Coaching Staff
Eric Watson
Head Coach
Mr. Eric Watson enters his second season as the head men’s soccer coach in 2008. Watson joined the New Paltz staff after spending five years as the head men’s soccer coach at Linfield College in McMinnville, OR. Most recently, Watson has served as the 2008 goalkeeper coach for the US Under-23 Women's National Team.
While at Linfield, he compiled an overall record of 62-24-10. and led his team to the NCAA playoffs in 2002 and 2003. In 2003, Linfield claimed the Northwest Conference (NWC) championship and in 2005 Watson was named the NWC Coach of the Year. Watson also served as the women’s soccer coach in 2002 and 2003. Prior to Lindfield, Watson spent two seasons as the men’s assistant soccer coach at the University of Richmond. He was heavily involved with goalkeeper training, recruiting future players and scouting opponents. From 1998-2000, Watson served as the assistant men's soccer coach at Williams College. The program compiled a 31-3-2 record and reached the NCAA Division III semifinals in 1998 and the quarterfinals in 1999. He has worked extensively as a club coach for F.C. Portland, the Oregon Olympic Development Program, the Regional Olympic Development staff and the Richmond Capitals Club. He holds a Class “A” coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation and a goalkeeper diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Watson enjoyed a distinguished playing career at Williams College from 1993-1996. He was a senior captain in 1996 and helped lead his team to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals. In1995 his team went undefeated with a record of 17-0-2 and claimed the NCAA Division III National Championship. Williams appeared in the NCAA Division title game in 1993 and posted a 16-1-1 record. Watson received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Williams in 1997 and completed his master's degree in Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002.
Contact Eric Watson at ext. 2342 or watsone@newpaltz.edu.
Kyle Clancy
Assistant Coach
Kyle Clancy begins his third season as the Assistant Coach for the New Paltz men's soccer team. He assists Coach Watson in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, opponent scouting, game preparation and player training. Outside of New Paltz he has coached the East Hudson Academy Under 13 Team and is the assistant coach for the '96 boys Olympic Development Program team. Clancy has worked several camps and holds an advanced national diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Prior to New Paltz, Clancy was a member of the Dominican College men's soccer program from 2002-2006. He holds the Dominican school record of 171 career points (75 goals, 21 assists) and was named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006. He was a first team All-Conference player all four years, a three time first team All-Region selection and in 2006 he capped of his accomplishments by being named the CACC male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Clancy is a 2006 graduate of Dominican College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training.
Contact Kyle Clancy at ext. 2690 or clancyk@newpaltz.edu.
Liam Welsh
Volunteer Coach
Liam Welsh will be joining the men’s soccer team as a volunteer coach in fall of 2008. Welsh joined the SUNY New Paltz Athletic Department in June as a Special Assistant to the Athletic Director.
Welsh comes to SUNY New Paltz from Siena College in Loudonville, New York, where he graduated in May of 2008.
As a freshman in 2004, Welsh was named Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Rookie of the Year and was All-MAAC Second Team. Playing center midfield Welsh recorded two goals for a total of four points on the year and was selected as MAAC Rookie of the Week.
As a sophomore in 2005, Welsh started in 17 games as a center back on defense.
As a junior, Welsh returned to the center midfield position scoring two goals and one assist for a total five points on the year. He was selected Second Team All-MAAC and was a recipient of the MAAC Male Sportsmanship Award. Welsh also served as team captain in 2006.
As a senior, Welsh returned back to the defense playing center back and started all 20 games for the Saints in 2007 serving as team captain for the second consecutive season. He was selected as All-MAAC First Team and was named National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA)/ Adidas North Atlantic All-Region Third Team. Welsh was the winner of the MAAC Male Sportsmanship Award.
Contact Liam Welsh at ext. 3930 or welshl@newpaltz.edu.