Men's Soccer Season Preview 2010
Season Outlook 2010
Khary Stockton enters his fourth season at the helm of the University of the District of Columbia Men’s Soccer Team. During the Firebird rebuilding period the team has an 11-28 record over the last three years. Coach Stockton has very high hopes for the upcoming 2010 season.
Coach Stockton is elated at having a brand new field on 4200 Connecticut Ave and Van Ness Streets. The all grass field with a high quality irrigation system will make UDC competitive in the local and national soccer scene. In addition, Stockton welcomes returning players: Seniors Samer Shehadeh and Odingas Anyabuike, and underclassmen Mario Banegas. 2010 will be a year of fresh starts.
Junior Rommel Fuentes and Canadian International Kyle Heatherington will compete in goal. The defense will be lead by junior college all-American Nana Bamfo. Further, the rest of the defense will be wide open for playing time as there are plenty of incoming freshmen. The midfield is wide open with a number of newcomers such as: Roque Hernandez of Gaithersburg, MD and Northwest High School, Jose Garcia of Sterling, Virginia and Park View High School, Mario Rojas, a transfer from UDC community college, and native of Turkey, Tansu Korkmaz. Up front, the firebirds are looking to Adriel Garcia, a standout forward who is from Brazil as well as freshman target player, Kaine Moar from Ontario, Canada.
Coach Stockton has young team with leadership in key parts of the field. The schedule looks very competitive and should pose challenges as the Firebirds look to mature for 2010 campaign.
Head Coach Khary Stockton
Stockton spent twelve seasons as a professional player followed by three seasons as an assistant coach at Catholic University.
Stockton has been involved in competitive soccer for awhile. He has coached and trained young college players for a number of years. He will look upon his experience as a professional player along with his unique ability to guide and teach the game.
A native of Alexandria, VA. Stockton played college soccer at the College of William and Mary. He was captain of the team his senior season and led them to a sweet sixteen appearance. After college, he played professionally in Brazil, Chile, and the United States. He was the first William and Mary graduate to be drafted into Major League Soccer. Subsequently, he has endowed a scholarship at the College of William and Mary. The scholarship recognizes a student-athlete who is considered underrepresented.
Stockton holds a USSF “A” License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, and National Youth Coaching License. He earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology.
His wife is a former schoolteacher. They welcomed their first child, Jahi Alonza Stockton in March 22, 2009.
Assistant Coach Michael Saunders
University of the District of Columbia men’s soccer program is pleased to have Michael Saunders as the top assistant for the Firebirds. “Michael Saunders is a tremendous asset to our men’s soccer program.” “His experience from his professional playing days, good demeanor, and enthusiasm will be motivation for our student-athletes at UDC. Michael joined the University of the District of Columbia's soccer coaching staff in June 2010. He played professional soccer from 1993-2001. During his career, he played in England, Germany, and the United States. He also played in the National Professional Soccer League (Indoor soccer) and the United Soccer League. He finished his pro career with the Minnesota Thunder of the United Soccer League, culminating with a national championship in 1999.
His last year of college, in 1993, he played for the University of Connecticut Huskies basketball team. His teammates were current NBA players: Ray Allen, Donny Marshall, Kevin Ollie, and Travis Knight.