Matthew Palleschi

Matthew Palleschi (born January 11, 1983 in Richmond Hill, Ontario) is a retired Canadian soccer player. In his final year in 2008, he played for the Italia Shooters in the Canadian Soccer League.

Early career

Humber College Hawks

Before turning pro he played college soccer with the Humber College Hawks where he was named Team MVP and to CCAA All-Canadian Team in his rookie year in 2002.

Stint in Italy

Frosinone Calcio

In the 2002-2003 season maintains a presence April 27, 2003 in Acireale - Frosinone 1-0 with Frosinone Calcio of Serie C2/B in Italy, but did not sign a contract making him sign for Vaughan Shooters of the Canadian Soccer League in mid-2003.

Senior career

Canadian Professional Soccer League

Vaughan Shooters

In his first season in Vaughan he led the club to the championship final but lost 1-0 to the Brampton Stallions. In his second season he was Vaughan's leading goal scorer with 9 goals. In the first round of the playoffs he scored a hat trick against the Oakville Blue Devils in 5-3 win, in the semi-finals match against North York Astros he scored once in 4-1 victory. He reached the Championship finals for the second time with Vaughan, but this time losing 4-0 to Toronto Croatia. After trying out for the Montreal Impact he injured his shoulder forcing him to miss out most of the 2005 season. He recovered just in time for the playoffs where he scored another hat trick in a 4-0 victory over Toronto Croatia, for the third time he led Vaughan to the Championship final where again they lost 2-1 this time to Oakville Blue Devils.

United Soccer League

Toronto Lynx

After having three impressive seasons with Vaughan he was picked up by Toronto Lynx's Head Coach Duncan Wilde.^[1] He made his Lynx debut on April 22, 2006 against Virginia Beach Mariners in 2-0 loss, and scored his first goal against the Puerto Rico Islanders on June 18, 2006 in a 2-1 loss. He scored the winning goal in the Quarter-Final match in the Open Canada Cup against the Hamilton Serbians in 1-0 victory. In total he scored 3 goals in 23 games where he was a third choice striker behind Kevin Jeffrey, and Damien Pottinger. As well he helped the Lynx to a team-record 10 game undefeated streak at home, and reached the final of the Open Canada Cup which they lost 2-0 against Ottawa St. Anthony Italia.

Montreal Impact

After the 2006 season the Toronto Lynx dropped two divisions down, making him a free agent to sign with the Montreal Impact. On April 21, 2007 he made his Impact debut coming on as a substitute for Mauro Biello, and as well scoring a goal. On August 26, 2007, Matthew Palleschi was suspended 1 game after receiving a straight red card for intentionally stepping on a Carolina RailHawks player. On May 22, 2008, the Montreal Impact told Palleschi to report to their reserve club, the Trois Rivieres Attak, due to Quebec native Rocco Placentino re-joining the Impact. Palleschi declined and was subsequently released.^[2] In total, Palleschi played 26 games for the Impact and scored 3 goals.

Canadian Soccer League

Back with Vaughan

Three days after Palleschi had been released from the Montreal Impact, he signed with Italia Shooters on May 25, 2008. On the same day he made his debut against the Trois Rivieres Attak and led the Shooters to a 1-0 victory. Head coach Carmine Isacco subsequently appointed Palleschi as the Shooters' team captain. He recorded his first goal of the season on May 30, 2008, against TFC Academy in 2-0 victory at home. He concluded the season with three goals in total. The Shooters won their second International Division title.^[3] In the playoff run the Shooters advanced to the semifinals, but they were defeated by eventual champions Serbian White Eagles in the semi-final match.^[4]

In June 2009, Palleschi announced his retirement from professional soccer. In total, Palleschi played in 100 matches over the course of his 6-year senior career, and scored 27 goals.

Personal life

Palleschi is good friends with Tampa Bay Rowdies defender Andres Arango. He is married and has two children.

Accomplishments

• Humber College Hawks Team MVP 2002
• CCAA All-Canadian Team Rookie 2002
• Vaughan Shooters Leading Goal Scorer 2004 (9 goals)
• 2004 CSL Top 10 Goal Scorer (Tied for 6th place with 9 goals)
• Vaughan Shooters Career playoff goal leader (8 goals)
• Italia Shooters Career Goals leader (23 goals)
• Vaughan Shooters Career hat trick goals leader (4 hat tricks)

References