Up the Bohs!
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Stephen Ho (UMBC) and Justin Burrell (Louisburg) will also line up in the midfield this season. On defense, Philippines international Philip Greatwich has signed with the club after stints at Brighton & Hove Albion, Burgess Hill Town, and Towson University. Georgetown defender Cole Seiler, who started 21 games for the Hoyas this past season, will join the Bohs in the back, along with Jacob Bender (Messiah) and another Hartlepool prospect, Ryan Tuck (Loyola).
Goalkeepers Billy Heavner (UMBC) and Daniel Sheerin (Penn State) will join Harris in the net.
Previously announced returning players include last year's captain Mamadou Kansaye (UMBC), and fellow midfielders Brian Graham (UNC-Greensboro), Malcolm Harris (UMBC), and Austin Martz (Georgetown). Defenders Marquez Fernandez (UMBC), Jacob Nelson (St. Joseph's) and Matt Shinsky (Columbia), as well as goalkeeper Andrew Harris (Wake Forest) will also return in the back.
Baltimore's season kicks off on Wednesday May 14 at home in a US Open Cup match against Icon FC. Their first match of the Premier Development League regular season is Saturday May 17 at home against Northern Virginia Royals.
News & Updates
Bohs Announce roster for upcoming 2014 season
The Baltimore Bohemians have unveiled their new kits for the 2014 season. Returning from the previous kits, a yellow and black checkered pattern makes up the the home kit. While new technical sponsor Under Armor have created red and white kit, similar to Arsenals 125th Anniversary kit from 2011/2012. Also new this year is the majority kit sponsor, Chesapeake Employers Insurance. The shirts will be available at home games and the clubs online shop for $60.
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The Baltimore Bohemians have announced their complete team roster for the upcoming 2014 PDL Season. Leading the attack will be Georgetown forward Brandon Allen who was named the Big Easts Rookie of the year in 2012. Allan has scored 27 goals in in 47 games for Georgetown and has played with the U-20 USMNT. Playing alongside Allen will be former Towson University forward Olakunle Banjo who will be moving to UMBC. Colin Bonner (UNC-Wilmington), Jeremy DeGraffenreidt (Louisville), John Jlopleh (Villanova) and English recruit Connor Thompson (Loyola) will round out the attack.
Former Archbishop Curley midfielder Ricky Greensfelder (Wake Forest) will join the Bohs this season in the center of the pitch, along with former Hartlepool United man Dominic Marshall (Loyola).
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The World Cup isn't the only place you'll find international soccer this summer
With the ongoing 2014 World Cup, many Maryland soccer fans might be surprised to find that an internationally capped soccer player resides much closer to home. Philip Greatwich who is in his first season as a defender with the Baltimore Bohemians, also has caps for the Philippines National Soccer team.
Although Philip was born in Brighton, England, Philip’s mother was born in the Philippines, which under FIFA regulations, makes him eligible to play for their national team. Since 2007 Greatwich has had 12 caps for the Philippines, taking part in such tournaments as the 2007 ASEAN Cup and the 2008 Challenge Cup. Greatwich played in all three matches in the ASEAN Cup, and was named Best Young Player of the tournament.
The Philippine Football Federation was founded in 1907 and played their first international match on February 4th, 1913. Thier first match was a 2-1 win over China. While the nation has competed in World Cup qualification, the nation is still looking for their first trip to the finals. The team is nicknamed the Azkals, which is a type of wild canine native to the Philippines. The nickname carries the idea that the team plays the underdog role, that they fight hard for each victory and they look for the chance to grab headlines on the international footballing stage.
Growing up in the football loving country of England and having a father who played semi-professional soccer, it's no surprise that Philip also loves the beautiful game. He played soccer as a youth as was scouted by local clubside Brighton-Hove Albion. He made his senior debut for Burgess Hill Town of the Isthmian League Division One South.
He spent two years at the club before moving to the United States to attend Towson University. He has lived in the US for the last 8 and a half years. During his time with Towson, Greatwich started receiving attention from the Philippine FA getting his first call up in October 2006.
Philip is not the only football star in his family. His older brother Chris and younger brother Simon are also Philippine international players. While all three have not been on the field at the same time, he admits that it is a nice and unique experience that not many players get to have.
“I first drew attention from the FA from my brothers. I spent some time with the U-21 and U-23 teams.” said Greatwich. “I remember a game against Thailand. I was the second youngest player in the tournament, I had a throw in go off the head of a player from Thailand. I then remember some 25,000 people booing me.”
After multiple international appearances, Philip’s coach at Towson made him aware that further extended trips to the Philippines would put his spot with the Tigers in jeopardy and his grades might suffer. The trip to The Philippines from Maryland can take up to 28 hours and involve 5 different flights.
During that time, Greatwich said he has encountered one of the biggest regrets of his playing career. “We had a friendly scheduled against the LA Galaxy. Beckham was still with the team at the time. I wish I had played. To play against someone like David Beckham would have been a fantastic opportunity.”
The Philippines also have some similarities with the United States Men’s National Team, they are coached by a German/American coach by the name of Thomas Dooley who was an assistant coach with the United States until 2011. Dooley captained the United States during the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Dooley would earn 81 caps for the United States while spending most of his playing career in Germany. He spent five seasons in MLS with the Columbus Crew and the NY/NJ MetroStars, retiring in 2000.
“He (Dooley) has learned a lot from Klinsmann. He changed the mentality in a very positive way. He brought more organization to how the team operates.” Greatwich explained. “He’s not afraid to take some chances to get results. He’s going out and finding talent to help improve the team even more.”
That growth brought on by Dooley has not gone unnoticed. The Philippines were ranked 195th in the world by FIFA and through that hard work have fought their way up to as high as 127th this February. The team has been singled out by the footballing community, with the Azkals making the front page of FIFA.com during their rise in the rankings.
“Our goal is now to get result against the first tier teams.” Greatwich explained. “We’ve been able to compete and win against countries like Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. We’re building up to getting results against teams like Australia, and New Zealand.”
“What has been most memorable for me, playing internationally, has to be when I scored in the 85th minute against Cambodia. I scored off a corner to make it, 3-2. We went on to win 4-2. At 18 years old that's quite something.”
Having international caps means that when the latest editions of FIFA and Football Manager debut, there is a good chance at least one of the Greatwich brothers are in there.
“No we don’t change the ratings or anything.” He joked when asked about their inclusion in the games. “We’re just grateful to be included.”
Having completed his degree in Sports Management in 2011, Philip is looking to get back with the national team. He’s spending his playing time with the Bohemians and Pipeline Soccer Club. He is also a Varsity Coach at the Friends School in Baltimore.
“I loving being part of the team. I remember being the young kid, new to the scene and eager to compete and earn results. I hope to be a role model on whatever I squad I play for.”
Bohemians release 2014 home and away jerseys
Greatwich will be looking to rejoin his national team, and brothers (Chris pictured) and help the Azkals climb the FIFA rankings.