THE SPIRIT OF 76 — Michael Lewis, Front Row Soccer.
When you mention the Brooklyn Italians, the words excellence, tradition and history just might come to mind.
Former Brooklyn Italians President Jerry Valerio (left) receiving the Lifetime Achievement at the 75th anniversary gala from the current President, Peter Ciaccia (middle). (Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Italians)
When you mention the Brooklyn Italians, the words excellence, tradition and history just might come to mind.
For the past 76 years, the soccer club has enjoyed a storied history at several levels of the beautiful game, impacting not only the metropolitan area, but nationally as well.
The Brooklyn Italians might be best known to the American soccer community as the last New York team to capture the prestigious Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title, in 1991. But the club also has forged a reputation of producing soccer players at just about every level of the beautiful game.
“The Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club was born by immigrants looking for commonality in their transition to a new life in the United States,” club president Peter Ciaccia said. “Today, the club continues to embrace its historical roots, while simultaneously representing the diverse cultural community in the greater Brooklyn area. Playing in local leagues and tournaments, the youth side has managed to overflow the clubhouse with trophies as one of the earliest teams in the New York City area.
“For over 75 years, the club has been blessed with volunteers, coaches, parents, players and board members focused on raising our children and young adults to be great players and, more importantly, outstanding people and future leaders in the community.”
The Brooklyn Italians celebrated their 76th anniversary at a gala at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, N.Y. on Friday, March 7.
For technical director Antonio Superbia, Jr., there is no other place where he would rather be than the Brooklyn Italians.
“It means a great deal,” he said. “I do feel very emotionally attached to the club. I’m very grateful to have worked with past presidents … and the current president, Peter Ciaccia.”
Mike Windischmann (lower right) celebrates with his USMNT teammates after they qualified for the 1990 World Cup with their 1-0 victory at Trinidad & Tobago (Michael Lewis/FrontRowSoccer)
Legendary figures
The club also has produced some of the best of the sport, locally, nationally and internationally, on and off the field.
“The biggest accomplishments of the club are the wide range of people who have continued to put life into the club,” Ciaccia said.
Ciaccia then mentioned several individuals who were at the forefront of the club over the past several decades.
Start with Bill Manning, who forged his reputation in front offices in Major League Soccer, winning MLS Cups with Real Salt Lake (2009) and Toronto FC (2017).
Continue with center back Mike Windischmann, who captained the 1990 U.S. men national team in the 1990 World Cup, the first time the Americans reached the competition in 40 years.
Let’s not forget Joe Barone, a driving force for the club who also was a New York Cosmos vice president and CEO of Fiorentina in Italy’s Serie A. Barone passed away in 2024.
And then there were presidents such as Jerry Valerio and Joe Manfredi, who made sure the Italians would build on their quality on and off the field.
Some memorable players
Here is a list of Brooklyn Italians players who have made their mark professionally:
Antonio Superbia Jr.: New England Revolution
Bill Manning: Toronto FC (club president)
Christian da Silva: NY/NJ MetroStars, U.S. Soccer Youth National Team scout
Dragan Radovich: Washington Diplomats, Portland Timbers, Chicago Sting
Giovanni Savarese: NY/NJ MetroStars, New England Revolution, Venezuela men’s national team; Portland Timbers and Cosmos (head coach)
Giuseppe Barone: U.S. Salernitana
Juan Carlos Osorio: NY/NJ MetroStars (head coach), Chicago Fire and Mexico men’s national team
Mike Windischmann: USMNT (1990 World Cup captain)
Tim Parker: New York Red Bulls, Houston Dynamo FC
Vincent Bezecourt: New York Red Bulls, Miami FC
“The Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club is truly passionate about impacting our community and improving the most formative years for our children, young adults, and players,” Ciaccia said.
How it began
In 1949, the Brooklyn Italians were founded by Italian immigrant John Devivo. During its early days, the team competed in the in the Metropolitan Soccer League before joining the American Soccer League. The club has had several names in its history, including Inter-Brooklyn Italians, Inter SC, Boca Juniors, Palermo Football Club, Brooklyn Dodgers before returning to its roots as the Brooklyn Italians.
Nationally, the Brooklyn Italians probably are known as a team that has captured two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships, in 1979 and 1991.
The Open Cup
Known as the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1979, the club won its first national crown, defeating Chicago Croatia (Ill.), 2-1, for the Open Cup title at Winnimac Stadium in Chicago, under the tutelage of head coach Lorenzo DeSimone.
A dozen years later as the Brooklyn Italians, the team captured the Open Cup for a second time, downing the Richardson Rockets of Texas, 1-0, on Ernest Inneh’s seventh-minute goal at Brooklyn College. The hosts were forced to play the final 67 minutes and a several minutes of stoppage time a man down after defender Bill Manning received a red card. Forced to league the venue, Manning watched the rest of the match while sitting on the hood of his car in the parking lot.
Members of their 1991 U.S. Open Cup team with their jerseys at the 75th anniversary gala. (Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Italians)
The triumph was a defining moment in the club’s history.
“After the drama and the tension of the day and that you’ve achieved what you set out to achieve, you can kind of relax and enjoy it and look back and say, ‘It’s a job well done,’ to be able to celebrate with other people who are on the field,” defender Ronan Wiseman said. “You went through something with them but then the people who are outside the field they have a different experience. But it was also good to share it with them as well because they had their drama and their tensions and what they went through. That was a good moment.”
Indeed, it was.
“The club’s history is filled with unforgettable moments,” said Superbia, a member of that 1991 squad. “Perhaps none more iconic than its two U.S. Open Cup triumphs – in 1979 against Chicago Croatian SC and in 1991 against the Richardson Rockets played at Brooklyn College. The 1991 victory holds a particularly special place in our hearts. Playing with just 10 men for most of the match demonstrating the team’s resilience and determination surrounding the historic victory, capturing the passion, resourcefulness, and unbreakable connection that defined our team and supporters during that era.”
At the time, Mike Ryback was the head coach and Tony Noto the assistant coach. Jerry Valerio, was the team president, Dick Pusateri was the general manager.
Jerry Valerio and Dick Pusateri back in the day. (Photo by Michael Lewis)
Bill Manning when he played with the Brooklyn Italians. (Michael Lewis Photo)
Bill Manning
Manning was honored at the club’s 75th anniversary dinner in 2024, for his significant contributions to the game on and off the field, while always maintaining strong ties to the Brooklyn Italians.
“Bill’s journey began as a player with the Brooklyn Italians and was an instrumental part of the 1991 team that won the U.S. Open Cup,” Ciaccia said. “Bill continued to become one of the most respected executives in professional soccer, which exemplifies his deep commitment to the sport and his extraordinary ability to excel at every level. Today, Bill is a prominent figure in American soccer, widely respected for his impactful roles as a soccer executive, including his tenures at Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC, marked by remarkable success, as he structured both clubs to win MLS Cup titles.
“For the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club, it was critical to highlight Bill’s extraordinary career in front of all its community supporters, coaches, parents, and players. Truly a special way for the club to mark its 75th anniversary serving the Brooklyn community.”
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Brooklyn Italians Board of Directors with 1949 Club award honoree Louis Mollica
This year’s honorees:
Spatola, Mollica Ullo received special accolades
Three deserving and special individuals were honored at this year’s gala at Russo’s On the Bay in Howard Beach, N.Y. on March 7.
Jack Spatola was named Man of the Year. The former principal of Public School in Sunset Park and chairman of the Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Spatola has had a lifelong commitment to education, community and service. His dedication went well beyond the classroom, as Spatola has worked tirelessly to secure resources and funding while providing after-school programs for students. He has contributed to the growth of the Brooklyn Italians.
“His quiet strength and unwavering commitment have helped build a bigger community,” according to the Brooklyn Italians.
Louis Mollica was given the 1949 Club Award. He has served on the club’s board of directors for almost two decades and as the Columbus Cup tournament director, while serving as a coach and manager. His sons Christian and Michael are Brooklyn Italians alumni.
“His unwavering commitment to the club, family, and Community makes him a cherished member of the Brooklyn Italians’ family,” the club said.
Carmelo Ullo was selected as the Lifetime Achievement honoree. Ullo has been an integral part of the club since its early days.
“His contributions to the organization are immeasurable,” the Brooklyn Italians stated. “”A consistent and reliable presence at the clubhouse and on the field, Carmelo is always there to share lessons about the4 club’s rich history.”
Volunteers galore
There have been countless individuals behind the scenes who have made an impact on and off the field, including the club’s part-time coaching staff and its volunteer board of directors.
Leading the way are Superbia and club director Marinda Gilbert. Superbia has been a vital part of the Brooklyn Italians for more than 35 years and runs all sporting activities, according to Ciaccia.
The club is fueled by the tireless work of many volunteers from a myriad of backgrounds.
“Marinda has delivered a modern vision for executing the club’s operations that truly aligns with the goals of the board,” Ciaccia said. “The board is comprised of educators, doctors, business people, and most importantly, individuals whose top priorities is the betterment of the Brooklyn community, committed to supporting youth soccer development and fostering talent regardless of financial background. The club is constantly reminded of the many leaders and architects that have paved the way, including our heartbeat, Joe Barone who we lost suddenly this past year.”
Columbus Cup
Every October, the club hosts the Columbus Cup, a youth soccer tournament that brings in top teams to complete at the Boys and Girls divisions from Under-8 to U-14. More than 100 teams competed in last year’s tourney at Calvert Vaux Park.
Antonio Superbia (left) and club director Marinda Gilbert had the honor of presenting the game ball at a recent Red Bulls game (Photo courtesy of the New York Red Bulls)
Red Bulls partnership
The partnership between the club and the Major League Soccer team was established in 2021.
“The partnership between the Brooklyn Italians and New York Red Bulls is truly beneficial to both sides allowing our players access to the most elite platform in the United States.” Gilbert said. “The club continues to work with the Red Bulls to expand this partnership to include highly experienced coaching staff, higher quality training sessions, creation of select teams, access to invitational tournaments, and recruitment opportunities. With such a highly fragmented local soccer landscape, the partnership truly acts as a way to recognize the club for all its efforts both on and off the pitch – and the club is truly grateful for the trust and partnership with the New York Red Bulls. We are also very proud to partner with the United Soccer League as the newest member of the USL Academy. The future is bright as we identify opportunities to play in the most competitive leagues and tournaments across the country as well as pathways to compete at the highest levels.
Added Superbia: “It’s a pleasure to be associated with the New York Red Bulls because we are one of the most traditional soccer clubs in the country. Our youth program deserves to be well recognized as well.”
The Brooklyn Italians USL Academy team. (Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Italians
USL Academy
The Italians are the newest member of the USL Academy.
The club started to field an Under-20 team, and its participation was expanded to four more teams in the USL Youth League.
“Our clubhouse is filled with memories and trophies, including the New York State Cup, NPSL, Cosmopolitan League, Regionals and EDP,” Italians vice president Joseph Otero said. “The club has also won many local, national, and international tournaments, including Enzo Ferrari Cup and Dallas Cup. In 2024, the Brooklyn Italians were accepted into the USL Academy fielding a U-20 team which has now expanded into four additional teams entering the USL Youth League. The Brooklyn Italians have maintained a platform to compete at the highest levels without compromising accessibility or community values. We are most thankful to our strategic partners, sponsors, and community leaders who share this common vision contributing to the growth of soccer in our community. The club remains committed to supporting youth development and fostering talent regardless of financial background, offering scholarships to deserving athletes, ensuring equitable access for all to competitive soccer opportunities.”
Trophies, trophies, trophies
It should come as no surprise that the Brooklyn Italians’ club house is filled with countless memories and trophies, including the Enzo Ferrari Cup and Dallas Cup.
“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our Academy teams over the years from big name tournaments to local competitions,” Ciaccia said.
The future
The club’s vision started in 2019 when a new board of directors implemented a plan to boost the number of players and teams, expand access to its facilities and deepen its overall community impact, according to Ciaccia.
“Over the past four years, a new board of directors has implemented a plan to increase the number of players and teams, expand access to facilities, and deepen the overall community impact,” Ciaccia said. “In 2020, the club was named the New York Red Bull’s exclusive academy affiliate in Brooklyn, New York. In 2024, the club was admitted to the USL Academy and will field an additional four teams in the exclusive USL Youth league. Further, the club has initiated a new program for its high school players focused on creating a pathway to compete at the most elite national and international platforms as well as identify college opportunities. The future holds additional initiatives to position the Brooklyn Italians back to the very top of New York City youth soccer.”
The club has initiated a new program for its high school players focused on creating a pathway to compete at the most elite national and international platforms, as well as identifying college opportunities.
For more information about the club, visit https://www.brooklynitalians.org.