“Ross has been great,” Lehrer said. “He can play multiple positions for us, which is really a unique skill set. He’s been great in the locker room, [and] he constantly works to improve. Players love him. The staff loves him. He’s huge in the leadership of the group.”

In his career beyond Harvard, Friedman has been no stranger to winning. This past summer, Friedman represented the United States at the Maccabiah Games in Israel. He made his presence felt by scoring a penalty kick in the shootout of the championship game, helping Team USA earn the gold medal.

“That was an unbelievable experience, probably one of the soccer experiences that I will remember from the sport looking back on soccer when I’m done,” Friedman said. “Those guys are like brothers to me.”

Since returning from Israel in time for his senior season, Friedman has been an integral part of the Crimson’s recent success.

“You don’t really find players like [Ross] really often,” Lehrer said. “He’s got a great work ethic on and off the field, improving his teammates, improving himself, improving meetings, everything. He’s very, very valuable to the team.”

Friedman’s success can be largely attributed to the support he has received from one fan in particular.  Although he resides in Ohio, 800 miles away from campus, Tod Friedman has attended nearly every one of his son’s games for the past four years.

“He meets us out in California, he meets us out in New Mexico, he’ll meet us anywhere, and he’ll do whatever it takes to be at our games,” said Friedman. “He loves it, and I love having him with me.”