SOFC Welcomes Justin Hughes to our Goalkeeper Staff
Justin Hughes (Juice) joined the Sporting Omaha FC coaching staff this summer, assisting with the goalkeepers at all our Academy and Select levels.
"Justin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our club. With his extensive background as a player and collegiate coach, Justin will be able to provide our players with the right development the need to continue to grow and succeed."
________________________________________
Hughes was a four-year letterwinner at North Carolina, playing under current CU head coach Elmar Bolowich from 2003-06 in Chapel Hill. Hughes started all 43 matches he appeared in during his four seasons with the Tar Heels. UNC advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons in Chapel Hill, with Hughes posting two of the top three goals against average marks in school history. As a junior in 2005, he led the ACC with a 0.50 GAA, the second-best mark in school history at that point. That season included seven shutouts, six of which he posted consecutively to tie a UNC record. He was tabbed to the ACC All-Tournament Team in 2005 as well. As a freshman in 2003, he was in goal for a shutout win over top-ranked Maryland. In 2006 he was named a MAC Hermann Trophy candidate, an honor bestowed upon the top player in collegiate soccer. He finished his career at UNC ranked second in school history with a 0.79 career goals against average. In addition to his play at UNC, he was also a member of the United States U-20 National Team pool, selected as one of 21 players to participate in the 2005 FIFA Youth World Championships in Holland. Following his successful collegiate career, Hughes spent two seasons with the Colorado Rapids, helping the team to a 2007 Reserve Division title. He was also selected as the recipient of the 2008 Colorado Rapids Community Service Award after making 60 community appearances at schools, soccer clinics and camps. Hughes also spent one season playing for Real Maryland FC of the United Soccer Leagues.
In 2010 Hughes was an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Elon University in North Carolina, helping both squads post winning records.
Afterwards he was hired on the Creighton Men's Soccer staff. As member of the 2014 All-BIG EAST Co-Coaching Staff of the Year, Hughes guided the Bluejays to the second-best goals against average in the nation (0.48) and eight-best shutout percentage (0.55) nationally. CU also earned the best winning percentage in the nation at 16-3-3 (.795). Creighton advanced to its third NCAA quarterfinal appearance in the last four seasons. Hughes directed junior goalkeeper Connor Sparrow to an All-Great Lakes Region Third Team selection.
