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Hartford Athletic

Dan Gaspar Joins Hartford Athletic as Goalkeeper Coach

September 30, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


Hartford Athletic announced today that Dan Gaspar will join the club's technical staff as the first team's Goalkeeper Coach, Assistant Coach and Director of Goalkeeping for the Hartford Athletic Academy. An exceptionally decorated and dedicated coach, Gaspar has already begun working with the Hartford Athletic first team.

Gaspar brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the club. Over the last 30 years, he has been a goalkeeper coach for four different national teams, including Iran, Portugal, South Africa, and the U.S. Women's. He made a seven-year run as Assistant Coach of the Iranian National Team from 2011-2018 where he worked with current Hartford Assistant Coach Omid Namazi. The two of them assisted former Real Madrid Head Coach Carlos Queiroz. Over Gaspar's seven-year stretch, he helped the team reach two FIFA World Cups, including a first place finish in their qualification group and third place finish in the group stage in 2018 behind Portugal and Spain. Gaspar also assisted Tab Ramos' U.S. U18 side to a Vaclav Jezek Youth Tournament title in the Czech Republic in 2018. Before joining the Iranian National Team Staff, he was a part of the technical staff for the Portuguese National Team during their World Cup run to the round of 16 in 2010.

"I am thrilled to officially welcome Dan to our Technical Staff," said Hartford Head Coach Tab Ramos. "His coaching resume speaks for itself and his spirit for the game is only outdone by his knowledge of it. Having coached with him before, I know the impact he can make and he has already made a great connection with our goalkeepers in his short time working with the club."

"I'm grateful for the opportunity that Hartford Athletic has presented to me," said Gaspar. "I've had the privilege of working with Coach Ramos and Coach Namazi and I have first-hand experience of their quality and work ethic. I couldn't be more excited to reunite with them in this new and exciting era for Hartford Athletic."

A Glastonbury, Connecticut native, Gaspar's Connecticut soccer roots run deep. He played for the University of Hartford from 1974-1977, and became the head coach of his alma mater from 2005 to 2010. Across six seasons, Gaspar led the Hartford Hawks to three straight America East Conference tournament appearances and a semifinal appearance. His head coaching stints in Connecticut also included two years with the Connecticut Wolves of the United Soccer League, and a year as the associate head coach at Central Connecticut State University.

"I was born in the City of Hartford and I would not have achieved the career I've attained without my experiences here," said Gaspar. "I have great memories of training at Colt Park and playing at old Dillon stadium, and it's time for me to give back on and off the field. There's no better way to do that than joining the Hartford Athletic family. Thank you to the ownership group and the entire organization for welcoming me to the club."

Gaspar has been inducted to the Hall of Fames at the University of Hartford, the Connecticut State Soccer Association, New England Soccer Coaches, and the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association.

"Dan is an exciting addition to this technical staff," said Technical Director Ray Reid. "I've known him for 30 years, and he is one of the best soccer minds I've come to know. Having coached an array of players of all ages, Dan is going to make a huge difference with our first team goalkeepers and our academy players by guiding and preparing them for the next level."

Gaspar spent time as a coach at the professional level in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, SL Benfica, and FC Porto, along with a stint in Japan's J League Grampus Eight. Additionally, he was the assistant coach for the New York Metrostars in 1996 when Tab Ramos starred in their midfield. Gaspar holds a USSF "A" license, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, and USYSA National Youth License.

Hartford Athletic returns home this Saturday, October 1st, to face the Charleston Battery in the club's fourth annual Match for a Cause. Go to hartfordathletic.com/matchforacause to learn more.

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