Merrimack men's soccer made the Division 2 NCAA Tournament in 2017. (Merrimack Athletics)
Tony Martone, in his 37th year of coaching the Merrimack men’s soccer team, has developed close relationships with many Division 1 coaches throughout New England.
Boston College’s Ed Kelly, Boston University’s Neil Roberts, Holy Cross’ Marco Koolman and Bryant’s Seamus Purcell are ones he immediately points to.
"There are a lot of great guys, smart guys," Martone said.
The competitive dial on those friendships will turn up come 2019, with Merrimack announcing last week that its varsity sports teams will leave behind Division 2 for Division 1. For men’s and women’s soccer, that means departing the Northeast 10 for the Northeast Conference, although the Warriors won’t be eligible for NCAA Tournament play until 2022.
