Lehigh University Athletics
Bishop in preseason camp with Philadelphia Union
1/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Former Lehigh standout goalkeeper Sam Bishop’05 will join current men’s soccer senior Adam Welch as they both hope to pursue a MLS career in 2010. Bishop participated in the first day of the Philadelphia Union’s preseason camp this morning after earning an invite.
“They advertised for open tryouts during the end of the summer and I figured I might as well,” Bishop said. “It was a great experience and it was fairly inexpensive compared to other open tryouts. I thought the tryout went ok and I ended up being one of 25 guys to get a call back out of a thousand. I went back for another tryout this past Sunday and that same night I got an email from an assistant coach inviting me to preseason camp.”
Bishop continued on his thoughts about getting an opportunity to play in the MLS. “I didn’t sleep (he laughed). I thought my dream was over since I blew out my shoulder. Let’s just say I’m very excited.”
The Moorestown, N.J., native still holds the Lehigh record for the best goals against average in a career (.67) and at one point he held the record for shutouts with 10 (Jim Morahan had 11 in 2006). He was a Second Team All-League selection in 2003 and finished his Mountain Hawk career with a 16-9-9 record.
After Lehigh, Bishop signed with the Harrisburg City Islanders of the United States Soccer League (USL) Second Division in 2005. Bishop was on pace to be the starting keeper for the 2006 City Islanders until he suffered a shoulder injury that would alter his future. Not knowing if he would ever play again, Bishop decided to put his computer science degree to work and start his own web design business.
“When I hurt my shoulder I thought I might never play again,” Bishop said. “I thought the ship might have sailed.”
Bishop returned to the City Islanders in 2007 and helped them win the USL DII Championship. In 2008 Bishop was given the opportunity to help coach a club team in the Lehigh Valley and he soon became the first player signed by the new National Premier Soccer League team, the Pennsylvania Stoners. He joined the Stoners as a goalie and coach.
In 2009 Bishop served as goalkeeper coach for the Mountain Hawks and the previous two seasons he served as an assistant at Muhlenberg College, while still running his business.
At age 26, Bishop now has the opportunity of a lifetime, an opportunity to once again play professional soccer.
“I started preseason camp this morning,” Bishop said. “The full team was there along with all of the coaches and we did a lot of fitness. This is a pretty awesome experience and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it and just take things day by day.”
