Head coach Greg Sutton is pleased to announce two key recruits – Demba Sylla and Sean Holmes – have committed to the Concordia men’s soccer program and will join the team at training camp in August.
Sylla, an accomplished defender, has a long soccer résumé dating back to his days at Dawson College and at Quinnipiac University, a Division 1 institution in Hamden, Conn. where he played 13 games as a freshman in 2011-12.
The Montreal native also suited up for St. Leonard U21 and currently represents the Club de soccer des Étoiles de l’Est in Laval, Que. He’s in his fifth season with the men’s senior elite AAA team.
“I’m excited about having Demba with us this fall,” said Sutton. “He’s going to give us some experience on the back line. His leadership ability will help push our team forward. He’s also dynamic on the attack. He likes to get involved.”
Holmes, a midfielder from Cantley, Que., comes out of the John Abbott College soccer program. He also plays for FC Gatineau in the Première Ligue de Soccer du Québec.
“Sean is going to bring athleticism and quality to our midfield,” said Sutton. “We like his determination and aggressiveness. I feel he has the engine to be a box-to-box midfielder.
“We have high expectations for Demba and Sean,” added Sutton. “They will compete and push others to play their best. These are players who can step in and contribute right from the start.”
Both Sylla and Holmes say academics was a key factor in their selecting Concordia.
“I chose Concordia for my education,” said Sylla who wants to study Sciences. “After going to school in the U.S. I wanted to keep going with my studies in English. Also, I like the soccer team and I feel it’s going in the right direction.”
Holmes is looking at the university’s Finance program. “John Molson School of Business is renowned,” he said. “And Montreal is a good city to go to school in.”
