During his successful tenure as FDU Knights soccer coach, Seth Roland has wasted little time embracing both the North Jersey and international communities, recruiting some of the top high school players in the county to play at FDU as well as landing several veterans of international competition for the squad by utilizing his international network of coaches. This tactic has resulted in three NEC tournament berths and an appearance in the title game.

“We try to recruit top local players, elite international players and some from throughout the nation,” Roland says. “The mixture we have among the local, national and international players is one of the most diverse in the country and creates a truly special community of student-athletes. And irrespective of that diversity I don’t think that you’d be able to find a closer team. We’ve managed to create a family atmosphere. And that’s a tribute to our players.”

Last season, Roland, who twice coached the United States in the Maccabiah Games, one of the top five Olympic-style events in Israel, once again assembled a talented crop of international and home-grown players. His international players include junior Shiran Adiri from Herzlia, Israel; senior Patrick Leduc from St. Lambert, Canada; sophomore Vytas Lenkutis from Vilnius, Lithuania; junior Erez Levi from Ramat-Gan, Israel; junior Danny Lozano from Bogota, Colombia; freshman Josue Mayard from Chomedey, Canada; junior Glen Sambo from Aruba; and sophomore David Vanunu from Tel Aviv, Israel.

Leduc was captain of the soccer team this past season and started every game he played in his four-year career. He has been just as impressive in the classroom, posting a 3.86 grade-point ratio as a political science major. In addition, he was named a three-time Academic All-NEC performer.

“I wanted to come to FDU because of the opportunity to compete against a high level of competition and because of the visibility. Also, because it was close to New York,” says Leduc.

Roland says of his star player, “Leduc is the model for any collegiate athlete in the country. He’s an outstanding player and a leader. I couldn’t ask for a harder worker or an individual more dedicated to both school and soccer.”

Leduc is taking full advantage of his opportunity on the field, in the classroom and for his future. He has an internship writing for a human rights organization Web page and is the administrator of the soccer team’s Web site, where he posts match results and team statistics.

Leduc says he started playing soccer at the age of six. He adds that his family never pushed him into playing soccer, but they always supported him. “I just love playing. I look forward to going out on the field and playing every day,” Leduc says.

As far as his pursuits off the field, Leduc says he is considering several options. “I want to get my master’s in Montreal,” says Leduc. “Maybe at McGill University or the University of Montreal. I would like to either study finance or international law.”

But Leduc adds that he definitely wants to continue playing soccer. “I would like to play in North America, either in the U.S. or Canada,” says Leduc. “However, if that doesn’t work out, then I’ll try my luck overseas.”

The Florham-Madison Campus’ soccer team is not without its share of international athletes, as Coach Tom McClaughlin also makes a concerted effort to recruit internationally. During his tenure, the Devils’ soccer team has suited up several international players. This year’s squad includes senior Steven Bane from Dundy, Scotland; senior Kevin McCarthy from Glanmire, Ireland; freshman Dave Parranti from Florence, Italy; and junior Khalid Al-Quatan from Makkah, Saudi Arabia. All four of these athletes were instrumental in the Devils’ winning record this past season.

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