Penn-Jersey Spirit
Encyclopedia
Penn-Jersey Spirit played in the American Professional Soccer League
in 1990 and 1991. The team's home stadium was Lions Stadium in Ewing, New Jersey, on the campus of Trenton State College (today known as the College of New Jersey). The team also played a small number of home games at La Salle University.
The team was coached by Dave MacWilliams
and assisted by former local professional player Tom O'Dea. Mike Romeo was the team's goalkeeper coach. Notable players included Cris Vaccaro
and Dan Donigan
as well as a pair of current NCAA Division I coaches, Dave Masur of St. John's University and George Gelnovatch
of University of Virginia. The team also had Matt Knowles, who was the first draft pick of the New York/New Jersey Metrostars in 1996.
Noted soccer writer Paul Oliu was a backup goalkeeper with the team in year two.
The original ownership group included Spencer Rockman and Pat Varsalona, who were the co-founders of the Garden State Soccer League, New Jersey's largest adult semipro/amateur soccer league. Rockman served as the team's General Manager for both seasons.
Although reasonably well-supported, the team ceased operations after its second season.
- Head Coach (1990-1991) Paulo Dias
- Head Coach (1991) Tom O'Dea - Assistant Coach Mike Romeo - Goalkeeping Coach
Second Team All Star
American Professional Soccer League
The American Professional Soccer League is a former professional men's soccer league which featured teams from both the United States and Canada. It was the first outdoor soccer league to feature teams from throughout the United States since the demise of the original North American Soccer League...
in 1990 and 1991. The team's home stadium was Lions Stadium in Ewing, New Jersey, on the campus of Trenton State College (today known as the College of New Jersey). The team also played a small number of home games at La Salle University.
The team was coached by Dave MacWilliams
Dave MacWilliams
Dave MacWilliams is a retired American soccer forward and head coach who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League...
and assisted by former local professional player Tom O'Dea. Mike Romeo was the team's goalkeeper coach. Notable players included Cris Vaccaro
Cris Vaccaro
Cris Vaccaro is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League. He is currently an assistant coach with the Stockton State College women's team.-Youth:Vaccaro's father was...
and Dan Donigan
Dan Donigan
Dan Donigan is a retired United States soccer forward who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League...
as well as a pair of current NCAA Division I coaches, Dave Masur of St. John's University and George Gelnovatch
George Gelnovatch
George Gelnovatch is the head men's soccer coach at the University of Virginia. He has held that position since 1996, replacing Bruce Arena. He has posted a 214-79-25 record in 14 seasons with the Cavaliers. He is most notable for leading the Cavaliers to the 2009 NCAA Division 1 title, where his...
of University of Virginia. The team also had Matt Knowles, who was the first draft pick of the New York/New Jersey Metrostars in 1996.
Noted soccer writer Paul Oliu was a backup goalkeeper with the team in year two.
The original ownership group included Spencer Rockman and Pat Varsalona, who were the co-founders of the Garden State Soccer League, New Jersey's largest adult semipro/amateur soccer league. Rockman served as the team's General Manager for both seasons.
Although reasonably well-supported, the team ceased operations after its second season.
Ownership
Spencer Rockman - Co-Owner / General Manager Pat Varsalona - Co-Owner Vincent Baldino - Co-OwnerCoaching staff
Dave MacWilliamsDave MacWilliams
Dave MacWilliams is a retired American soccer forward and head coach who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League...
- Head Coach (1990-1991) Paulo Dias
Paulo Dias (soccer)
Paulo Roberto Dias is a retired professional Brazilian football goalkeeper who played one season in the North American Soccer League.-Player:In 1972, Dias played for the Miami Gatos in the North American Soccer League...
- Head Coach (1991) Tom O'Dea - Assistant Coach Mike Romeo - Goalkeeping Coach
Honors
First Team All Star- 1990 Dale Caya, Brian AinscoughBrian AinscoughBrian Ainscough is the head men's soccer coach at Northeastern University. He has coached the Huskies since 2005, and has compiled a 36-42-19 overall record, including a 27-16-12 mark in conference play. He has transformed the Huskies soccer program into one of the best in the CAA, posting four...
, George GelnovatchGeorge GelnovatchGeorge Gelnovatch is the head men's soccer coach at the University of Virginia. He has held that position since 1996, replacing Bruce Arena. He has posted a 214-79-25 record in 14 seasons with the Cavaliers. He is most notable for leading the Cavaliers to the 2009 NCAA Division 1 title, where his...
, Dan DoniganDan DoniganDan Donigan is a retired United States soccer forward who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League...
Second Team All Star
- 1990 Pat O'Kelley
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | N/A | APSL | 3rd, ASL North | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1991 | N/A | APSL | 4th, American | Did not qualify | Did not enter |