September's player of the month: Sean Bingham '16
The MIT men’s soccer team is off to hot start this season (6-1, 2-0 in conference) thanks to their premier center forward Sean Bingham ’16. Bingham has found the back of the net a team-leading eight times and has the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) regular season title in his sights. Bingham ’16, a former NEWMAC athlete of the year, is September’s player of the month.
The Tech: Hello Sean, thanks for talking to us! You have scored 8 goals in 7 games and helped MIT to a 6-1 start. Having been on a team that won the NEWMAC championship and another that reached the final the year after, how far do you think this team can go?
Sean Bingham: I think we are in a good position after this latest win against Babson. Usually two to four teams have a legitimate shot at winning the regular season championship. Our goal is to win the regular season this year. Then we get to host the playoffs. Once you get to the playoffs, anything can happen. Our main goal is to win the regular season and ideally go 7-0 in the conference.
TT: Since you have donned the cardinal and grey jersey, your goals-per-game ratio is close to 1, which is phenomenal. What do you think makes you such a prolific scorer?
SB: I think I am very calm and composed in front of the goal. I have a good knack for being in the right spot. But a lot of it comes from teammates and the formation that we play. We play a 4-5-1 with me as the lone forward, so lot of the attacks are funneled through me.
TT: When did you start playing competitive soccer?
SB: I started playing club soccer when I was 7. I played for the Commack Club from the Long Island Junior Soccer League. A lot of players from that club went on to play for Div. I schools. Interestingly, the goalie on that club team, Jake Amereno ’16, is now the goalie here at MIT. We have been teammates and best friends for a long time now.
TT: Which soccer players do you idolize?
SB: Among my peers, there is Springfield College goalie Billy Schmid. He doesn’t wear gloves but is very difficult to score against. I really appreciate competing against him and enjoy scoring against him.
Among pros, I would say Messi. He is just so fun to watch — definitely the best soccer player that has ever played.
TT: What are your plans after graduation? Is competitive soccer part of it?
SB: A former player from Springfield College, Ryan Malone, just went pro from NEWMAC. So I would like to give that a shot. If not I will probably take a job in finance.
TT: Good luck for the rest of the season! Any final thoughts?
SB: The home support, a.k.a. the 12th man, has been absolutely amazing this year. Over the past few years our home record has been good. The team is grateful for all the support and hope you continue to come out in large numbers to cheer for us down the stretch.
This transcript was lightly edited for clarity and length.