New England Soccer Journal

  • Login
  • Logout
  • Subscribe
  • Dashboard
Subscribe
College

Norwich’s Thongsythavong a record-breaking scorer after switch to striker

By Craig FordeMarch 8, 2022

Norwich University forward Joseph Thongsythavong makes a move last fall. (Norwich Athletics)

During a routine set of finishing drills three years ago, Norwich University men’s head coach Adam Pfeifer noticed that freshman Joseph Thongsythavong might not be exactly what they thought.

A native of Salem, Mass., the freshman came into the program as a standout central midfielder from St. Mary’s (Mass.). He earned his place through his versatility, his defensive mindset, and his knack for controlling the ball in the middle third.

Then, he started launching shots in practice and three years into his collegiate career he hasn’t stopped, setting records along the way and transforming into one of the top strikers in the nation.

"He was a much different player than we even knew during the recruiting process," Pfeifer explained. "We knew that he was good. He played on the field as a central midfielder or even a defender. I saw him at a clinic playing right back. I didn’t really have a clear vision of where he belonged until he came into preseason. During finishing drills, it became really apparent to me that he was a very good finisher, fearless in terms of putting his head where a lot of people won’t put their foot to score a goal."

Tags: Division 3 Men's soccer, GNAC, Norwich University

Subscribe to finish reading this story

SUBSCRIBE

Members login below

Register
Forgot Password?

Related Articles

Yale’s Giovanna Dionicio reflects on first international goal, WC qualifying

It wasn’t the most sensational goal Giovanna Dionicio (West Hartford, Conn.) ever scored, but it will live up there with the most memorable in her…
Read More
AJ Cucinotta

Watch list: 4 intriguing games on the men’s spring schedule

The 2022 college soccer season is still nearly six months away, but New England programs are using this spring to stay polished and get their…
Read More

Watch list: 4 intriguing Division 1 women’s spring games

The 2022 college soccer season is still nearly six months away, but New England programs are using this spring to stay polished and get their…
Read More

NESJ Insider Newsletter

  • Subscribe
  • Seamans Media, Inc.
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Contact Us

© Copyright 2022 Seamans Media, Inc. • All Rights Reserved

Contact Us!

Please write a brief description and someone will get back to you shortly!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.