865 Alliance announce experienced Coaching Staffs for Inaugural WPSL and NPSL Seasons

As 865 Alliance starts preparation for the 2023 WPSL and NPSL seasons, 865 Alliance President Jon Schneider announces the Coaching Staff for the Men’s and Women’s teams to start play in 2023.

Jon Schneider shared his thoughts on today’s announcement, "We are excited to introduce our coaches to everyone. We have a very experienced staff for both teams and can't wait to get the season started!"

865 Alliance NPSL Team

NPSL Team is being led by veteran USSF “A” Licensed coach Mike Meyer who has coached NPSL Soccer in Michigan, with experienced Assistant Coaches Erik Casterline and Saahill Kapoor.

NPSL Head Coach: Mike Meyer

A Native of Cincinnati, Oh Michael Meyer’s soccer career consists of playing at Wilmington College (1995) and for the Cincinnati Riverhawks (USISL and “A” League 1996-1999).

Coaching Experience:

From 2000-06, Michael was the 1st Assistant for Men’s Soccer at Northern Kentucky University under John Toebben and John Basalyga. Michael continued his career for the next 11 years in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he was the DOC of the Ann Arbor Arsenal (2006 –08). He then transitioned over to the Vardar Soccer Club (2008-16) and was the Director of Coaching of Vardar Ann Arbor and worked for the Vardar Developmental Academy. Michael assisted the U18 Boys 2010 DA National Champions team and was the Head Coach 2014-15 U16 Boys Vardar Developmental Academy Team. While in Michigan, he was ODP Director for the Michigan 94 Girls, the 1st Assistant for Lansing United NPSL team who were Great Lake Conference Champion and Final 4 Finalist in 2013-14, and the 1st Assistant Coach for AFC Ann Arbor NPSL team in 2015-16. From 2016-18, Michael moved to Lewiston, NY where he was the 1st Assistant Coach at Niagara University for Men’s Soccer. Currently, he coaches for FC Alliance in Knoxville, TN. Michael holds his USSF “A” License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, and USSF National Youth License.

NPSL Assistant Coach: Erik Casterline

Started his college playing career at NCAA Division l UNC Asheville and finished his college career as team captain at NCAA Division ll Frostburg State University in Maryland. Erik brings NPSL playing experience to 865 Alliance. He was Captain and starting outside back for Electric City Shock in Scranton, PA. Led team to Highest points total in team history. Was 1 of 18 players from the Northeast region of NPSL to be selected for the NPSL Pro Combine in Los Angeles California.

Coaching Experience:

In 2018, Erik started as a Volunteer Assistant Coach & Director of Ops at High Point University men's soccer. HPU was the 2018 Big South Conference regular-season champion and the Coaching Staff was named South Region Staff of the Year while finishing with the best record in school history as well as the first home NCAA tournament game in program history. The following year, Erik was the Assistant Women's coach at Webber International University and in 2020 Erik became the Assistant men's coach at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. During 2021/2022, Erik returned to Webber International University as Head Women's Soccer Coach where he led the program to the best record in school history and set the school record for the best start to a season in program history going first 10 games undefeated and qualifying for the postseason for the first time in 10 years.

NPSL 2nd Assistant/GK Coach: Saahil Kapoor

Grew up in England and spent a short time with various different academy and youth teams including a full pre-season with Crawley Town FC (English Football League 1) professional team. Saahil attended Guildford County High school.

Then Moved to America in 2017 to compete at the college level at Northwest Kansas Technical College playing in the Jayhawk League, considered one of the strongest Junior College leagues in America. Spent some time at Governors State University before transferring to play his final season at Bryan College.

Coaching Experience:

Saahil Kapoor coached one season at Knoxville Catholic High School helping them double their win total from the previous season before becoming the goalkeeper coach at NCAA Division ll Lincoln Memorial University where he helped turn LMU from the worst-ranked team in the South Atlantic Conference to the conference championship game. LMU Goalkeepers earned several South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week honors during the season. Kapoor coaches FC Alliance U19 and U17 teams

865 Alliance WPSL Team

WPSL Team is led by Tennessee native and WPSL experienced coach Laban Defriese with the support of Assistant Coach Allan Schoenfield.

WPSL Head Coach: Laban Defriese

Laban DeFriese was born in Chattanooga and brings 30 years of Coaching experience in Tennessee including 2020-2022 Head Coach of the TN Force WPSL team and FC Alliance ECNL Women’s team. Laban holds a US Soccer Federation National “B” License. Before joining FC Alliance, Laban was Director of Coaching/ Women for Chattanooga Red Wolves. Laban was also the Executive Director of Harpeth Soccer/ Nashville Youth. An Award-winning coach at the Youth level winning multiple State and Regional Championships, Laban DeFriese brings incredible playing and coaching experience to 865 Alliance for the inaugural WPSL Season. Over 300 former players have played in college. Laban DeFriese coaching philosophy is “We will be successful, because we care the most at being the best, work the hardest, and compete with a focused determination at reaching goals of the highest expectation!” and his Favorite quote: “Players don’t care what you know until they know you care”

WPSL Assistant Coach: Allan Schoenfield

Born in Vidalia, GA but considers himself a native of Knoxville, TN. Allan grew up playing soccer in the Knoxville area and continued his education at the University of Tennessee studying History from 2004-2008. In 2010, Allan found his passion for coaching and accepted a position with Knoxville Football Club as the Assistant Director of Coaching & Academy Director. From 2010-2017, Allan served in a variety of roles at the club including Junior Director of Coaching, Technical Director, and Director of Coaching. Allan currently coaches at FC Alliance and holds his USSF C, NSCAA Premier, and NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma.