Concordia Director of Recreation and Athletics D’Arcy Ryan is pleased to announce a new and innovative approach to the Stingers soccer programs that will be implemented under the leadership of Greg Sutton.
Sutton will serve as master coach and oversee both the women’s and men’s programs at Concordia University. He will be responsible for the administration and tactical components, develop young coaches to work with the teams and set up soccer programs that offer the local community opportunities to learn and enjoy the sport.
“We are thrilled that Greg has accepted a larger role with the Stingers,” said Ryan. “He is well-respected in the soccer community and has enjoyed success at every level of the sport. He was an accomplished university athlete and has an exceptional understanding of the student experience.
“This is an exciting time for our soccer programs and we look forward to watching their progress."
Sutton has more than 10 years of coaching experience, including several years at Concordia. He served as an assistant coach with the men’s program for two years before taking over as head coach in 2013. He will also draw on his 14 years as a professional soccer player.
“I envision both programs working closer together and sharing the same philosophy,” Sutton said. “My commitment is to bring both teams to a high standard. I’m looking forward to this new challenge.”
An outstanding goalkeeper, Sutton began his professional career in 1999 with the Chicago Fire of the Major League Soccer (MLS). He signed with the Montreal Impact in 2001. During the 2003 season he helped the Impact become the USL (United Soccer Leagues) squad with the lowest goals allowed total. The same year Sutton won the Goalkeeper of the Year honor for his league-leading 0.73 goals-against average. He won the honor three more times and was the USL MVP in 2004.
Sutton left Montreal after the 2006 season to play in the MLS with Toronto and New York. He returned to the Impact in 2011.
A native of Hamilton, Ont., Sutton spent much of his youth in Bethel, Conn. and went on to play for St. Lawrence University where he graduated with a BA in Education.
The Stingers will open camp in mid-August and host their first RSEQ games on Aug. 29 versus the UQAM Citadins at Concordia stadium.
