Leo Pinto, a student at Stony Brook, recently found himself in a bit of a rush. Unlike most of his classmates, he had to travel about 30 miles to Massapequa to join the NPSL American Soccer Club after missing his evening physical therapy class.
As a semi-professional athlete, Pinto, like his teammates, enjoys the blend of work and play, often heading to away games in the Tri-State area on weekends.
“Even if I can’t sleep, I can still tell my family and friends, ‘Hey, I’m doing it.’ I’m playing in this professional environment,” the 24-year-old shared.
This experience highlights the impact of semi-pro sports not only on him but also on his girlfriend and her family. After moving into a new apartment together, Pinto feels responsible for treating them to a nice steak dinner while he’s off playing a game, reflecting the mutual support for their dreams.
“They come to my games. They see how much she’s sacrificed for me and how much I’ve put in too,” he explained. “As a child, you dream of playing professionally… I want to hold onto that for as long as I can.”
Participate
Pinto is part of the Fighting Tomcats, juggling a full-time job while chasing his soccer dream. His teammates turn what could be a standard 9-to-5 into long days filled with practice three evenings a week.
Mejia, a road construction worker and father to a newborn, often feels tired after a long day. Yet, he sees the extra effort as a joy rather than a burden.
“I don’t think of it as difficult,” said the 25-year-old. “I just enjoy being on the field, having fun, and giving it my all.”
Brian Salamango, a captain and striker, is also dedicated, making a hefty commute from the city to Long Island. He often finds himself balancing work emergencies, particularly in the busy summer months, all while prepping for game days.
“Sometimes I have to stay late, but the coaches understand,” Salamango noted regarding his coach’s flexibility with their daytime jobs.
At 27, he acknowledged feeling sore from intense training but finds that even just five to six hours of sleep can still set him up for a productive day ahead, despite any hiccups in his commute.
“I often feel worn out, but once I’m on that field, the laughter and jokes just wash everything away,” he reflected. “It’s hard to describe, but it’s true.”
Have a Ball
For Salamango, the chance to enjoy himself despite the challenges holds significant meaning, perhaps even more so than for others on the team. He previously played professionally in Europe, particularly with B-SAD in Portugal, before returning to New Hyde Park where he lives near his family.
“I faced mental burnout and thought I wouldn’t play soccer again. I tried to distance myself from it,” he admitted about his decision to step back from the sport. “But I really missed the camaraderie and the goals, so retirement didn’t stick.”
Playing in front of Long Island fans—young and old—re-energized him and reignited his passion.
“When I get home, my nephew calls out, ‘Hey, Uncle Brian, when’s the next game?'” he said. “Moments like that are heartwarming. They motivate me to keep going and enjoy it all.”
