# Connecticut Wolves

The Connecticut Wolves were an American soccer club that was founded by the Clifton Onolfo, the Onolfo Family, and several investors including Tony DiCicco. The Club's inaugural match was attended by 5,200 plus fans and competed in the United Soccer Leagues from 1993 to 2004. Based in New Britain, Connecticut, and playing in Veteran's Stadium, the club started in the D-3 Pro League before moving to the A-League in 1997. The Connecticut Wolves were sold to the City of New Britain in 1997.

## History

In 1992 prior to MLS and NASL the USISL had 19 Teams across the South and South East. The Onolfo Family and Investors acquired the rights for USISL Connecticut and announced the Connecticut Wolves in 1993. The USISL grew steadily through the next five years adding teams in the North East including the Long Island Roughriders, NY Fever, Boston Breakers, Rochester Rhinos, Richmond Kickers, Delaware Wizards. 1996 the A League merged with the support of Umbro into the USL now 116 Teams Strong in ProAm, D3 and A League Divisions. The Club ownership was transferred the City oh New Britain, in lieu of moving to Stamford Connecticut. The Wolves enjoyed three seasons over 10 years where they reached the Quarterfinals of USL League playoffs. at its peak the Jr Wolves Academy hosted over 19 team affiliates coached by Wolves Players and Alumni, winning 11 State Championships. In 2002, USL and A League merged USL and D3, the Wolves played there for one year before the City of New Britain folded the team. Former players for the Wolves include Bo Oshoniyi of Southern Connecticut State University, David Kelly, currently coach at Central Connecticut State University, former Wimbledon F.C. player Carlton Fairweather, and former Moroccan international goalkeeper Chuck Martini (also known as Chuck Moussadik). Martini subsequently played for at least 12 football clubs in England, mostly non-league, the most recent being Worthing FC of the Ryman Premier League. David Williamson ex Hong Kong International and former Motherwell, Cambridge United league and cup winner with Bohemians of Dublin and cup winner with Hibernians of Malta.
Arguably the 3 biggest non A League victories for the Club in one season were the defeat of the MLS NE Revolution on Alexi Lalas night on a late goal by James Proctor assisted by Tony Kasulinous. They then defeated Galatasary of Turkey, 2-1 on unassisted goals by Mark Nihl and Sanjay Reed. Then the Wolves defeated Major League Soccer's Tampa Bay Mutiny 3–2 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to advance to the third round of the tournament. Tony Kasulinous registered a goal and an assist while Rob McEchon scored on a set piece and Jorge Sanchez scored from Kasulinous.

## Year-by-year

| Year | Division | League | Reg. season | Playoffs | Open Cup | Avg. attendance |
| 1993 | N/A | USISL | 6th, Atlantic | Did not qualify | Did not enter | N/A |
| 1994 | 3 | USISL | 8th, Northeast | Did not qualify | Did not enter | N/A |
| 1995 | 3 | USISL Pro League | 6th, Capital | Did not qualify | 1st Round | N/A |
| 1994/95 | N/A | USISL Indoor | played one game | Did not qualify | N/A | N/A |
| 1996 | 3 | USISL Select League | 3rd, North Atlantic | 1st Round | Did not qualify | 1,631 |
| 1997 | 2 | USISL A-League | 5th, Northeast | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 2,488 |
| 1998 | 2 | USISL A-League | 7th, Northeast | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 2,452 |
| 1999 | 2 | USL A-League | 8th, Northeast | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 1,227 |
| 2000 | 2 | USL A-League | 6th, Northeast | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 1,325 |
| 2001 | 2 | USL A-League | 5th, Northern | Did not qualify | 3rd Round | 1,986 |
| 2002 | 3 | USL D3-Pro League | 2nd, Northern | Semifinals | Did not qualify | 2,151 |

## Head coaches

* Leszek Wrona (1993–1995)
* Steven Stokoe (1995–1996)
* Brian Bliss (1999)
* Dan Gaspar (2000–2004)
Manager of Football & President Clifton Onolfo. (1993–1997)
General Manager Tom Jackson. (1993–2000)
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