By MAX PRINZ
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Senior Nathaniel Bekoe has played a major role on the men’s soccer team for each of his four years at Fordham. He was named First Team All-Atlantic 10 his sophomore year, was a Third Team NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region selection last year and has started 47 of the 48 games he has appeared in.
The Fordham Ram: You were born in Ghana. How did you end up coming to Fordham?
Nathaniel Bekoe: Well, I got recruited to high school. I went to high school in Connecticut, the Hotchkiss school. I spent two years there, my junior and senior year, and then I got recruited to Fordham. There were a lot of schools giving me offers. It came down to Fordham and Boston University, and I chose Fordham because I thought it was the best fit for me.
TFR: You’ve played a major role on the team each season. How does it feel knowing this season is your last?
NB: It’s tough to think that it’s my last season. Sometimes I don’t believe it is my last one. I’m always thinking about the next game. I try not to think it’s my last year; I just play like I’m still in college. I haven’t changed my approach that much, and I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself. I think about each game as it comes.
TFR: You’re a vocal leader on the pitch. What goes into that?
NB: I think it’s about the culture where I grew up in Ghana. It’s different on the field in Ghana. In Ghana, people talk a lot more than they do here. When I was younger, my youth coach pressured us to talk to each other. If you don’t talk a lot, you’re going to struggle. I’m definitely a vocal person, but it’s more about my culture and where I grew up.
TFR: What has been your favorite moment at Fordham?
NB: There are two actually. One was when we beat Temple my sophomore year. We beat them in the last regular season game to clinch an A-10 championship spot. It was great because we tied it up and then won in the second overtime.
The second is when we beat Charlotte. We beat them 1-0 at home. They were ranked, and that was a really great moment.
TFR: The team has scored five goals this season from five different players. Is that your strategy or just a fluke?
NB: It’s good to get everybody involved. I like that five different guys have scored, I think it’s a good thing. I’d like to have 11 guys scoring one goal each rather than one guy scoring 11 goals. You never know when someone’s going to have a bad day.
TFR: What are the team’s goals for this season?
NB: Obviously we want to make the playoffs and try to make our first NCAA tournament. It depends on how hard we work. We’re under .500, and we’re trying to get back up there. The main goal is to finish up well in the conference, play well in the conference tournament and try to make the NCAA.
TFR: Do you have any plans for after graduation?
NB: No, not yet. I don’t really have any idea yet. I’m still working hard in school and playing soccer so whichever road opens up I will definitely take it.
