This year, a stalwart of the lower league men’s game expanded into the women’s side of the sport with a splash. FC Buffalo, a long-time competitor in the NPSL, rolled out a UWS side to great success this season. With great fan support and amazing talent, the club has dominated early on, surging in popularity every week. The depth of talent in Buffalo has been on display from the start. Two of the club leaders, Marcy Barberic and Carissima Cutrona, have reputations that extend far into their past playing careers in the Buffalo area, from dominant high school careers to playing together (for a short time) at the University of Buffalo. They’ve leveraged their talent and cooperation and are leading FC Buffalo to a brilliant start this season. We sat down with these two stars and discussed their games.

- Dan Vaughn

So describe your game. What skills are your signatures?

Marcy: I like to think of myself as a well rounded, versatile player. However, I believe that what sets me apart from others is my willingness to make runs. I am always trying to get the ball behind the opposing back line. My speed and quickness help me do this.

Carissima: I am an attack-minded player who likes to create goal scoring opportunities and score goals.

You're the product of a local high school, what's it like to play your college ball so close to home?

Marcy: I find it very rewarding to be able to play college soccer just 15 minutes away from where I grew up. Originally, I wanted to go away for school, but after Carissima gave me my first tour of UB's campus, I felt right at home. I love that my family members and friends are able to come watch all of my games!

Carissima: I am an attack-minded player who likes to create goal scoring opportunities and score goals.

Both your high schools are minutes away from each other and there was some overlap, did you play each other in high school? Who got the upper hand?

Marcy: Carissima and I played against each other one time in high school soccer. I was a freshman and she was a senior. Leading up to the game, everyone was talking about how good Carissima was so I was pretty intimidated. She definitely proved everyone right from the first whistle to the last. If I remember correctly, the score was 0-0 at halftime, and then by the end Carissima had scored either 3 or 4 goals for the win. Since that game in 2013, I've looked up to her as a player.

Carissima: Our high schools were in different divisions for the regular season, but we did end up playing each other one time during my senior year in the playoffs. My team won that year!

Both of you played for UB, now for FC Buffalo. What does playing together for so long do for your game?

Marcy: When we played together at UB, our chemistry was like no other. We complimented each other's skill sets very well. When Cariss was no longer on the team, there was definitely a missing piece to our game. Being able to play together again for FC Buffalo is just so fun. I feel as if we are taking what we learned about each other playing together at UB to the games for FC Buffalo.

Carissima: Playing together at UB and now for FC Buffalo has given us an opportunity to create really great chemistry with each other. We have gotten to know how the other person plays and their tendencies on the field. At this point, we almost know where the other person is going to be without even looking. Marcy is like a younger sister to me, we have a really good relationship and I am so happy we have this opportunity to continue playing together.

FC Buffalo was a UWS expansion side this year, how has the club done so far in the rollout?

Marcy: Nick Mendola and everyone else involved has done such an amazing job with FC Buffalo Women. I can't imagine how difficult it is to have everything so organized and be accommodating to everyone. It also helps that the set of players we have on the team are extremely talented. We have all learned to work together and enhance each other's strengths.

Carissima: So far the team has been doing very well. We have a really talented mix of players who have gelled well together. We are excited for the remainder of the season and hope to continue our success moving forward.

Results on the field have been great so far, how has the support been from the fans?

Marcy: The FC Buffalo fan base is absolutely phenomenal. Our first home game, we were all so surprised and thankful that we had so many people come and watch us compete. Being the first Women's team for FC Buffalo means a lot to us players and I think a lot of people in the community want to be a part of this too.

Carissima: The support from the fans has been incredible. There is a longtime supporter's group of the men's FC Buffalo team, called The Situation Room, who have shown our team the same amount of support and excitement this season. Each game they show up with their drums, cowbell, and cheers which creates an awesome atmosphere. We are really thankful for all the support the Buffalo community has shown.

Does playing locally for so long generate more fan support?

Marcy: Because I have lived in Buffalo my whole life, there is rarely a time when I'm walking off the field and don't see a familiar face. This is one of my favorite things because I appreciate the support so much.

Carissima: So far our team has had a ton of fan support. There are so many players on the team who grew up in the Buffalo area, so I think the local talent helps to generate excitement and attracts fans to come watch our games.

How do you see the role of UWS in the women's game?

Marcy: The UWS league is great for female soccer players to showcase their talents outside, or after their college seasons. It gives women an opportunity to keep playing the game they love.

Carissima: The UWS plays an important role in the women's game. There are not a lot of opportunities to play at a competitive level outside the NWSL or the collegiate level, so the UWS helps to fill that gap. The UWS gives so many talented players the opportunity to continue playing at a competitive level.

What music do you listen to before matches?

Marcy: Dave Matthews Band

Carissima: I'm not super picky about pregame music and I like to mix it up before each game, usually different songs from all different types of genres.

Chips Ahoy: Original or Soft Bake?

Marcy: Soft

Carissima: I'm going to have to go with the Original Chips Ahoy!