The Northern Virginia Football Club (NOVA FC) bolstered their PDL coaching staff with the appointments of MLS star Josh Gros and ODP trainer Tim Lucas to assistant coaching positions. Gros and Lucas join recently hired head coach Tom Torres and long-time assistant coach Mike Stone to complete the senior Royals staff for the 2009 PDL campaign.
Gros joins Northern Virginia as the Assistant/Fitness Coach after a fabled career with DC United, in which he was a central figure on the roster for four years. After finishing his collegiate career at Rutgers University, Gros was selected 34th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by United, and immediately earned himself a spot on the regular season lineup. Gros’ attitude and determination, coupled with an amazing work-rate, enabled him to excel at both midfield and left back duties throughout his initial season.
Gros earned his first cap with the US National team on February 7th, 2007, in a 2-0 victory over Mexico. During the 2007 MLS season, he suffered numerous head traumas, ultimately resorting to his retirement at the end of 2008.
Lucas signs on with the Royals PDL side as the goalkeeper coach, but will also oversee the development of the keepers on two Super 20 Northern Virginia FC teams. Currently serving as an assistant coach at both Oakton and Bishop O’Connell High Schools, Lucas is also a ODP staff keeper coach and VYSA educator in the state program.
“Josh and I have worked together for over 5 years,” commented Royals head coach Torres. “He knows my style, philosophy and expectations and will undoubtedly help our group with their fitness needs, among other things.”
“Tim is one of the strongest trainers in the area and brings a wealth of experience to our goalkeepers,” continued Torres. “He is a great addition to our program and a top-notch mentor for are PDL and Super 20 keepers.”
“We are excited to bring both into the training environment that we have begun to develop,” concluded Torres.
The Northern Virginia Royals face a challenging schedule of opponents in the Mid Atlantic Division in the upcoming season, including the Hampton Roads Piranhas and historical powerhouse Carolina Dynamo. The Royals will kick off their home season on May 10th against the Cary Clarets (NC).
