Posts by Matt Ney
Dan Murphy
Matt Freibaum
Matt was a three-year starter at York College of Pennsylvania in his playing days, where he was named an All-Conference forward. He also spent two collegiate seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), competing in the second round of back-to-back NCAA Tournaments.
After graduation, Matt spent two years coaching youth soccer in Maryland with Coerver Coaching. He worked with youth boys and girls of all ages to improve their technique and directed summer soccer camps across the DMV.
In 2019, Matt served two years as a Division 1 first assistant at Wofford College in South Carolina. In 2021, he joined the women’s soccer staff at American University, where he is entering his 4th fall season as an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development. He currently holds his US Soccer C-License.
Matt is a former Bethesda Soccer Club youth player and grew up in Mt. Airy, Maryland.
Abou Ceesay
Coach Ceesay had a diverse background and experience as a player and coach. As a native of The Gambia, he was among the youngest to play in The Gambian league and on the Under 17 National Team. During that time, he traveled to compete in other African countries such as Senegal, Mail, Guinea Conakry, etc. At 18, Ceesay migrated to the United States to join his parents. He has been a member and player (as an offensive midfielder) of the D.C. Gambians Soccer team for over 20 years. During his tenure, he received various awards, including being the leading goal scorer and best player in the tournament. For the past few years, Ceesay has also coached the Young D.C Gambians team in multiple tournaments nationwide, leading to championship wins in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida. With his experience, Ceesay will help further develop the Bethesda Soccer Club teams and lead them to championship success in their regional competitions.
Alex Allen
Alex played for Bethesda for 6 years in the DA system – the predecessor of MLS Next. He went on to play 4 years of Division 1 Soccer at UC San Diego, captaining the team and gaining All-Conference honors his senior year. His coaching philosophy is centered around developing technical, confident, intelligent players, and most importantly, fostering joy for the game. He is a teacher in MCPS at Blair High School.
2023 College Commitment List
| Samantha | Aronson | Boston University | Patriot |
| Drew | Bernard | U of Maryland | Big 10 |
| Peyton | Bernard | U of Maryland | Big 10 |
| Chase | Borntreger | USAFA | WAC |
| Talia | Feigin | U. of Houston | AAC |
| Aranda | Hurge | U of Arizona | PAC 12 |
| Kaeden | Koons-Perdikis | Duke | ACC |
| Giavana | Liberto | Vanderbilt | SEC |
| Eleanor | Maxon | Wofford | SOCON |
| Asia | Mickens-Perez | Howard University | NEC |
| Dominique | Popa | U Miami of Ohio | MAC |
| Yazmeen | Smith | Temple University | AAC |
| Mandy | Hill | Shepard University | PSAC |
| Anya | Sander | Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) | Liberty League |
| Dayana | Rivera | CCBC Essex | NJCAA |
| Julia | Lebron | University of Central Lancaster, England | England (Country) |
| Olivia | Connolly | Hamilton College | NESCAC |
| Maya | Soliszewska-Deng | Seton Hall | Big East |
| Oluwayomi | Adamo | UMBC | America East |
| Ethan | Beauman-Ansah | Bradley University | Missouri Valley Conf |
| Conrad | Brady | Penn State | Big 10 |
| Rory | Brookhart | Colgate University | Patriot League |
| Dan | Dobrin | George Washington University | A10 |
| Matthew | Helfrich | Georgetown University | Big East |
| Bardia | Horzomi | Princeton | Ivy League conference |
| Tolu | Joseph | Evansville University | Missouri Valley Conf |
| Liam | Keiller | Howard | NEC |
| Cameron | Lamptey | Radford University | Big South |
| Jacob | Macdonald | Mount St. Mary’s | NEC |
| Mark | Nakamura | George Washington University | Atlantic 10 |
| Nathaniel | Smith | Cornell University | Ivy League conference |
| Matthew | Thissell | University of Virginia | ACC |
| Nik | Avillo | Washington University of St.Louis | UAA |
| Gianluca | Conte | McDaniel College | Centennial Conference |
| Charlie | Emery | Connecticut College | NESCAC |
| Noah | Greiff | Bates College | NESCAC |
| Keito | Ishibashi | Bowdoin College | NESCAC |
| Wadhwa | Kavi | Rockford University | NACC |
| Art | Keys | Swarthmore College | Centennial Conference |
| Braden | Kindred | St. Mary’s College | Coast to Coast |
| Drake | Lechliter | Roanoke | ODAC |
| Serrano | Matthew | Waynesburg University | ECAC |
| Andrew | McWhinney | Christopher Newport | Coast to Coast |
| Jake | Robey | St. Mary’s College | Coast to Coast |
| Parks | Tolton | McDaniel College | Centennial Conference |
| Max | Bean | St. Andrews Univeristy | Scotland (Country) |
| Winston | Oziri | University of Cumberland | England (Country) |
Ekkono Partnership
Bethesda Soccer Partners With Ekkono To Provide Cognitive Training BETHESDA, MD (Nov 2023) – Bethesda Soccer is pleased to announce a monumental partnership with Ekkono Academy. Ekkono will work closely with club coaches and players to provide game awareness, perception, and cognitive training. Starting this winter, clinics and programs will advance our players and coaches. Several of the clubs’ programs will incorporate this into the curriculum. These additions aim to improve our Bethesda players’ and teams’ overall decision-making and intelligence.
What is the Ekkono Method? The Ekkono Method, a well-regarded soccer training methodology, emphasizes fostering players who excel in game interpretation and decision-making. Conceived over 20 years ago by David Hernández and Carles Romagosa, it’s a cognitive soccer training approach aiming to create “smart players” capable of finding intelligent solutions during play. The core objective is to ensure players can accurately interpret the game dynamics and respond effectively, enhancing their overall on-pitch performance.
What the partnership will include:
- Training our Coaches
- Ekkono Coaches will work side by side, training our coaches at practices.
- Training our Players
- Ekkono Coaches will run clinics for our Youth Players working on spacing, perception, and decision-making.
- Working with Bethesda Technical Staff
- Ekkono will collaborate with our Technical Staff to develop and define training methodology.
Players that have trained under Ekkono: Christian Pulisic, Andi Sullivan, Cesc Fabregas, Jordi Alba
Clubs/Federations that have used their methodology: PSG, Pachuca, and the Japanese Federation.
About Bethesda Soccer Club:
The Bethesda Soccer Club (BSC) is committed to creating a competitive, supportive, challenging, and fun environment for all our players to reach their potential through the beautiful game of soccer. With a commitment to our goals and appreciation for the opportunity, we accept the responsibility to develop young players. Since the beginning, Bethesda Soccer Club has been at the forefront of the sport’s rapid expansion in the DMV and across the United States. More information can be found online at www.bethesdasoccer.org
Rad Orthodontics to Become Official Orthodontics Partner of Bethesda Soccer Club
September 19, 2023 – Bethesda, MD: Bethesda Soccer Club and Rad Orthodontics announced today that they have agreed that Rad Orthodontics will become the Official Orthodontics Partner of Bethesda Soccer Club. Under the agreement, the two organizations will offer best-in-class orthodontic care and membership benefits throughout the Bethesda SC community.
Bethesda SC Executive Jonathon Colton said, “We are thrilled to partner with Rad Orthodontics and their outstanding team. Our shared commitment is to provide the entire Bethesda Soccer Club community with best-in-class healthcare options and resources, and this partnership with Rad Orthodontics is a shining example of that commitment. We are so fortunate to have this outstanding team of professionals join our club and look forward to a successful future ahead.”
“As an avid soccer fan and recreational player, I’m excited for our practice to be supporting our local youth soccer programs,” said Mehdy Rad, DMD, MS. Rad Orthodontics is renowned for providing the highest quality orthodontics care to their patients, and Rad Orthodontics looks forward to extending their services the entire Bethesda Soccer community (players, staff, alumni, family and friends alike). Their best-in-class quality and extensive experience are expertly complemented by ease of scheduling and outstanding customer service to provide unparalleled value and patient experience.
About Bethesda Soccer Club:
The Bethesda Soccer Club (BSC) is committed to creating a competitive, supportive, challenging, and fun environment for all our players to reach their potential through the beautiful game of soccer. With commitment to our goals and appreciation for the opportunity, we accept the responsibility to develop young players. Since the beginning Bethesda Soccer Club has been at the forefront of the sport’s rapid expansion in the DMV and across the United States. More information can be found online at www.bethesdasoccer.org.
About Rad Orthodontics:
As a top 1% Invisalign provider, Rad Orthodontics is a standout practice in orthodontic and dentofacial treatments, offering proactive and state-of-the-art solutions for our patient’s oral health. Rad Orthodontics provides a friendly environment where patients are treated like family and providers use the highest precision systems to deliver superior orthodontic care. To experience the excellence of Rad Orthodontics, call one of the four locations or book an appointment online today. For more information, please go to www.radsmile.com.
Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates Partnership
June 27, 2023 – Bethesda, MD: Bethesda Soccer Club and Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates (PVOA) announced today that they have entered into an agreement through which PVOA will become the Official Orthopaedic Partner of Bethesda Soccer Club. Under the agreement, the two organizations will offer best-in-class orthopaedic care and membership benefits throughout the Bethesda SC community.
Bethesda SC Executive Jonathon Colton said, “We are thrilled to partner with Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates and their world-class team of physicians. Our shared goal is to provide the players, families, and staff in our club with the best-in-class healthcare options and resources available and an efficient and effective path to treatment, and we are so fortunate to have such an accomplished team of professionals join our club.”
“We are very excited that Bethesda Soccer Club has chosen CAO/PVOA to address the musculoskeletal healthcare needs of their membership,” said Rob Volk, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates. “We are eager to provide the highest quality and leading-edge orthopaedic care to not only the Bethesda Soccer player but also the staff, alumni, family, and friends alike. Our wide range of specialization and experience, combined with on-site physical therapy, radiology, and ease of scheduling, sets us apart. However, our dedication to individualized care and comprehensive approach is what defines us. We are proud to offer life-enhancing care to help our patients return to the active lifestyle required for healthy living.”
About Bethesda Soccer Club:
The Bethesda Soccer Club (BSC) is committed to creating a competitive, supportive, challenging, and fun environment for all our players to reach their potential through the beautiful game of soccer. With a commitment to our goals and appreciation for the opportunity, we accept the responsibility to develop young players. Since the beginning, Bethesda Soccer Club has been at the forefront of the sport’s rapid expansion in the DMV and across the United States. More information can be found online at www.bethesdasoccer.org.
About Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates:
For more than 45 years, Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates has provided comprehensive orthopedic care for patients of all ages in Montgomery and Howard County. We use the latest advances in orthopaedics with proven results to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate all injuries. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons have extensive training and experience in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery and have served as team physicians for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), the Miami Dolphins (NFL), the Florida Panthers (NHL), and Florida International University (NCAA Div-1). With dedicated physical therapy clinics in our four locations, our physicians can work with our physical therapists to determine an evidence-based treatment plan specific to each patient’s needs or goals. For more information, please go to www.pvoac.com.
Zach Weidman
Weidman joins Bethesda after previously spending two seasons as a graduate assistant at the University of the Cumberlands. During the spring 2021 season, Weidman led the Patriots to their first Mid-South conference title and an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinals. UC finished the spring with a No. 6 ranking in the final national poll, the highest ranking in program history.
Primarily responsible for the goalkeepers, he directed the unit to one of their most successful seasons between the posts. In the spring 2021 campaign, the keepers recorded nine shutouts (seventh-most in NAIA) and 14 wins, the most since 2010 for the program. At UC, he coached an NAIA All-American and 15 All-Conference performers.
A native of Concord, Mich., Weidman played at Spring Arbor University. He played four seasons with the Cougars and boasted a .833 record as a goalkeeper. While at Spring Arbor, Weidman served as the men’s soccer representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and was the team’s NAIA Champion of Character.
Weidman holds his USSF D License and a CoachTech Analytical Analysis Diploma.
Parnell Hegngi
Coaching Experience
Enrolled in UEFA ‘C’ License from Germany
TuS Wesfalia Wethmar Youth Teams
Luener SV Youth Teams
DeMatha Catholic High School Varsity Associate Head Coach: 4 Years
DeMatha Soccer Academy Technical Director: 4 Years
Washington Capital United U15-U19 Age Group Director: 2 Years
Playing Experience
Bethesda Mavericks
DeMatha Catholic High School Varsity: All-Met, All-Conference
The Ohio State University: Big Ten All-Conference
Played Professionally in Germany: SC Westfalia Herne, Luener SV, Rot Weiss Essen, Westfalia Wickede