Academy Coaches

Ronan Wiseman
Academy Director, U16 Coach

Ronan Wiseman is a former professional player and coach with the Long Island Rough Riders, while they were a USL A league side. Wiseman has also had successful coaching stints at collegiate programs, including Hofstra University and his alma mater, Adelphi University. Wiseman captained the Adelphi team through the school’s most successful years, including an appearance in the Elite Eight stage of the NCAA tournament. Wiseman is an USSF A-licensed coach and also a veteran of the Long Island soccer scene, also directing LIJSL PDP. He is originally from Ireland.

Favorite Team: Manchester United 

Reason Why I Coach: Love of the game 

Juan Palacio
U15 Coach

Stephan Rigaud
U14 Coach

Stephan Rigaud holds the USSF A-Youth License and brings extensive academy and collegiate experience to the New York Cosmos. Most recently, he was head coach of Richmond United's U17-U19 in the Atlantic Division of the U.S, Soccer Development Academy. There he guided the U19 team to their highest finish in club history, missing out on the playoffs on the final day of the season. They also played in the U.S. Soccer feature game at the DA showcase, and two of the players appeared for the affiliate USL team, Richmond Kickers.

Prior to Richmond, he was an integral member of BW Gottschee Academy from 2014-2018 and served in roles as U12 academy head coach, U19 associate coach, and Director of Academy Goalkeeping. He was an assistant coach for the U16-U18 age groups throughout his tenure there, contributing to multiple squads that made the academy playoffs every season. Rigaud also has NCCA Division 1 collegiate experience having acted as assistant coach with Iona College men’s soccer in 2017 and Saint John’s University women’s soccer in 2015 and 2016. He owns Embrace The Grind Fútbol, which is about showing players the joy in working hard towards your goals.

Favorite Team: Atletico Madrid

Reason Why I Coach: Coaching gives me a sense of responsibility, creativity, and purpose. I love fútbol and I try everyday to be a transformational and servant leader and to help the players on and off the field

Ridi Dauti
U13 Coach

Ridi Dauti holds the U.S. Soccer B license as well as having graduated magna cum laude from SUNY Cortland with a bachelors in kinesiology with a concentration in sports coaching.