Remembering Ron Eden
The soccer community mourns the loss of Ron Eden, longtime head coach of the Brentwood High School boys soccer program, who passed away recently.
Eden, who amassed nearly 400 career victories, was on the cusp of surpassing the all‑time win record for Suffolk County boys coaches, a milestone that underscored his sustained excellence.
The Record That Almost Was
His career took a pivotal turn in 1995 when he assumed leadership after his close friend and assistant coach, Ray Perez, died, a transition that he honored by preserving Perez’s legacy through a scholarship and the naming of the school’s soccer stadium.
Over his tenure, Eden’s squads captured four state championships and earned him the United Soccer Coaches national coach of the year honor in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of the most successful coaches in the region.
Beyond trophies, Eden was known for guiding his players toward college enrollment and successful careers, often serving as a mentor who kept the spirit of his former teammate alive on and off the field.
A native of New York, Eden also played professionally for the New York Apollo and other clubs, later being inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame, the Brentwood Hall of Fame, and the Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his family, including his uncle John Eden, also a respected soccer coach, and a close network of former assistants and players who continue his teachings.