Springfield soccer community: we lost an soccer ambassador a few days ago. I was lucky enough to grow up next to Yavuz Gonulsen as a kid. He patiently taught me how to play soccer as a child. He taught me the rainbow which impressed the neighbors, I assume. By the time I graduated from high school the Gonulsen’s fence was completely concave from the thousands of balls I kicked into over the 12 years. Yavuz never complained. He and his family and friends did everything to bring the beautiful game to Springfield in the 1970s and made sure it flourished. He referred into his 80s. My love goes out to Tim, Joy, Jason, and Linda as they deal with their loss.
- Joe Casey