Teaneck, NJ - The Fairleigh Dickinson University women’s interim head soccer coach Marco Masucci announced the hiring of two assistant coaches on Thursday. Ryan Garland and Loren Rich will join the staff for the 2012 season.
“I believe that the two new members of the staff will help the program get to where we want it to be,” said Masucci.
Garland will work primarily with the goalkeepers and will be responsible for training sessions, video match analysis and goalkeeper clinics.
"Coach Garland works with great intensity and uses unconventional methods to get the most out of the goalkeepers,” explained Masucci. “He brings a wealth of experience to FDU. I am sure our goalkeepers will be pushed and challenged and will love working with him.”
Garland’s playing experience includes time with the Nashville Metros of the USL Premier Development League as well as four years at Vanderbilt University.
Garland is the Director of Ultimate Goalkeeping, a goalkeeping academy focused on the tactical and strategic aspects of the game. Through his position with Ultimate Goalkeeping, Garland has trained players currently on the roster at Iona, Connecticut, St. John’s, Providence, Princeton, George Washington and Marist as well as countless varsity high school, Olympic Development Program and other NCAA Division I, II and III players.
As the Vice President, Assistant Director of Coaching and Coach of the ISA Sting and FC Sting, Garland oversees the development of the premier level soccer club, while managing the marketing, budget needs and recruiting of players for the club.
Rich is a 2012 graduate of FDU and was a three-year member of the women’s soccer team. She will be responsible for fund raising, alumni relations, training sessions and day-to-day operations.
“As a recently graduated student-athlete whom I’ve had the pleasure of coaching, I have no doubts that Coach Rich’s maturity, commitment and passion towards the program will be a valuable asset,” added Masucci. “She has a strong understanding of the game and I hope to help her grow as a coach. Coach Rich will lead by example and serve as a role model for young players, just as she did a player.”
After transferring from Saint Peter’s in 2009, Rich played in 37 career games for FDU, including each of the team’s 17 games in 2011. Rich was one of three players to start every game during the 2011 season. She recorded the game-winning goal against Central Connecticut State on October 2.
Rich has coached at the youth level in eastern Pennsylvania since 2005 and currently holds a USSF “E” License. The Allentown, PA native earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2012 and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Elementary Education.
The women’s soccer team opens the 2012 season on Friday, August 17 with a 4:00 pm start time at Iona.