FAIRFIELD, CONN. – Sacred Heart University Director of Athletics Judy Ann Riccio has announced a change to the leadership of the Pioneer men's soccer program. Head coach Joe Barroso will transition to an assistant role while Anthony Anzevui will take over as the interim head coach.
 
"I want to thank Joe Barroso for his tireless devotion to the sport of soccer at Sacred Heart University," Riccio said. "We are fortunate to be retaining his talent and knowledge of the game as he transitions to the role of assistant coach.  I have great confidence in Coach Anzevui to lead the men's soccer program into the future."
 
Barroso's name has been synonymous with Sacred Heart soccer for nearly three decades. He got his start at Sacred Heart in 1992 as the head coach of the women's program. He was named regional Coach of the Year in 1994. After a five-year run at the University of Bridgeport, Barroso returned to SHU as the department transitioned to Division I.
 
During his second stint with the women's program, he led the Pioneers to three-straight Northeast Conference tournaments. During the 2001 campaign, he guided SHU to its first conference championship and spot in the NCAA Championship.  For his efforts, Barroso was named NEC Coach of the Year.
 
"Sacred Heart is a special place, with great leadership and a great environment, "Barroso added. "The loyalty they have shown me and my family will be something I will never forget as I make this transition. Anthony is an outstanding coach, and an even better person who will serve as a tremendous leader and role model for our student-athletes.  I am confident that nobody will work harder to see that SHU men's soccer is competing at a high level."
 
In 2005 he took over on the sideline for the men's squad. Barroso won over 90 matches for the men's program and led them to five NEC Tournaments. The 2010 squad won 11 contests – the most during the Division I era – and the third-highest total overall.
 
For the last eight seasons, Anzevui has been Barroso's right hand man, assisting in all facets of the program. Within two seasons of Anzeviu's hire he helped the Pioneers improve by five victories and earn a spot in the NEC Tournament.
 
"I'm honored to be named the interim head Coach at Sacred Heart," Anzevui said. "My family and I would like to thank Judy Ann Riccio for putting her trust in me to lead the program. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity at my alma mater and I am tremendously excited to take on this challenge. The priority will be to recruit and develop players both on and off the field in line with the traditions of the university."
 
Anzevui takes over at his alma mater where he was a three-time All-NEC defender. He helped the Pioneers reach the NEC Tournament for the first time in 2005 then a repeat appearance in the 2007. After graduating from SHU with a degree in psychology he played professionally for five years.