Men's Soccer
- Title:
- Men's Soccer Assistant Coach
Durval Pereira, Jr., a former player in the Quinnipiac men’s soccer program, returned to his alma mater in 2016 and is now in his fourth season as an assistant coach.
Pereira has helped guide the program to 31 wins in just three seasons as a member of the Bobcats’ coaching staff (2016-18), going 22-7 in MAAC play during that span and advancing to two conference title contests.
Pereira played for the Bobcats from 2008-11, serving as a team captain. He was named the Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year as a freshman, and went on to earn all-conference honors. After playing for Quinnipiac, Pereira earned a professional contract in Portugal, playing for both Mira Mar SC in Liga Regional, and C.D. Operario in the Segunda Liga. Prior to joining the Bobcats, Pereira was an All-American and three-time All-New England performer at nearby Cheshire High School.
After graduating from Quinnipiac in 2012 with a degree in health studies and science, Pereira has maintained his ties to the area, serving as coach at Hamden High School, while founding the Cheshire Soccer Academy and serving as the director of coaching for the Cheshire Soccer Club.
"This program and staff is like a family and home to me," said Pereira. "I am excited to be a part of the staff and help with the program's continued success. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for this program; it is an amazing feeling to be able to be back."
"It's great to have the opportunity to get an alumnus back involved with the program," said Da Costa. "DJ knows what this program is about, what the standards are and how important our history is to me. He has spent time maturing as a coach and has traveled abroad as well. Four of our five staff members are alumni of the program, and this is something I am quite proud of."
