By Matthew Smith—
After coming off back-to-back seasons with losing records, the Gothic Knights men’s soccer team turned to Patrick Snyder to bring them back on course. Coach Snyder stepped into the spot after Nansha Kalonji, with the drive to bring the Gothic Knights a winning record and a playoff berth. Under Snyder’s guidance, the men’s soccer team has a winning record of 11 wins and 8 losses. This is almost a directly opposite look from last season when they had a record of 6 wins, 10 losses and 2 ties.
“Our style of play seems to suit these guys better,” said Snyder “We’re a little more free flowing and allow the guys to be themselves a little more on the field.”
Although this is not Snyder’s first head coaching position it is his first full time head coaching job and that seems to have helped the players to benefit from his work ethic.
“I can focus more on the program and the players,” he said. “It allows me to help the guys keep their heads on straight.”
He has recently come from Mercer County Community College and has brought more than just experience from there. Along with his arrival came one of the players that have played a large role in running the new style of play for the Gothic Knights. DF/MF Mohammad Conteh, 21, Major TBD (Minor: Fitness, Exercise, and Sports), from Trenton is a recent Mercer County College student.
“Mohammad is one of the guys that have helped lay the ground work,” said Snyder “He helps to orchestrate a lot of what we do defensively.”
Conteh was named to the All-Tournament Team during the Liberty Cup that was hosted by NJCU. In just his first season for NJCU, Mohammad has solidified himself as a large part to the Gothic Knights defensive make up.
“I felt great getting that honor,” he said. “Being a first year player here and to start winning these kinds of awards, it feels real good.”
Although Conteh is a large part to this team’s success he is not the only one; many of the players have stepped up and risen there level of commitment to push this team forward. Along with the help of the seniors on the team everyone seems to be pushing for the same goal a successful program with a winning record, and they have already moved in the right direction.
