Player Profile: Shavon John-Brown

Wikipedia says you were born in Canada before moving to Grenada, so what is your background in soccer, and how did you get to where you are today?

I was born in Montréal, Québec, Canada, then moved to Grenada at a very young age. I stayed there for about 17 years before coming to the U.S. I started playing in college and then went to Alderson Broaddus University [in West Virginia] for 2 years, and ever since then I have just been trying to play soccer at the highest level that I can. I went to Germany for a few months [to 1.FCA Darmstadt in the sixth-tier Verbandsliga], and when I was on break I came back to the U.S. and started playing NPSL with the Brooklyn Italians. I played in the conference finals versus the New York Cosmos, and then the Cosmos offered me a contract for the Members Cup.

What are your thoughts on US soccer in general, and/or the system in general, and/or the NPSL?

I think that U.S. soccer is moving forward which is very good, but at first I had no idea what some of the leagues mean. I started to understand more as time went by and as I played more. I played in and won the PDL [now USL League Two] with Charlotte Eagles in 2017, then after that started playing in the NPSL. I think the standard in the NPSL is much higher. Take nothing away from the PDL, but the NPSL has more quality players.

Why did you sign for the NY Cosmos, and how is your season going? What's it like in NY with the Cosmos? How was the game against Milwaukee (other than wet and cold), which is where I was able to take these photos?

I signed with the Cosmos because I saw myself joining a team that is family. Plus, the coach and I had a good conversation, and I'm already home where I can be playing in front of my family. The season is going good; while I was away for the international break together with another teammate, we lost against Detroit City, which put us in second place, so with one more game to go, we just have to take care of business and hope for a slip up elsewhere [Detroit City did not slip up and clinched the NPSL Members Cup last weekend]. Being here in New York with the Cosmos is very good, like I said I'm not just playing, I actually get to see my family on a daily basis. The game against Milwaukee was a tough one, we knew they would come out hitting hard, we just had to keep our cool and stick to the game plan.

In action against Torrent.

You are a current Grenada international (with 14 appearances and 4 goals). How is that going? When were you called up? Are there any challenges being an international and playing in the US lower leagues? How does this inform your game? Are there any particularly memorable moments?

Playing with the Grenada National team right now is very good! I recently just got back, and we are on top of our table [in CONCACAF Nations League B qualifying] with 10 points and two more games to play in November. Winning out in the group will see us qualify for the 2021 Gold Cup and also move up to League A in the Nations League.

I would say that the only challenge is getting called up and having to miss club games in the U.S., because I would definitely have liked to help the Cosmos against Detroit City last Saturday [which Detroit won 1-2 in New York], but unfortunately was on international duty.

My favorite memories would be, winning the Windward Islands games [the Windward Islands Tournament is played every year between five Caribbean nations including Grenada], and playing Puerto Rico where I scored two goals.

How would you describe your gameplay, strengths, weaknesses?

I would stay my strength is movement on and off the ball, speed, finishing and a little dribbling. Weaknesses I don't really think I have, because I believe once your mind is right, the body will follow.

Do you follow or support any teams?

I support two teams: Real Madrid and Manchester United. We aren't at our best right now, but we will rise again!

Shavon and the NY Cosmos finish their NPSL Members Cup season against Napa Valley 1839 this Saturday.

Header graphic provided by Cory Mizer, for more of his work, check out his twitter.

Player Profile: Christo Michaelson

I ran into Christopher Michaelson the other night on my way out of a Portland Timbers match, the former Jesuit High School and Gonzaga University soccer standout was there as a fan – because he loves soccer as much as the rest of us do. However, there are many of us who recognize his mane of blond fury from his time on the pitch while playing for… well, you name it. The first time I saw Christo play, it was for the USL League-2 two side, Timbers Under 23s, who play in Salem, Oregon. However, you might have seen him playing for the EPLWA’s Vancouver Victory, or UPSL’s Des Moines Menace. Most recently, I caught him on ESPN+ playing for FCM Portland of the NPSL in their round one USOC match then a week later, back in the Timbers U23s 18 for their friendly match hosting PDX FC. I asked if he could take a few minutes to answer some questions and he obliged.

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Back-to-back OSAA State Player of the Year, lettered at Jesuit High School in Portland, All WCC Second Team, All Far West Region Third Team, Honorable Mention, All-WCC in 2016... the list goes on—you play like a man on fire, what drives you? When did you start playing soccer and have you always given 200%?

I honestly think my “drive” in soccer comes from an absolute pure hatred of losing. Growing up the only think I ever wanted to do was play soccer. It was my favorite thing in the world. I also have to give my dad a ton of credit for shaping me into the hardworking soccer player that I am today. My dad is incredibly supportive and cares about me and wants me to succeed, but from a very young age I was expected to compete and be the hardest worker. I have a specific memory of when I was playing youth soccer, I was probably around 10 years old. It was a random league game where my team won 3-0. I scored 2 goals and really felt like I played well. After the game my dad took me to a random field by our house and told me we were going to run. He told me that “just because you can score 2 goals against a bad team doesn’t mean that you can have a bad attitude and not be hardest worker.” He ran my ass off. I did sprints over and over again at that field. I think that moment changed who I was as a person. It made me recognize in order to succeed you can never take a game or play off. From that moment on I pride myself on being the hardest working player on whatever field I step on. I take each individual battle super personal and I always make sure nobody out works me. Overall my drive comes from an intense hatred of losing and a pure love for the sport.

Christo brought his fire from Portland’s Jesuit High School to Gonzaga University.

You've played in High School as well as in ODP and West Side Timbers, how do you balance regular life, academic responsibilities and a budding athletic career? Was it any different when you got to Gonzaga?

To be completely honest I don’t really view my life any different than what a regular everyday life is. I guess that’s probably because my whole life has been soccer and it’s my favorite hobby. Regular to me is getting up every day in the morning to train and play and do it again the next day. However, when I got to college, I did struggle a bit academically at the beginning of my career. I have really bad ADHD and have always struggled paying attention in school, but was able to get by in high school. In college I was dealing with an injury and I carried it over into my everyday life which made school very difficult. By my sophomore year I had it all figured out and school got easier but I really did have to adjust to be a collegiate student athlete.

Des Moines Menace, Vancouver Victory, Reno 1868, Timbers U23s, and FC Mulhouse... where else have you played? Are there noticeable differences in the level of play from NPSL to EPLWA and USL League 2 and up to USL Championship?

I really haven’t played any place else notable besides many Mexican leagues and the OPSL here in Portland. I really haven’t played any matches at the NPSL level I was only with Mulhouse for the open cup so I can’t really touch on the NPSL too much. However, that Mulhouse team has some really talented players that have played at high levels which makes me think that the NPSL is probably pretty quality. The EPLWA is very hit or miss in my opinion. I think it really depends on the team and year. My two years spent with Vancouver Victory was a ton of fun and actually was very competitive. However, I do think that it’s a step below the USL League 2 but is a great level for young college players who are trying to develop. USL League 2 is a really fun league for many reasons. I love how diverse each team is and you have all these great players from top level D1 schools around the country. I think it really it is the highest level of soccer you can play before reaching the pro level. Games are always fun and you never get those weak teams that you can guarantee 3 points from.

The biggest jump in level I ever made was from the USL league 2 to the USL championship. I really wasn’t expecting it to be nearly as difficult as it was. I kind of had a big wakeup call in Reno and I probably wasn’t ready mentally. It’s a funny feeling playing the game like it’s an actual job. There are pressures and expectations that I was never aware of before. For a lot people it’s a dream to play pro, but in reality, it’s much more challenging than it may seem. Everybody is good and everybody is focused, you can’t afford to take any plays off.

A bit of a local hero, Michaelson has laced up his boots for several Portland area teams at all levels of play.

As a player, how important is atmosphere? Drums, chants, fans... does it make a difference? Even at the grassroots level? Maybe without saying who is "the best," which supporters stand out has being the loudest or showing up most consistently?

Atmosphere is incredibly important. I don’t think soccer is really soccer without a quality atmosphere, it adds so much to the game. Not only for fans, but for players as well. The amount of energy and passion a good atmosphere can bring to a game is beautiful. I would say the best atmosphere I have either played in front of was down in Salem with the U23’s or in front of the BBB (Battle Born Brigade in Reno).

What do you listen to pre-match? What fires you up? Lastly, it's been a contentious conversation around here, but Chewy Chips Ahoy or Classic?

I honestly don’t really listen to music before games. Whatever is playing in the locker room is what I listen to. Most of my motivation comes from proper mental preparation and reflection.

PS: CHEWY FOR SURE.

Christo has ventured out to Des Moines and Reno 1868 and always gets stuck in.

- Joshua Duder

Player Profile: Ryan Maxwell

The NPSL, as with most leagues within the beautiful game, is full of clubs that thrive and clubs that struggle. Beyond the clubs, brands, and badges stand an array of players as ranged in origin, talent, and personality as they come. While we talk about new badges, the next great kit, and the coolest supporters group, these players are the centerpiece of the sport we’ve come to love.

Amongst the long list of players calling the NPSL Midwest-North conference, one that has become home to clubs successful on and off the pitch, is La Crosse Aris center back Ryan Bammel Maxwell.

Born in Spanish Town, located in the Jamaican parish of St. Catherine, Maxwell came to the United States in 2016 on a scholarship for Iowa lakes Community College, later transferring to Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey.

Maxwell joined La Crosse Aris for the 2018 NPSL season, knowing that the club had a history of struggling but also confident that he could use the opportunity to benefit both himself and the club, who gained attention toward the end of the season when they managed a 0-0 draw against eventual conference champions Minneapolis City.

“My experience with LC Aris was very good. They gave me the opportunity to play soccer at the next level other than just playing soccer in college. We had the youngest team in our NPSL conference… but I’m proud that I represent them and hopefully would sign again with them for the 2019 season.”

Maxwell had good things to say about the role the NPSL has come to play in his developing soccer career. “[The] NPSL is very good because it’s a semi pro development league that can be a showcase for you to go to the next level.”

Maxwell’s current aim is to work his way to a professional contract, following the tracks of major successes from the north conference like Joseph Stanley Okumu, now with the Real Monarchs in the USL Championship and the Kenyan National Team after impressing with AFC Ann Arbor, and Brandon Bye, who played with Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Minneapolis City before joining the New England Revolution.

Maxwell’s pursuits, however, are not simply to reach a bigger stage in the game. Instead he hopes to use the fruits of his labor to provide support and opportunities for the next generation.

“My goals as a player is to become a professional player… If I do become a professional player, I would like to build my own academy to give kids back home the opportunity to either go professional or the opportunity to study and play collegiate soccer in America, so they can get exposure and other things.”

Maxwell had this to say when summarizing his journey in soccer. “I used to play soccer without shoes so I would always kick my toes nails out because we use to play on the street we didn’t have a field… I started playing with the adults in the ghetto but I was always different from the rest. I went to school even when I didn’t have lunch money but my grandmother would make sure that my belly was full every morning… She’s my biggest motivator and she keeps me going but all my family and real friends back home show me their full support and encourage me… I’m also thankful for Renee Jedicka and Janeice Gerrad and a few other people that help me on my lonely journey in America.”

Maxwell, currently aiming for an improved season with LC Aris in 2019, is still on the early steps of his journey, but is an example of the talents developing their game in the lower leagues of this country and in college, even in clubs that fail to grab headlines with their results.

- Dominic Bisogno

Player Profile graphic artwork provided by Cory Mizer, check out his gallery!