From ENYSSA
Calogero “Carlo” Acquista
Carlo Acquista’s impact on the soccer community, particularly within the Eastern New York State Soccer Association (ENYSSA), is profound and multifaceted. Over the years, his contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of soccer coaching and player development.
As of 2024, Acquista is in his sixth year at Fordham University, where he has firmly established a winning culture. His vision has led the team to the Atlantic 10 Championship in five of his six seasons, capturing the league’s title in the 2020-21 season. Under his guidance, the Rams have maintained an impressive record of 30-28-24 (.512), including a strong 16-10-11 (.581) mark in A-10 play. This consistent performance has earned the Rams rankings in the United Soccer Coaches poll for at least one week in four of his six seasons, including four of the last five. Additionally, Acquista has led the team to the NCAA tournament three times, their most recent appearance in 2024, showcasing his coaching prowess at the highest level.
Beyond the statistics and accolades, Acquista’s true legacy lies in his mentorship of players. During his tenure at Fordham, he has coached eight All-Atlantic 10 selections, including the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year. His commitment to academic excellence is equally noteworthy, with two of his players, in 2019 and 2023, earning Academic All-America honors from CoSIDA/CSC. Acquista's dedication is to developing well-rounded athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom is a testament to his holistic approach to coaching.
Before his impactful tenure at Fordham, Acquista played a crucial role as a scout for the New York Red Bulls. In this capacity, he was instrumental in constructing the Major League Soccer (MLS) roster and served as the lead scout and recruiter for the club’s United Soccer League (USL) and Premier Development League (PDL) rosters. His keen eye for talent and strategic acumen were vital in building competitive teams across various levels of the sport.
Acquista's coaching journey also includes an impressive 11-season stint as the head men’s soccer coach at Adelphi University. During his time at Adelphi, he achieved a remarkable record of 120-69-19 (.623), leading the Panthers to four league championships and earning Northeast-10 and ECAC Coach of the Year honors in both 2016 and 2017. During the 2016 season, he guided the Panthers to an outstanding 19-1-2 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament. This success is a testament to Acquista's ability to cultivate winning teams and nurture talent at every level of collegiate soccer.
In addition to his coaching roles, Acquista has significantly contributed to the development of soccer coaching education. Since 2010, he has served as the Director of Coaching for ENYSSA, where he has re-established and grown the Coaching Education Program. Under his leadership, the program has become a nationwide leader, providing access to USSF Coaching Licenses to thousands within the soccer community. As a USSF Coach Educator, he has personally instructed over 1,000 coaching students at the grassroots and D levels, demonstrating his commitment to raising the standard of coaching and fostering the next generation of soccer mentors.
Carlo has been a Region I Olympic Development Program (ODP) coach and player evaluator, a Sporting Kansas City youth player scout, showcasing his dedication to identifying and nurturing young talent. His extensive coaching credentials include holding a USSF “A” Coaching License. Additionally, Carlo is involved with Royal Sporting Group as an owner and Director of Soccer. This role allows him to influence the sport from a business and organizational perspective, demonstrating his multifaceted contributions to soccer.
A graduate of St. John’s University in 2000, Acquista was a four-year member of the Red Storm men’s soccer team. During his college years, he contributed to their NCAA Division I national title in 1996 and two Big East Championship teams. His playing experience at a high level laid a strong foundation for his coaching career, which began at St. Francis Brooklyn. At just 23 years old, he became one of the youngest Division I head coaches in the country, marking the start of an illustrious coaching journey.
Carlo Acquista’s personal life is also an integral part of his story. He and his wife, Lauren, reside in Westbury, N.Y., with their three sons, Lucas and Christian (twins) and Leo. His ability to balance a demanding professional life with a fulfilling family life speaks volumes about his dedication and character