Men's Soccer Coaches

Head Coach Keith O’Connor begins his fourth season leading the men’s soccer program at Centenary College.  O’Connor became the fifth head coach in Centenary men’s soccer history - which dates back to 1990. 

In just three seasons, O’Connor has made big strides in helping the Cyclone Men’s Soccer team return to respectability in the Skyline Athletic Conference.  His 2006 team posted an overall record of 11-10-0, the most wins by a Cyclone team since 1999, and placed third in the Skyline standings with a mark of 6-3-0, the program’s best conference finish since joining the Skyline in 2003.  Along the way, the Cyclones defeated long-time conference power Manhattanville College for the first time in school history and earned an ECAC Metro Region Tournament berth.  For his efforts, O’Connor was named the Skyline Conference Coach of the Year.  In addition to the wins and losses, O’Connor has had the opportunity to coach three NSCAA Academic All-Americans in his first three years with Centenary.

A native of Ridgewood, New Jersey, O’Connor earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Loyola College, MD in 1999.

After his collegiate playing career ended, he began his coaching career at his high school alma mater as the head Junior Varsity coach.  While at Ridgewood, he led the Maroons to a two-season record of 23-9-5 and berths in the Bergen County Tournament Semi-Finals in 2000 and Finals in 1999.  The team also won the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League-A title in 2000.  He then moved on to the University of Delaware where he served as an assistant to Head Coach Marc Samonisky.

While at the University of Delaware, O’Connor, was actively involved with the organization, development, and implementation of a nationally competitive Division I men’s soccer program.  He assisted in organizing and implementing practice and training procedures for the development and improvement of individuals and team skills, as well as successfully identifying, selecting, and recruiting prospective student-athletes who display the athletic and academic talents and ability to successfully compete in the NCAA. He also assisted with coordinating the development and implementation of fundraising activities.

He also coached the AC Milan club team in 2002 and 2003.  During his two years with AC Milan, the team has advanced to the U-17 Delaware State Cup finals in 2003 and the U-16 semi-finals in 2002.  O’Connor also served as a player assessor for the Delaware Olympic Development Program (ODP).

As a player, O’Connor enjoyed a successful playing career at the high school, club, and collegiate levels.  After being the first freshman to start for the varsity squad in Ridgewood High School history, he quickly made his mark.  In his four years at Ridgewood, he captained the team for two years, captured one Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League Championship, two Bergen County Tournament Championships, and two New Jersey State Sectional titles.  He earned such accolades as all-league, all-area, all-county, and all-state.  He was also named one of the top twenty-two players in the state in his junior and senior years.  O’Connor completed his high school career as one of the school’s all-time great players.  He still ranks among the Maroons career leaders in points (second), goals (third), and assists (first).

He was also a member of the New Jersey Olympic Development Program teams from U-13 to U-15.  He also captained the Wyckoff Torpedoes Premier Soccer Club team when it captured the U-19 New Jersey State Cup club championship and was named the Snickers Youth Soccer National Championship Most Valuable Player.  O’Connor was recruited to Loyola College, MD and played four seasons in 1994-1999, helping lead the regionally ranked men’s soccer team to an impressive 50-29-6 record, two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships and two NCAA Play-In appearances in the 1994 and 1995 seasons.

His accreditations include a United States Soccer Federation ‘B’ coaching license and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Advanced National Diploma.  O’Connor and his wife, Ellen, currently reside in Pennsylvania with their daughter Cadence.

Steve Bodei returns for his second season with the Cyclones coaching staff.  The former Cyclone player, a four-year letter winner from (02-05), joined the staff of Head Coach Keith O’Connor last season as a Student Assistant.  This fall he moves into the Assiatant Coaching role, keeping the responsibility of the team’s administrative duties, while assisting with game strategies and team philosophies. 

During his career at Centenary, Steve was recognized as an excellent defensive player who anchored the Cyclone defense.  Bodei was also an acknowledged student-athlete in the classroom, as he was chosen to the COSIDA Academic All-America College Division First Team two consecutive years (2004-2005).  He graduated last spring with a Bachelor’s Degree in History, with a concentration in Social Studies Education.

Coach Bodei currently holds a NSCAA National Diploma for coaching and is currently working towards the next level within the Association.