Men’s Soccer Get’s the Party Started

Let the winning begin! So says the community at the University of Bridgeport about the Men’s Soccer program, who won the 2003 ECAC Championship. September 10th marked the official kickoff to the 2004 Men’s Soccer season. On hand for the event was this year’s squad of 22 players, President Neil Albert Salonen and his wife, Rebecca, Head Athletic Director Jay Moran, Assistant Athletic Director Ken Johnson, as well as guest speaker Bob Bradley – manager of the New York / New Jersey Metrostars. The evening started with the introduction of the boys who will fight for UB on the pitch. “It was great because it allowed those present to meet the team not just as players, but as individual people, too,” said head coach Brian Quinn, who is kicking off his 5th season in charge of the Purple Knights. It was a truly an exciting moment for that every squad member received a wonderful applause from the gathering as if to say, “We’re behind you, guys.” “In one word – positive,” said coach Quinn. “It was such a positive experience – positive all the way.” First year assistant coach and former UB defensive rock, Craig McLeod added, “It was a very special night not only because it is a huge fundraiser for us, but also because former players’, alumni, and many of the players’ families were able to participate. But overall, the atmosphere and extreme eagerness to get the season underway was very overwhelming.”
Mid way through the night, guest speaker Bob Bradley entertained the audience with a very insightful speech talking about coaching life at both collegiate and professional levels. “In college, players want to listen because they are willing to learn. Sometimes in the pros, they [players] feel they have already learned – but in soccer, as well as life, you’re always learning,” said Bradley. “No matter what level your at – college, high school, professional – always keep an open mind and be willing to learn.” Coach Quinn emphasized the importance of having a man like Bob Bradley at this type of event. “Two reasons. One – he is a well known personality, hence a fabulous draw for soccer fans in general. Two – he gave wounderful insights into the modern game whilst stressing the importance of ‘team’ and the functions of.”
The finale to the evening was the raffling off of some great prizes and the announcement of the silent auction winners. Many of UB’s former players graciously donated and in turn won some fantastic gifts such as baseball, basketball, and hockey tickets, signed memorabilia, and gift certificates. The raffle also produced some great gifts including a 50/50 draw won by women’s soccer player, Sintia Knez and many UB paraphernalia. The fix seemed to be in as the family of Coach Quinn seemed to be up after every ticket number was read. But slowly but surely former players and alumni such as Anthony Pla and Ian Welsh collected some terrific prizes. Needless to say, this reporter went home with as much as he came with. Co-captain and 2003 NYCAC Student-Athlete of the Year, Sana Sarr summed up the night by saying, “It almost feels like a family night, because UB is such a close-nit school.