Pete McNulty 1988 (Guest)

Recently, I found out that Pete McNulty had played in some exhibition games prior to the 1988 ASL season, but sadly he never made it onto the final roster.

Peter McNulty was born May 3rd, 1964 in Florida.

Steve Wicks (former Chelsea and QPR player) was brought in originally to be coach of the 1988 team, Wicks had played for the Rowdies in 1986. It was Wicks who signed Pete on match to match contracts, to play in some indoor exhibition games. Wicks was released of his post before the 1988 season due to financial reasons.

Prior to all this, Pete had trials with the Rowdies II team in 1982, above is the envelope that he received from Francisco Marcos. But, Pete elected to not forfeit his NCAA eligibility, and played college soccer first, before returning to Tampa only to find the NASL in a shambles.

This is the letter Pete received from Francisco Marcos. Pete attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he was part of the National Championship team there in 1982, as a Freshman. Later Pete helped out with youth soccer camps, the Rowdies' "Camp Kikinthagrass" being one of those.

Above is the 1982 article from the Florida Tribune, telling of the 12 players accepted for the Rowdies II team.

This 1988 article shows Pete working with the "Camp Kikinthagrass" kids.

This 1988 photo shows kids from the "GM School of Excellence" run by former Chelsea manager Dave Sexton. Also, pictured are: Rodney Marsh, Duncan MacEwan, Ray Perlee, Dave Power, Alan Anderson, Pete McNulty and Dave Sexton.

Today, Pete is Coach/Director of the Laguna Niguel Soccer Club: http://www.lnsoccer.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/LagunaNiguelSC

Now in his fourth year with LNSC, “Coach Pete” takes his girls into the Silver South Division of the Coast Soccer League. The U-13 team for 2008 shows lots of promise and has a full year of soccer planned that includes Cal Cup, a 10-12 week Spring Soccer League schedule, various tournament play dates and of course, the big Fall Season Coast Soccer League schedule. Pete currently resides in Dana Point with his wife Tricia and two daughters Shannon and Brenna.

Many thanks to Pete for the excellent photos and great stories that he has told me.