Radnor’s Ben Verbofsky is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The senior defender was the Raiders’ Most Valuable Player, and his stellar defense throughout the PIAA 4A state tournament was key to Radnor holding opponents to one goal in a stretch of 292 minutes in the tourney, all the way to the final seconds of the championship final. The versatile Verbofsky received second team All-Main Line soccer honors last fall, playing center back, center mid and forward. Off the pitch, he is a member of the Radnor Fishing Club.

 

Q: As a senior, how did you see your leadership role on the team this fall, particularly in fostering communication among the defense? Can you share with us an example in the 2018 PIAA state tourney where this communication paid off?

 

A: Having played for four years, I’ve learned that the best way to communicate is in quick commands, like “Evan, right shoulder.” The back line was always communicating, using those quick commands. It especially helped when the other team played a ball over top; communicating about who’s going to chase and clear, and who’s going to cover. During the game against State College, the player on my side made a run across the back line. I talked to my center back closest to me, “Man coming”. He immediately picked him up and covered his run. It was really cool to see our communication pay off so well. 

 

Q: What is your sharpest memory of the PIAA state tourney this fall?

 

A: The whole post season kind of flew by, but I remember the end of the first game in States. With a lead and under five minutes to go, the pressure is very heavy on the defense. I remember just a ton of balls down our throat. We did a good job marking runs and clearing balls.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer, and what sparked your inaugural interest in the sport. What position(s) did you originally play? Do you have a favorite position (and if so, why)?

 

A: I started playing soccer around age 5-6 with house soccer. I think I liked it just because I got to run around so much. I started off playing striker but ever since I made the switch to defense I’ve enjoyed that much more. Outside back is my favorite position because there’s a lot of 1v1 defense and I like the challenge.

 

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?

 

A: I think the strongest aspect of my game is the ability to read the game. Knowing where different runs will go or where the ball is going makes the game easier. I am currently working on getting more involved on offense. Having an extra attacker on offense makes a team much more dangerous.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

 

A: The day of a game usually starts out with a team stretch followed by a team breakfast at Minella’s. This gets us ready by fueling up with a good meal and getting our bodies prepared for the game. After this, I go home and hydrate while watching soccer or just hanging out. I try not to get too focused on the game because I don’t want to over complicate the game.

 

Q: Who have been your biggest soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

 

A: Rodrigo Nogales was my coach for most of my travel soccer seasons, at around ages 11-15. He was a great coach and a great player. He focused on technical aspects of soccer and being a well-rounded player. I learned a lot about the game from him, specifically reading the game, which is very important and hard to teach. Andrew Brady was my coach while I played for FC Philly. He taught me detailed parts of the game, like body position while receiving the ball. He also taught me how important passing is in the game of soccer. All my high school coaches, including Taylor Sims, Joe Gangl, Tim McGrawth, Andrew Cirino, Kyle Shilcock-Elliott, and Joe Caurolo taught me the different strategies and formations. Also, they taught me the physical aspect of soccer is important, like strength and endurance.

 

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player, and why?

 

A: My favorite player is Marcelo. He’s a great leader and a world class defender. 

 

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 10 for Radnor. Why did you pick this number – does it have any special significance to you?

 

A: 10 is my lucky number. It’s just a number I like.

 

Fun facts – Ben Verbofsky

Favorite book: Fight Club.

Favorite TV show: Big Mouth.

Favorite movie: The Breakfast Club.

Favorite athlete: TJ McConnell.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Don’t Stop Me Now, by Queen.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite pre-game meal: Açaí Bowl.

Family members: parents Howard and Cindy, brother David, sister Sarah.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach).