Greene twins both contributing to men’s soccer team as freshman

Growing up, Alex Greene didn’t like soccer at all. However, his sixth grade soccer coach changed his view on the sport and he grew to love it. Today, though he doesn’t remember the coach’s name, Alex Greene said it was the coach who influenced his interest in playing.

By somewhat of a coincidence, he and his twin Oscar Greene ended up at Lehigh, both to play on the men’s soccer team.

The Greene twins have kicked off their freshman year making a significant impact on the Lehigh men’s soccer team. Alex Greene and Oscar Greene, brothers who are originally from Flower Mound, Texas, committed to Lehigh on their first official visit in May 2015.

“We were both looking at different schools and didn’t intentionally plan on going to the same one, but it happened to work out that way,” Alex Greene said. “It was exciting.”

Alex and Oscar Greene were just kicking a ball in their backyard when their neighbor noticed their natural skills and went to their front door, telling their mother to sign them up to play soccer.

“It was actually pretty funny because neither of us really thought about playing soccer seriously,” Oscar said. “We were just fooling around outside when our neighbor decided to say something to our mom.”

Now playing for Lehigh, the twins have already made contributions in their first year. Oscar, a defender, has played in nine games this season, starting in seven of them. His brother, a midfielder, has come in as a reserve in all eight games in which he’s appeared. Alex is fourth on the team in points (four), scoring a goal against both Fairleigh Dickinson University and University of Delaware.

Coach Dean Koski complimented the twins on their chemistry.

“They complement each other so nicely,” Koski said. “It was such a bonus getting the two of them to come here. They’re having a great start to the season, and I’m really proud with how they are both stepping up as freshmen.”

Oscar Greene mentioned how growing up, the two of them shared a lot of common interests and hung out with the same group of friends. He said that living with his brother his whole life helped learn how to coexist.

Now, still as roommates, the brothers find it easy and reasonable to room with each other their freshman year because they don’t have to adjust their living lifestyles.

“We’ve known each other and grown up living with each other our whole lives,” Oscar said. “So rooming with my brother freshman year, makes it that much easier.”

The Greene twins both talked about the convenience of attending the same school and playing together because their parents are able to come and watch both sons play at the same time.

“It’s nice that our parents can come watch us play without feeling badly about missing the other’s game because we both play together,” Alex said.

Koski said the chemistry between the brothers is very special. While they were being recruited, he admired the brothers’ humility and ability to be a threat toward opposing teams.

“It’s awesome to see the boys apply their talent and skills here at Lehigh,” Koski said.

Growing up as twins, Alex Greene briefly talked about being compared to his brother.

“I don’t let it affect me or get in the way with how I play,” he said. “It doesn’t seem to affect him either. People have made both negative and positive comments in the past, comparing us. The positive definitely outweighs the negative comments though.”

Koski said that the twin duo is an exciting thing to watch, especially considering this is only their first year.

“I’m excited for them and for this team. I think they are a great addition to the team and I’m just looking forward to seeing their growth,” Koski said.

The twins will have their next chance to compete against Army West Point on Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.