Exciting New Talent Joins Long Island’s Soccer Scene: Dylan Lopez Signs with Fighting Tomcats

Long Island’s soccer fanatics have a reason to celebrate as the Fighting Tomcats, a new semi-professional soccer team, welcomes 16-year-old Dylan Lopez aboard. The Connetquot High School standout has proudly become the start-up club’s youngest player.

A New Chapter for the Fighting Tomcats

Dylan Lopez hails from Ronkonkoma, and has recently made headlines after signing his contract with the National Premier Soccer League team, which is based at Hofstra University. “They’re obviously much older than me,” Lopez remarked shortly after finalizing his deal. “Playing with them in this environment is really going to push me and help me adapt to a higher level of competition.”

With aspirations of pursuing a soccer career in Spain, Lopez is eager for the challenges that await him in this new role.

Club Vision and Community Roots

The Fighting Tomcats, officially known as the American Soccer Club, aim to leverage local talent, which has garnered attention from soccer enthusiasts and aspiring players alike. Club owner Jim Kilmeade, a Massapequa native and brother of Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, expressed his ambition: “We believe we can identify and launch players into European careers.” Additionally, the team is laying the groundwork for a free youth academy on Long Island.

Benefits for Dylan: Balancing Opportunities

Lopez’s contract offers a unique arrangement, allowing him to play with the Fighting Tomcats without forfeiting his commitments to his competitive Atlantic United travel team or the Connetquot High School varsity squad in the upcoming fall season. This flexibility provides him a golden opportunity to hone his skills at various competition levels.

Key Benefits for Young Athletes:

• Stay Competitive: Continue participating in high school and travel soccer.
• Experience at Higher Levels: Gain exposure to semi-professional play without sacrificing educational opportunities.

Family Support and Personal Motivation

The signing marks a significant milestone not just for Lopez but for his family as well. He shares a unique bond with his twin brother, Brandon, who has been a constant source of motivation on the field. "Every time we’re on the field, it’s always a competition between us. He’s excited for me,” Lopez shared.

The Road Ahead

Lopez’s exciting venture signifies the opening of new doors for young athletes from Long Island. He is fueled by a passion that many local players aspire to emulate, as opportunities to break into soccer at high levels are scarce. “When you live on Long Island, you don’t really get opportunities like these,” Lopez stated.

As he prepares for a promising senior year filled with potential, he also competes for recruitment opportunities at Sacred Heart University. “It’s going to be a good senior year,” he remarked, excitedly sharing his news with friends and family.

Upcoming Local Events to Engage the Community

In addition to the thrilling developments off the field, Long Island sees two significant 5K runs this weekend for great causes:

• Hope Is Here Run:

  • Date & Time: Saturday, 9 AM
  • Location: First Responders Memorial Park & Ball Field, Islandia
  • Entry Fee: $45
  • Cause: Raising awareness for parental mental health.
• Sayville Fire Department Annual 5K:
  • Date & Time: Saturday, 9 AM
  • Location: Starting at the Sayville Firehouse
  • Entry Fee: $40

Takeaway

With Dylan Lopez stepping into the spotlight with the Fighting Tomcats, Long Island’s soccer community looks ahead to a bright future rich with talent and opportunity. Local athletes now have a chance to showcase their skills, driven by an organization committed to player development and community engagement.

Stay tuned for more updates as Lopez represents a new generation of soccer talent on Long Island, proving that hard work pays off, especially when you dare to dream big.