Carmine Isacco

{{short description|Canadian soccer coach and retired player (born 1970)}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Carmine Isacco

| image = File:Carmine Isacco.jpg

| caption = Isacco in 2016

| fullname = Carmine Isacco

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|9|20}}

| birth_place = Toronto, Ontario

| height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}

| position = Goalkeeper

| collegeyears1 = 1989–1992

| college1 = Maryland Terrapins

| years1 = 1992–1994

| clubs1 = Toronto Italia

| caps1 =

| goals1 =

| years2 = 1996–1999

| clubs2 = Milwaukee Rampage

| caps2 = 75

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 1996–1997

| clubs3 = Toronto Shooting Stars (indoor)

| caps3 = 26

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 1996–1999

| clubs4 = Milwaukee Wave (indoor)

| caps4 = 30

| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 1999

| clubs5 = Rochester Rhinos

| caps5 = 0

| goals5 = 0

| years6 = 1999–2000

| clubs6 = Edmonton Drillers (NPSL) (indoor)

| caps6 = 14

| goals6 = 0

| years7 = 2000

| clubs7 = Toronto Lynx

| caps7 = 3

| goals7 = 0

| years8 = 2000–2001

| clubs8 = Buffalo Blizzard (indoor)

| caps8 = 3

| goals8 = 0

| years9 = 2002

| clubs9 = Toronto Supra

| caps9 = 2

| goals9 = 0

| manageryears1 = 2002

| managerclubs1 = Toronto Supra

| manageryears2 = 2005–2006

| managerclubs2 = Vaughan Shooters

| manageryears3 = 2005–2006

| managerclubs3 = Varsity Blues

| manageryears4 = 2007

| managerclubs4 = Toronto FC (goalkeeper coach)

| manageryears5 = 2007–2008

| managerclubs5 = York Lions

| manageryears6 = 2008

| managerclubs6 = Italia Shooters

| manageryears7 = 2010–2012

| managerclubs7 = SC Toronto

| manageryears8 = 2014–2018

| managerclubs8 = Vaughan Azzurri

| manageryears9 = 2019

| managerclubs9 = York9 FC (first assistant coach)

}}

Carmine Isacco (born September 20, 1970) is a Canadian soccer coach and retired player. He is currently the head coach for the York Lions varsity men's soccer team of the OUA.

Playing career

= College years =

In 1989, Isacco entered the University of Maryland, College Park where he was a Soccer America Magazine freshman All-American goalkeeper. Over his four seasons with the Terrapins, he was named to the All-ACC first team three times and was the Terrapins team captain as a senior in 1992. He then spent time with the Canadian Olympic Team and competed at the 1993 World University Games.{{Cite web|url=http://oua.ca/sports/msoc/2006-07/releases/1709.html|title=CARMINE ISACCO STEPS DOWN AS U OF T SOCCER COACH - Ontario University Athletics (OUA)|date=January 11, 2007|website=oua.ca|access-date=2019-07-17}}

= Professional career =

Isaaco turned professional in 1992 with the Toronto Italia in the National Soccer League.{{Cite web|url=https://canadasoccer.com/?pid=1581&t=profile&|title=Canada Soccer|website=canadasoccer.com|access-date=2019-07-17}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/504004097/?terms=canadian+national+soccer+league|title=Wheels roll over Toronto Italia|last=Hall|first=Dave|date=July 17, 1993|website=Newspapers.com|publisher=The Windsor Star|page=17|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}} In his first season with the club he was named Goalkeeper of the Year, and was also named a Canadian all-star three times.{{Cite web|title=York Lions Men's Soccer Media Guide|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/yorku.sidearmsports.com/documents/2019/11/7/2019_U_SPORT_Men_s_Soccer_York_Lions_Media_Guide.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2021|website=s3.amazonaws.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703191024/https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/yorku.sidearmsports.com/documents/2019/11/7/2019_U_SPORT_Men_s_Soccer_York_Lions_Media_Guide.pdf |archive-date=2021-07-03 }} In 1996, he moved to the Milwaukee Rampage of the USISL, and won the league title in 1997.Isacco is quick learner Rampage goalie thrown into shootout line of fire Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Saturday, May 11, 1996{{Cite web|url=http://soccerstats.us/bios/carmine-isacco/|title=Carmine Isacco {{!}} SoccerStats.us|website=soccerstats.us|access-date=2019-07-17}} He was selected to the All USISL Select First Team.{{Cite web|url=http://homepages.sover.net/~spectrum/year/1996.html|title=The Year in American Soccer, 1996|website=homepages.sover.net|access-date=2019-07-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713140634/http://homepages.sover.net/~spectrum/year/1996.html|archive-date=2013-07-13|url-status=dead}} In the fall of 1996, he played indoor soccer with the Toronto Shooting Stars in the National Professional Soccer League.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

On October 16, 1997, he signed a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Wave, where he primarily served as a backup to Victor Nogueira.Unhappy Isacco demands trade from Wave - Backup goalie, Rampage starter wants to play more Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Friday, October 2, 1998Wave signs Isacco- Goalkeeper led Rampage to A-League title this summer Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Saturday, October 18, 1997 After having been released by the Rampage halfway through the 1999 outdoor season he signed with the Rochester Rhinos in August, 1999.{{Cite web|url=http://rhinossoccer.com/players/isacco.html|title=34 - Carmine Isacco|date=1999-10-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991013135608/http://rhinossoccer.com/players/isacco.html|archive-date=October 13, 1999|access-date=2019-07-17}}{{Cite news|last=F. Gardner|first=Charles|date=July 16, 1999|title=Igel provides the spark that energizes Rampage|work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}} He then moved to the Edmonton Drillers for the 1999-2000 NPSL season.{{cn|date=December 2024}} On June 20, 2000, the Toronto Lynx signed Isacco.Transactions Seattle Times, The (WA) - Tuesday, June 20, 2000{{Cite web|url=http://www.lynxsoccer.com:80/team.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816052127/http://www.lynxsoccer.com/team.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2000-08-16|title=2000 Team Roster|date=2000-08-16|access-date=2017-10-28}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.lynxsoccer.com/whatsnew.htm|title=JIM LARKIN TRANSFERRED TO IMPACT, ISACCO SIGNED|date=2000-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000819051045/http://www.lynxsoccer.com/whatsnew.htm#JIM|archive-date=August 19, 2000|access-date=2019-07-17}}

In the fall of 2000, he signed with the Buffalo Blizzard where he served as a backup for Bryan Finnerty.{{cn|date=December 2024}} The Blizzard folded at the end of the season and the Kansas City Comets selected Isacco in the dispersal draft, but chose not to sign with the team. In 2002, he signed with Toronto Supra in the Canadian Professional Soccer League, where he primarily served as a backup goalkeeper for the club, and finishing off the season as the team's head coach.{{Cite news|last=Niedermair|first=Hans|date=July 17, 2002|title=Supra aim to regain stride|work=Etobicoke Mirror-Guardian}}

Managerial career

=CPSL/CSL=

In 2002, he made the transition into managing as a player-coach for Toronto Supra in the Canadian Professional Soccer League. In 2005, he was appointed the head coach for Vaughan Shooters.{{Cite web|date=December 7, 2006|title=MLS: Bob Gansler, champion head coach on 2000, to assist in Toronto|url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/19671/mls-bob-gansler-champion-head-coach-on-2000-to.html|access-date=2020-07-14|website=www.socceramerica.com|language=en}} In his debut season with Vaughan he secured the Eastern Conference title, and reached the CPSL Championship final, where they were defeated 2-1 by Oakville Blue Devils.{{Cite web|date=October 10, 2005|title=2005 CPSL season|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/CPSL_1998_to_2005.pdf|website=canadiansoccerleague.ca}} In 2006, he resigned as head coach for Vaughan in order to fully devote to his coaching responsibilities with the Toronto Varsity Blues.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl1k.htm|title=CSL Italia Shooters vs Oakville Blue Devils|last=Glover|first=Robin|date=August 17, 2006|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=2019-07-17}} He returned to the CSL to manage the Italia Shooters for the 2008 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=90773|title=Canadian Soccer League Powered by Goalline Sports Administration Software|date=2008-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518021558/http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=90773|archive-date=May 18, 2008|access-date=2019-07-17}} The season concluded with the Shooters winning their second division title, and reached the semifinals in postseason.[http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=113188 Wiredo hat-trick drives Italia Shooters to International Division title] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531121141/http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=113188 |date=2009-05-31 }}[http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=117546 erbian Eagles defeated Italia Shooters 3-0 in the first semi-final on Friday to earn a berth in the final for the third year in succession] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531193604/http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=117546|date=2009-05-31}}[http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=115618 THE SCORERS ON FRIDAY...] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024010836/http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=115618 |date=2008-10-24 }}

In 2010, Isacco returned to the Supra organization under the name Portugal FC.{{Cite web|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.com/teams/team.asp?ID=8|title=Canadian Soccer League|date=2011-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228074926/http://canadiansoccerleague.com/teams/team.asp?ID=8|archive-date=February 28, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=2019-07-17}} After the merger with feeder club the Toronto Eagles the club became known as SC Toronto, and he resumed his coaching duties for the 2011 season.{{Cite web|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.com/teams/team.asp?ID=8|title=Canadian Soccer League|date=2011-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002090045/http://canadiansoccerleague.com/teams/team.asp?ID=8|archive-date=October 2, 2011|access-date=2019-07-17}} Throughout the season he achieved the organization's second regular season title since 2004, and finished with the league's best offensive record. In 2012, SC Toronto promoted him to the position of technical director. While serving as head coach for SC Toronto he was selected as the assistant coach for the Canada under-20 soccer team under Valerio Gazzola for the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.{{Cite web|url=https://canadasoccer.com/?t=project&sid=684|title=Canada Soccer|website=canadasoccer.com|access-date=2019-07-17}}

=U Sports=

In June 2005, Isacco was hired to coach the University of Toronto men's soccer team, the Varsity Blues. With the Varsity Blues, he led the team to OUA silver medals in both 2005 and 2006, also capturing a CIS silver in 2005.

On March 26, 2007, Isacco was appointed as the head coach for the York University men's soccer team, the York Lions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.yorku.ca/sprtyork/MediaReleases/Archive/Release.asp?Release=1806|title=BLACK HISTORY MONTH - Official Athletics Website}} Under Isacco's tenure as head coach, the York Lions' have amassed 7 OUA conference championships (2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018) and 4 U Sports national championships (2008, 2010, 2014, 2015). The Lions' 2008 U Sports championship was York's first national championship in any sport in 18 years, and their first soccer championship since 1977.{{Cite web|url=http://www.yorku.ca/sprtyork/MediaReleases/Archive/Release.asp?Release=2622|title=BLACK HISTORY MONTH - Official Athletics Website}}

=Major League Soccer=

On January 10, 2007, Isacco resigned as the men's soccer head coach for the Varsity Blues and accepted a position as an assistant goalkeeping coach with Toronto FC, serving under head coach Mo Johnston.[http://varsityblues.ca/sports/msoccer/news/?id=6487 Carmine Isacco staps down as U of T soccer coach] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527183703/http://varsityblues.ca/sports/msoccer/news/?id=6487 |date=May 27, 2011 }}

Before the start of the 2008 TFC season, with Johnston moving upstairs to fill the role of director of football, Isacco's contract was not renewed by Toronto FC.

= League1 Ontario =

On May 29, 2014, he was appointed the head coach for Vaughan Azzuri of the League1 Ontario.{{Cite web|url=http://www.league1ontario.com/article/introducing-vaughan-azzurri|title=Introducing Vaughan Azzurri|website=www.league1ontario.com|language=en-CA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222171505/http://www.league1ontario.com/article/introducing-vaughan-azzurri|archive-date=2015-12-22|url-status=dead|accessdate=2015-12-10}} Throughout his tenure with Vaughan he won the double in 2016, and 2018. He was also named League1 Ontario Head Coach of the Year in 2015, and 2016.{{Cite web|last=staff|first=League1 Ontario|date=2016-11-24|title=Vaughan Azzurri's Isacco Wins 2016 Men's Coach Of The Year|url=https://www.league1ontario.com/news_article/show/726231-vaughan-azzurri-s-isacco-wins-2016-men-s-coach-of-the-year|access-date=2020-07-14|website=League1 Ontario|language=en-us}}

=Canadian Premier League=

On July 27, 2018, York9 FC of the Canadian Premier League announced their coaching staff for the 2019 Canadian Premier League season, naming Isacco as the first assistant coach of the team behind head coach Jim Brennan.https://canpl.ca/article/jimmy-brennan-announced-as-head-coach-of-york-9-fc Canadian Premier League press release, July 27, 2018 On February 4, 2020, it was announced that Isacco was replaced by Paul Stalteri as York9 FC's first assistant coach.{{Cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/york9-fc-paul-stalteri/|title = Paul Stalteri Replaces Carmine Isacco at York9 FC|date = 4 February 2020}}