Phil Ionadi

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Phil Ionadi

| fullname = Philip Ionadi

| image = 200px

| caption = Ionadi in 2005

| birth_date =

| birth_place =

| height = {{convert|5|ft|11|in|m|2|abbr=on}}

| position = Midfielder

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| collegeyears1 = 1995–1998

| college1 = Belhaven Blazers

| years1 = 1996

| years2 = 1997

| years3 = 1998

| years4 = 1998

| years5 = 1999

| years6 = 2000

| years7 = 2000–2001

| years8 = 2002–2004

| years9 = 2005

| clubs1 = Toronto Italia

| clubs2 = Toronto Supra

| clubs3 = Toronto Lynx

| clubs4 = Glen Shields Sun Devils

| clubs5 = Montreal Impact (indoor)

| clubs6 = Montreal Impact

| clubs7 = Toronto ThunderHawks (indoor)

| clubs8 = Brampton Hitmen

| clubs9 = Oakville Blue Devils

| caps2 = 6

| caps3 = 5

| caps4 = 11

| caps5 = 30

| caps6 = 5

| caps7 = 32

| caps8 = 72

| caps9 = 17

| goals2 = 0

| goals3 = 0

| goals4 = 2

| goals5 = 5

| goals6 = 0

| goals7 = 3

| goals8 = 22

| goals9 = 4

| nationalyears1 = 2005

| nationalteam1 = Canada Beach

| nationalcaps1 = 3

| nationalgoals1 = 1

| manageryears1 = 2006

| managerclubs1 = Oakville Blue Devils

| manageryears2 = 2018–2019

| managerclubs2 = Mississauga MetroStars

| pcupdate = December 23, 2014

| ntupdate =

}}

Phil Ionadi is a Canadian businessman, soccer executive, former soccer player, head coach, and the general manager for the Canadian Arena Soccer Association.

He initially began playing college soccer abroad with Belhaven University. After a series of stints in the Canadian National Soccer League he eventually played in the USL A-League in 1998 with the Toronto Lynx, and later with the Montreal Impact. Shortly after he played in the Canadian Professional Soccer League, and began playing indoor soccer in 1999 in the National Professional Soccer League with the Montreal Impact. After his release from Montreal he played with several clubs in the National Professional Soccer League, and in 2002 returned to the CPSL with the Brampton Hitmen.

Ionadi would conclude his playing career in the CPSL, where he won two CPSL Championships, was named CPSL MVP, and a four time CPSL All-Star. He also represented Canada at the international level in beach soccer, where he played in the 2005 CONCACAF and CONMEBOL Beach Soccer Championship. After retiring he transitioned into coaching, and was appointed head coach for the Oakville Blue Devils in 2006. In 2018, he returned to coaching as the head coach for the Mississauga MetroStars.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/2018/11/05/mississauga-metrostars-say-time-is-right-for-indoor-soccer.html|title=Mississauga MetroStars say time is right for indoor soccer {{!}} The Star|last=Davidson|first=Neil|website=thestar.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-03}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wakingthered.com/2019/3/3/18248307/mississauga-metrostars-vs-baltimore-blast-preview-and-game-thread|title=Mississauga MetroStars vs Baltimore Blast: Preview and Game Thread|last=Rhodes|first=Benedict|date=2019-03-03|website=Waking The Red|access-date=2019-03-03}}

He also contributed in the administrative field of soccer initially beginning in the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) in 2008 as a director of business operations for the Brampton Lions. He eventually sat on the CSL Board of Directors as the Director for Youth, and was instrumental in forming the Canadian Academy of Futbol (CAF) in 2012. In 2017, the Canadian Arena Soccer Association appointed Ionadi as the general manager for the Canada national arena soccer team.

Playing career

Ionadi began playing at the college level in 1995 with Belhaven University, where he earned NAIA GCAC All-Conference Men's Soccer honors.{{Cite web|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/csl-to-showcase-u-19s/|title=CSL TO SHOWCASE U-19s – Canadian Soccer League|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://blazers.belhaven.edu/sports/2010/6/22/MSOC_0622102124.aspx?id=146|title=Men's Soccer Conference Honors|website=blazers.belhaven.edu|language=en|access-date=2019-03-02}} During the college off season he played in the USISL Premier League with the Jackson Chargers.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cpsl.ca/featuredplayer_Phil_Ionadi.asp|title=CPSL - Canadian Professional Soccer League|date=2005-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050101064154/http://www.cpsl.ca/featuredplayer_Phil_Ionadi.asp|archive-date=January 1, 2005|access-date=2019-03-02}} Before pursuing college soccer he received the opportunity to experience professional soccer in the Canadian Soccer League with the North York Rockets.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports13/13csl001.htm|title=May 2, 2013 CSL Press Conference (by Rocket Robin)|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=2016-07-02}} In 1996, he played with Toronto Italia in the Canadian National Soccer League, where he assisted in securing a treble for the club.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/cnsla015.htm|title=Sunday June 23rd, 1996|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=2016-07-02}} The following season he played with league rivals Toronto Supra.{{Cite news|last=Jeanneret|first=Mark|date=June 12, 1997|title=Perri shows he's ready for switch|page=C3|work=St. Catharines Standard}}

In 1998, the United Soccer League granted Toronto a franchise he featured for the Toronto Lynx in the USL A-League.{{Cite web|url=http://soccerstats.us/bios/phil-ionadi/|title=Phil Ionadi {{!}} SoccerStats.us|website=soccerstats.us|access-date=2018-05-05}} After appearing in five matches he played the remainder of the season with Glen Shields Sun Devils in the Canadian Professional Soccer League, and was selected for the CPSL All-Stars match.{{Cite news|last=De Wolfe|first=Alexis|date=September 2, 1999|title=Wolves settle for tie|page=D3|work=St. Catharines Standard}} In 1999, he signed with the Montreal Impact, and played an indoor season in the National Professional Soccer League.{{Cite news|last=Phillips|first=Randy|date=October 28, 1999|title=Ready for the kickoff: Impact opens NPSL season tomorrow in Milwaukee|page=E5|work=Montreal Gazette}} Throughout his time in the National Professional Soccer League he played with Montreal Impact, and Toronto ThunderHawks.{{Cite news|url=http://www.justsportsstats.com/soccerstatsindex.php?player_id=ionadphi001|title=Phil Ionadi Statistics on JustSportsStats.com|access-date=2017-02-10|language=en}}{{Cite news|date=October 6, 2000|title=Depleted ThunderHawks make pre season home debut Saturday against Buffalo|work=Canadian Press}} He also participated in the 2000 outdoor season in the A-League, but was released later on.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2000/05/03/limpact-entame-sa-saison|title=L'Impact entame sa saison|website=TVA Nouvelles|access-date=2019-03-02}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.rds.ca/l-impact-congedie-sept-joueurs-1.429462|title=L'Impact congédie sept joueurs|newspaper=RDS.ca|access-date=2017-02-10|language=fr}}

In 2001, Ionadi returned to the Canadian Professional Soccer League, and signed with expansion franchise the Brampton Hitmen, where he served as the team captain.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cpsl.ca/gallery/brampton_hitmen.asp|title=CPSL - Canadian Professional Soccer League|date=2003-04-23|access-date=2017-10-28|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030423091551/http://www.cpsl.ca/gallery/brampton_hitmen.asp|archive-date=2003-04-23}}{{Cite news|date=July 20, 2005|title=Soccer Stallions have a devil of a time with Oakville|work=Brampton Guardian}} His most notable achievement with the organization was in the 2003 season where he finished as the club's top goalscorer with 13 goals, and secured the teams first CPSL Championship.{{Cite news|date=November 7, 2003|title=Hitmen host winter camp|work=Brampton Guardian}} As a result of his efforts he was recognized with the CSL MVP award.{{Cite news|date=November 7, 2003|title=Hitmen host winter camp|work=Brampton Guardian}} On May 19, 2005 he signed a contract with expansion franchise Oakville Blue Devils, and was named team captain.{{Cite news|date=July 16, 2005|title=Blue Devils first place in Western Conference|page=29|work=Oakville Beaver}} In his debut and final season with Oakville he assisted in claiming his second championship title, and establishing a league milestone as Oakville became the first expansion franchise to win the championship title in their debut season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports05/05cpsl2m.htm|title=October 10, 2005 CPSL Vaughan Shooters vs Oakville Blue Devils (by Rocket Robin)|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=2017-02-10}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/2889261-blue-devils-gamble-pays-off-in-cpsl-final/|title=Blue Devils' Gamble pays off in CPSL final|date=2005-10-12|website=InsideHalton.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2019-03-02}}

International career

Ionadi played with the Canada national beach soccer team, and made his debut on March 3, 2005 against Mexico in the 2005 CONCACAF and CONMEBOL Beach Soccer Championship.{{Cite web|url=https://canadasoccer.com/?pid=1576&t=profile&|title=Canada Soccer|website=canadasoccer.com|access-date=2019-03-03}}

Coaching career

In 2006, Ionadi made the transition to coaching by being appointed head coach for the Oakville Blue Devils in the Canadian Soccer League.{{Cite web|last=Kuiperij|first=Jon|date=May 26, 2006|title=Different cast of Blue Devils seeks repeat|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/2911472-different-cast-of-blue-devils-seeks-repeat/|access-date=March 2, 2019|website=InsideHalton.com|language=en-CA}} In his debut season he won the National Division title, and produced the best offensive and defensive records in the division.{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/2912144-blue-devils-in-control-of-division/|title=Blue Devils in control of division|date=2006-09-20|website=InsideHalton.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2019-03-02}} In the postseason Oakville was defeated in the opening round to the Windsor Border Stars. He also served as the youth coach for Oakville Soccer Club in 2006.{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/2925880-oakville-soccer-club-recognizes-its-best/|title=Oakville Soccer Club recognizes its best|date=2009-11-13|website=InsideHalton.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2019-03-03}}

In 2018, he was named head coach and general manager for the Mississauga Metrostars in the Major Arena Soccer League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mississaugametrostars.ca/news/the-mississauga-metrostars-introduce-themselves-th|title=The Mississauga MetroStars introduce themselves, their sport & their aspirations - Mississauga MetroStars|last=Grossi|first=James|website=www.mississaugametrostars.ca|access-date=2019-03-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.maslsoccer.com/news/mississauga-metrostars-join-masl-as-first-canadian|title=MISSISSAUGA METROSTARS JOIN MASL AS FIRST CANADIAN FRANCHISE - Major Arena Soccer League|website=www.maslsoccer.com|access-date=2019-03-02}} After a series of poor performances Ionadi was relieved from his position on March 1, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/sports-pmn/mississauga-metrostars-fire-head-coach-gm-after-lengthy-losing-run|title=Mississauga MetroStars fire head coach/GM after lengthy losing run {{!}} National Post|last=Davidson|first=Neil|date=2019-03-01|language=en-CA|access-date=2019-03-02}}

Administrative career

In 2006, along with coaching Ionadi was hired as the academy director for Oakville Soccer Club, where he served from 2007 till 2010. On April 10, 2008, he was selected as the Director of Business Operations for the Brampton Lions in the Canadian Soccer League (CSL).{{Cite web|url=http://www.bramptonlionsfc.ca/news2.php?news_id=87617 |title=Brampton Lions Powered by Goalline Sports Administration Software |date=2009-05-08 |access-date=2016-07-02 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508032552/http://www.bramptonlionsfc.ca/news2.php?news_id=87617 |archive-date=May 8, 2009 }}{{Cite news|last=Inscoe|first=Robin|date=March 21, 2008|title=Lions ready to roar; Canadian Soccer League coming back to Brampton|work=Brampton Guardian}} In 2012, he purchased LIKA Sports Inc, and currently serves as the company's chief executive officer.{{Citation|last=soccerhalloffame|title=Phil Ionadi Hall of Fame Interview|date=2015-08-27|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKUjBUuuxfE|access-date=2019-03-03}} In 2013, he served on the CSL Board of Directors as the Director for Youth, and was awarded the Harry Paul Gauss Memorial Award.{{Cite web|url=http://sirc.ca/news/vucemilovic-grgic-csls-mvp|title=VUCEMILOVIC GRGIC CSL's MVP {{!}} SIRC|website=sirc.ca|language=en|access-date=2017-02-10}}{{Cite web|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/a-time-to-congratulate/|title=A TIME TO CONGRATULATE – Canadian Soccer League|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-02}} In 2012, he was one of founders and served as the president of the Canadian Academy of Futbol (CAF) a soccer development program which consists of different soccer clubs and academies organizing soccer competitions, seasons, tournaments, camps, and showcases.{{Cite web|url=https://www.soccerfitness.ca/2016/01/the-canadian-academy-of-futbol-caf-an-excellent-option-for-young-aspiring-soccer-players/|title=The Canadian Academy of Futbol (CAF): An Excellent Option for Young Aspiring Soccer Players|last=admin1|website=Soccer Fitness|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-02}}

In 2017, he was named the general manager for the Canadian Arena Soccer Association.{{Cite web|url=http://www.casasoccer.ca/national-team/|title=CASA Soccer » National Team|language=en|access-date=2019-03-02}}{{Cite web|last=Colpitts|first=Iain|date=2017-06-27|title=City of Mississauga goes all in on arena soccer|url=https://www.mississauga.com/community-story/7395072-city-of-mississauga-goes-all-in-on-arena-soccer/|access-date=2019-03-03|website=Mississauga.com|publisher=Mississauga News|language=en-CA}} Ionadi ventured into sports management field in 2021 where he became the president for Primetime Sports Marketing Inc.{{Cite web|last=Adamson|first=Stan|date=May 30, 2021|title=CSL Joins with Primetime Sports Marketing for Brighter Future........2026 World Cup year marks 100th anniversary|url=https://canadiansoccerleague.ca/csl-joins-with-primetime-sports-marketing-for-brighter-future-2026-world-cup-year-marks-100th-anniversary/|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Canadian Soccer League|language=en-US}}

Managerial stats

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
rowspan="2"\|Team !rowspan="2"\|Nat !rowspan="2"\|From !rowspan="2"\|To !colspan="5"\|Record
G	W	L	D	Win %
align=left\|Oakville Blue Devils \|{{flagicon\|Canada}} \|align=left\|28 May 2006 \|align=left\|30 October 2006	22	10	6	6	45.45

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"

rowspan="2"|Team

!rowspan="2"|Nat

!rowspan="2"|From

!rowspan="2"|To

!colspan="5"|Record

Win %

align=left|Oakville Blue Devils

|{{flagicon|Canada}}

|align=left|28 May 2006

|align=left|30 October 2006

45.45