Furio's superb talent equaled by his modesty
Francesco Furio is one of the most exciting and impressive attacking players for state boys soccer qualifier Barrington.
Of course, you'll never get the four-year, two-time all-state, all-area striker to agree with that statement.
That's because the senior is so generous with his praise of teammates.
Considering the season the Broncos have had, there just isn't time for Furio to discuss his superb year and career.
Others have to do that for him.
Furio enters today's Class AA quarterfinal match against downstate Collinsville with 22 goals and 8 assists (50 total points).
He ranks fourth in school history with 45 goals (8 behind Carl Skanderup) and fourth in total points (106) behind leader Skanderup.
This season Furio has recorded 3 hat tricks and has shown a capacity for scoring memorable goals -- such as his right-footed missile from 35 yards against Fremd, which caused fans to inhale upon release and explode with a roar when it found the upper right corner.
And with junior Ata Ozbay, the two Broncos' front-runners have terrorized opponents all season with a combined 33 goals and 15 assists.
How's that Francesco?
"Individual accomplishments are OK, but to be a part of a team like we have, and to have gotten as far as we have, and with so much more soccer to play, well, those are the type of memories that I'll take from playing soccer at Barrington," says Furio.
Furio, who , who patterns himself after international star Hernan Crespo of Inter Milan, admits during his first two years he was in awe of the talent the Broncos had.
Although this club may lack some of the star power of those previous teams, these Broncos stands out.
"Everyone is all on the same level, regardless of talent, or who starts or plays," Furio said. "We all count on each other. It's a really close team, whether at training, or just hanging out in school or away from school and soccer."
Furio has enough credits to graduate in a few weeks, and only then will he begin the process of his next step and a new soccer address.
A classic striker, he works, tests and teases, and maybe gets forgotten for a moment or two before unleashing in close a redirected header, a deadly shot in close or one of those patented blasts from just outside the edge that opposing keepers can only wave at.
Furio plays along the back-line for his Sockers FC club team and could easily put quality time in the middle of the park if asked, but in high school he has used his size, strength, power and speed to impress.
"At 6-1, 190 pounds, he's still our fastest guy at 40 yards," said Barrington coach Scott Steib. "Francesco has provided terrific leadership, the confidence to succeed, and plays with the passion needed to be a great player."
"Everyone on this team this year realizes how fortunate we all are to be here this weekend, and how important it is to try to take advantage of an opportunity just a few teams ever have a chance to experience," Furio said, "and we're going to play like there's no tomorrow."