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NK Tomislavgrad
Ivan Rados
1289 Marlborough Crt
Oakville, Canada
L6H 2R9
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 Team News: 25 Questions With Ivan Radoš |
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Tuesday, October 5
25 Questions With Ivan Radoš
by Ambroza Ljubicic
Since 2001, NK Tomislavgrad United has been a dominant force in indoor soccer, the likes of which Croatians in Southwestern Ontario have never seen. Don’t take my word for it. Have a look at these numbers:
Four Championships in five Sessions.
52-0-3 in regular season play.
13-1 in the playoffs.
Outscoring the opposition 384-113.
A 68 game undefeated streak.
Wow.
Any one of those five facts alone is impressive. But, NK TG has accomplished all that in three short years. When summer comes to an end, one thing remains a constant; and its not fall or winter. The thing you can bet on is NK TG win will, and win a lot.
A unique collection of players from all over Ontario have come together to re-write the history books and they are looking to keep that tradition going.
NK TG has nine players that have been a part of the team since day one. Rob Biturajac, Al Perin, Milenko Cepo, Milan Uzelac, Ivan Busija, Tomislav Bilic, Jerko Jozo Grubisic, Ivan Grubisic and Ivan Rados have been together from the get go. Niko Peric, the man who created the “Highlight of the Century” has also been with the team since they kicked things off in 2001; first as a player for the first two Championships and now as a coach. Since then, Kory Jazbec, Rob Turudic, George Andric and Chris Sliskovic have joined the team.
The 2004-05 season is set to begin and NK TG once again looks to rise to the top. I recently had a chance to sit down with NK Tomislavgrad United GM and player, Ivan Rados, to take an in-depth look at the team.
Q: Nine of the 13 players on the roster and coach Niko Peric (retired due to injury) have been around since the birth of NK TG and are back to start their sixth Session. It must be a confident feeling knowing the team has a dedicated nucleus of players that are willing to come back and play year after year.
A: Yes. That is very true. I have played indoor soccer since 1995 and have never been on such a strong team as this. When forming NK TG, I always looked to find players who not only wanted to play soccer, but also wanted to go drink after games and share some good times. NK TG is tighter off the field than it is on it. I think that's the reason that the nucleus of the club has lasted so long.
Q: Take us back to very beginning. How was NK TG born?
A: It was 2001 and I started a new job in Toronto. I spent the week in the city and rarely had time to see my friends other than the weekend. I played soccer on Sundays before but I wanted something to do during the week other than visiting the girlfriend in Oakville. Driving down the QEW like I do, I noticed the soccer dome by Third Line. I thought this location would be perfect because it was not too far for my friends from Hamilton and it was close for me from Toronto. I started to ask a few guys from Hamilton if they'd be interested in making the drive but most said no thanks. The few guys that did come however helped build the foundation of the team. I was also able to get a few other guys I knew from the Mississauga area (Boozer and Milan). Still I was short players. Bilic however told me not to give up the dream. He knew Mario Kulis and brought him aboard. I asked Bako at the Thanksgiving dance and he introduced me to Niko. The rest is history.
Q: Have you played indoor soccer previously with players that have played or are currently playing with NK TG?
A: Yes - I've played with Al Perin since I started playing indoor soccer. He's one of the greatest indoor players I've played with. Physically he's strong but his key attribute is his leadership skills in the dressing room. Missing him in the playoffs last season was a huge loss for us. I've also played with Bilic, JJ and Ivan Grubisic before. These 3 guys were with me from the day I wanted to start NK TG. I know all three of these guys very personally and they were keys in building the foundation of this Club.
Q: NK TG has played five Sessions in three years. The first four Sessions, NK TG pulled of a four-peat. You guys lost a close one in the finals of Session five. NK TG has not lost in 55 regular season games. In the playoffs the team went 13-1. That’s one loss in 69 games. Those are gaudy numbers. What Session of NK TG would you say was the best? Statistically, 2002-03 Session 1 seems to be the best.
A: I would have to agree with that prognosis. In that session we had just signed Kory Jazbec who has turned out to be the brightest star on the team. We also had a healthy Niko Peric for the first few games and that led to the most dominant midfield in history. It's a shame that we lost Niko as I'm sure the future sessions would have been even better.
Q: After going through five Sessions without a loss and four straight
Championships, NK TG finally lost a game at the worse possible time; last year's Session 1 final. A common reaction from fans and friends was “what happened?” How did the team handle its first and only loss?
A: We were actually pretty OK with all things considered. Afterwards we looked at each other in the locker room and there were no sad faces but more shocked faces. We knew the day would eventually come, we just didn't think it would come like this. But we played our big guns in the final and it just wasn't our night. However everyone played their best and that's all we could ask. A few days later it finally sunk in that we had lost. We had our final team dinner a couple nights later and that's when we decided that we had to come back and reclaim our title. I think the loss has actually made us a better team because now there is a greater desire to win.
Q: Would you say NK TG players are hungrier now? What are the expectations coming into this year? Is anything less than first place and a Championship a disappointment?
A: Definitely. We came back this season for the simple goal of reclaiming our title. Anything less would be a disappointment. The undefeated streak was a huge pressure on us. With that out of the way now, we can focus on finishing first and capturing our 5th crown. We know competition will be tough but we are prepared.
Q: Is there one moment associated with NK TG that stands out more than others? Is there a highlight in the last three years that first comes to mind when you think about the team?
A: There are so many memories both on and off the field. The close games we've won, the parties afterwards and the drives home after the parties. On the field, the comeback against Vitez last year has to stand out the most. We were down by 2 with less than 5 minutes to go. Not only did we come back to tie, but Kory scored with 30 seconds left to give us the 3-2 win. What a moment! I won't go into details about the after game parties but I can recall some great times after all our championship wins. Those are the moments we would all like to live again.
Q: This may be a tough question to answer, but I will ask it anyway. If you can name one player who lives and breathes NK TG more than any other, who would it be?
A: That's a tough one. I could name so many and it would be tough to name just one. But I'll have to say Niko Peric. After his injury, many would have just quit and not shown up anymore. Niko however has been there with crutches and braces and even attempted a couple comebacks. He lives for this team and took over as coach. He rarely misses a game now and is always looking to improve the team in order to win another title. Although he's unsure if he'll ever play for us again, if he ever does want to come back, I would gladly give up my own roster spot to him.
Q: With only six teams participating in your league this year, the talent pool doesn't seem to be diluted. Do you expect this season to be the toughest yet for NK TG?
A: This will by far be the toughest season for NK TG. There are 6 teams and I know something about all of them except the Stunners. None of these teams are slouches and they will all give us a hard time. But I think this will be good for the team. A lot of times in earlier seasons, we took opponents lightly because the competition was weak. Now we'll have to be on our game every week if we wish to capture top spot.
Q: In 2001-02 and 2002-03, NK TG played two Sessions each year. Last year, NK TG participated in Session 1. After that, a few players moved on to form NK Monaghan’s for Session 2. What are the team's plans this season?
A: Ideally we'll play two sessions again this season but we'll have to see what the schedule is like. Last year Session 2 went well into May and many players were already beginning outdoor training. Personally, I'd like to play two but I know it's a tough commitment for many of the players who have outdoor affiliations.
Q: Are there any plans of entering NK TG in any indoor soccer tournaments?
A: Probably not. A number of our players already play in money tournaments in the winter and a few like myself cannot compete at that caliber. But the team that usually goes to these tournaments is comprised of 90% NK TG players, which is good. It's almost like an NK TG all-star selection.
Q: Other than NK TG, there are a number of Croatian teams and players taking part in the league this season. Does this make for better rivalries, intriguing match-ups and more intense competition?
A: Most definitely. Back when NK TG started, we were the only Croatian club playing Wednesday nights. But then others heard of our success and wanted to take it. Make no mistake about it; these teams want to beat NK TG. That's their goal. These teams have been built for the sole purpose of taking our title. But like I always say, "we can be imitated but never duplicated". Nonetheless, I like having all the Croatian teams in the league. It will make for some good rivalries and some exciting matches. It should be a lot of fun as long as the games stay clean.
Q: Goaltending in any sport is vital to a team's success and indoor soccer is no different. NK TG co-leader in games played, goalkeeper Rob Biturajac, has been a rock for you guys every year. 19 shutouts in 62 games and an 89.5 career save percentage. You can't really ask for anything more from a goalkeeper, can you?
A: Nothing more. And that's not even counting the goals he's scored for us. Rob has been the ultimate Iron Man for this team. He played close to 50 games I believe, before he missed one. He's always been there and is always a vocal leader as well. I personally think Rob is better indoor than he is out. He's got great ball control skills as well when he comes out of the net. He reminds me of a Marty Brodeur. That's why I presented him with the lifetime contract. He's what NK TG is all about.
Q: Jerko Jozo Grubisic has been money in the bank for NK TG. It doesn't get any better than 63 goals in 44 games. Injuries have been an issue for JJ. He is injured right now with a broken collarbone suffered with his outdoor team, Hamilton Croatia. How important is he to the team's success and when is he going to be healthy enough to carry the load offensively?
A: JJ will play opening night but make no mistake that he's not going to be 100%. But we'll need him now more than ever so he's going to play. Hopefully he'll get better week-to-week but I have no clue when he'll be back to 100%. Ultimately a lot of the success of this team lies with him. He plays every game with his heart and motivates others to do so as well.
Q: JJ holds the NK TG franchise record of 25 goals in one session (13 games) set in the inaugural season (Session 1, 2001-02). Can anyone come close to or beat that number?
A: I think that record will be safe for some time. The competition was a lot weaker then but the real factor is we played all our games back then on Field #1 which is boarded. Now we play the majority of our games on open fields which are larger and thus the matches are lower scoring. It'll be tough for anyone to touch that number. But then again, records are made to be broken. I would love for one of our guys to break it.
Q: The Kulis brothers, Mario and Ivan, accounted for 108 goals in 107 games combined playing striker for NK TG over the years. Neither player is with the team this season. How do you replace those goals?
A: That's the million dollar question this season. No doubt it will be tough. We brought on Chris Sliskovic who played with Hrvatski Vitez and plays outdoor with Livno. He's a solid striker and we're hopeful that he can pick up a good chunk of the load. Other than that, everyone else will need to step it up a couple notches to pick up the slack.
Q: That brings me to my next question. Before the 2002-03 season, you signed Kory Jazbec to NK TG and that move paid off in a big way (45 goals in 38 games). Chris Sliskovic is the newest addition to the NK TG family. Is this another GM Rados signing that will pay dividends at the end of the year?
A: I hope so. With the loss the Kulis bros I knew we would need another striker. Chris fit the bill perfectly. Not only can he score but he comes for beers after and gets along with the guys on the team. I think he'll fit right in.
Q: Are there more signings on the way?
A: Quite possibly. I have a few names in mind but now we're on a wait and see approach. The deadline to sign is not until Week 7 and we want to get a game or two under our belt before we see if we need someone else. But personally I like the team the way it is now and I think we have enough pieces to take the title.
Q: NK TG's defense is solid and has been a cohesive unit for years. Al Perin, Milan Uzelac, Tomislav Bilic, Milenko Cepo and Ivan Grubisic have held the fort at the back since the first game ever played. That’s as good as a 5-man defensive rotation can get. Is the D the strength of the team?
A: Yes - I do look at our D as the foundation of the team. While pieces in the middle and the strikers may have changed, the back line has remained consistent and solid. I think it's vital to have a strong back line if you are going to build a strong team. Everyone knows you need a strong foundation to build a winner.
Q: How often will high scoring defender Al Perin (32 goals in 48 games) be available to NK TG?
A: That's still unknown as this point. Al is exploring career opportunities and cannot commit for the season. But we'll take him whenever he can play. He's a vital part of the team and remains undefeated in the TG uniform.
Q: Obviously you have assembled a talented and dedicated group of players capable of winning a championship year in and year out, which is the goal. But at the end of the day, is this as much about soccer as it is about good friends running up enormous tabs at Monaghan's after each game?
A: Most definitely. There are a slew of talented players who've expressed their interest to play with us but I've turned down their offers. I need guys who aren't afraid to go out for a few drinks after the game. Remember my original motivation for starting the team was to see some of my friends during the week and have a good time. That's what being on NK TG is all about.
Q: A number of individuals associated with the team, including yourself, have either married or become engaged since the end of last season. Will this affect the team’s play, or more importantly their ability to stay out late at Monaghan’s after each game?
A: I can't comment on the play on the field but I'm hopeful it will improve the party after games. Two of the most dedicated drinkers on the team were Turudic and Boozer. The reason I suspect is married men are always looking for an excuse to get away from the wives and go out for some drinks. Now we have even more guys that fall into this boat. Plus for myself, I now live only 5 minutes from Monaghan's. No more dangerous drives down the QEW in the dead of winter. It's nice to be able to get home in 5 minutes. I think the parties this season will be the most intense since the first season.
Q: So, NK TG players take their game to Monaghan’s after each contest. That brings me to my next question. Which NK TG player can drink the most? Beer, mixes or brandy; doesn’t matter. Who’s the man?
A: Without a doubt, that would be Al Perin. He's by far the #1 drinker on this team. I've seen him drink about half a bottle of brandy on many nights and wash it down with some beer. Many others can hold their own but Al takes the cake. He's even gotten up on a few tables at times and fallen down once.
Q: Since the team’s inception, a large number of fans have either attended games on a regular basis, or followed the team’s progress online. Many fellow Croatians have also celebrated NK TG wins or been to team hosted parties at Monaghan’s. As GM, what do you have to say to these people?
A: I would personally like to thank all our fans for the tremendous support over the years. NK TG was all about uniting Croats from across Southern Ontario and I believe we've done that. You can go to many cities and say NK TG and they know what you're talking about. Our fans are always welcome to come out to our matches and even more welcome to come for a drink afterwards.
Q: Tomislavgrad. Not just a team name, but also the city where your parents (and mine) are from. Do you personally feel a sense of pride having a team, a group of friends, performing at the level they do under the name Tomislavgrad?
A: Absolutely. I put a lot of effort into starting this club and keeping it running for these years. I thought the least I could do for myself was name the team after my parents’ hometown. It also holds special historic meaning, as Tomislavgrad was the birthplace of Croatia back in the 10th century. It's where the Croatian people united to show we are one and I think this team shows how united we Croatians still are today.
The NK TG Top Five:
(Each category lists the players name, position and total)
Games Played:
1. Rob Biturajac G, 64
1. Tomislav Bilic D, 64
3. Ivan Rados F, 62
3. Mario Kulis F, 62
3. Ivan Busija M, 62
Total Goals Scored:
1. Mario Kulis F, 69
2. JJ Grubisic F, 63
3. Kory Jazbec M, 45
4. Ivan Kulis F, 39
5. Al Perin D, 32
Fouls:
1. Al Perin D, 71
2. Mario Kulis F, 41
3. Rob Biturajac G, 17
4. Milan Uzelac D, 14
4. Ivan Grubisic D, 14
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