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Jeff Negalha is in his third season as an assistant coach with the North Carolina men's soccer program. He was hired in February 2005 from the University of South Florida and assists in all aspects of the program and also serves as UNC's goalkeeper coach. Following last season, Negalha was recognized by College Soccer News as one of the "20 Top Assistant Coaches of 2006," joining fellow assistant Carlos Somoano to form the only assistant tandem honored. During his first season in Chapel Hill, Carolina goalkeepers combined for a school-record 15 shutouts, while Justin Hughes led the ACC with a 0.50 goals against average. A year ago, the Tar Heels posted a 0.77 goals against average, and Hughes was eventually selected by the Colorado Rapids in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft. In addition to his work with the Tar Heels, Negalha serves as Director of Goalkeeping and staff coach for the Triangle United Soccer Association. During his two seasons at South Florida, Negalha served as an assistant coach and the Bulls' recruiting coordinator. In 2004, he attracted the nation's No. 3 class according to College Soccer News and No. 5 class according to Soccer America, and he helped land the No. 10 class in 2003 according to College Soccer News. Two highlights of the 2004 class included Rodrigo Hidalgo and Christian Jimenez, both U.S. Under-17 National Team members and two of the top-25 recruits in the nation. Jimenez left South Florida after one season and was the 14th overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft by CD Chivas USA. Additionally, Negalha recruit Simon Schoendorf was named a Freshman All-America by Soccer America following the 2004 season. Schoendorf and Hidalgo were named Conference-USA Co-Freshman of the Year in 2004. Before joining the staff at Carolina, Negalha was also instrumental in putting together the Bulls' 2005 freshmen class, which included Trinidad & Tobago youth national team members Kevon Neaves and Yohance Marshall, U.S. Under-17 National Team member and Parade All-America Blake Wagner and prep All-America and Indiana player of the year Jordan Seabrook. Prior to joining the staff at South Florida, Negalha coached at his alma mater, University of South Carolina-Spartanburg, from 1999-2002 and helped guide the Rifles to an NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance and a No. 5 national ranking in the final poll of 2002. While at USCS, Negalha helped recruit and coach the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year in both 2002 and 2003, as well as the league's freshman of the year in 2002. As a player, Negalha was a two-year starter in goal for USCS and led the Rifles to the NCAA quarterfinal round and the NCAA national championship game in 1997 and `98, respectively. In his two-year career at USCS, Negalha started 47 games and recorded 19.5 shutouts while allowing just 33 goals through nearly 3,900 minutes. He also helped the Rifles won two PBAC regular season championships and two conference tournament titles. Before coming to USCS, Negalha helped NJCAA national power Massasoit Community (Mass.) College to national semifinal and quarterfinal appearances in 1994 and `95. A native of Acushnet, Mass., Negalha holds a Goalkeeper Coaches License from the National Soccer Coaches Association and earned his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in physical education in December 2000 from USCS. Negalha is of Portuguese descent and is fluent in the language. |
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