‘Dream come true’ for Player of Year Alfonsi
Sam Alfonsi described his senior season as a dream come true.
Coming into the fall, Alfonsi and his Unionville teammates knew they could compete for the Ches-Mont American Division title, but that was just the beginning for the historic run the Indians were set to embark upon.
“I had no clue we were in for the season we had,’ Alfonsi said. “After the first six games, I knew we had something going. Everyone in the area was supporting us. I would go to the local Landhope Farms and people would be wishing me and my teammates good luck. It was something special.’
That special season for the Indians culminated in an undefeated run through the Ches-Mont League en route to the American Division title. The Indians went unbeaten for their first 20 games and we recognized as one of the top teams in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Playing midfield, Alfonsi was in the center of it all. The captain had 12 goals and 11 assists in 23 games for Unionville along with earning Ches-Mont American Division Most Valuable Player honors, a spot on the All-Southeastern Pennsylvania team and a selection to the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association All-State Team.
For his tremendous season, Alfonsi was selected as the Daily Local News All-Area Player of the Year.
“Winning this award is unbelievable,’ Alfonsi said. “My teammates deserve all the credit for this. Without them, none of the accolades are possible.’
Alfonsi and his teammates benefited from each other throughout the Indians’ unbeaten regular season. He and junior Peter Ferraro formed the area’s top playmaking duo up top as the two combined for 22 goals during the stretch.
Alex Andersen and Tim Yarosh also were receipents of Alfonsi’s playmaking ability with the ball, something he took great pride in throughout the season.
During Unionville’s district playoff run, Alfonsi delt with a seperated shoulder he suffered in the Indians’ thrilling penalty kick victory over Pennsbury on October 25. Alfonsi displayed his leadership capabilities by staying on the field and fighting the injury until his season was over.
“That toughness really paid off,’ Alfonsi said. “I wasn’t 100 percent that whole playoff run, but it didn’t affect my ability to make plays. I didn’t want to sit because you never know when your last high school game will be.’
Even though Unionville’s season ended in the first round of the PIAA Class AAA playoffs, Alfonsi and the senior class set the bar high for future Unionville programs to come.
Alfonsi’s impact on Unionville soccer will be recognized in East Marlborough Township for a long time.
Becoming the seventh Unionville player to earn All-State honors and helping a team reach the state playoffs for the third time in school history will do that for a program.
“These underclassmen will definatly take on the challenge,’ Alfonsi said. “It’s a high bar to reach, but they can do it. As Coach (Rich) Garber said, we just found a way to win. He was the most honest man I’ve ever met. I owe a lot to him for improving my game.’
And Unionville owes a lot to Alfonsi and that senior class, as they contributed to bringing the Indians back to the top of the Ches-Mont.
