Athlete Spotlight: Brendan Walsh

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

Salem, Mass. – Our athlete spotlight focuses on men's soccer captain Brendan Walsh (Westford, Mass.). The senior played a major role against Wheaton (Mass.) as he scored the only goal of the game that proved to be the game-winner in a 1-0 win last week.  

The Business Management major talked about their recent games against Mass-Bay Maritime and Wheaton (Mass.). "Mass Maritime was a tough game, a long bus ride, and odd weather. Vanilton Xavier had a goal called back, which had us still chasing to get a goal in the first half. Eventually, Waladdine Hounane scored the game-winner. Guys are stepping up and getting it done for us on any given day, as the coach says we always need to find ways to win. Against Wheaton it was just my turn to step up, George Zuleta won the ball, Jair Alvarez played Kyle Lobao out wide, and I was lucky enough to be the one to knock it home off Lobao's cross. My name might be on the stat sheet, but our team got it done. Michael Flynn with a goal-line save, Dylan Senra and James Meli blocking shots for all ninety minutes. I was glad I could contribute a goal for our team in a big game." 

Walsh started playing soccer when he was five years old; he expressed what it means to be captain. "I was honored to be named captain this year for my senior season. To wear the captain's band is an amazing feeling. I am lucky enough to share it with two guys who embody the program every day, James Meli and Dylan Senra. To me, the trust that Coach Correia has in me means a lot to me. He found me playing in a random league and brought me to Salem on a limb. I have a lot of respect for the way he carries himself and runs this program. So, with the opportunity to play and captain his squad, that he puts his heart and soul into, it is an unmatched feeling. I am unbelievably grateful and thankful to him for that."  

As a captain, there is a lot of responsibility that goes into it. "Holding yourself and everybody accountable. As a captain, you should be setting the standard and pushing it. Whether that is in the classroom or on the pitch. Motivating and holding people accountable is a massive piece along with finding ways to get people more involved and included. Being a respectful image of the program, with maturity and class. Always looking to uplift, encourage, and grow the team as a unit."

The Westford native talked about the remaining conference games that are left and how competitive those games are going to be. "Conference games are always tough, we always have close games with all these teams. You can't deny Westfield is 3-1 in conference and Worcester is starting to get going again. So, both of those games are big. MCLA is a tough game too, so we can't take any conference games lightly."

As far as the importancy of finishing the season strong and hopefully earning a first-round bye for the playoffs. "The bye is a huge opportunity to get a step ahead. You can win a ring without a bye, but it is very difficult. We are always looking to get a bye and hopefully be the top seed heading into the playoffs. We love the support of our fans, family, and supporters, getting a bye and home semi-final means one more opportunity to play in front of them. October in Salem has historically been a good month, we start to string wins together and get a bit of momentum to run into playoffs with. So, staying sharp and getting results is always key in October."

He expressed his goal for this season other than winning a championship. "Personally, I set goals and standards for myself to hit for the season. I am always chasing first-team all-conference or another accolade I could get, like a Player of The Week award. Though none of that matters as the season goes on if we don't get a championship ring. Nothing less than a championship win and a ticket to the NCAA Tournament, that's the goal. Personal goals and awards are always nice to receive, but as the coach says team first. Always We over Me."

Walsh mentioned an interesting fact about him. "I played for two years at a JUCO school and then transferred to Salem State to play soccer because of coach Correia. He found me at an indoor soccer league and invited me to play. I only was playing in that league because I had broken my jaw, and it was the only spot I could play that my mom didn't know about." 

As for his go-to meal. "I will usually eat a good amount ahead of time before a game. The night before I enjoy going for some pasta with sauce and a glass of chocolate milk. But pregame is usually a bit of steak and rice a solid three hours before. Then I always grab a banana to reduce cramping with water. Maybe, I'll sneak in a little cookie for some sugar."

He didn't have a favorite team growing up, but he mentioned the team that he supported was because of his idols. "I never really had a team and still don't now. I usually enjoy watching certain players. Then inherently when one of my favorite players is on a certain team I will root for that team. Truthfully though, I don't have a team that I fully support. I used to support Barcelona for Messi, Chelsea for Eden Hazard, and sometimes now Manchester City for Phil Foden. But unfortunately, I never picked one singular team, my team always jokes with me about that."  

Walsh mentioned two professional soccer athletes he would like to see in person. "Due to his current form, I would love to watch Phil Foden play. He is so tricky and technical, but wise at such a young age. Then of course there is also Leo Messi. The best player of all time, to see him in person would be a dream come true."   

Another person who has impacted Walsh is his younger brother Wubbie.  "Wubbie, is two years younger than me and yet still seemingly right next to my abilities, which pushes me every day. A little unspoken sibling rivalry. He always had a way of getting on my nerves, but also understanding me throughout our shared childhood. Wubbie and I were always together on the field or off. He always was into contact sports and was stronger, meanwhile, I was into less contact and more running sports. We had our differences, but we mended together very well. His physicality taught me how to be scrappy when I couldn't physically move someone. I would say he has changed and improved my life in a unique way of being more than a brother to me. To that, I am eternally grateful."

Walsh and the Vikings will take on Clark University on Wednesday night at Alumni Field. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.