By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
Brendan, you helped lead Algonquin to the Division 1 final this year. How do you feel about both your team's, as well as your own individual, success?
“My success comes from the team's success. I am very proud of how we have worked together, and dealt with adversity together. Most of us have been playing together for years. We'se had some good games, and some not-so-good games, but we love playing the game together.”
Was your senior season the most enjoyable of your four years with the Tomahawks?
“No, actually last year was my favorite. We had graduated some really strong players the year before, such as Brendan McGill, Matt Hanley and Pat Keller, so no one really expected us to do well. We often heard that our team was in a rebuilding phase, and that it wouldn's be a successful year, but we went on to repeat as Central Mass champs. I prefer being the underdog because it puts all the pressure on the other team.”
What is your earliest soccer memory?
“My earliest soccer memory is when we lived in Pennsylvania. I was 3 or 4 years old. My sister, Meaghan, and I would go out in our front yard, trying to dribble a soccer ball away from my mom and dad. The ball seemed so huge back then. We were just outside, laughing, kicking the soccer ball around. I had no idea what I was doing with the ball, but I was having fun.”
Which coach has helped you get to this point of your career, more so than the others?
“I'se been very fortunate, and have had four outstanding soccer coaches. Joe and Peter Bradley from my club team [Mass Premier Soccer] really know the game well. I love the style of soccer that we play for Mass Premier. Mario Prata and Tucker Reynolds from my years with the Massachusetts ODP program were both amazing as well. Mario and Tucker both have such passion for the game, it makes you excited to play for them. I love playing for coaches that respect the game, and that can make training hard, but also fun.”
Have any particular teammates helped push you along the way?
“Everyone I'se ever played with has helped me. I love soccer because it's a true team game. Every player on – and off – the field has a part in every goal. If Ryan Reynolds or Colin Sweeney make great runs with the ball and beat their man, it creates space and opportunity for me and my other teammates. All of my goals are a direct result of the efforts of all my teammates.”
Do you play any other sports?
“Today, I just concentrate on soccer. I use to play everything when I was younger. I still play in the CYO basketball league today with my church in the winter. At one point, baseball was my favorite. I went to Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York three straight years with the Northborough Mud Cats. I loved playing little league baseball with the Northborough Hawks as well.”
What is the single greatest game you'se played in?
“There are so many games that were special to me. I don’ t really think about games in terms of which one was my best individual game. Soccer is a team game, so a big game for the team means more to me than any of my individual performances. However, winning the Central Mass District Championship game two of the past three seasons was terrific. Also, advancing to the U17 Massachusetts State Cup final game was also another fun moment, but I really wish I could'se won that one.”
Do you want to play soccer in college? Any programs in particular you's like to be a part of?
“Yes, but I am still undecided. I have a long list of schools that I's interested in, and it will come down to finding the best fit academically, and athletically. That will sort itself out over the next few months. I'se spoken with some really great coaches so far, so we'sl see what happens.”