Matthew Palleschi
Encyclopedia
Matthew Palleschi is a retired Canadian
soccer player. In his final year in 2008, he played for the Italia Shooters
in the Canadian Soccer League
.
with the Humber College Hawks
where he was named Team MVP and to CCAA All-Canadian Team in his rookie year in 2002.
of Serie C1/B in Italy, but did not sign a contract making him sign for Vaughan Shooters (Now Italia Shooters) of the Canadian Soccer League
in mid 2003.
. In his second season he was Vaughan's leading goal scorer with 9 goals. In the first round of the playoffs he scored a hat trick against the Oakville Blue Devils in 5-3 win, in the semi-finals match against North York Astros
he scored once in 4-1 victory. He reached the Championship finals for the second time with Vaughan, but this time losing 4-0 to Toronto Croatia
. After trying out for the Montreal Impact
he injured his shoulder forcing him to miss out most of the 2005 season. He recovered just in time for the playoffs where he scored another hat trick in a 4-0 victory over Toronto Croatia, for the third time he led Vaughan to the Championship final where again they lost 2-1 this time to Oakville Blue Devils.
's Head Coach Duncan Wilde. He made his Lynx debut on April 22, 2006 against Virginia Beach Mariners
in 2-0 loss, and scored his first goal against the Puerto Rico Islanders
on June 18, 2006 in a 2-1 loss. He scored the winning goal in the Quarter-Final match in the Open Canada Cup
against the Hamilton Serbians in 1-0 victory. In total he scored 3 goals in 23 games where he was a third choice striker behind Kevin Jeffrey
, and Damien Pottinger
. As well he helped the Lynx to a team-record 10 game undefeated streak at home, and reached the final of the Open Canada Cup
which they lost 2-0 against Ottawa St. Anthony Italia
.
On April 21, 2007 he made his Impact debut coming on as a substitute for Mauro Biello
, and as well scoring a goal. On August 26, 2007, Matthew Palleschi was suspended 1 game after receiving a straight red card for intentionally stepping on a Carolina RailHawks player. Impact and RailHawk fans knew that this would happen by a past altercation between the RailHawks and Palleschi on August 8, 2007. In total, Palleschi played a total of 26 games, and catching 3 goals in the 2007 season, but that would be it for him and Montreal. On May 22, 2008, the Montreal Impact told Palleschi to report to the reserve club, the Trois Rivieres Attak, due to Quebec
native Rocco Placentino
re-joining the Impact. Palleschi thought, "I'f i'm going to play in the Canadian Soccer League, I might as well play for a club in the Toronto
area." Therefore, the Impact publicly announced that Matthew Palleschi had been released from the 2008 squad.
appointed Palleschi as the Shooter's team captain. He recorded his first goal of the season on May 30, 2008 against TFC Academy
in 2-0 victory at home. He would concluded the season with three goals in total. Throughout the season Palleschi helped the Shooters win their second International Division title. In the playoff run he contributed helping the Shooters advance to the semifinals, but unfortunately the Shooters were defeated by eventual champions Serbian White Eagles
in the semi-final match.
In June 2009, Palleschi announced his retirement from professional soccer. In total, Palleschi played 100 regular season games over his 6-year senior career, and scored 27 goals. In 2009 he decided to play in a local men's soccer league in York Region. After playing a few games Palleschi officially announced his retirement from soccer.
, he and Arango played for the Humber Hawks
, Toronto Lynx
and Montreal Impact
together, before Palleschi was released to Italia Shooters
, and Arango was traded to the Minnesota Thunder
. Palleschi and Arango are the best of friends, in 2000, Palleschi began to date student teacher Cathy Graceffa, in 2005, Graceffa and Palleschi worked together as councelors at the Veneto Summer Camp, while Palleschi was nursing a wrist injury. He now works for his father in construction. In August 2009, Palleschi and Graceffa announced their engagement, and on August 7, 2010, Palleschi and Graceffa married.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
soccer player. In his final year in 2008, he played for the Italia Shooters
Italia Shooters
York Region Shooters are a Canadian soccer team, founded in 1998. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League, the third tier of soccer in the Canadian soccer pyramid and the largest domestic pro league in Canada....
in the Canadian Soccer League
Canadian Soccer League (current)
The Canadian Soccer League is the top soccer league in Canada and is controlled by the Canadian Soccer Association. It was formerly known as the Canadian Professional Soccer League , and was officially re-branded on May 17, 2006...
.
Humber College Hawks
Before turning pro he played college soccerCollege soccer
College soccer is a term used to describe association football played by teams who are operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes...
with the Humber College Hawks
Humber College
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning is a polytechnic college in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Humber offers more than 150 programs including: bachelor’s degree, diploma, certificate, post-graduate certificate and apprenticeship programs, across 40 fields of study. Humber serves...
where he was named Team MVP and to CCAA All-Canadian Team in his rookie year in 2002.
Frosinone Calcio
After college soccer he trailed with Frosinone CalcioFrosinone Calcio
Frosinone Calcio is an Italian association football club, based in Frosinone, Lazio. The club was founded in 1928 and refounded in 1991, following cancellation by the Italian Football Federation.It in the season 2011-12 plays in Lega Pro Prima Divisione/B....
of Serie C1/B in Italy, but did not sign a contract making him sign for Vaughan Shooters (Now Italia Shooters) of the Canadian Soccer League
Canadian Soccer League (current)
The Canadian Soccer League is the top soccer league in Canada and is controlled by the Canadian Soccer Association. It was formerly known as the Canadian Professional Soccer League , and was officially re-branded on May 17, 2006...
in mid 2003.
Vaughan Shooters
In his first season in Vaughan he led the club to the championship final but lost 1-0 to the Brampton StallionsBrampton Stallions
Brampton Stallions were a Canadian soccer team, founded in 2001. The team was a member of the Canadian Soccer League, the highest level soccer league in Canada, and played in the National Division...
. In his second season he was Vaughan's leading goal scorer with 9 goals. In the first round of the playoffs he scored a hat trick against the Oakville Blue Devils in 5-3 win, in the semi-finals match against North York Astros
North York Astros
-Current squad:as of November 1, 2011 CAPTAIN-Staff:General Manager*Bruno IerulloAwards:Director of Soccer*Jorge Collazo-Reserve squad:...
he scored once in 4-1 victory. He reached the Championship finals for the second time with Vaughan, but this time losing 4-0 to Toronto Croatia
Toronto Croatia
C.N.S.C. Toronto Croatia is a Canadian soccer team, founded in 1956. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League, the highest level soccer league in Canada, and play in the International Division....
. After trying out for the Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
he injured his shoulder forcing him to miss out most of the 2005 season. He recovered just in time for the playoffs where he scored another hat trick in a 4-0 victory over Toronto Croatia, for the third time he led Vaughan to the Championship final where again they lost 2-1 this time to Oakville Blue Devils.
Toronto Lynx
After having three impressive seasons with Vaughan he was picked up by Toronto LynxToronto Lynx
Toronto Lynx is a Canadian soccer team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference....
's Head Coach Duncan Wilde. He made his Lynx debut on April 22, 2006 against Virginia Beach Mariners
Virginia Beach Mariners
The Virginia Beach Mariners were an American soccer club, who formerly played in the USL First Division of the United Soccer Leagues, the second division in the US Soccer hierarchy behind Major League Soccer...
in 2-0 loss, and scored his first goal against the Puerto Rico Islanders
Puerto Rico Islanders
Puerto Rico Islanders is a Puerto Rican professional football team based in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
on June 18, 2006 in a 2-1 loss. He scored the winning goal in the Quarter-Final match in the Open Canada Cup
Open Canada Cup
The Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup, the Coppa Italia, and the US Open Cup. The competition was held starting with the CSL's first season in 1998 until 2007....
against the Hamilton Serbians in 1-0 victory. In total he scored 3 goals in 23 games where he was a third choice striker behind Kevin Jeffrey
Kevin Jeffrey
Kevin Jeffrey is a former professional football forward who spent eight season in the USL First Division...
, and Damien Pottinger
Damien Pottinger
Damien Pottinger is a professional soccer player who played for the Orlando Sharks in the Major Indoor Soccer League.-Career:...
. As well he helped the Lynx to a team-record 10 game undefeated streak at home, and reached the final of the Open Canada Cup
Open Canada Cup
The Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup, the Coppa Italia, and the US Open Cup. The competition was held starting with the CSL's first season in 1998 until 2007....
which they lost 2-0 against Ottawa St. Anthony Italia
Ottawa St. Anthony Italia
The Ottawa St. Anthony Italia is a top amateur soccer club based in Ottawa, Ontario. The club was founded in 1952 as the St. Anthony men's soccer team and played in a local league. In 1959, the team consolidated with another local team known as "Italia" to form Ottawa St. Anthony Italia. In...
.
Montreal Impact
After the 2006 season the Toronto Lynx dropped two divisions down, making him a free agent to sign with the Montreal Impact.On April 21, 2007 he made his Impact debut coming on as a substitute for Mauro Biello
Mauro Biello
Mauro Biello is now an assistant coach for the MLS-bound Montreal Impact and is best known for having been professional soccer player on the same team....
, and as well scoring a goal. On August 26, 2007, Matthew Palleschi was suspended 1 game after receiving a straight red card for intentionally stepping on a Carolina RailHawks player. Impact and RailHawk fans knew that this would happen by a past altercation between the RailHawks and Palleschi on August 8, 2007. In total, Palleschi played a total of 26 games, and catching 3 goals in the 2007 season, but that would be it for him and Montreal. On May 22, 2008, the Montreal Impact told Palleschi to report to the reserve club, the Trois Rivieres Attak, due to Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
native Rocco Placentino
Rocco Placentino
Rocco Placentino is a Canadian international soccer player who plays as a midfielder. He is currently without a club-Club:...
re-joining the Impact. Palleschi thought, "I'f i'm going to play in the Canadian Soccer League, I might as well play for a club in the Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
area." Therefore, the Impact publicly announced that Matthew Palleschi had been released from the 2008 squad.
Back with Vaughan
In only 3 days after Palleschi had been released from the Montreal Impact, he signed with Italia Shooters on May 25, 2008. On the same day he made his debut against the Trois Rivieres Attak and led the Shooters to a 1-0 victory. Soon after head coach Carmine IsaccoCarmine Isacco
Carmine Isacco is a Canadian soccer coach and retired player. He is currently the head coach of SC Toronto of the Canadian Soccer League.-Playing career:...
appointed Palleschi as the Shooter's team captain. He recorded his first goal of the season on May 30, 2008 against TFC Academy
TFC Academy
TFC Academy are the youth academy of Canadian MLS club Toronto FC which was founded in 2008. The academy competes in the Canadian Soccer League, the highest professional soccer league operating entirely within Canada...
in 2-0 victory at home. He would concluded the season with three goals in total. Throughout the season Palleschi helped the Shooters win their second International Division title. In the playoff run he contributed helping the Shooters advance to the semifinals, but unfortunately the Shooters were defeated by eventual champions Serbian White Eagles
Serbian White Eagles
Serbian White Eagles Football Club is a Canadian soccer team. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League....
in the semi-final match.
In June 2009, Palleschi announced his retirement from professional soccer. In total, Palleschi played 100 regular season games over his 6-year senior career, and scored 27 goals. In 2009 he decided to play in a local men's soccer league in York Region. After playing a few games Palleschi officially announced his retirement from soccer.
Personal life
He was born on January 11, 1983, into a family of Italian parents, he is the second oldest child of 3 siblings, his eldest brother Adam, and youngest sister Julia. Before soccer Palleschi played hockey, when Palleschi took up soccer he met Andres ArangoAndres Arango
Andres Arango is a Colombian-born Canadian soccer player currently playing for Tampa Bay in the North American Soccer League.-Youth and College:Arango moved from his native Colombia to Canada with his parents as a young child...
, he and Arango played for the Humber Hawks
Humber College
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning is a polytechnic college in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Humber offers more than 150 programs including: bachelor’s degree, diploma, certificate, post-graduate certificate and apprenticeship programs, across 40 fields of study. Humber serves...
, Toronto Lynx
Toronto Lynx
Toronto Lynx is a Canadian soccer team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference....
and Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
together, before Palleschi was released to Italia Shooters
Italia Shooters
York Region Shooters are a Canadian soccer team, founded in 1998. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League, the third tier of soccer in the Canadian soccer pyramid and the largest domestic pro league in Canada....
, and Arango was traded to the Minnesota Thunder
Minnesota Thunder
Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
. Palleschi and Arango are the best of friends, in 2000, Palleschi began to date student teacher Cathy Graceffa, in 2005, Graceffa and Palleschi worked together as councelors at the Veneto Summer Camp, while Palleschi was nursing a wrist injury. He now works for his father in construction. In August 2009, Palleschi and Graceffa announced their engagement, and on August 7, 2010, Palleschi and Graceffa married.
Accomplishments
- Humber College Hawks Team MVP 2002
- CCAA All-Canadian Team Rookie 2002
- Vaughan Shooters Leading Goal Scorer 2004 (9 goals)
- 2004 CSL Top 10 Goal Scorer (Tied for 6th place with 9 goals)
- Vaughan Shooters Career playoff goal leader (8 goals)
- Italia Shooters Career Goals leader (23 goals)
- Vaughan Shooters Career hat trick goals leader (4 hat tricks)
- Italia Shooters Captain