Tim Cupello joined the UCR Men's Soccer coaching staff as an assistant coach on June 10, 2010 following three seasons as an assistant at Syracuse University.
The 2010 version of the Highlanders improved by five wins over the previous season, but the best was yet to come. In 2011, the Highlanders re-wrote the record books posting a 9-6-4 mark, and making its first-ever appearance in the Big West Conference Tournament. Among those nine wins were three victories against ranked opponents—vs. #7 UC Santa Barbara, 3-1, on September 28; at. #15 UC Santa Barbara, 3-2, on October 22; and at #9 UC Irvine, 3-2, on October 29.
The Highlanders finished the season with an RPI of 39, and were one of the final teams left out of the 48-team NCAA Tournament.
Over the past two years, Cupello has coached eight all-conference players including Big West Offensive Player of the Year, Cesar Diaz-Pizarro, who also was named All-Region, and was drafted and sigened by the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS).
Home attendance has increased by nearly 300% since Cuppelo joined the staff, largely due to the community outreach that has taken place with local clubs, schools, and the Riverside AYSO – not to mention the campus support from students, staff, faculty, and alumni.
While at Syracuse, Cupello helped oversee the development of five All-Big East players, including Kyle Hall, who was selected in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC. In 2007 and 2008, SU posted an undefeated non-conference record.
Also during his time with the Orange, Cupello helped create a student fan club known as “Colvin Street Elite,” which is the official student support group of Syracuse men’s soccer. The CSE was featured on ESPNU’s “Campus Connection” during the fall of 2009.
Prior to his time at Syracuse, Cupello was the assistant coach at his alma mater, NCAA Division III Fredonia State University in Fredonia, NY, for two years. He helped guide the Blue Devils to a 29-11-6 overall record and a 13-4-1 conference mark during that time.
In 2005, Fredonia went 17-4-4 and ranked 15th in the final NSCAA Division III rankings after losing to eventual national runner-up Gustavus Adolphus in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. In 2006, the Blue Devils returned to the postseason and won the ECAC Upstate Championship, finishing the year with a 12-7-2 record.
While at Fredonia, Cupello was involved with the team’s recruiting, and was responsible for planning practice sessions, marketing, monitoring academic performance, and organizing team travel.
Cupello earned his bachelors of science degree in sport management and exercise science from Fredonia in 2006. As a four-year player for the Blue Devils, he was team captain and earned All-Conference and All-Tournament Team honors as a senior. He was the squad’s leading scorer with four goals and 10 points in 2004 and tallied seven goals and 16 points while starting all 22 matches in 2003.
Cupello holds a USSF “B” Coaching License, and is currently pursuing a masters of science degree in instructional design, development and evaluation at Syracuse University.
Cupello prepped at Aquinas Institute in Rochester, NY, where his senior season was marked with a state championship and selection as Sectional MVP and Team MVP.
His father, Nelson, played professionally in the North American Soccer League for the Rochester Lancers from 1975-80 and in the American Soccer League for the Rochester Flash from 1981-83. He has also been a collegiate coach for over 20 years at Fredonia State University and Monroe Community College.
In his free time, Cupello enjoys playing and watching sports, listening to live music, and doing anything outdoors.
