From Friends to Champions: Joe Mac and Elijah Le Gear Up for CAPERS’ Title Defense

By IAIN KING

JOE MAC and Elijah Le have been chasing soccer dreams together since they were 12-year-old kids in the Toronto FC Academy. Now the two friends have the chance to be a part of the quest to bring a second successive U SPORTS National title to Head Coach Deano Morley's CAPERS Men's Program in 2024. Joe watched as Elijah became a National champion in November last year, now they will join forces in orange jerseys this Fall, and the gifted midfielder couldn't be happier.

"Even before the TFC Academy, Eli and I played in a youth team together, we have been friends for a long time," reveals Joe. "To have the chance to play together now the year after the CAPERS won the National championship? That's special."

Joe's journey in the game started at the age of seven with his local club, Toronto Eagles, who are now an Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) franchise named SC Toronto. He was soon recognised as one of the best emerging talents in "The Six" and joined the TFC Academy where he was reared as a player for five years.

With a professional contract just out of his grasp, Joe bounced back in the famed Vaughan Academy which has produced the likes of Canadian national team players Kamal Miller of Portland Timbers in the MLS and Alastair Johnston who is a huge fans' favourite with Scottish champions Celtic.

"I moved from there to Marist College in the States which is in Poughkeepsie, about an hour north of New York," says Joe. "I had a great time in the NCAA there before transferring to York University and now I am looking forward to continuing my education in Business Administration at CBU."

Joe is currently getting a crash course in life as a CAPER. He is enjoying his time in League One Ontario playing for Woodbridge alongside National title winning stars Jacob Spizzirri, Sebastian Cochrane, and old pal Elijah Le. All four have been starting and shining and Joe takes time to talk to his team-mates about what they can achieve together in Cape Breton this Fall.

"I know the program has lost a lot of captains and experienced players and some of us coming in have to look to fill that void," reasons Joe. "I speak to Spizz, Sebastian, and Eli about the players we will have with us like Max Piepgrass and Owen Sheppard and I am excited to have the chance to play with these guys."

When this soccer student reflects on what he can bring to the program Joe cites "a high soccer IQ" his "engine" and his "positional sense" as qualities he believes can add to the CAPERS capabilities. Joe revels in roles across the midfield or in defence and that versatility and keen game intelligence was a huge factor in his new coach's decision to bring him to Canada's champions.

"In Joe we have found a brilliant technician on the field and a very intelligent footballer," says Deano. "We have lost a lot of captains, leadership, and experience from our group and he can bring this to the program. Joe comes to CAPERS at a time when he is well placed and focused to do well both in school and in soccer. I am very confident that he can develop here and go on to make an impact in the Canadian Premier League."

Before he flies out to the East Coast in time for the start of pre-season training in August, Joe has his summer games with Woodbridge but also another fascinating soccer trip. He will be part of a team taking part in the $1million TST 7 v 7 tournament in Cary, North Carolina that includes a few famous faces.

"I have been looking forward to that one," smiles Joe. "The likes of Manchester City and Argentina legend Sergio Aguero take part and there's that $1million prize pot. My team has a lot of Futsal players in it, and they made me wish I had played a lot more of that format. Those guys are so technical."

Always learning, always growing as a player and a person. That's the DNA that Coach Morley looks for in new recruits to the CAPERS. For Joe, his first meeting with his new soccer mentor sealed the deal, he had no doubt it was destination Cape Breton.

"The first thing that strikes you with Deano is his passion for the program, you feel right away this energy and how much he loves and cares about CBU," enthuses Joe. "That really excited me, and I know how special that National winning week was for everyone.

"I have confidence in this group even before we get together. I want to go back-to-back in Nationals for Cape Breton and get my own first Championship ring. That's driving me. I also know that Nationals are being hosted in Oshawa in Ontario, that's close to my hometown of Richmond Hill so I need to show up!"