By Abdullah Ahmed
Motamed Field has welcomed two promising newcomers to the men’s soccer team this season: freshmen Brandon Carchipulla, a 17-year-old from Iona Prep High School in the Bronx, and Gustav Attas, a 20-year-old freshman from Sweden. In interviews, both players have shown a deep passion for the sport.
Attas's journey in soccer began when he saw a soccer ball in his home in Sweden. His neighbor, an athlete, would practice with him in front of his house, sparking his growing interest. Carchipulla's connection to soccer runs in the family. His father was a professional player, and his uncle played for an academy. For Carchipulla, soccer is a cherished family tradition that he embraced from a young age. He says he “keeps the interest deep in his heart.” Being an athlete is not just a sport that just gets played but rather requires a lot of dedicated time and commitment. These individuals are student athletes, which means they are juggling academics and taking part in athletic activities which is not easy.
Attas played left back, a position that is primarily responsible for defending against opposing attacks. During his youth in Sweden, he played as a midfielder. However, when he was 15, he injured his knee while playing soccer. This injury posed a significant obstacle in his soccer journey. His coach moved him to the left back position, recognizing that his greatest strength was his speed. The coach believed that this position suited him better and would help him become a stronger soccer player.
In soccer, a team's ability to outrun their opponents can be a crucial advantage. After the change in position, Attas found that his performance improved beyond his expectations. This obstacle ultimately made him mentally and physically stronger, and it helped him become a better athlete.
Carchipulla plays midfield, which includes both central and attacking midfielder roles. This
position carries significant responsibility, such as controlling the flow of the game, linking defense with attack, and initiating plays with precise passing and intelligent positioning. He said his high school coach assigned him to this role because he wanted someone capable of controlling where the ball would be played and driving attacks. Carchipulla has become a central figure on the field; his quick thinking and decision-making skills earned him the midfield position. “I don’t see myself playing any other position.”
“Brandon and Gustav represent a microcosm of the spectrum of Adelphi men’s soccer and, in many senses, of Adelphi University,” said men's soccer head coach Gary Book. “[Brandon] is a sharp, technically gifted player with an exceptionally dedicated commitment to developing his game. He has the grit, hustle and determination that underpins so much of New York in passionately pursuing his goals.
“[Gustav] is a gifted and perceptive defender. He has broken through immediately as a freshman; a feat that is exceedingly rare at this high level,” Book said. “In contrast, Gustav brings to the team a less spontaneous, more mindful, more reserved and very relaxed Swedish attitude and mentality.”
As they embark on their journey at Adelphi, both Attas and Carchipulla are set to make a significant impact. Their unique backgrounds, combined with their unwavering dedication and passion for soccer, promise to bring fresh energy and skill to the Adelphi community.
“The Adelphi men’s soccer team is a multicultural melting pot,” Book said. “As a coach, it is an absolute joy to watch vastly different personalities and cultures create bonds and work as a team in such a harmonious way. Supporting, empathizing and empowering each other regardless of background while at the same time maintaining a highly competitive drive to succeed.”
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