Editor’s note: As part of a running New England Soccer Journal series, we’re profiling Division I programs in the region. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting college soccer, there’s plenty going on behind the scenes.
Head coach Mick D’Arcy wouldn’t say that his team punches above its weight. But after defeating Rutgers (Big Ten) and narrowly falling to West Virginia (Big 12) in the NCAA tournament last year, one could argue that Central Connecticut State has done just that.
As a member of the smaller-profile Northeast Conference (NEC), matching the level of high-major conference teams is impressive. But the success also makes sense, given D’Arcy’s long-term approach to constructing the program.