Facing grief with gratitude

Eustaquio brothers deal with trials of losing parents as their families grow

- NEIL DAVIDSON

A lot has happened to Mauro Eustaquio in recent months, bringing both grief and joy.

The York United FC assistant coach took temporary charge of the CPL club in late May before reverting to his regular role when Mexican Benjamin Mora was handed the reins. And this month he is serving as a guest coach with Jesse Marsch's Canada during the current international window, reuniting him with younger brother and star midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.

But it is what has happened off the soccer pitch that has rocked the Eustaquio brothers' world.

Their mother Esmeralda died of brain cancer in April 2023. Father Armando died unexpectedly of a heart attack in May this year, just days before Mauro was named interim York coach.

But the birth of Stephen's daughter, Benedita, in early April has given the brothers something to celebrate amid the pain of family loss.

"We count our blessings," said Mauro.

"Me and my brother, we had our days but we had two options - either we bounce back or we continue to kind of be miserable and hating our life," he added. "We actually sat down about it and said 'Look, we've had two or three days. It hurts. It's going to continue to hurt.