Furia May Be Small but Plays with Big Heart

When you first look at senior midfielder Zac Furia, it is hard to imagine he is one of the best soccer players in the area.

Standing at 5’6, Furia simply causes havoc for opposing defenses. He virtually creates every goal for the Cougars and does everything and more his coach asks him to do.

Add the pressure of a playoff hunt, marking the best player on the opposing team, and being the loan captain on the team, Furia, a three-year varsity starter, never looks flustered.

“He is a motivator,” said head coach Jason Piombino. “He always urges his teammates along. He leads by example both on the field and off the field. He knows what to say without criticizing his teammates. He has been in big games before and is our most experienced soccer player. Without a guy like him, I really don’t see this team having that much success.”

Furia stands at six goals and 10 assists for the Cougars. He could easily take the entire spotlight, but is always quick to thank his success to his teammates.

“My teammates are always looking for me,” said Furia. “That is how I get the touches on the ball. It is not just about me. I couldn’t do it without my teammates and especially our good defense.”

The Cougars’ defense has posted nine shutouts so far and smothers every opponent they've faced this season. Even when you speak defense, you have to add Furia to the mix.

“Lets not forget defensively he is usually defending the opposing teams best player,” said Piombino. “For example, when we played Strath Haven he scored and had to mark one of the best players in the league. Whatever the job is, he goes and does it. Whether it's shadowing a guy or controling the middle, he is always up for the task and gets the job done. When you have a guy like that, you are bound to have some success.”

Furia is just your average high scholar off the field, though to some he is a superstar on it.

He enjoys watching the Phillies and hanging out with his friends. He just wants to have fun at all times, but when it comes to the soccer field, after a disappointing campaign last season, fun is out the window and winning is the main objective.

“Last year was a disappointing year,” said Furia. “We really turned it around this year. I am really proud of the guys for doing that. To be honest, last year was a complete and total failure. You learn from what happened last year not to do that this year. I didn’t want my senior year to go to waste.”

Furia sure doesn’t want to let that happen this year. With Cougars in the midst of a playoff run, Furia has been the centerpiece of it. He also knows that his leadership will be key the rest of the season, even if he has to scream in his teammate’s ears.

“We are really tight as a team,” said Furia. “If I yell at someone it is not personal or anything, they understand it.”

College is an option for Furia as he is looking at local schools such as West Chester and Widener. He looks up to his older sister who played college soccer and he wants to do the same. 

Furia is the best player offensively for the Cougars, marks the best player on the opposing team, the loan captain, looking to pick a college to play soccer. He's the main target for every team in the Central League to shut down.

Let’s not forget he is only 5’6. The pressure on his shoulders could make him a couple inches shorter.

“I don’t mind it,” said Furia. “The pressure comes with success.”