Dec. 12, 2023
By Nikalena Iacono
Editor
Sophomore Robby Dasler has a long history of playing soccer. His father introduced him to the sport when he was five years old, and he has been playing soccer ever since.
Last month, Dasler finished his second season on the varsity team, to which he contributed 13 goals and 14 assists, which are the highest numbers for the team.
During the last two seasons, Dasler has played the center attacking midfield, center defensive midfield, left-wing and striker positions.
When it comes to soccer and life in general, Dasler said his dad, who is an assistant coach for the team, is his greatest inspiration.
“He is always there for me when I need him… as a father and a coach,” Dasler said.
Dasler said another one of his inspirations is Phil Foden, who plays on his favorite team, Premier League Club, Manchester City in England.
“He fulfills his responsibilities as a player by showing up every day and doing what needs to be done.”
Dasler said he helps the team by creating plays where either he or his teammate can get a goal, moving the ball up and down the field, passing the ball well and taking good shots to score.
“[My responsibilities are] to cover my guy and distribute the ball to the wingers and strikers and help score,” Dasler said. “[My goals are] to play well and have [a] great work rate to get back and defend.”
Dasler said his most exciting moments of the season were scoring goals at the home games against Harrison High School on Sept. 13 and North Arlington High School on Sept. 21.
In the game against Harrison, the team was down 0-4. Dasler led the comeback with two goals and one assist to tie the game, though it ended in a 5-4 loss.
In the North Arlington game, the team was losing 0-1, but Dasler scored a goal with around three minutes left to tie it up. The game went into overtime, and Dasler scored again to bring home a win.
Dasler said of all his soccer accomplishments, he is most proud of winning the Super Y League Finals in 2019 in Tampa, Florida with the Ironbound Soccer Club, which is located in Newark. He has been playing with the club since he was 10 years old.
Junior right back Nate Barriteau, who is Dasler’s close friend and teammate, said Dasler contributes to the team by doing well as an attacking player.
“Robby is fast, a good dribbler and is a good goal scorer,” Barriteau said.
Barriteau said even when the team is down, Dasler never gives up.
“He doesn’t scream at people when things don’t go his way, and he does his job on the field,” Barriteau said.
Junior captain Isaac Camilo said Dasler is a smart player who makes strong long passes and takes accurate shots.
“Robby leads the team with his positive attitude,” Camilo said. “He fulfills his responsibilities as a player by showing up every day and doing what needs to be done.”
Camilo said Dasler is persistent and willing to take risks for the team’s benefit.
He said Dasler would be a good captain in future seasons.
“He has the drive and determination to help lead and support the team,” Camilo said. “Even if the team goes down a goal, he won’t give in and quit but push[es] himself to help bring the team back.”
