NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Post University men's soccer coach Ted Haley has been named head coach of the Elm City Express of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) for the team's inaugural season in 2017.
 
"I am very excited to be a part of this group and bring professional soccer to the New Haven area. I grew up watching college soccer at Yale's Reece Stadium, so coaching there will be a thrill. We are reaching out to all local soccer fans to let them know we are bringing and exciting high-level of soccer to the area," said Haley.
 
Haley is 119-85-27 during his 12 seasons as head coach at Post. He is a three-time Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Coach of the Year and has led the Eagles to six appearance in the conference title game, two ECAC Championships, one CACC Championship, and two NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2013, Haley coached the Eagles to a No. 5 national ranking and defeated two top-10 teams including national champion Southern New Hampshire and No. 1 LIU Post.
 
Three members of that 2013 Post men's soccer team have already signed on with the Express as All-Americans Joe Baccielo, Kevin Ipina, and Ani Lekaj with reunite with their former coach.
 
Zach Henry, owner of Clube Atlético Tubarão, a professional club in Brazil, will serve as Elm City's president, while Brian Neumeyer is set to serve as the team's general manager. Eric Da Costa, head coach at Quinnipiac, will be the team's technical director. Post men's soccer assistant coach Luis Figueiredo will serve in the same role with Elm City.
 
"Zach and Brian have been instrumental in getting this off the ground. Zach has done an incredible job with his team down in Brazil and brings loads of knowledge and experience to the table. We have a really great staff with those guys, coach Lu [Figueiredo], and Eric Da Costa."
 
The NPSL operates in the 4th Division of the United States Soccer pyramid. NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).
 
"This is exciting for the landscape of soccer in the state of Connecticut. College players in the area will now have a great opportunity to further their careers locally and with the addition of Hartford City FC to the league, we have a local rival. We are already building connections within the New Haven community and hope to work with different schools and organizations within the area," added Haley.