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Chris Mannella on L1O Best XI, former Vaughan teammates ready for CPL

By Marty Thompson, 05/29/20, 12:15PM EDT

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Chris Mannella with Vaughan Azzurri.

Former Vaughan Azzurri midfielder Chris Mannella offered his reaction to the League1 Ontario All Time Best XI Thursday on the Canadian Premier League Instagram page.

The current York9 FC player and former Canadian men’s national team product reflected on his lone L1O season and the current professional teammates he encountered while with Vaughan

“A lot of good professional players come out of that level,” Mannella said. “We see in that all-time XI. There are a lot of good players in that list.”

Mannella played under Carmine Isacco at Vaughan Azzurri in the 2017 season after being released by Toronto FC. Mannella would make 15 appearances and score two goals for Vaughan, who missed out on the L1O Final by a single point, finishing second in the eastern conference behind Woodbridge Strikers.

“It was fun to be apart if. Got to play with my current midfield partner there Joe Di Chiara,” Mannella said of his current teammate and L1O All-Time Best XI member.

“That was a good time. He’ll tell you we had a lot of good laughs. [Current Y9 teammate] Matthew Arnone was part of that team too.

“It wasn't only a good team but a good group of guys.”

As for which L1O talent he could see join the CPL ranks, Mannella offered former Vaughan teammate and L1O All-Time Best XI fullback Jarred Phillips.

“He’ll tackle a wall if needed, it’s incredible,” Mannella joked.

“He could be an asset in my opinion. He's a strong and powerful fullback, he can get up and down the wing quickly. Good technical ability as well.”

To watch the interview, click here. To view the men’s L1O All-Time Best XI, click here.