In September, the USSA Eagles men’s soccer team won its historic first match 3-2 against Union 10 at Trione Park in Daphne. Andrew Flad scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second half. Leonardo Argote started the scoring with USSA’s first ever goal – a stunning midfield shot early in the first half – and the Eagles added a goal on a penalty kick from Henry McMurphy.
The team plays under the leadership of longtime collegiate and professional coach Peter Fuller.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be the first head coach for soccer at the United States Sports Academy,” Fuller said. “We are excited to welcome in our first class of players for this fall, and we are looking forward to what the future holds for this school and sports program. It is a wonderful project and one that I am incredibly pleased with and proud of.”
One of the team’s leaders is winger Kelton Bailey. A graduate of Daphne High, Bailey was a varsity player for the Trojans from eighth grade through his senior year. He played for two DHS teams that made the AHSAA Final Four.
Before the season, Bailey recruited several members of the Eagles team in the lead up to the season. Now, he works as an intern in USSA’s admissions office, where he recruits the next class of Eagles.
”We have great players, but they are also very good teammates,” Bailey said. “Working with coach Fuller, and being a player under his development in this specific moment is really exciting.
“I am learning so much about being a soccer player and about being a soccer coach. That’s what I want to do, and there’s no one better to learn under than him. Getting my degree in sports management, and learning from coach Fuller, is helping me develop as a player, as a coach, and as a person.
“I’ve met all of the staff, faculty, and all the students and everyone has been very welcoming. It has been very fun, and very challenging at the same time. It has been a great experience, and I’m so thankful to be part of it.”
As a member of USSA’s admissions team, Bailey attends college fairs, visits high schools, and walks students through the enrollment process. He plans to develop his skills as a recruiter and use those in a career as a college soccer coach when he graduates.
“I am getting to work with the next generation of USSA students,” he said. “Learning to be a recruiter here will definitely benefit me in my next career as a coach. Working here means a lot to me. It makes me feel like I have a purpose and a real opportunity to give back to others.”
