Men's Soccer Makes Splash in Latest Head Coaching Hire
By Kyle Bennett
Vineland, NJ - As soccer season quickly approaches, a new era of coaching will be coming to the Cumberland County College Men's Program this season. Vineland natives John Pascarella and Glenn Carbonara will take the reigns as the new Head Coach and Assistant Coach respectively. Pascarella and Carbonara are no strangers to each other and to Cumberland County. The two were teammates at Vineland High School and were both members of the Class of 1984, where they both set records at their respective positions. The two then went on to play Division I soccer at rival schools as Pascarella attended Penn State and Carbonara played for Rutgers New Brunswick.
When asked about rejoining with Coach Carbonara, Pascarella said "It's great to be reunited with Glenn. We have been close ever since we were kids, but it's nice to be working together. I am absolutely thrilled to be back here."
Pascarella is currently the Head Coach of the Des Moines Menace of the Premier Development League. He also served as a First Team coach for Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer and was on the staff that took home the 2013 MLS Cup and the 2012 and 2015 U.S. Open Cup and made six straight playoff appearances. The Vineland native will be looking to bring his winning mentality to Cumberland and create a winning culture for the Dukes.
When asked about making the unique transition from the professional level to the junior college level, Pascarella was candid in his response. "I mean, the game is the game. So you don't have to adjust the principles of the game. I may have to adjust the way I teach it, which is why I took the job. It's going to be a challenge that way for me and I think that will help me grow. And hopefully the players will learn a lot [from me] in the process."
Pascarella will be joined by his high school teammate Glenn Carbonara. Carbonara is still the New Jersey state record holder for most goals in a high school season with 67, which he set back in 1983.
Carbonara went on to play 15 seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League and played for Baltimore, San Diego, Illinois, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and finished up his career with Philadelphia. He was also a member of the United States Futsal team from 1996-2000. Carbonara finished his Indoor career with 97 goals along with three National team goals. Carbonara, who still lives in Vineland, will have the opportunity to give back to his city and help develop a team that is looking for an identity.
With the Dukes looking to build for the now and for the longevity of the program, it's safe to say that these two high school friends are going to take their talents and create a new era of Dukes Men's Soccer at Cumberland.
"It's about the players. Having a good time, enjoying themselves, learning and feeling like they are getting better during the process. If we can do that, we will come success within that structure" stated Pascarella.
The Dukes 2017 season kicks off on Tuesday September 5th against Region 19 power Camden County College. The game will be played at Camden with a 3:30PM kick-off.