Cristiano Costa
Biography
Cristiano Costa joined the MNUFC Academy staff in July 2022 as the Head Academy Goalkeeper Coach and Assistant Coach. Before his role at MNUFC, Costa served as a director of goalkeeping for four soccer clubs in the Chicagoland area. He has served as a Goalkeeper Coach at IMG Academy in Florida and as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Chicago State University for five years (2017-2021).Â
Costa’s 13-year playing career began at Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama, where he spent nine years before transitioning to ABC in Natal and Botafogo PB, where he played two more years professionally. He currently has his USSF B Coaching License and is working on his Master's in Tactical Periodization by Vitor Frade. He also holds an EXOS Formerly Athletes' Performance – Phase 1 License, along with other certifications in football and performance. Costa earned his BA in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting from Judson University in 2011.