Chris Gbandi Named UConn Head Men's Soccer Coach
STORRS, Conn. - Former University of Connecticut men's soccer star Chris Gbandi, who won the 2000 Hermann Trophy and led the Huskies to their third NCAA National Championship that season, will serve as UConn's next head men's soccer coach, as announced by director of athletics David Benedict on Friday. Gbandi becomes the ninth head coach in program history, and the third since 1969.
Gbandi returns to UConn following a six-year stint as head men's soccer coach at Northeastern and led NU to an 11-6-2 overall record during the 2021 season. The 11 wins marked the fifth-most victories in program history and the No. 2 seed earned by the team in the Colonial Athletic Association Championship was tied for a program best.
"Chris Gbandi is one of the finest players in the history of our soccer program," Benedict said. "But that ability pales in comparison to his caliber as a person and leader of young men. Our men's soccer program is rich in tradition, and a source of pride for our university community and the state of Connecticut. UConn soccer is equipped for success and Chris is the right man to lead us into a bright future.
"Chris has achieved everything as a player that the young men on our current team, as well as prospects we will recruit in the future, want to accomplish. His ability to relate and communicate what it takes to achieve these levels of success will provide him a unique ability to hold individuals accountable to a standard that will translate to team and individual success. Finally, Chris is a Husky. He bleeds Blue! I am confident that nobody will work harder than Chris to see that UConn men's soccer is competing at the elite level we have come to expect from this program."
During the 2021 season, four Huskies finished the season in the top-10 on the CAA goals scored list and the three student-athletes that landed on the CAA All-Rookie Team marked a league high. Gbandi led Northeastern to a CAA Tournament berth in three out of the last four years, after taking over a program that posted a 3-12-2 record in 2015.
Gbandi brings 11-years of coaching experience to Storrs and was the associate head coach at Dartmouth from 2014-16, an assistant coach at Holy Cross from 2012-14, and served on Ray Reid's staff at UConn from 2011-12. His teams posted a 58-33-10 record during his tenure as an assistant coach.
"My family and I would like to thank David Benedict and the search committee for putting their trust in me to lead this legendary program," Gbandi said. "This is certainly a dream come true for me to be given the opportunity to return to my alma mater and to build upon the legacy that my mentor Ray Reid has established. UConn soccer has a rich history of success, and my goal is to recruit and develop the best student-athletes at a world class institution that will ultimately bring another National Championship to Storrs."
During his coaching career, Gbandi has helped lead his teams to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 2011 appearance with UConn. Additionally, Gbandi has coached two NSCAA-All Americans, one NSCAA-All Atlantic Region Team player, and 10 All-Conference Team honorees.
Prior to his coaching tenure, Gbandi was a highly decorated player. The first overall pick in the 2002 MLS super draft, he played eight years professionally for FC Dallas, Miami FC, and the FK Haugesund of the Norwegian Division. Gbandi also made an appearance for the Liberian National team in 2004 and was awarded FC Dallas Defender of the Year in 2006.
Prior to his professional and coaching career, Gbandi was a key member of the UConn men's soccer team from 1998-2001. A four-year letterman, Gbandi helped lead UConn to four straight Big East Regular Season titles. He also led UConn to the 1999 Big East tournament title and brought home UConn's most recent NCAA Championship in 2000. Individual achievements include 1998 Big East Rookie of the Year, three-time Big East Defender of the Year, four Big East First Team selections, and three All-America selections. He was the Hermann trophy recipient as college soccer's top male player in 2000 and a finalist for the prestigious honor in 1999 and 2001.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT CHRIS GBANDI
Ray Reid
Former UConn Head Men's Soccer Coach
I am so excited that Chris is coming home. Chris is an outstanding head coach, and an even better person who will serve as a tremendous leader and role model for our student- athletes. Winning is in his DNA, and we are extremely fortunate that he will be leading this program into the future. I cannot wait to watch his team play.
Alecko Eskandarian
Senior Director, Player Relations & Player Development for Major League Soccer
I have had the honor of working with Chris Gbandi on several projects related to college soccer over the years and have the utmost respect for his drive and commitment to coaching. His experience as a former player (in MLS, internationally, and at UConn) gives him intimate knowledge on how to build a culture that breeds success. I have no doubt in his ability to recruit top players from academies that will carry on the traditions that UConn soccer has established over previous decades and preparing young men for life beyond soccer.
Luchi Gonzalez
United States Men's Soccer World Cup Assistant Coach
Over the years, I have competed against Chris at the college and professional levels. He was a resilient and proven winner as a player and continues to be so as a coach. With his competitive nature, leadership qualities, and passion for scouting and recruiting, I am confident he will do a first-class job bringing in and coaching the elite student-athletes at UConn.
Jason Kreis
Inter Miami CF Assistant Coach
Chris has had a long and distinguished affiliation with the game in our country on every level. He has impacted the game in a major way, has established many great contacts, and has helped to develop top level pros and top-level men. He looks to be the perfect fit to lead the distinguished college soccer program at UConn.
Max Zieky
UConn Teammate and Co-Captain with Chris Gbandi
Chris is a fierce competitor that puts his teammates and players first. He embodies the culture at UConn where athletes go to obtain a world class degree and become a Champion! I have no doubt the committee made an outstanding choice in Chris and know there are Championships to come. The 2000 Championship Team knows first-hand he is the right person for the job and as Captain and co-pilot in the back I know he will WIN! Congratulations to Chris Gbandi, the current players, the administration, and the great fans of UConn Nation - LG!
