Know the new guys: Murphy’s fellow Saints

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For Friday’s new player Q&A sessions, it’s time to catch up with a pair of players from head coach Brendan Murphy‘s alma mater. Bob Durocher’s celebrated program at St. Lawrence University is where Coach Murphy won the NCAA championship with an undefeated season between the sticks, and has produced FCB players Andrew Bednarsky, Sam DeMello, Daniel Hunt and Ozzy Morales.

Now joining that esteemed list are Lew-Port graduate Ross Suitor and New Jersey native Rob Brandell.

Let’s get saintly.

First: Rob Brandell

How would you describe yourself as a player, and what players in the world at your position do you admire?

I’m a versatile player with strong technical ability and tactical awareness. I’m not the quickest player, but my strength in the air and vision help me influence the game.

What do you like to do away from soccer?

Tennis and golf are two of my summertime hobbies, and in the winter I really enjoy skiing.

What’s your most memorable soccer experience?

Traveling to Brazil in the summer of 2010 to play against youth sides from Fluminense and Vasco da Gama.

What’s your most memorable non-soccer experience?

Working as a Paraprofessional for kids with multiple disabilities and autism.

What’s something fans should know about you?

I’ve never been to Buffalo and I’m really excited to spend a summer in the city!

Next up: Ross Suitor

How would you describe yourself as a player, and what players in the world at your position do you admire?

I would describe myself as a player who loves to get forward and cross the ball. As an outside back, defensive duties come first. But when the opportunity arises, getting forward is my favorite part of the game. As for players who I admire, David Alaba, Dani Alves, and Phillip Lahm are my top 3. For me, they are the most complete outside backs in the world. Great defensively, but get forward as their team needs them to. Their fitness is what I aspire to reach.

What do you like to do away from soccer?

If I am not hanging out with my friends or with my family, I am playing Fifa on my Xbox, watching soccer videos and documentaries, or sleeping. I love sleep. I do also play other sports recreationally as I love being active.

What’s your most memorable soccer experience?

Too tough for me choose. It has to be either my week in Scotland on a trial with St. Mirren, or my first collegiate goal for St. Lawrence University. The goal was in my first college game that I played a significant amount of time. It was a volley in overtime against SUNY Geneseo to win the game, an amazing experience

What’s your most memorable non-soccer experience?

Vacationing in Hawaii with my family. My aunt Dawn, a colonel in the air force, was stationed in Hawaii. So my family along with my aunt, uncle and cousin got to go visit her. We got to visit the Pearl Harbor memorial, swim with dolphins, and see an L.A. Galaxy soccer match.

What’s something fans should know about you?

If there is anything fans should know about me, it is that for me, soccer is the most beautiful thing to grace the Earth. More beautiful than any person or song or object. Also, I am a Manchester United fan and I enjoy listening to almost all music besides heavy metal. Mainly hip-hop, R&B and reggae, but I enjoy almost all genres.

Build soccer in Buffalo: Buy 2015 NPSL season tickets today