GREG DALBY

Two-time All-American and former U-20 U.S. national team captain Greg Dalby returns for his second season as a Davidson men’s soccer assistant coach.

“Greg gained the players’ respect in his first season due to not just his playing abilities and insights, but also to his calm, nuanced determination," said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. "And he has the intentions and capacities to become a wonderful full-time coach once his pro playing career concludes.”

Dalby, a member of the Charlotte Eagles of the USL Pro and the team’s captain, starred for Notre Dame and led the U.S. effort at the 2005 FIFA Youth World Cup before being drafted by the Colorado Rapids with the 17th overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.

Dalby brings five seasons of professional soccer experience. Prior to joining the Eagles in 2010, the Poway, Calif. native spent two seasons with the Colorado Rapids, where he also served as a coach with the team’s youth academy. He spent his first pro season in Belgium with Royal Club Sporting Charleroi.

"I am really excited to join an institution of Davidson’s caliber, with its pedigree in soccer and strong academics,” said Dalby. “I can’t wait to begin working with the players and to be a part of such an experienced coaching staff in Coach Spear and Coach O’Brien. This is a great opportunity for me and I am honored to join and a be a part of the school and the soccer program."

At Notre Dame, Dalby stood out both on the field and in the classroom. A member of the team from 2003-2006, the four-year letterwinner was a M.A.C. Herman Trophy semifinalist and named to the NSCAA All-America First Team while serving as team captain in 2005 and 2006. Dalby was recognized as the Big East Midfielder of the Year following his senior season. The Fighting Irish were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country during his tenure and were crowned the 2003 Big East tournament and 2004 Big East regular season champions.

Dalby was a three-time Big East Academic All-Star and graduated from Notre Dame a semester early in December 2006 after double majoring in theology and film production. Notre Dame coaches and administrators honored him with the Byron V. Kanaley Award, an elite honor awarded to three student-athletes per year, which recognizes senior monogram winners who have excelled as both students and leaders.

Dalby displayed his soccer abilities early on, earning the 2002 Gatorade and Parade magazine High School National Player of the Year award.

“I am certain that Greg will add an immediate spark by demonstrating to our aspiring players what it takes to elevate their level of play,” said Spear. “Equally important is that he was a tremendous student too, and he embraces the premier academics of Davidson.” 

Ryan Souders

Charlotte Eagles goalkeeping coach Ryan Souders continues as an assistant coach for the Davidson men’s soccer program for a second season.

“Ryan grabbed the attention and belief from the goalkeepers in his first season," said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. "He’s honest and direct – what players need to identify their abilities, and make a path for progress. I also look forward to his continued development to impact the full team’s mindset in his second season.”

Souders helped lead Wheaton College (Ill.) to the 2006 Final Four with stellar goalkeeping, and has gained coaching experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. 

A native of Wheaton, Ill., Souders joined the Eagles in 2010 after competing for Bridges F.C. in Chicago in 2009. Prior to returning to the pitch, he served as the goalkeeping coach for the Cleveland City Stars Reserve Team and as an assistant at his alma mater, Wheaton College, in 2008. He served as an assistant at Gordon College in 2007.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to work with the Davidson soccer program,” said Souders. “I am immensely impressed by Coach Spear and Coach O’Brien in their character, work ethic, and knowledge of the game. Working with this staff will be an incredible experience and I am excited to learn and help out wherever I possibly can.”

At Wheaton, Souders ranks third in all-time single season shutouts with 11 and boasted a career .700 goals against average. His efforts in 2006, which drew sectional Most Valuable Player honors, helped Wheaton finish as national finalists. In addition to his four seasons on the soccer team, Souders also played on the baseball team for one season. He graduated in 2007 with a degree in kinesiology and business/economics.