Longtime Sacred Heart University soccer coach Joe Barroso retires

FAIRFIELD, CONN. – After more than two decades of commanding the sidelines for Sacred Heart University soccer, long-time head coach Joe Barroso has announced his retirement.

Barroso’s name has been synonymous with Sacred Heart soccer for nearly two decades. He got his start at Sacred Heart in 1992 as the head coach of the women’s program. Barroso returned to the women’s team in 2000 then later took over as the men’s head coach in 2005.

“Sacred Heart is a special place, with great leadership and a great environment, “Barroso added. “The loyalty they have shown to me, and my family will be something I will never forget as I make this transition.”

Just three seasons into his tenure, he was named regional Coach of the Year in 1994. After a five-year run at the University of Bridgeport, Barroso returned to SHU as the department transitioned to Division I. During his second stint with the women’s program, he led the Pioneers to three-straight Northeast Conference tournaments. During the 2001 campaign, he guided SHU to its first conference championship and spot in the NCAA Championship.  For his efforts Barroso was named Coach of the Year.

“I want to thank Joe Barroso for his tireless devotion to the sport of soccer here at Sacred Heart University,” Riccio said. “He has been a wonderful ambassador for this university and developed countless student-athletes into great leaders.”

In 2005 he took over on the sideline for the men’s squad. Barroso won over 90 matches for the men’s program and led them to five NEC Tournaments. The 2010 squad won 11 contests – the most during the Division I era – and the third-highest total overall.

He made an immediate impact on the men’s team in his first season, engineering the second biggest single-season turnaround in a conference history, leading the Pioneers to the playoffs for the first time ever in Division I. Barroso followed that up with another postseason appearance in 2007.

Originally from Portugal, Barroso played at Southern Connecticut State University, where he was a member of that school’s Division II National Championship squad in 1990. He is eighth on the Owls’ all-time scoring list with 99 points (41 goals, 58 assists and his 41 goals are sixth. Barroso was chosen as one of the top-25 players in the country after his senior season and picked to play in the Senior Bowl.

A member of the Connecticut and New England Soccer Halls of Fame, Barroso played professionally both in Europe and the United States. He played for a First Division club in Portugal, competing in the prestigious UEFA Cup and for both the Connecticut Wolves and the Boston Storm in the A-League of the USISL. Barroso was also a member of the United States National Team in 1990-91.

In January, Barroso stepped down as the head coach of the men’s soccer program. Assistant Anthony Anzevui was named the interim head coach for the 2022 season.