Wizards Announce New Head Coach Curt Onalfo
November 27, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
Former U.S. National Team and MLS assistant coach to assume head coaching responsibilities
The Kansas City Wizards announced Monday the hiring of the team's third head coach, Curt Onalfo. Most recently an assistant for the U.S. Men's National Team during the 2006 World Cup, Onalfo has coaching and playing experience at every level from youth soccer to world-class competitions. This will be his first professional head coaching job.
"After evaluating every facet of the team and interviewing several top-notch candidates, Curt Onalfo stood out. He is an excellent evaluator of talent, a tremendous communicator and has outstanding organizational skills," Technical Director Peter Vermes said.
Well-respected throughout the soccer community, Onalfo came to the Wizards highly recommended.
"Our research concluded that Curt Onalfo is considered by many as one of the brightest young minds in U.S. Soccer. Having spent time with him throughout the process, he's an even better family man and a perfect fit for our club and the Kansas City community," Team President Robb Heineman said. "After a lengthy and dutiful search, we are confident that Curt is the right choice for the Wizards and we are anxious for him to get started."
One of his main goals aside from getting back to championship-caliber soccer is creating a home environment that gives the Wizards a decided advantage on the field. Onalfo believes that Kansas City fans will be eager to get behind his squad once they see the hard work being displayed by players, coaches and front office officials.
"This team will play an aggressive, attack-oriented style and it will be fun to watch," Onalfo said. "The key is to not change who we are, whether we play at home or on the road. We will be hard to play at home and we need our fans to help ensure this."
Onalfo's scouting past has lead him to develop an eye for seizing up the opposition.
"One of my strengths is the ability to tactically see the game; to exploit an opponent's weakness," Onalfo said. "My job with the U.S. National Team was to scout who we played."
Noted for his communication skills, Onalfo believes he is prepared for all aspects of the job.
"I am also a strong manager of people," Onalfo said. "Managing players at this level is one of the most important facets."
Wizards midfielder Kerry Zavagnin has seen this in his experiences with Onalfo in the past.
"This is just another smart and aggressive move by the new ownership group and Technical Director Peter Vermes," Zavagnin said. "Onalfo is up front and honest with the team's best interest in mind. Last year is behind us and I know I am looking forward to the 2007 preseason already."
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Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Onalfo has since traveled the soccer world playing professionally in France, Mexico and the United States and for the U.S. National team in Olympic and U-20 competition. A perpetual leader on the field, Onalfo co-captained the U.S. squad in the 1989 U-20 World Championships and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
At Ridgefield High in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Onalfo played on two state championship teams. He also won two conference titles and helped the Tigers reach the state finals during his senior season when he scored 28 goals.
He then headed to rising soccer power Virginia, where he first teamed with coach Bruce Arena. The Cavaliers shared the NCAA title with Santa Clara in 1989, battling to a 1-1 tie after sudden-death overtime. Onalfo, a central defender, earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a junior and senior.
In addition to his distinguished playing career, Onalfo's coaching experience at the highest levels of competition make him the choice for the Wizards. Onalfo has lead teams in MLS play and Olympic, Gold Cup and World Cup competition as an assistant.
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Major League Soccer Stories from November 27, 2006
- Chivas USA to face Necaxa this Friday in Aguascalientes, Mexico - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- Wizards Announce New Head Coach Curt Onalfo - Sporting Kansas City
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- Revolution Elects Not to Exercise Option on Abundis - New England Revolution
- Red Bulls Acquire Designated Player Slot, 2007 Draft Pick - New York Red Bulls
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