Sal DeRosa

Years with Lancers: 1970-71, 1973 (coach)

Born: Pignataro Maggiore, Italy

The coach who led the Lancers to their only NASL trophies.  Starting competing in pro soccer in Naples, Italy until a severe knee injury ended his playing days.  Was the coach, general manager and owner of the Syracuse Scorpions of the American Soccer League in 1969, guiding the team to a tie at the top of the Northern Division and a win over the Lancers in a 1 match playoff for the division crown, before losing to the Washington Darts in the finals.  Came to coach the Lancers (who had moved to the North American Soccer League) midway through the 1970 season, bringing 5 of the Scorpions’ top players with him, including Lancers Wall of Famers Frank Odoi and Claude Campos. Coached the Lancers to a 6-4-3 mark over the final 13 matches and then directed the side to the NASL title, defeating the same Washington Darts in a 2 match aggregate series, 4-3.  In 1971, managed the Lancers to the NASL regular season title. Moved to Miami to coach the Gatos (the former Washington Darts) in 1972 before returning to the Lancers for his final NASL coaching season in 1973.

Started with indoor soccer in 1979, becoming the Vice-President and General Manager of the Buffalo Stallions of the Major Indoor Soccer League until 1982 and the coach of the team from 1979-1980.  Founded the Buffalo Storm in 1984 in the United Soccer League, which also featured the Rochester Flash. Served as special consultant and president of the citizens advisory committee for the Buffalo Blizzard of the National Professional Soccer League in the 1990’s.  Worked on the Buffalo World Cup committee bid trying to get matches at then-named Rich Stadium during the 1994 World Cup. After retiring from the professional soccer front office, helped develop youth soccer clinics in the Buffalo area throughout the 1990’s and into the 21st century.

Playoffs

Regular Season