NIU promotes Luzzi as men's head soccer coach

Eric Luzzi, Northern Illinois' top assistant for the last three seasons, has been named the eighth men's soccer head coach in program history.

"Eric has had a great opportunity to work with and learn from (former head coach) Steve Simmons as they have built a championship program," NIU athletic director Jeff Compher said in a statement announcing the appointment Wednesday. "I am confident Eric will carry on the winning tradition of Northern Illinois men's soccer and that, under his leadership, we will move to the next level."

Luzzi was promoted to associate head coach of the Huskies in March. In 2006, he helped guide Northern Illinois to the Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament championships. That year, under the tutelage of Luzzi, goalkeeper Joe Zimka set an NCAA record for goals allowed average, and the Huskies set the NIU record for shutouts in a season with 14.

In 2008, Luzzi was part of the staff that coached the Huskies to eight shutouts, a win over No. 2-ranked SMU, and a trip to the MAC Championship game for the second time in three years.

"All the pieces are here to continue competing for championships," Luzzi said. "We have great facilities, we have been in the top-25 for the last five years, we have a top schedule, and, most importantly, we have a terrific group of committed student-athletes."

Luzzi followed up a stellar prep goalkeeping career at St. Ignatius High School as a four-year letterman and starting keeper at Saint Mary's (Minnesota). His résumé includes two campaigns as head coach for Schaumburg High School before his return to his alma mater, where he spent five seasons guiding the St. Ignatius Cardinals.

Compher acknowledged that Luzzi's s Chicago ties were a large factor in the decision to promote the 33-year-old.

Luzzi inherits a team that took fourth-ranked Akron to double-overtime of the MAC Championship game in 2008, and a program that has won a school record 56 matches over the last five seasons. The Huskies return nine starters in 2009, including All-MAC selections Ben Thomas and Brad Horton (Sycamore), along with academic all-American Kyle Knotek (Geneva).