Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Alum Conor O'Brien Moving up to Danish Superleague
7/5/2011 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
July 5, 2011
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Former Bucknell soccer standout Conor O'Brien is quickly moving up in the international ranks after a terrific rookie season in Denmark. Playing for second-division Blokhus FC last season, O'Brien scored 10 goals and quickly became a fan favorite while helping his club earn a promotion. Now, O'Brien has parlayed his early success into an 18-month contract with SønderjyskE of the Danish Superligaen.
After a brilliant four-year career at Bucknell that culminated with a Patriot League championship and a Second Team All-America citation, O'Brien excelled in his first professional season abroad. He played multiple positions but was primarily situated in an attacking midfield spot, much like he did at Bucknell.
O'Brien scored a critial goal against Nordvest FC in the first leg of their promotional playoff, and Blokhus did earn a promotion to the First Division, which is one level below the Superligaen.
According to a Google-translated press release on the Blokhus FC Web site: "Conor has been a major offensive asset for Blokhus FC in the past season and a very positive acquaintance outside the track, and therefore it is sad to see Conor leave the club this summer. However, in return it is gratifying for Conor with the shift to SønderjyskE now for the opportunity to test himself on its highest level. From Blokhus FC A big thanks to Conor O'Brien for a very nice effort in Blokhus FC jersey and also wish all the best of luck with his new football challenges."
Following a successful tryout, O'Brien earned a contract with SønderjyskE, located in the town of Haderslev in southern part of the country, near the German border. SønderjyskE finished in seventh place in the 12-team Superligaen last season with 39 points (11-16-6).
According to a Google-translated press release on SønderjyskE's Web site, sports chief Ole Nielsen said, "He is a fast, technically skilled player type that can fill several positions in the central midfield. I am convinced that Conor O'Brien will continue the explosion and that he was in our training environment can evolve to become an established major league player. He turned up to try-out with a fantastic attitude, energy and determination to become a part of the team. Conor O'Brien is a fresh blow to the squad along with lots of humor and dedication. It will be interesting to follow him in the coming months."
Said O'Brien in the release: "I get in SønderjyskE a great chance to continue my football development. The training environment is competent and professional, and I am really looking forward to playing in bright blue."
SønderjyskE opens up its 2011-12 season on July 17 against three-time defending champion FC Copenhagen.
Following a brilliant senior year at Bucknell in 2009, O'Brien was one of 15 semifinalists for the Hermann Trophy, which is soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy as the national player of the year. He earned NSCAA Second Team All-America honors, becoming the first Bucknell soccer All-American in 33 years, and he was named the Philly Soccer News Men's College Player of the Year.
O'Brien, who turned heads with a strong performance at the MLS combine in January 2010, in 2009 became only the fourth player in Patriot League history to repeat as the league's Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a First Team All-Patriot League selection after leading the league in goals (11), assists (9) and points (31). More importantly, he co-captained the Bison to a school-record 17 wins, a Patriot League championship and an NCAA Tournament first-round win over Princeton.
It was O'Brien's third All-Patriot League certificate, as he was also a first-team selection in 2008 and a second-team pick as a sophomore in 2007. O'Brien had a point in 17 of the team's 23 games this season, and in 22 of 28 matches dating back to the end of the 2008 season. Seven of his 11 goals were game-winners, the most dramatic of which was his golden goal against Lafayette in the Patriot League Tournament semifinals.
O'Brien wrapped up his magnificent career ranked second on Bucknell's career list for assists (25), sixth in points (77) and ninth in goals (26). He is the highest scoring Bison player in the last 20 years.
