University of North Dakota women’s soccer hires Eric Masters as goalkeeper coach

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Head Soccer Coach Chris Logan announced the addition of Eric Masters to the coaching staff on Monday, March 30, rounding out the staff for the 2020 season.

The former professional goalkeeper will work with the Fighting Hawks’ keepers, replacing Amanda Raso, who accepted a head coaching position at Division II Western Colorado.

“Eric is a tremendous hire for our program,” said Coach Logan. “During the process it was clear that his values matched that of our program: a passion for personal development, an enthusiasm for academic success, and an excitement for developing soccer players. Everyone in our program is delighted to welcome Eric and his family to the Grand Forks community, the University of North Dakota, and our soccer program.”

Masters comes to Grand Forks after coaching at various levels in Nevada, including most recently as the Director of Goalkeeping with Northern Nevada ODP and as the Director of Goalkeeper Development with the Nevada United Soccer Club. Along with his player development duties, Masters serves as the goalkeeper staff coach for the Region IV ID camp while assisting with Nevada United’s U18 and serving as the Head Coach for U12 team.

He previously spent four years on staff with Carson FC that included one year as the Director of Coaching. There he coached the U12 Intensity team, served as the Director of Goalkeeping, and organized the Wild West Shootout, the club’s main revenue generator.

Masters cut his teeth in Nevada with the Capital Soccer Club (2009-15) where he worked his way up to Director of Goalkeeping. During that time he also served as the Head Coach at Carson High School, leading the program to the Sierra League Championship in 2011 while earning coach of the year as well. In his two seasons, Carson High School had 10 players named to the all-league team and posted the lowest goals against average in the league.

His collegiate coaching experience started in New York at his alma mater, Long Island University Brooklyn Campus, as graduate assistant with the men’s soccer team. Masters helped lead the Blackbirds to a Northeast Conference Championship and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2004, its first tournament berth in 28 seasons.

After three years as a staff coach and director of camp operations at the Storm Soccer Academy, Masters took a position at Fordham University as the first assistant and goalkeeper coach. He spent three seasons on the men’s staff and split his time in the final year with the women’s team as well, coaching the Rams goalkeepers. Masters was instrumental in recruiting current New York Red Bull goalkeeper Ryan Meara, an eight-year veteran entering his ninth with the club.

As a student-athlete, Masters played four seasons at Long Island University and followed up with a professional career, going on trial with the NY/NJ MetroStars before playing one season in the USL Second Division with the Long Island Rough Riders.

“I would really like to thank Chris Logan for this opportunity,” added Masters. “My family and I are super excited to become a member of the UND family and Grand Forks community. When I was on campus last month everything just felt right. The support the athletic department gives to the staff and players is over the top. I am so excited to get started and feel this program is going to reach great heights in the coming years. I am just so grateful and happy to be a part of this program.”

Masters owns a NSCAA/USC GK Level I, II License, as well as a USSF D Coaching License.

The University of North Dakota is coming off its first 10-win season as a Division I program, qualifying for The Summit League Tournament in the process. The Fighting Hawks went 10-8-6 overall, scoring the second-most goals in The League (33) and posting a 4-4-0 record in Summit League matches.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MASTERS
“Eric will be a great addition to the Fighting hawks family. Since my time as his college teammate, to him being my goalkeeping coach, and then working professionally with him, I know firsthand the value he will add with his passion, enthusiasm, dedication and work ethic. He will be a resounding success at UND. I’m thrilled for Eric, his family and for UND.”

– Ryszard Gorski, Northern State Head Women’s Soccer Coach

“I could not be more excited for Eric and for North Dakota. I have known Eric for 15 years as he was instrumental in helping me at Fordham University. Eric is a tireless worker, passionate about the game, knowledgeable and a person any university would be lucky to have representing the school and the program. Eric will commit himself 100-percent to the vision of the program and what is best for the student-athletes at North Dakota. Eric is a special person and I am looking forward to watching him help drive UND to the highest level of women’s college soccer.”

– Jim McElderry, Rutgers Head Men’s Soccer Coach