On Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, Neshaminy seniors Dan Grindrod and Dylan McDonald were recognized for committing to play soccer at the collegiate level. To view photos of the signing event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Dylan McDonald – Syracuse University (Soccer)
Major: Political Science
Final list of colleges: Syracuse, Bucknell
Reasons for choosing Syracuse: “The high level soccer program and playing in the ACC. Also, it was a good academic fit.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “About eighth grade when I moved to my current club team, Match Fit Academy, I started thinking about playing in college.”
Coach Tom Foley says: “Dylan was a great player for us for four years. He was third team (all-league) his freshman year and first team the last three. He stepped in and was a force from the start. He sees the game well, he’s very fast, he’s great in the air, and he very rarely gets beat, and when he does, he has the speed to catch up. He erases a lot of mistakes for us and was very dangerous on corners for us. He probably scored three or four goals off of corners, which is huge. He’s going to be very difficult to replace. He was the anchor of our defense. That’s going to be a big question mark going into this year – how do we keep the ball out of the net without him back there because he’s been back there for four years for us. He’s going to be difficult to replace. He’s just a good kid – very coachable. He’s going to an excellent program in Syracuse. They’ve been in the top 10 the last two or three years. It’s a great location for him, and hopefully, he breaks into the lineup. It’s not going to be easy, playing in the ACC, which is a top soccer (conference).”
About Dylan:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: Anchorman
Favorite music: Rap or Alternative
Dan Grindrod – West Chester University (Soccer)
Major: Mathematics
Final list of colleges: West Chester, Arcadia, La Salle
Reasons for choosing West Chester: “I liked the campus – it felt right when I was there. It’s a nice town, and it has good academics.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I’ve been playing soccer since I was four, so it’s always been a lifelong goal.”
Coach Tom Foley says: “Dan had 15 goals and 15 assists, and those kids don’t grow on trees. Dan sees the field very, very well. He’s a very good passer of the ball, and he got kids involved. Some of our forwards are very good finishers but might not be able to create shots for themselves, but Dan created shots for them. They did a good job of finishing, but Dan saw them and got them the ball in good places where they can finish. That’s a huge thing we have to replace this year. We have a couple of kids who can do it, but it’s tough to replace 15 goals and 15 assists. Dan had four or five goals off of free kicks this year that absolutely one was better than the previous. Those are difficult to come by too – kids that strike free kicks and get goals for you. Collectively, they (McDonald and Grindrod) were our engine and heart last year, and they’re going to be real difficult to replace.”
About Dan:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Step Brothers
Favorite music: Hip Hop
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