March 12, 2018
Balance in the dictionary is defined as an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
Anyone who follows the game of soccer knows that a team must be balanced in order to become successful. Too many attacking minded players who get caught up the field, you will concede goals and lose. Too many players unable to go forward and attack and you could end up tying every game 0-0.
August Finn is the hardworking midfielder in the engine room who is willing to get his hands dirty on the field for the betterment of the team. Hard on the tackle with a high work-rate, he is quick to distribute the ball to his nearest team mate and provide cover for the defense.
August connects the defenders to the attackers, and does the job that many soccer players either neglect or are not able to do. He provides the balance on a team that is needed win.
Finn reminds me of the tough tackling highly competitive former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane. Keane was known for his energy, mobility, ball winning ability, and hard-tackling style of play, which earned him a reputation as one of the best players in the world in his position.
A Junior at Buffalo State College, August wanted to play at higher level over the summer to prepare for his senior season of college soccer, so he tried out for FC Buffalo. Initially feeling good about his chances, he was ultimately cut from the team after a coaching change was made.
Determined to play in the NPSL, he received a call from former Buffalo State team mate and Lancer goalkeeper William Banahene about the Lancers tryouts.
He came in with the odds stacked against him, as most of the team had already been established. However, he proved to fit right in with Head Coach Doug Miller's formation and style of play, becoming a fixture in the Lancers midfield all season. August finished the season playing 10 games, providing 1 goal and making many tackles.
On a beautiful Friday night in mid June, Finn exacted his revenge on the Buffalo team that let him go months earlier, scoring a screamer of a goal in a 2-1 win against the Lancers rivals. He also provided many crucial tackles and played well defensively. You can say he had a balanced game.