Woods Joins RCNJ after Leading FC Monmouth of NPSL for Four Seasons
(Central Jersey) - Hamilton’s Brian Woods has been named Head Coach of the Real Central NJ Soccer USL League Two team for the 2022 season. Woods is retiring as Head Coach of William Patterson University's men’s team after 30 years of service. Woods is also a staff coach for an RCNJ youth affiliate MatchFit Academy. He was recently the Head Coach of FC Monmouth of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
“I look forward to coaching close to home,” said Woods. “I enjoy the competition and helping high-level college players achieve their potential.”
Woods was the 2008 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Coach of the Year, when he led the Pioneers to the semifinals of the NJAC Tournament as well as the ECAC Metro Tournament championship, securing William Paterson’s first postseason title since 1975. That year William Patterson spent eight weeks in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25.
Prior to advancing to the 2013 ECAC Men’s Soccer Metro Region Tournament final, WP tied the school record for victories in 2011 (14-4-4), reaching the championship match of the ECAC Metro Region Tournament. The Pioneers earned their second NCAA Tournament bid in program history, advancing to the second round of the 2010 tourney while matching the school record with 14 victories (14-4-3).
“Woods has a long and successful history coaching collegiate players,” RCNJ Men’s General Manager Ira Jersey said. “He’s putting together an experienced technical staff that will help recruit and train an exciting group of players.”
Woods was a four-time all-NJAC selection at Trenton State, where he also played football, before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in corporate fitness. He coached at his alma mater until 1992 when he took over the program at William Paterson.
At MatchFit, Woods led boys’ club teams to seven State Cup titles, three appearances in the U.S. Club Soccer National Finals (2000-07), and five USSF Academy playoff appearances (2009-13). Woods previously served as the president of the College Soccer Association of New Jersey, coached New Jersey’s boys and girls Olympic Development Programs as well as the New Jersey Lady Stallions, and was an evaluator for the U.S. Region I boys and girls soccer teams.
Woods replaces the club's inaugural season Head Coach Patrick Snyder who left the club to concentrate on youth soccer coaching opportunities.