New England Soccer Today

Elm City’s Haley Named Coach of Year

Photo credit: John J. Coleman

The accolades keep rolling in for Elm City Express as head coach Teddy Haley was named NPSL Coach of the Year on Wednesday.

Haley, who guided the team to a 9-1-2 regular season record and a spot in the NPSL championship game during their debut season, earned the award following a league-wide vote.

“I am humbled and honored to win the NPSL National Coach of the Year Award,” Haley said in a league release. “With the NPSL being such a massive league, with many fantastic coaches, it is outstanding to be recognized.”

In addition to a remarkable regular season record, Elm City won all four of its postseason contests to book a trip to the NPSL final, which will be held on Saturday in New Haven.

“Having the NPSL recognize Ted Haley as the 2017 Coach of the Year, as an organization, we feel is a well-deserved honor,” Elm City Express General Manager Brian Neumeyer said in a league release. “It is with his on-field leadership that the Elm City Express have been able to have such a magical inaugural season. His passion manifests itself in every session and every match that he directs. Coach Haley’s good-hearted nature allows for the special bond that is created through coach and player. The Elm City organization is fortunate to have Coach Haley lead our squad.”

In addition to his duties with Elm City, Haley is also the head coach of the men’s soccer team at Post University, where he’s posted an overall record of 119-85-30. He is a three-time Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Coach of the Year, and is entering his 13th season as head coach at Post. Haley was named NSCAA East Region Coach of the Year in 2013 when his Eagles were ranked number five nationally.

While Haley is no stranger to receiving accolades, he was quick to credit the Elm City organization for the one he received on Wednesday.

“I owe this award 100% to the Elm City family, Haley said. “The owners, management, supporters, my coaching staff, and especially the players have all been exceptional and ultra professional from the very beginning. It has been a true pleasure working with everyone at Elm City to create a club that we all can take great pride in.”

Prior to Haley receiving Coach of the Year, the Express boasted four players who received league-wide recognition. Midfielder Cris Hernandez and forward Tavoy Morgan both earned spots on the Northeast Region Best XI, while Morgan, defender Arian Lekaj, and forward Shaquille Saunchez all earned spots in the NPSL’s All-League Teams.

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