RYAN HALL BECOMES HEAD COACH

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – With the team still in the hunt for a playoff spot in the MASL Eastern Division, Syracuse Silver Knights General Manager Tommy Tanner announced the club has decided to rearrange its coaching pieces for the balance of the season.

In doing so, Tanner has promoted Ryan Hall to the position of Head Coach, while moving former Coach Bryan O’Quinn to the club’s roster as a goalkeeper. O’Quinn, however, will still be a part of the decision-making process in evaluating players and determining the best interests of the team. 

Ryan Hall

“I liken it more to a three-headed monster in that Bryan will still be involved in all coaching decisions,” Tanner explained of the new arrangement, “but he will be making decisions from the field where we believe he can most likely help the team, both in practice and during games.”

Tanner lauded O’Quinn for helping the club make its push for the playoffs and coming out of retirement to train and play for the Silver Knights. He said it typifies O’Quinn’s unselfishness and willingness to do whatever he can to help the team win.

Bryan O'Quinn

“I look at it as we are making personnel changes that will have the greatest positive impact for the team,” Tanner added. “We have one month and nine games remaining to put our best foot forward and win as many games as we can heading into the playoffs.”

The move adds depth and leadership to the club’s defense, and it gives Hall a chance to call the shots and draw upon his more than a decade of experience as a professional player and coach. It will also have Tanner returning to the sidelines to help out for the team’s final nine games.

“Ryan is a very committed, dedicated student of the game,” Tanner said. “He has great contacts in the soccer community and in the Central New York community. From day one, Ryan has always been a very focused individual. Beyond his knowledge of the game and experience, he’s really good working with and developing players.”

Known for his high-energy style and tenacity, Hall invoked the words of UFC champion Conor McGregor in describing the team’s mindset earlier this season.

“We’re not just here to take part - we’re here to take over,” Hall said.

The first game of the Ryan Hall era as coach of the Silver Knights is a crucial battle against divisional foe Harrisburg on Friday night.

After that, Central New York soccer fans will have to wait until Syracuse battles the Chicago Mustangs on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 1 p.m. to see the new skipper and potentially O’Quinn in action. For information on tickets, call 315-303-7261.