Thunder's biggest loss this season

By Daniel Nugent-Bowman

nuge0020@algonquincollege.com

Mike Caruso bleeds Algonquin blue, white, and silver. That’s why it pains the Thunder to see him go.

Caruso officially resigned as the men’s soccer head coach on Nov. 17, ending more than a decade of service with the team. He was a two-time Ontario Colleges Athletic Association all-star in 1997 and 1998 as a player and still sits third in total OCAA goals with 34. Caruso then went on to become an assistant coach for seven seasons before assuming the top position prior to the start of the 2008 season.

While the former coach could not be reached for comment, administrator of athletic operations Ron Port knows Caruso’s commitment will be missed.

“He’s been around the program for so long,” said Port. “He’s lived and died Algonquin men’s soccer for so long. He was in my office every day whether he coached or played. I don’t know if I’ll ever have a rapport with another coach like that.”

Caruso will remain with the program in a limited capacity as he will be assisting with player recruitment and has already got three or four key players lined up for next year.

Port cited time commitments as being one of the reasons for Caruso’s departure, but also felt that the events at the national championships Nov. 5-8 in Kamloops, B.C. factored largely into Caruso’s decision to leave. He claimed the team was unfairly targeted by on-field officials and by the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association.

“It seems like every year we get to the nationals we get fingered out for something,” said Port. “It bothers me… then I have to address things with the team that I don’t even believe are true.”

Port, along with team captain Mike Gagliano and assistant coach Kwesi Loney, are in the process of filing a formal complaint to the CCAA. It will be sent once the three can come to a consensus on what will be written.

As for the coaching situation, Port plans to offer both Loney and fellow assistant Jimmy Zito a chance to coach the team together next year. Loney and Zito were in Florida with the Ottawa Fury at press time.

“I’ve talked to a number of players and they like them and want them to come back,” said Port. “[Caruso] also thinks they will do a great job.”

Whoever runs the Thunder next year will have to improve the squad’s image.

“That’ll be a big part of the job for sure,” said Port. “It’s been a [problem] before but never to the point where it affects play on the field. I will not stand for it anymore.”