For Immediate Release: November 17, 2009
Contact: David O'Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6478

Pierce continues professional soccer career with Baltimore Blast

Baltimore Blast Website

VESTAL, N.Y.-- The 2009 Binghamton men's soccer campaign concluded last week but one of the Bearcats' alumni is just starting up his season. Ryan Pierce, a 2006 graduate, is beginning his third year with the Baltimore Blast of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).

Pierce is in an enviable situation. The MISL is the top professional indoor league in the United States. The Blast, meanwhile, is the most successful indoor soccer franchise, having won two consecutive league championships and five of the last seven titles.

This year, the Blast opened up its season on Nov. 13 at home against the Rockford Rampage. Despite suffering a 10-8 loss, Pierce and the Blast are optimistic about the season.

"Everyone is excited and buzzing about this season," Pierce said. "Everything is going well and (it) should be a very good season once again for us, especially coming off of back to back championship seasons. Hopefully we can continue the success this year and make it (three in a row)."

Besides being able to compete with one of the most successful indoor soccer organizations, Pierce has enjoyed living in the Baltimore area.

"I like Baltimore very much," he said. "The Inner Harbor gives you plenty to do during your down time as well as having various sporting venues to go to. One thing that I can not live without any longer is the crab dip from certain restaurants in the Baltimore area."

Pierce was a starting back for the Binghamton Bearcats in 2004 and 2005. He helped lead the squad to back-to-back appearances in the America East Conference title games. Binghamton was also nationally ranked during both seasons.

Binghamton head coach Paul Marco continues to stay in touch with Pierce, even though it has been nearly four years since he graduated. The eighth-year head coach is pleased with how Pierce's career is progressing.

"We are proud of what Ryan has been able to accomplish in his professional career," Marco said. "The MISL is the top indoor soccer league in the nation and the Baltimore Blast has a long and outstanding tradition of excellence."

The Baltimore Blast organization, meanwhile, has been just as pleased with Pierce and the impact he has had on its success.

"We're happy we were able to re-sign Ryan to a contract with the Baltimore Blast this season," said General Manager Kevin Healey. "Ryan has been with our team for two years and we have won two championships. We expect Ryan to continue to grow as a member of our organization and to continue to have an impact on our team as a defender. Ryan has also done a nice job for us in the community and represents our organization well."

When the Blast season ends in the spring, however, Pierce is not done playing professional soccer. The past two years, he has played in the United Soccer League (USL), which competes outdoors.

"During my off season with the Blast, I play for the USL 2 side Crystal Palace FC (CPFC) Baltimore," he said. "I was acquired by them through a trade with the Harrisburg City Islanders who I had played for my first two years as being a professional. Crystal Palace Baltimore is an affiliate of the Championship side from London England."

Despite his busy schedule, Pierce did have some down time during the summer. He took advantage of his free time by traveling overseas.

"After our season with CPFC came to an end I actually traveled to Madrid to see an old friend of mine," he said. "While over there, I ran into a few Spanish National team players, including Puyol, Xavi, Davil Silva and David Villa, all of whom were down to earth. I was also was able to see a Champion's League game between Real Madrid and Marseille in Madrid with excellent seats."

Pierce has been away from Binghamton going on four years but still keeps in touch with some of his former teammates. He also follows the current Binghamton squad.

"I got to watch Binghamton beat Boston last month when the game was on FOX Soccer Channel," he said. "I was very proud watching them get the win on national television."