A 21-year-old soccer goalie from Cambridge is set to kick off his Canadian collegiate career with York University in Toronto.
Seanan Main had been minding the net for Western Illinois University where he played for two seasons, but he recently decided to transfer to York.
Scheduling and compact season was a driving force in wanting to switch schools, he said.
“The NCAA has the shortest season with the most games out of any league in the world. The games on top of school, it's just been really hectic,” said Main
Main started playing soccer when he was two years old and has played for various clubs around the Waterloo region.
He was playing for a club in Hamilton when he got a call to try out for the Toronto FC Academy but did not get signed. He eventually moved on to Berlin FC which helped him get a scholarship down south.
“They put my highlight tape out there and Western Illinois reached out. We went down there and I liked the atmosphere and the facility was awesome, then I signed with them,” said Main.
Despite a pandemic and a very compressed schedule, Main had a stellar sophomore year; becoming a starter, getting NCAA Summit League defensive player of the week twice and ranking second in saves per game in the Summit League.
“I came in and I was the starter, we didn't have the greatest season, but individually, I played very well. I had two defensive players a week awards and I was ranked nationally for save percentage and saves per game,” said Main.
After spending two seasons with the team, he decided it was time to move north. His main goal was always to play for a good Canadian program and York just seemed to fit. Everything from the coaching staff to the soccer pitch, it all fit his plan to help him reach the next step in his career.
“I think that this next season will be a good first season to showcase myself. I'm looking to play another two years of quality soccer, but the ultimate goal is to play in the Canadian Premier League,” said Main.
According to Main, one of the biggest differences between the two schools is the vibe York has.
He said the energy during games is incredible and the stadium they have is world class, and really lets the fans interact and help make the games intense.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, Main's family was never able to travel to see him play collegiate soccer, but now they will get the chance to see their son whenever they want.
“With COVID, it made things difficult for my family to come to see me. Even in my freshman year they just just couldn't make it happen, now I think it would be way cooler to do it at home,” said Main.
