December 27, 2017

Rochester Lancer players Jake Schindler and Michael Cunningham are playing for The Syracuse Silver Knights of the Major Arena Soccer League this winter, and while both are tremendous talents, they each have taken different paths to get to where they are.

Schindler was a stand out with Irondequoit High School, earning 1st Team All-Greater Rochester Honors his senior season. Following High School he played 4 years at Roberts Wesleyan College, where he was a 3-time 1st Team All-American Mideast Conference selection, and a 3rd Team NAIA All-American in his senior season.

Schindler captained the outdoor Lancers this past season, serving as an anchor on a defense that only gave up 10 goals the entire season; 2nd best in the 23 team Midwest Conference. Jake, a native of Rochester, has played indoor soccer for the Lancers and the Silver Knights for the last several years, and grew up with the indoor game. In his 3rd season with the Silver Knights, he already has 3 goals to his name, and is one of the toughest defenders in all of MASL. Using his size, he is able to muscle opponents off the ball and control play while in possession. As a veteran player, he provides leadership to a young Syracuse squad. 

Cunningham's soccer career has taken him all over the world. He played at the Loughborough College Academy in his native England before coming to the United States to play for Roberts Wesleyan College, where he became a Two time NSCAA All-American. Following graduation, he signed his first professional contract with Northcote City Football Club in Australia, in the Victorian Premier League. He then returned to Rochester NY to sign for the Rochester Lancers outdoor team.

Growing up in England, Michael had little exposure to the arena game. His time in America has helped Michael familiarize himself with the indoor game, whether it be training indoors during the cold Rochester winters, or playing outdoors on artificial turf fields, as he continues to build upon his crafty dribbling skills and superbly accurate shot to get him to the next level. 

Michael has developed a huge following online, particularly on his YouTube channel, where he has over 100,000 subscribers. He regularly offers training videos on how to improve skills, and gives detailed analysis of games that he has played in. You can follow him on social media at the following sites:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/7mlc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaellewiscunningham

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cunnygoesham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlcunningham

Michael Cunningham in action for the Lancers