Coaching Roots: Casciato Reflects on His Coaching Origins in New York

Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach Dominic Casciato returns to New York this Saturday to lead his team against Brooklyn FC. Casciato previously served as technical director for the Brooklyn Italians and assistant for the New York Cosmos, roles he credits for shaping his professional coaching philosophy.

How did a career-ending injury lead Casciato to coaching?

Casciato transitioned to coaching after breaking his ankle at age 23. He stated that the injury forced him to realize he could not live without the game, leading him to explore coaching as a career.

He began this transition as a graduate assistant at St. John’s University under Head Coach David Masur. Casciato noted that Masur’s level of detail and team preparation provided his first real understanding of the coaching profession.

During his first year at St. John’s, the team qualified for the NCAA Tournament and won the 2011 Big East Tournament. The squad featured future Major League Soccer players Connor Lade, Tim Parker, and Rafael Diaz.

Did You Know? Dominic Casciato’s time at St. John’s University coincided with the team being crowned 2011 Big East Tournament champions.

What roles did Casciato hold in the New York soccer scene?

Casciato expanded his experience through roles at the Dix Hills Soccer Club, where his squad rose to number one in national rankings. He also worked as a performance coach at Parisi Speed School and an assistant for Jersey Express SC in the USL PDL.

According to Casciato, his time at Jersey Express overlapped with current Brooklyn FC Midfielder Tommy McNamara and U.S. Men’s National Team Goalkeeper Matt Turner.

In 2014, Casciato became the technical director for the Brooklyn Italians. In this role, he supervised coaches with more experience than himself, including current San Antonio FC Head Coach Carlos Llamosa.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Casciato’s trajectory—moving from youth academies like Dix Hills to technical directorship and eventually professional head coaching—demonstrates the importance of versatile experience across different age groups and competitive levels.

Why is the Brooklyn return significant?

The upcoming match takes place at the same stadium where Casciato once brought Brooklyn Italians players to watch the New York Cosmos play in the NASL. He views the city as a place that shaped him both personally and professionally.

Casciato previously served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Italians NPSL team. He led the club to a 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualification after defeating New York Cosmos B in the play-in round.

His New York tenure concluded with a full-time role in 2020 as an assistant under Head Coach Carlos Mendes when the Cosmos joined NISA. He also spent time coaching in the RCD Espanyol de Barcelona academy overseas.

What happens next for the Rowdies coach?

Casciato may reunite with former Dix Hills Soccer Club players who could attend Saturday’s match. He is also scheduled to take Rowdies players and staff to a local Italian restaurant owned by a close friend on the night before the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What event prompted Dominic Casciato to pursue coaching?

A broken ankle at age 23 ended his dreams of being a professional player and led him to explore coaching.

Which professional New York teams has Casciato coached?

He served as the head coach for the Brooklyn Italians NPSL team and as an assistant for the New York Cosmos.

What was Casciato’s first coaching role in New York?

He applied online and secured a graduate assistant position at St. John’s University.

Do you think a coach’s early experience in youth academies better prepares them for the professional level than a traditional playing career?