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Date: 6/5/2015
SPRINGFIELD – Following a historic career, Springfield College senior Ryan Malone of Chicopee has signed a professional soccer contract with 1 FC Magdeburg in Germany’s 3. Liga.
Malone becomes the first Springfield College men's soccer player in the program's Division III history to sign a full-time professional contract after a series of tryouts led him to his pursuit of playing professional soccer. Under the guidance of head coach Steffen Siebert, several members of the Pride have had the opportunity to attend professional combines over the last several seasons.
“I am so thankful for coach Siebert and the Springfield College men's soccer program. Playing for him has changed my life for the better and he's taught me lessons in this game and in my life that I will forever cherish,” Malone said.
1 FC Magdeburg is a storied club with a rich history and tradition in winning throughout Europe as well as Germany. Most recently, 1 FC Madgeburg was the 2014-15 Northeast Division Champions and was promoted to Germany’s 3. Liga. Malone will play his home games in the brand-new Stadion Magdeburg, which is fully covered and sits over 27,000 spectators.
“I'm extremely excited to have Ryan start the tradition of Springfield College men's soccer players playing beyond their college years in one of the top soccer countries in the world. He has reached his goal of being a professional soccer player, and I know he will continue to develop and evolve while maintaining the values has developed as a member of our program,” said Siebert.
While earning a degree in sport management, Malone had a decorated soccer career with the Pride as he shined on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Malone was recognized as the 2014 NEWMAC Player of the Year, becoming the first Springfield men's soccer player over the last 22 seasons to win the conference's player of the year honor.
On a regional scale, Malone was the first player in Springfield's Division III men's soccer history to be named a regional player of the year after he was selected as the 2014 ECAC Men’s Soccer Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
In four seasons with the Pride, Malone totaled 69 points on 28 goals and 13 assists and helped lead the Pride to 2011 NEWMAC Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division III Championship, as well as the program's first-ever ECAC Division III New England Championship in 2013.