Following a successful 2016 campaign that saw Louisville finish in second place in the USL Eastern Conference and make a playoff run, defender Ben Newnam decided that it was time for him to take on a new challenge in his playing career. His decision led him to the Alamo City, where he became the twelfth confirmed member of the 2017 San Antonio FC roster.
Part of Newnam’s decision to leave the east coast club was based on a desire to immerse himself in a new environment, one that he found with the growing SAFC. In addition, the opportunity to play under Head Coach Darren Powell was one he didn’t want to pass up.
“I know SAFC is a relatively new club that is building something very positive and special,” Newnam said. “What drew me initially was that I had a prior relationship with Coach Powell, and knowing him and what he’s all about as well as what I want out of this next year seemed to be a good fit.”
Though Louisville is known for its efficiency and quality, Newnam wanted to help grow San Antonio’s soccer culture and club. For him, bringing a title to the city would be an ideal way to help that cause, and he is determined to do his best to contribute to the squad and continue growing as an athlete and person.
“I think everybody’s main goal is to win the USL Cup,” Newnam said. “I’m very excited about this move and I hope I can be a big contributing part to the team’s success and not only help the team grow, but to grow off the field as well along with this organization.”
Another factor in Newnam’s interest in San Antonio FC is the team’s home venue. The idea of playing in a soccer-specific stadium was attractive to the defender, who has only had the opportunity to play in such facilities a limited number of times. In addition to the stadium, the reputation of SAFC fans as strong, loyal, and dedicated supporters was appealing.
“I really like the idea of playing in a soccer-specific stadium,” Newnam said. “I think that’s really unique and special for a team. It’s really cool and I think it’ll be refreshing to play in a stadium like that. San Antonio has a great fanbase and culture around the team. We’re really looking forward to packing it out every game and hopefully growing in attendance.
“I’ve heard the supporters are great and really get behind the team no matter what, so I’m really looking forward to meeting them and hopefully getting good results and eventually bringing the USL Cup to San Antonio.”
Newnam’s move to San Antonio will see him face an entirely new lineup of opponents. For the most part, the 25-year-old has spent his playing career on the east coast. The change in scenery is an exciting part of this transition for him, and he looks forward to the competitive challenges that are ahead.
“I think it’s refreshing and something new to experience,” Newnam said. “Being out west and experiencing new cities, new venues and places to play will be good. I’m excited to get out of the east and see what the west has in store for me.”
Life in Texas presents an exciting opportunity personally as well as professionally. The culture in the Alamo City is something Newnam looks forward to experiencing off the field. On the field, the North Carolina native looks forward to meeting his teammates and continuing to build a competitive and cohesive roster that will lead San Antonio FC to success in the club’s second year in existence.
“I think we’re putting together a great roster,” Newnam said. “As far as the back line goes, I’m very familiar with some of the players who are now on the team, we’ve crossed paths at one point or another throughout our careers. I’m very familiar with them and get along great with them, so I think the chemistry combined with the talent is going to bring great things for us on the defensive side of the ball.
“I’m very excited about all of it. I know Coach Powell has a knack for finding really good players and creating a good culture not only on the field but off of it as well, which I think is just as important. I’m really excited about being able to be a part of it, and I think the sky is the limit for the team that we’re starting to put together.”
Following a successful 2016 campaign that saw Louisville finish in second place in the USL Eastern Conference and make a playoff run, defender Ben Newnam decided that it was time for him to take on a new challenge in his playing career. His decision led him to the Alamo City, where he became the twelfth confirmed member of the 2017 San Antonio FC roster.
Part of Newnam’s decision to leave the east coast club was based on a desire to immerse himself in a new environment, one that he found with the growing SAFC. In addition, the opportunity to play under Head Coach Darren Powell was one he didn’t want to pass up.
“I know SAFC is a relatively new club that is building something very positive and special,” Newnam said. “What drew me initially was that I had a prior relationship with Coach Powell, and knowing him and what he’s all about as well as what I want out of this next year seemed to be a good fit.”
Though Louisville is known for its efficiency and quality, Newnam wanted to help grow San Antonio’s soccer culture and club. For him, bringing a title to the city would be an ideal way to help that cause, and he is determined to do his best to contribute to the squad and continue growing as an athlete and person.
“I think everybody’s main goal is to win the USL Cup,” Newnam said. “I’m very excited about this move and I hope I can be a big contributing part to the team’s success and not only help the team grow, but to grow off the field as well along with this organization.”
Another factor in Newnam’s interest in San Antonio FC is the team’s home venue. The idea of playing in a soccer-specific stadium was attractive to the defender, who has only had the opportunity to play in such facilities a limited number of times. In addition to the stadium, the reputation of SAFC fans as strong, loyal, and dedicated supporters was appealing.
“I really like the idea of playing in a soccer-specific stadium,” Newnam said. “I think that’s really unique and special for a team. It’s really cool and I think it’ll be refreshing to play in a stadium like that. San Antonio has a great fanbase and culture around the team. We’re really looking forward to packing it out every game and hopefully growing in attendance.
“I’ve heard the supporters are great and really get behind the team no matter what, so I’m really looking forward to meeting them and hopefully getting good results and eventually bringing the USL Cup to San Antonio.”
Newnam’s move to San Antonio will see him face an entirely new lineup of opponents. For the most part, the 25-year-old has spent his playing career on the east coast. The change in scenery is an exciting part of this transition for him, and he looks forward to the competitive challenges that are ahead.
“I think it’s refreshing and something new to experience,” Newnam said. “Being out west and experiencing new cities, new venues and places to play will be good. I’m excited to get out of the east and see what the west has in store for me.”
Life in Texas presents an exciting opportunity personally as well as professionally. The culture in the Alamo City is something Newnam looks forward to experiencing off the field. On the field, the North Carolina native looks forward to meeting his teammates and continuing to build a competitive and cohesive roster that will lead San Antonio FC to success in the club’s second year in existence.
“I think we’re putting together a great roster,” Newnam said. “As far as the back line goes, I’m very familiar with some of the players who are now on the team, we’ve crossed paths at one point or another throughout our careers. I’m very familiar with them and get along great with them, so I think the chemistry combined with the talent is going to bring great things for us on the defensive side of the ball.
“I’m very excited about all of it. I know Coach Powell has a knack for finding really good players and creating a good culture not only on the field but off of it as well, which I think is just as important. I’m really excited about being able to be a part of it, and I think the sky is the limit for the team that we’re starting to put together.”
