Holy Cross Athletics

Chris Gbandi is in his second season as an assistantmen’s soccer coach at the College of the Holy Cross in 2013.He joined the Crusaders staff after spending the2011 season as the Assistant Director of Soccer Operations atConnecticut, helping to lead the Huskies to the NCAA Quarterfinalsand a 19-3-3 record.

Gbandi, who was born in Liberia and graduated from Connecticutin 2002, enjoyed one of the most successful careers in Huskyhistory. He was named the BIG EAST Rookie of the Year in 1998and was also honored as the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Yearin 1999, 2000 and 2001. He earned All-America honors those years aswell. Gbandi led the 2000 Huskies to a NCAA Championship title andwon the Hermann Trophy as the National Player of the Year.

Following his collegiate playing days, Gbandi was drafted withthe first overall pick of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas,where he played until 2007. He was honored as FC Dallas's Defenderof the Year in 2006. Gbandi then transferred to Norwegian club FKHaugesund, where he spent the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Most recently,Gbandi spent the 2010 season playing for the USSF Division 2 clubMiami FC.