Hartwick`s Greatwich turning pro in soccer

Simon Greatwich, a Second Team Mid-American Conference all-star for Hartwick College's soccer team last fall, will forego his senior season to play professionally in the Philippines, the college announced Wednesday night.

Greatwich, a center midfielder, signed with the Loyola Meralco Sparks Futbal Club in the first division of the United Football League _ the Philippines' premier league.


"We're delighted for Simon," Hartwick coach John Scott said in a media release by the college. "We'll certainly miss a player of his level on the field, but (we're) very happy for what he's accomplished. It's every player's dream to compete on the professional level."


The UFL, founded in 2009, has 22 teams _ 10 in division one and 12 in division two. Loyola finished third in the division one standings with an 11-3-4 record and was runner-up in the UFL Cup last season.


Greatwich has played 10 times for the Philippines national team since 2008. In February and March of 2010, he helped the Philippines qualify for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.


"It's very tough to say goodbye to the boys and to Hartwick," Greatwich said. "But it's an incredible opportunity and one I might not get again."

Greatwich is close to completing his degree in business adminstration.

"Simon is committed to finishing his degree," Scott said. "There's nothing more pleasing to me as a coach to know that this is a priority for him."

Greatwich finished second in scoring among Hartwick players last season. He had two goals and four assists.

Hartwick went 5-6-5 in 2011

thedailystar

Simon Greatwich back for Azkals-Mongolia match

Cedelf P. Tupas


Midfielder Simon Greatwich is expected to be back for the second leg of the Philippines’ AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series against Mongolia on March 15 in Ulan Bator.

The 22-year-old Filipino-British standout, who came in as a halftime substitute in the 2-nil first leg victory at the Panaad in Bacolod last Feb. 9, said yesterday that he may be available as early as a week before the showdown with the Mongolians.


Greatwich said he wants to join the team for training camp in the Japan Football Association facility, located just outside Tokyo.

“I’m still hoping I could join the camp,” said Greatwich, a varsity player of Hartwick College in New York, who made an impact on attack in the second half against Mongolia, nearly scoring on an overhead kick.

Greatwich’s availability comes as a boost for the Azkals, considering that his older brother, Chris, and defender Rob Gier will miss the match.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge had earlier ruled himself out of the Mongolia game and may join the team if it progresses to the group qualifying tournament in Myanmar. Expected to start in his place is Eduard Sacapano.

inquirer.net

Simon Greatwich leaving for Manila

Simon Greatwich confirmed by Twitter that he will be leaving for Manila soon to join in the Azkals training.

Simon , brother of Chris , played in 2008 ASEAN qualifiers.