(2010) - Perhaps the greatest defender in UMass Lowell history, Jonathan Curran was pivotal part of the most successful four-year period of the men[apos]s soccer program and backstopped it to a 56-18-6 record from 2001-04.
The period also saw the River Hawks win Northeast-10 Conference Tournament titles in 2003 and 2004 and the NCAA Tournament New England Region crown (2003) in its first-ever appearance.
Curran was the program[apos]s first two-time All-American (2003 and 2004) who, not surprisingly, led a backline that set school records for victories (15), shutouts (10), fewest goals conceded (14) and fewest loses (3) in a season.
Curran[apos]s induction also marked the first brother tandem in UMass Lowell[apos]s Athletic Hall of Fame history. His brother Brandon, a soccer standout from 1999-2002, was inducted into the Hall in 2008.
[quote]Jonathan was the embodiment of the spirit and commitment of UMass Lowell Soccer on the soccer field, in the classroom and in the community,[quote] said former head coach Ted Priestly (1997-2008), currently in his second year head coach at Holy Cross. [quote]He focused on daily improvement of fundamental pieces of the game. He fought every day to defy the odds, and he never hesitated when his team needed him.[quote]
At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Curran was a formidable presence to opposing forwards who thrived in physical play and rarely lost an aerial battle. For his career, he compiled 12 goals and 17 assists - tops among all defensive players in Priestly[apos]s tenure - the majority of which were headers off set plays.
In addition to All-American honors, Curran was also a two-time All-Northeast/New England First Team recipient, NE-10 First Team pick as well as the NE-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004.
As a senior, Curran was the recipient of the Lester H. Cushing Award for Outstanding Male Student-Athlete of the 2004-05 season. He won the honor two years after his brother Brandon was cited in 2003.
[quote]Jonathan exemplified the qualities of teamwork, sacrifice, loyalty and honesty in his daily approach to life,[quote] Priestly noted. [quote]He was not simply an outstanding soccer player; he is a remarkable person. It was an honor and a pleasure to have coached Jonathan and Brandon, and to have had the support of the Curran and Pierce families at every game, home and away.[quote]
Curran graduated in 2005 with a degree in business management.
