Temple University Athletics
Forward Kevin Kelly Battles Two Villanova Players For Position
11.12.99 | Men's Soccer
Home. It's that simple for senior soccer forward Kevin Kelly.
It explains his decision to return to the Philadelphia region and Temple from soccer-mad Radford University in southwest
Virginia, where the school doesn't even have a football team and soccer is king.
"I came to Temple because it's fun playing in the city and playing with and against my good friends," Kelly said. "And, it's
nice that my family can come watch me play now."
At Radford, Kelly was a two-year starter for the Highlanders, who play in the Big South Conference. In 1996, he led the
team in scoring with 19 points and was named Big South Rookie of the Year.
In 1997, he was the team's second leading scorer with 19 points, and was named to the first team of the All-Big South
Conference and the Big South All-tournament team.
And, the scoring continued at Temple. Last year, Kelly led the Owls in goals with five, including two game winners.
Kelly kicked off this year with four goals, including a game-winner, in the team's first six games. He has been teamed with
sophomore Angelo Di Carlo to form an explosive frontline.
"Di Carlo and Kelly up front form a good duo and between the two of them, we should see a decent amount of goals," said
head coach Hugh McInaw.
The self-proclaimed "soccer-head"thinks that Temple is on track to securing a spot in the Atlantic-10 tournament and to
building a winning tradition.
"This is a great area for soccer,"said the Archbishop Ryan graduate. If Temple gets a few things in order, it can produce a
big-time team.
"But, it all starts with winning. My goal this year is to help get the team into the A-10 tournament. I'd love to have 20 goals,
but if we're winning that's all that matters," he added.
Another reason Kelly chose Temple was its academic reputation, the risk-management major said.
I think Temple's education is more well-rounded, and our risk-management program is nationally recognized,"Kelly said.
Although Kelly is almost done with his studies, he hopes to play soccer professionally.
The popularity of soccer is just growing," said Kelly. "Major League Soccer teams average 20,000 fans a game, and women's soccer is just growing, too.
I've been playing soccer basically year-round since I was four and I'd love to give pro soccer a shot," he added. --Fred Maher
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