Neil Cassidy Named Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — When the Saint Mary’s University women’s soccer team traveled to Northfield, Minn., for their Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against Carleton, Neil Cassidy had a hand in the game plan that lifted the Knights to a 2-0 victory over the Cardinals.

When SMU hosts the Knights in an Oct. 12 rematch at Ochrymowycz Field this season, Cassidy is hoping to again be the mastermind behind his team’s victory.

On this time around, his game plan will be for the Cardinals to beat the Knights, not the other way around.

Cassidy was named the Cardinals’ new head coach Monday, replacing Eric Zimmerman, who stepped down after the 2010 season to pursue other career opportunities.

“I’m very excited to be given this opportunity,” said Cassidy, who inherits a Saint Mary’s squad that went 7-9-1 overall in 2010 and graduated just five players. “I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Saint Mary’s family.”

During his five years as the Knights assistant coach, Carleton compiled a 68-25-10 record — including a 2010 MIAC regular-season championship and a 39-11-4 mark in conference play. The Knights reached the second round of the NCAA Division III national tournament a year ago, and has played in each of the last three conference tournaments.

Cassidy is no stranger to Saint Mary’s, having served as a volunteer assistant for the men’s program during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

“I really enjoyed my time here working with coach (Eric) Luzzi,” Cassidy explained. “Since that time, I have been trying to find a way to get back involved in the Saint Mary’s soccer program. The atmosphere and sense of family that Saint Mary’s creates is a very special thing.”

Cassidy holds an “A” license from the United State Soccer Federation (USSF), a “B” license from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and a Level 3 goalkeeping license from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Formerly a semi-professional player in England, Cassidy is also currently the director of coaching for the Rochester Youth Soccer Association, one of the largest youth soccer associations in the state of Minnesota.

“Saint Mary’s University is very fortunate to have a coach of Neil’s caliber join our staff,” said SMU athletic director Nikki Fennern. “He has great experience in the conference and is extremely well-connected and respected in the soccer community.

“With his commitment to competitive success and the overall success of the student-athlete, he is a perfect fit for the university.”

IMS NOTE: Cassidy was also the coach for the Rochester Thunder PDL team who had good success in their two seasons (2008-2009) before the team folded.
Former players Cassidy recruited and coached at the Rochester Thunder were: Teal Bunbury (Akron University, Hermann Trophy Winner, Sporting KC-MLS and US National Team), Ben Sippola (Butler University, Columbus Crew-MLS) and Kentaro Takada (J-League, NSC Minnesota Stars).