March 6, 2008

MASPETH, N.Y. - On March 5, the St. John's University men's soccer team partnered with NikeSoccer to host a `Who is the Fastest' speed clinic for more than 100 local youth soccer players at the historic Metropolitan Oval in Maspeth, N.Y., the oldest soccer field in the United States.

The speed test has been attempted and accomplished by some of the greatest players in the world, including Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and the United States' Landon Donovan. The test is an obstacle course with sharp turns and cuts consisting of running with and without the soccer ball.

Players from a variety of local youth soccer club teams were in attendance for this grass-roots community event. Under the direction of the Red Storm's two-time National Coach of the Year, Dr. David Masur, and his players and staff, clinic members were taught all the different aspects of speed in the modern game.

The youth players were able to test out new Nike gear on the `Who is the Fastest' course to see how the ultra-light shoe affects their speed and agility. In an attempt to increase the speed in the game, Nike has developed the new Nike Mercurial Vapor which, weighs 210 grams, and is one of the lightest boots ever made by Nike.

The historic Metropolitan Oval is the oldest soccer field in the U.S. It was renovated in 2001 with the help of Nike and the U.S. Soccer Federation along with the non-profit organization founded by Jim Vogt and Chuck Jacob. It is currently a lighted field turf surface and holds 15-20 games every week.

Over the past 17 years, St. John's made appearances in 15 consecutive NCAA Tournaments and unprecedented 10 straight NCAA Sweet 16's, has captured 12 BIG EAST titles, reached three College Cups and won the national championship in 1996. In 2007, Masur achieved a coaching milestone by reaching his 300th win.

Masur has had tremendous success on the collegiate level and has been called upon numerous times to help coach U.S. youth National Teams. On March 9, he will be assisting head coach Bob Jenkins with the U-18 U.S. National team.