Carlo Acquista coached at Adelphi for the past 11 years. (Photo courtesy of Carlo Acquista)

Carlo Acquista has stepped down as Adelphi University men’s soccer coach to become an assistant scout with the Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls and the university made that announcement Thursday. Acquista will join Red Bulls head of scouting Ben Ehresmann.

“We are excited to continue to build upon our scouting department and extend our scouting network with the addition of Carlo,” Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett said. “He has a strong background of leading young, upcoming players, which will be helpful in identifying players that fit our system.”

Acquista has spent the last 11 seasons at the helm of the Adelphi me. He most recently directed the Panthers to three consecutive NCAA Division I tournament appearances, including a 2018 quarterfinal appearance in 2016. Acquista also coached at St. Francis College from 2002-06.

“I’m so excited to join the New York Red Bulls organization, and am so grateful for the opportunity presented to me by Benjamin Ehresmann and Denis Hamlett,” Acquista said. “To serve my hometown team in this capacity while pursuing my lifelong aspiration of working in Major League Soccer is truly a dream come true.”

Acquista holds USSF National A license. He is a graduate of St. John’s University (2000), helping the Red Storm to ther 1996 Division national crown and two Big East championship titles. He has a degree in sports management from St. John’s and graduated from Adelphi University with a master’s degree in sports management.

“We thank Carlo for his 11 years of service to Adelphi University and our student-athletes,” Adelphi athletic director Danny McCabe said. “He has built the Adelphi men’s soccer program into a national power on the DII stage and we are grateful for his commitment and dedication to the team’s and the student-athletes’ success. We wish him all the best in the next step of his journey with NY Red Bulls.”

Acquista will see familiar faces in former Adelphi women’s soccer head coach and alum Chris Armas, an assistant coach for the Red Bulls, and former men’s soccer coach Robert Montgomery, who oversees the Red Bulls’ player development system. Montgomery led the Panthers for 29 seasons that included seven NCAA Tournament appearances and a 258-223-39 record.

“I would like to thank everyone I have had the pleasure of working with during my time at Adelphi. I am extremely grateful to the late Bob Hartwell, and Danny McCabe who have both been instrumental in my growth as a head coach and administrator,” Acquista said. “I will cherish the wonderful memories that have been created over 10-plus years.”

“I would also like to thank all of my players who I have had the pleasure to coach. They are the reason I was able to grow and prosper in this wonderful game. Last but not least, I would like to thank my staff now and in the past. Your tireless work and belief in the Adelphi soccer program has allowed the program to reach and achieve national attention.”

A national search will begin for Acquista’s replacement at Adelphi immediately.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.