After wrapping up a self-titled “unfinished season” last fall, junior Eryk Williamson is making this season the UMD men’s soccer team’s greatest comeback.
As a forward and attacking midfield for the team, Williamson’s first two seasons on the pitch have been nothing slight of impressive. During the 2015 season, he started 21 of 23 matches, but it was not until postseason that he really took off. His six goals and two assists in the squad’s final seven games, helped clinch the Big Ten Tournament. Starting the 2016 season in the attacking midfield position, Williamson started in 19 matches for the Terps and finished the season with three goals and five assists. He also was named in the Second Team All-Big Ten.
Undefeated and fresh off back-to-back Big Ten Tournament wins, Williamson and the men’s soccer team were ready to win the national championship, and ranked as the number one seed. Providence defeated Maryland, 5-4, at Ludwig Field, the second goal of the game scored by Williamson. This was the Terps’ second loss in the second round of the NCAA tournament in the last three years.
Williamson recounts, “Our backline really broke down in the second half and that is what did us in, but we are going to be stronger.”
His goals for the rest of the 2017 season include winning the Big Ten Tournament and the College Cup.
Most recently, Williamson was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and College Soccer News National Player of the Week. Top Drawer Soccer named Williamson to its National Team of the Week.
Q: How do you feel about the season so far?
A: We are accomplishing a lot as a team and playing well. There were some great team performances this year, and a couple that we lacked our bite. And we should continue what we have going and take that into the postseason.
Q: Describe your daily routine – both when you’re in season and out of season.
A: My routines when I am in season and out of season are completely different. During the spring, when we are technically out of season, we have practice in the morning with classes right after, and study hall following that. While in the fall, we are practicing mid-afternoon which gives us time to take classes in the morning, have practice, then go to study hall after.
Q: How does the soccer team plan to rebound after last season’s loss during the NCAA tournament?
A: We are still rebuilding our team after losing many key players [last year] but use this loss as motivation. We know what we have to do and how to do it. We just have to trust the process and hope it leads us in the right direction.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
A: My favorite hobbies include watching romantic comedies and of course playing soccer. I try to incorporate my friends in both those activities and when they join ,it helps my hobbies become much more enjoyable.
Q: Finally, where do you see yourself in five years?
A: In five years, I see myself playing soccer professionally, whether it is in the MLS or somewhere else. While playing, either finishing or have finished getting my degree and look[ing] to start a second career from that. I will have a family and probably a few kids as well.