"The way he attacks on the field is outstanding," St. V-M assistant coach Phil Alvord said. "He can go as far as his work ethic will take him, which I think is pretty far."

 

Manfut is from Maple Heights, where he started playing baseball at an early age but did not really love the sport. Then he was introduced to soccer, and his passion for the sport took off. His parents, A.J. and Emily Manfut, got him started in a recreation league at the age of 4 and a travel team by the time he was 7.

 

"I loved it right away," Manfut said. "My parents got me involved, and they have been so supportive ever since."

 

Maple Heights had very limited soccer opportunities, so Manfut looked for other places to continue his love for the game. And in a roundabout way, that is how he ended up playing for the Irish.

 

"I knew St. Vincent-St. Mary from the LeBron (James) stuff, but I didn't know much about their soccer team until I came for a visit," Manfut said. "Then I had to be there.”

 

Manfut started for the Irish at midfield as a sophomore, scoring six goals and being named all-district. Then came 2010 and his breakout season.

 

St. V-M (6-6-2) took care of rival Archbishop Hoban two weeks ago as Manfut scored three goals.

 

"Last year I did not know a lot about the rivalry between the two, but this year I do," Manfut said. "For me to have that type of game against them was incredible."

 

Manfut also is the backup field-goal kicker for the St. V-M football team. He practices with the football team immediately after school and then goes through a grueling two-hour soccer practice before heading home.

 

“It makes for a long day, but I love it,” Manfut said.

 

Junior

St. Vincent-St. Mary

 

TV: “I Carly”

Movie: “The Goal”

Pizza: Pepperoni

Home cooking: Spaghetti

Class: Gym

IPod: “Right About It”

Bucket: Score goal in world cup