Robert "Bob" Sreenan is a Scottish-American former professional soccer player and coach. He played as a defender in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and American Soccer League (ASL) during the 1960s and 1970s, notably winning the NASL championship with the Philadelphia Atoms in 1973. Following his playing career, Sreenan transitioned to coaching, achieving significant success at the collegiate level, particularly with Lock Haven University, whom he led to the NCAA Division II national championship game. He is an inductee of both the Lock Haven University Athletic Hall of Fame and the Lehigh Valley Sports Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Education
Born in Scotland, Sreenan moved to the United States and attended Lock Haven State College (now Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania), where he was a standout soccer player. He played collegiate soccer for the Lock Haven Bald Eagles, earning various honors for his performance.Playing Career
Sreenan began his professional career after being drafted by the Baltimore Bays in the 1968 NASL draft. His playing career spanned several professional leagues in the United States:- Baltimore Bays (1968): Played in the inaugural NASL season.
- Philadelphia Atoms (1973): Was a key member of the Atoms team that famously won the NASL championship in their inaugural season, defeating the Dallas Tornado.
- Washington Diplomats (1974): Continued his NASL career with the Dips.
- American Soccer League (ASL): Sreenan also played in the American Soccer League for teams such as the Philadelphia Spartans, Syracuse Suns, New Jersey Americans, and Pennsylvania Stoners. He was a consistent presence in American professional soccer throughout the 1970s.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Sreenan embarked on a successful coaching career, primarily at the collegiate level:- Lock Haven University (Men's Soccer, 1977–1981): Sreenan returned to his alma mater as head coach. During his tenure, he built a highly successful program, leading the Bald Eagles to the NCAA Division II national championship game in 1980. His teams achieved a remarkable record of 64 wins, 14 losses, and 10 ties over five seasons.
- Lehigh University (Men's Soccer, 1982–1988): He later took over the men's soccer program at Lehigh University, continuing to coach at the collegiate level for several years.
- Youth Soccer: Sreenan has also been actively involved in youth soccer development in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, mentoring many young players and contributing to the sport's growth at the grassroots level.
Awards and Honors
- 1973 NASL Champion: With the Philadelphia Atoms.
- Lock Haven University Athletic Hall of Fame: Inducted for his contributions as both a standout player and a highly successful coach.
- Lehigh Valley Sports Hall of Fame (2018): Recognized for his extensive career in professional and collegiate soccer within the region.