Head coach Keith O’Connor returns this fall for his sixth season with the Centenary College men’s soccer program. 

Over his five-year campaign with the Cyclones, O’Connor has made huge strides improving the team to a high competitive level of play. After winning just nine games in his first two seasons, Centenary has 29 victories in the last three years. 2008 marked the first season of the newly named Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC), formerly the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC). 

Centenary finished the 2008 campaign 10-10-1, 4-4-0 in the conference. The Cyclones earned a berth into the CSAC Tournament as the fifth seed. They fell in the first round to Marywood in a tight match, losing 1-0. The team earned an ECAC Tournament berth for the second time in three years, falling to Farmingdale, 3-2 in overtime. Five Cyclones earned All-CSAC honors, as Chris Hill and Chris Guadagno were named to the First Team, Ryan Bilello earned Second Team accolades and Andrew Pinnella and Matt Winkler took home Honorable Mentions.

In 2007, the Cyclones finished the year at 8-9-1 overall and 3-5 in the conference. The team closed out the year strong, winning a pair of conference victories on the road. His 2006 team posted an overall record of 11-10, marking 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 earned an ECAC Metro Region Tournament berth and freshman Nelson Becerra earned Skyline Conference Rookie of the Year honors. 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, N.J., O’Connor earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Loyola (Md.) College 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. O'Connor then moved on to the University of Delaware where he served as an assistant to head coach Marc Samonisky.

While at UD, 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. His other duties included successfully identifying, selecting and recruiting prospective student-athletes who displayed 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.

O'Connor served as coach of 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 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 RHS, 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. 

O'Connor 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 assists (first), points (second) and goals (third).

He was also a member of the New Jersey ODP teams from U-13 to U-15. He 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 from 1994-99, helping lead the regionally ranked 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 daughters Cadence and Peighton.

Ryan Bilello is entering his first season as Assistant Coach of the men's soccer team. Ryan is taking up this position after a three year playing career with the Cyclones. Some of his duties will include assisting in defensive tactics, gameday management and practice planning.

As a player, Ryan was a three year starter and captain his senior year. For his efforts he was selected to the All-Conference team his senior season. Ryan finished his career second all-time in assists and among the top ten in games played in Centenary men's soccer. During his three years, Centenary made it to two conference post seasons as well as qualifying for the ECAC tournament twice.

As a coach, Ryan holds the NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma as well as the Long Island Junior Soccer League Class A license. He is also a trainer within the New York Red Bull player development program and conducts private trainings with the Long Island Rough Riders.

He is currently finishing up his studies, ready to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management.

Josh Spivack is beginning his first season as a student assistant coach for the men's soccer program. Spivack has recently completed and received his NJYSA "F" license. He also currently coaches with Cerdafied Soccer Training programs which works with youth clubs throughout North Jersey.

As a player, the former Cyclone enjoyed a successful three year playing career. He finished among Centenary's career leaders in assists and was recognized as a team captain. During his three years, Centenary appeared in two conference post seasons and qualifed for the ECAC tournament twice. Following his collegiate career, Spivack joined Royal Racing FC Montegnee a professional club in Belgium where he also continued his education.

Finishing up his college education this semester at Centenary, Spivack will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management. Upon graduation, Spivack plans to return to Belgium and continue playing for Royal Racing.