USL News Release
Friday, July 24, 2009
OCEAN CITY, NJ - Saturday night the Ocean City Barons will look to accomplish what no other team in the PDL has this season -- defeat the Ottawa Fury.
They’ll have to do it without their captain, Joe Banks.
A Baron since the club’s inception in 1999, Banks is also the coach of the U-16 South Jersey Barons girl’s team, who will be competing this weekend at a tournament in North Carolina.
“It’s disappointing to say the least,” said Banks about having to miss out on the playoff match. “I wish I could be in two places at once, but I made an overall commitment to this club’s development and it’s just as much coaching as it is playing.”
In addition to helping a young Barons PDL team to their seventh postseason appearance this year, Banks led the side on an adventurous Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run, defeating USL Second Division clubs Crystal Palace Baltimore and Real Maryland, before falling to D.C. United in the third round.
“Joe’s been a tremendous club captain for us this year,” said Barons head coach Neil Holloway. “He sets a great example for our young guys and we’ll definitely miss him Saturday night.”
Banks has also coached the U-16 Barons girls to success in the Super-Y League this season, where they currently sit second in the Mid Atlantic Division, needing only one point to qualify for the Super-Y National Tournament.
“We’ve done well defensively in the Super-Y League and when you don’t give up goals, you’re in every game.”
Above all, Banks is a player and coach with a lot of humility and a willingness to give back to the club that helped him develop as a player.
“I was thankful for what the Barons gave me as a youth growing up. I’ve just wanted to take my playing experience and infuse it back into the club as best I can.”
As for Saturday night, Holloway knows the task looms large for the PDL team, but remains confident.
”We know Ottawa are a tough opponent and have a very supportive crowd, but we go to Canada full of confidence, knowing how higher ranked teams fair in the PDL playoffs. We feel we have every chance to pull an upset, with or without Joe.”
If the Barons are successful in Ottawa on Saturday night, Banks will be sure to rejoin the team in the next round.
“I’ll be anxious to hear the result and if we win, ready to suit back up for the next game.”
