You may have noticed that there have been some new faces in net for the URI men’s soccer team this year, but they also have a new face on the coaching staff leading these goalies.
Coach Giovani Riello was brought in by the Rams in March of 2023 to primarily work with the goalkeepers. With Max Hinke, who played every minute in goal for the Rams last season, not returning this year, this was not going to be the easiest task. But, based on their results to this point, the Rams have been making the adjustment seamlessly.
Coach Riello, originally from Brazil, played goalie in college at both the University of New Hampshire (2013-14) and Post University (2016-17). His coaching career has included stints at multiple universities, including a year at Post University (2018), three seasons at New England College (2020-2022) and last season at Southern New Hampshire.
When deciding to come coach at URI, one of the leading factors was the connection he already had with associate head coach Tony Bassett. Bassett was a part of the coaching staff at the University of New Hampshire while Riello played there in 2013.
“My relationship with Tony, and just knowing how he works and how good of a coach he is was a big factor,” Riello said. “Also, the history of the [URI] program and the amazing facilities.”
Since coming to URI, Riello has also continued to build a relationship with Head Coach Gareth Elliot, who is in his 11th season as head coach of the team. Riello discussed the confidence that Elliot has in him and how it continues to grow as the season progresses.
“Since I got here, he’s been fully supportive and welcomed me with open arms,” Riello said. “He gave me a lot of freedom to work with the goalkeepers and slowly has been giving me some freedom to help in other areas.”
With the departure of the starting goalie from a season ago, figuring out the new group of goalkeepers was not the easiest situation to enter in the spring. But, Riello feels very good about what they have and spoke about how the group has a very good connection.
“During our training sessions, they are extremely supportive of each other no matter who’s playing,” Riello said.
Nate DiLoreto, a redshirt second-year who has been the backup goalie this year, shared similar sentiments about the tight knit nature of this group.
“Our relationship together as a goalie union is one of the better coaching staff relationships I’ve had in my time in the sport,” DiLoreto said.
Under Riello, the results have certainly been there for the goalies to this point in the season. Through their first five matches, the Rams have shut out their opponent in four of them, leading to a 2-1-2 record to start the season. Riello credits this success to the players and how they have continued to work hard throughout the season.
“The amount of work they put in and the amount of focus they put in is great,” Riello said. “They always come to training prepared and are ready to go.”
DiLoreto, however, feels a lot of this success can be attributed to what Riello has brought to the team. DiLoreto spoke about Riello’s style of coaching.
“Usually the guy who plays the most minutes is singled out and the attention is more towards him, where this year it’s close to equal between us three which helps push everyone,” Diloreto said.
Hearing from both the players perspective and coaching staff perspective, it’s been a combination of both the hard work of these new goalies and the influence of Riello coming in that has helped lead to the goal prevention so far this season.
The expectations are clear for Riello as the team continues to get ready for home conference play starting on Sept. 23. He wants to help in any way possible to ensure all the team makes it into the Atlantic 10 postseason tournament after coming up just short a season ago.
Riello expressed his confidence in this group’s motivation and ability to achieve that goal. Even if it’s just about a month into the season, it’s clear that under Riello, this new group of goalies already feels very confident and comfortable and will look to continue their success.