Murphy tabs first assistant

First-year FC Buffalo head coach Brendan Murphy has appointed his first assistant coach. The Blitzers front office agreed to terms with Bob Roach for the 2013 season.

“I’m excited to join Coach Murphy on the FC Buffalo coaching staff,” Roach said. “Coach Murphy and I have been friends for years and working with him is an opportunity I could not pass up. We have a great group of lads signed and I’m looking forward to battling all summer long ‘For Our City,’.”

Murphy, above at winter tryouts, tabs Roach to assist.
Murphy, above at winter tryouts, tabs Roach to assist.

Roach is the reigning 2012 Niagara Orleans League Coach of the Year after skippering the Newfane High School boys to his second Section VI final in six seasons (Newfane won the Class B Far West Regional Championship in 2006). In addition to 2 All-State selections and 14 First Team All-N-O League players, Roach has lead the team to the New York State Academic Excellence Award all 6 years.

“Coach Murphy was adamant about Coach Roach’s soccer mind and passion for the game,” said general manager Nick Mendola. “After meeting with Coach Roach, we’re confident he’s an important part of our goal to win an NPSL title.”

As a player, Roach was a 2-time all-league selection at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute before earning 2 Empire-8 All-League selections at Elmira College.

Email: wolf@fcbuffalo.org