Kelly to Remain HC of Azul in ’13

CFC Azul head coach Dave Kelly will return for a second season, the club announced on Tuesday.

Kelly, who was named head coach prior to the club’s inaugural season in 2012, led the PDL squad to a fourth-place finish in the Northeast Division with a 6-5-5 (23 points) record.

“Last year was one of the most enjoyable seasons since I’ve been in football – CFC Azul was a resounding success,” Kelly said in a statement on Tuesday. “I am honored that the club have extended me the opportunity to coach again this year. The team’s ambition was to become a role model organization in PDL, and we’re well on our way to achieving that.”

Under Kelly’s watch, the Azul allowed only 14 goals in 16 games, with only Western Mass conceding fewer (11) inside of the division. Additionally, former Revolution midfielder/forward Ryan Kinne, who played for Kelly at the youth level, tallied eight goals and added two assists for the Azul.

In addition to his duties with the Azul, Kelly also serves as assistant coach of the men’s soccer program at Southern Connecticut State University.

General manager Robin Schuppert credited Kelly for putting together a competitive roster, which was largely comprised of players the former Connecticut Wolves midfielder hand-picked himself.

“When team President Steve Coxon and I got together at the end of last season to review our inaugural season we both had nothing but praise for what Dave Kelly did,” said Schuppert said in a statement on Tuesday. “Dave instilled a sense of professionalism that the entire club benefitted from. He is the right man for this job and I’m extremely excited for our second season.”