December 2, 2022 – Over the last couple of weeks, the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team has been thrust into a new realm of popularity, as the team made its way through the first round of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The team now waits to play the Netherlands on Saturday, December 3, in a “knockout” Round of 16 game. Front and center on that team is 23-year-old captain Tyler Adams.

Tyler’s Dutchess County roots have been well documented in recent years, growing up in Wappingers Falls, attending Ketcham High School and then on to a professional career. However, he and his family’s ties to Marist College run deep as well. 

Adams’ mother and stepbrother are Marist alumni. He also attended summer soccer camps on campus, along with his stepbrothers, led by men’s soccer coach Matt Viggiano. And his stepfather was an assistant soccer coach at Marist for a time. 

As Tyler approaches the biggest game of his life, there are many in the Marist community pulling for him. 

“I remember Tyler as a kid coming to camp here each summer,” said Viggiano. “He was always such a nice kid and was ready to play. The problem we had was that he was so good we had to match him up with the older kids to give him some competition.”

Adams’ mother Melissa Russo graduated from Marist in 2008 and remains closely connected to the College. His stepfather Darryl Sullivan was an assistant coach for Marist’s Men’s Soccer team and stepbrother Darryl, Jr. graduated from Marist in 2021 and played football for the Red Foxes.

Meanwhile, Viggiano, who watched Adams grow as a player in his younger years, and is close with the family, remains one of Tyler’s biggest fans from half a world away.

“Ten years ago, we all knew Tyler was going to be a really good player, wherever he ended up in his life,” said Viggiano. “I don’t think anyone in their wildest dreams thought he’d reach these heights, this fast. We’re all rooting hard for him and the team.”

The U.S. Men’s National Soccer team’s game in the Round of 16 starts at 10 AM local time on Saturday.