Utica's Watson wins number 100

Coach Eric Watson

Utica College Head Men's Soccer Coach Eric Watson earned his 100th collegiate victory on Saturday night in his team's win over host SUNYIT 2-0 in Marcy, NY.

“These milestones are always nice to cross because it means we are winning, but most of all it reminds me of the talented student-athletes and coaches that I have been fortunate to work with over the years,” said Watson.  “Right now we need to take it game by game and hopefully we can keep the ball rolling after a successful start.”

Watson, who now holds a 100-70-19 overall mark in 11 seasons (three different schools), hopes to guide UC to its third straight victory on Wednesday night when the Pioneers travel to Cazenovia College.  The contest is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

Prior to coming to Utica at the beginning of last season, Watson spent four years at SUNY New Paltz where he went 25-39-8 overall and was named the SUNYAC Coach of the Year in 2010.  Before New Paltz, Watson spent five years at Linfield where he compiled an overall record of 62-24-10 and led his team to the NCAA Division III Tournament in 2002 and 2003. In 2003, Linfield picked up the Northwest Conference (NWC) Championship and Watson was later named NWC Coach of the Year.

Watson also served as the Head Coach of the women's soccer program at Linfield in 2002 and 2003. Before joining Linfield, Watson spent two seasons as the men's assistant soccer coach at the University of Richmond. He was involved with goalkeeper training, recruiting and scouting opponents. From 1998-2000, Watson served as the assistant men's soccer coach at Williams College. The Ephs posted a combined record of 32-3-2 and reached the NCAA DIII semifinals in 1998 and the quarterfinals in 1999.

He also worked as a club coach for F.C. Portland, the Oregon Olympic Development staff and the Richmond Capitals club. Watson holds a class “A” coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation and a goalkeeper diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

As a player, Watson enjoyed a distinguished career at Williams College from 1993-1996. He was a senior captain in 1996 and helped his team reach the NCAA DIII quarterfinals. In 1995, his team went undefeated with a record of 17-0-2 and claimed the NCAA Division III National Championship. Williams appeared in the NCAA title game in 1993 and posted a 16-1-1 record on its way there.

Watson received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Williams College in 1997 and completed his master's degree in Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002.