frequently in the Eastern New York State Cup, with New York Ukrainians claiming early victories. In 2018, the Doylies beat the Ukrainians 2–1 in the semi-final match on their way to a trophy.
Since 2017, the teams have played twice a season as part of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League's second division.
| Series Leader | Series Rival | Series Record | Series Began | Notes | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsburg International F.C. | New York Ukrainians | 8W-4D-10L | 2014 | McCarren Park Derby |
Williamsburg International F.C enjoyed an engaging rivalry with cross-city club Flushing FC. This rivalry reached its height between 2016 and 2017 when Flushing FC posed a serious challenge to Williamsburg International FC's Metro 2 title run and then continued the rivalry with several thrilling matches against the Doylies reserve squad. Sadly, this rivalry ended in 2022 as Flushing FC dropped out of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.
| Series Leader | Series Rival | Series Record | Series Began | Notes | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsburg International F.C. | Flushing FC | 7W-2D-0L | 2015 | Doylie Warrior Derby |
Inaugural season
[edit]
On September 8, 2013, Williamsburg International played its first competitive match in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League's Metro 2 division. The Doylies came from behind to defeat Brishna 5–4 at Bushwick Inlet Park, with Andrew Hilland knocking in the winner in the closing minutes. An up and down Fall campaign was followed by a fantastic stretch of seven straight victories in the Spring. The team finished in fourth place with nine wins, five losses, and two draws in its first season.[23] The team's leading scorer on the season was Andreas Moudatsos, who finished with 11 goals in all competitions. Esteban Garcia led the team appearing in all 18 competitive matches, including both the State and League cup.
At the Cosmopolitan Soccer League's Annual Meeting in August 2014, Williamsburg International F.C. were awarded the Cosmopolitan Soccer League 2013–14 Metro 2 Division Fair Play Award.
References
[edit]- ^ "Williamsburg International FC season opener". Game on Wheels. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ "Williamsburg International FC Spring Season CSL Preview". Game in Frame. Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Williamsburg International CSL Div 2. NY". Protagonist Soccer. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ Saporito, Bill (14 September 2020). "Opinion | Don't Let the Pandemic End a 100-Year-Old Soccer Legacy". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 14 September 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "RAPAGLIA CUP: 6 teams vie for ENYSSA crown Sunday". Front Row Soccer. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Doylies, Bars, Attack: Charles von Rosenberg of Williamsburg International FC". American Pyramid Blog. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "WIFC Club Awareness Boosted After Moving to SportsPress". Theme Boy. Archived from the original on 20 December 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Doylies, Bars, Attack: Charles von Rosenberg of Williamsburg International FC". American Pyramid Blog. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Double glory for Shamrocks over 30s". NY Shamrock SC. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Champions Again!". wifcny.org. Archived from the original on 23 June 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ^ "New York International FC Earns Promotion In The Shadow Of Yankee Stadium". Forbes. Archived from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ Saporito, Bill (14 September 2020). "Opinion | Don't Let the Pandemic End a 100-Year-Old Soccer Legacy". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 14 September 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "New York Metropolitan Women's Soccer League". NYMWSL. Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ "Williamsburg's von Rosenburg: We have the talent to challenge for a title". Cosmopolitan Soccer League. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
- ^ "Cosmopolitan Soccer League Historical Standings". Cosmopolitan Soccer League. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Double glory for Shamrocks over 30s". NY Shamrock SC. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Cosmopolitan Soccer League Historical Standings". Cosmopolitan Soccer League. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Love NY Soccer Home Page". LoveNY Soccer. Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "LoveNYSoccer Tournaments Home Page". LoveNY Soccer. Archived from the original on 2020-10-25.
- ^ "New York State Charities Search Results". New York State Charities Database. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "WIFC Berk Scholarship". FC Select. Archived from the original on 18 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- ^ "FC Select Home Page". FC Select. Archived from the original on 24 January 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Cosmopolitan Soccer League Historical Standings". Cosmopolitan Soccer League. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Williamsburg International F.C. at Cosmopolitan Soccer League