One of the Carleton Ravens men’s soccer team’s top goal scorers, Joey Kewin, signed with the Ottawa Fury for the 2011 summer season, according to an April 28 press release.
“[Kewin] is a dedicated player who is always wanting to learn and improve his abilities,” said Fury head coach Steve Payne via email. “I expect [him] to be a valuable member of the Fury squad and I know he will work diligently to try and get as many playing time minutes as possible.”
Payne pointed to Kewin’s good attitude and being left-footed as a factor.
“Coaches are always looking for good left-footed players because they are few and far between,” he said, adding, “a good attitude is a crucial element for all players and one which can carry them forward. [Kewin] has that quality.”
The second-year commerce student said the idea was thrown around by Ravens assistant coach Kwesi Loney back in the fall but, at the time, he wanted to head back to his hometown of London, Ont. for the summer.
After Loney mentioned his name to the United Soccer Leagues’ Premier Development League (PDL) Fury, Kewin said he started to realize the opportunity he had.
“When they offered me a roster spot . . . I didn’t hesitate to sign the paper,” Kewin said via email.
Pointing to Kewin’s success at Carleton, Loney said he thinks it’s a good fit.
“[He’s] been an exceptional player for Carleton this year, one of our top goal scorers, extremely creative in his position and I think they’re very fortunate,” he said.
Kewin, who scored seven goals this season and finished in the top 10 of the Ontario University Athletic (OUA) scoring race, said he doesn’t expect to have any trouble adjusting to the new team since he knows several of the players already and since both the Ravens and Fury have similar playing styles.
“Both coaches put a heavy emphasis on attacking, which suits well to my game,” Kewin said. “I expect the Fury to be a little bit faster.”
Ultimately, he said he thinks the team will help him get a head start for the upcoming Ravens season.
“Playing with the Fury will improve every aspect of my game, without a doubt,” Kewin said. “Training every day with top level players will not only improve my game over the course of the summer, but also allow me to come into Carleton training camp fully prepared to help lead Carleton to an [Ontario University Athletics] title.”
Loney agreed.
“The players will be training daily . . . it’s very similar, so he’ll have a seamless transition from summer into the fall season,” he said.
For now, Kewin has the season opener in his hometown on May 28 to look forward to.
“It will definitely be exciting playing . . . against my old club, especially since it’s on my birthday.”