THERE'S NO "I" IN TEAM
Special to the Ironmen
Written by Danielle Weiss, Rider University

The crowd roared when New Jersey Ironmen midfielder Goran Vasic recently scored his 600th point.

However, little did the fans know that behind this extremely talented player is an unselfish one whose main focus is teamwork. Along with scoring 600 points, Vasic also has 245 assists.

“[To me] an assist is the same as a goal, this sport is all about teamwork and you have to pass,” said Vasic.

Vasic, who hails from Belgrade, Serbia, started kicking around a soccer ball at the young age of six. He started playing soccer outdoors in his home country and was on a few teams there. Vasic then decided to come to the United States to pursue his indoor career. He came to America because his coach in Serbia had a brother who was the assistant coach for Cleveland Crunch.

“I was very lucky,” he remarked. “I played one game and was asked to play for them.”

Although the transition from outdoor soccer to indoor soccer was tough, Vasic stuck with it.

“My coach was very patient, he taught me how to play off the boards and use quick touches. It is a whole different game,” Vasic stated.

After winning two separate championships with the Cleveland Crunch and Philadelphia KiXX, which he described as his most memorable experience, Vasic signed with the Ironmen in 2007 and found himself in New Jersey. In November 2008, Vasic was officially named assistant coach of the Ironmen.

“At first, it was a little difficult to get [my teammates] to listen, but I have been playing in this league for ten years and there is a level of respect,” he said. “I try not to coach too much since I am still a player. I respect Omid Namazi and try to help when I can.”

When he is not playing and coaching, Vasic loves to spend time with his family. He teaches soccer to his two sons, who play for a North Brunswick team.

While some players like to have the glory of scoring goals, Vasic looks at the bigger picture. He thinks in terms of what he can do to help his team win by practicing teamwork, the greatest skill of all.

Danielle Weiss is currently a junior at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. She is spending the semester interning for the New Jersey Ironmen in the Communications Department.