Pro Soccer Player Chris Aloisi Returns To Syracuse
7/18/2007 5:08:59 PM | Men's Soccer
Former Syracuse University men's soccer star Chris Aloisi made his way back to the Salt City on Wednesday, July 18. The current Rochester Rhinos defender was back in town to speak to members of Coach Dean Foti's Boys Soccer Camp being held this week at the Hookway Complex on E. Colvin Street.
Aloisi fielded questions from the more than 200 campers in attendance and spoke about his professional soccer experience, soccer idols, toughest opponents, and ways for players to keep their skills sharp in the offseason.
"It's great to be back in Syracuse," Aloisi said. "The memories came back as I was driving in. Dean and the rest of the Syracuse coaches have done so much for my career, anytime I can come back and help them out it's great."
Aloisi joined the Rhinos in the United Soccer League's (USL) First Division prior to the 2007 season, and has started 10 of the 13 games he's played in this summer. Prior to coming to Rochester, Aloisi spent three years in Major League Soccer (MLS) and was a member of the Houston Dynamo reserves when the squad won the league championship in 2006. Aloisi played for the San Jose Earthquakes in 2005 and made his MLS debut in 2004 for the Los Angeles Galaxy, which drafted him in the sixth round of that year's MLS SuperDraft.
At Syracuse, Aloisi is one of only two players in team history to serve as captain for three seasons (2001-03). He played for the Orange from 1999-2000 and from 2002-03. He redshirted the 2001 season after suffering a preseason knee injury.
Aloisi logged more than 70 matches in his SU career and was a three-time NSCAA All-Region selection. He concluded his collegiate career with four goals and four assists while playing mostly in the back.
Wednesday's visit was short for Aloisi, who had to head back to Rochester in the afternoon. The Rhinos had the day off, but resume training on Thursday in preparation for their July 21 match against Seattle.
Rochester is 7-6-6 through its first 19 games.
