The Ambrosini boys
show brotherly love

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

On March 28, Joe Ambrosini watched his two big brothers compete in the Torresdale Titans’ under-13 soccer championship game.
He watched the Titans defeat the Chewcrusaders, 7-6.
He shared his brothers’ joy as they became champions.
Then, four days later, he upstaged them.
The left wing scored the game-winning goal to help lead the Titans’ under-9 team to the championship. After playing overtime in a double-shootout, Joe scored, giving his team a 3-2 victory over South Philly.
And now all three brothers in the Ambrosini household have shiny new trophies.
"We are so proud of them," said their mom, Nancy. "They worked so hard and accomplished so much this year."
Although Joe, 9, plays for a younger squad, all three brothers participate in the Torresdale Boys Club. Frank, 12, and Vince, 11, play for the older team, which achieved a 16-0 season this year.
"At first, Joe wouldn’t even kick a ball," said Nancy. "But Frank and Vince would play, so I would bring Joe to all their games, then he started playing too."
It didn’t take long for the Bustleton residents to develop impressive skills on the soccer field. Each brother refined his own style, but the three also shared some moves along the way.
"I like bossing them around," joked Frank, the oldest brother. "We’re all friends and have fun playing together."
Frank, who has been wearing a Titan uniform for four years, scored a goal during this season’s championship game.
"To see his face after he made that goal was priceless!" his mother said. "I was so happy for him. It was the greatest feeling."
Vince also had success with the Titans. He has been with the squad since he was 7, and had been the youngest player on the team for the past four years.
"It’s doesn’t faze him," said Nancy. "He doesn’t care if he is playing two years up. He just wants to play soccer."
The two older brothers have left some big shoes to fill. But Joe, who had been working hard all season, was up for the challenge.
"The day before the game we went outside and I showed Joe some moves," said Frank. "We were out there all day."
It looks like the extra practice helped. Joe went on to score two goals in the championship game.
"I was really nervous, but I knew I was going to score," Joe said with a smile.
And his brothers were happy to witness Joe’s time to shine.
"They always go to one another’s games," said Nancy. "They are very supportive and help each other. They stand by each other and stick up for one another."
Frank and Vince almost missed their little brother’s moment of glory. The two recently joined Torresdale’s spring league and immediately ran into a scheduling conflict.
"Their first spring league game was the same day and time as Joe’s championship game," said Nancy. "But they didn’t go to their game because they wanted to see their brother play."
The Ambrosini brothers enjoy being part of close-knit teams.
"Every kid on the team really enjoys playing with each other," said Jim McBride, who has been coaching the Titans for six years. "The best part about winning is watching the smiles on the kids’ faces."
That’s probably the best part for the parents, too.
"It’s just watching them have fun," said Nancy. "Because they really enjoy it. It’s not about winning. It’s about having fun. So whether we win or lose, the most important thing is that the team has fun playing." oo
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com