During the Syracuse men’s soccer team’s home opener last week, a contingent of high school players sat in the bleachers and took note of everything Ezra Prendergast did.

When Prendergast slide-tackled an opponent hard, the group of high school boys cheered lustily. When he cleared a ball and led the attack up the field, the group roared once again. But what the high-schoolers loved most was when Prendergast leapt into the air and showcased not only his awesome vertical leap on an attempted header, but his flowing dreadlocks as well.

Prendergast hasn’t faded into the background like a transfer might in his first three games with Syracuse. He might have become the fan favorite.

The junior has started all three times after transferring to Syracuse this fall from the Globe Institute of Technology in New York City. Prendergast and the rest of the Orange open up the Big East portion of their schedule tomorrow at 1 p.m. against Boston College at Syracuse Soccer Stadium.

‘He’s an incredible athlete,’ SU forward Jeff Evans said. ‘It always helps to have somebody like that in the back.’

Soccer at Syracuse, though, is certainly different than the competition Prendergast faced the past two years at Globe, a community college that focuses on technology. But it was against that same competition that Prendergast excelled, showcasing himself enough to garner 27 offers from colleges across the country.

At Globe, Prendergast tallied 25 goals and 18 assists over his two seasons there. He was an NSCAA first-team All-American and an NJCAA second-team All-American in 2003.

As a sophomore, Prendergast captained the squad and led Globe to its best soccer season ever. He even garnered the Region XXI Tournament defensive player award.

Because of his stellar play, Prendergast even piqued the interest of nearby St. John’s, which advanced to the championship game of the NCAA College Cup last season and is the favorite to win the Big East this season.

But at 22, Prendergast chose Syracuse because of its superior academic environment. He wanted Syracuse (1-2) to further his studies while he majors in information management and technology. He also wanted to stay in the Northeast so his family could watch him play and compete in the Big East.

So far, he’s not regretting the decision to transfer.

‘For me, it’s a great experience,’ Prendergast said. ‘It’s not one that I’m regretting right now. I’m enjoying every moment of it.’

At times, Prendergast has been stellar, forcefully dictating play and establishing himself as a strength on an already solid defense.

Other times, Prendergast has committed the occasional mistakes and turnovers associated with a freshman. It’s all part of the learning curve for Prendergast, who grew up in Jamaica and only came to the United States recently.

‘Ezra’s unique,’ Evans said. ‘He’s an interesting kid.’

As much as his play has gained him attention from the fans, his presence as a leader – and a vocal one at that – has garnered him far more consideration from his teammates. Being one of the newest members of SU hasn’t deterred him from being one of its greatest leaders.

Every time there’s a free kick, Prendergast takes control, ensuring each player is marked up properly. He’s loud and noticeable.

‘He’s definitely one of the more outspoken, motivational kids on the team,’ Evans said. ‘He’s always yelling things and trying to get people pumped. He’s good motivation for us. He makes sure everybody does what they’re supposed to.’

Published on September 9, 2004 at 12:00 pm