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40+ Adult League Team Spotlight: Mercenaries
15 years ago, Jose Irigoyen and Giles Cohen signed up independently to join an adult men’s soccer team. They had been playing soccer their entire lives, but with family obligations and child rearing, the game was put on the back burner. Yet, what started as a simple way to get back on the field – signing up as free agents – evolved into something they never expected.
Pictured: Jose Irigoyen (left), wearing the RF Valves-sponsored red jersey, stands alongside longtime teammate Giles Cohen (right) in his Earth Retention-sponsored yellow jersey
15 years later, their team, Mercenaries, has evolved into one of the tightest-knit teams at SoccerPlex. Despite injuries, family obligations, travel, and careers, the team’s longevity is admirable, balanced with competitiveness and passion. And, much of that is thanks to their captain, Jose Irigoyen.
For teammates, Irigoyen’s years of commitment on the field and behind the scenes have kept the Mercenaries together for nearly a decade and a half. Nahuel Velázquez, the team’s striker for over a decade, notes that without their captain, there would be no structure.
“The amount of work he did and continues to do for so many years shows he’s persistent and dedicated,” Velazquez said.
Over the years, Mercenaries became more than just a weekly team – a brotherhood of men, uplifting each other outside the realm of athletics. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, yet soccer has brought meaning and connection into their lives. Their team comprises players from diverse cultures, including the United States, Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Russia. Through years of competition and shared experiences, the team has built lasting friendships and a community that extends far beyond the field.
“Tuesday is my favorite day of the week. The second is Saturday because that’s when we all play pick up together.” – Giles Cohen
From the back line, Denis Chaliy, the team’s goalie, reflects on the “true family style” that defines the way the Mercenaries play.
“We support each other – through life and soccer. If someone’s having a bad day, we’ll be there for them. It’s competitive, but it’s also fun – a good balance.”
“Tuesday is my favorite day of the week. The second is Saturday because that’s when we all play pick up together.” – Giles Cohen