On Saturday, March 2, 2024, several members of the NCHU Board and Cantera staff had the distinct pleasure of attending the Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame dinner, honoring the class of 2023-2024 recipients. Among them was our very own Mark Lugris, NCHU Director of Coaching and Cantera Futbol director. Mark shared this honor with several other inductees, but most poignant was sharing the honor as his mentor and friend Pele’ received this honor as well.
Cantera Futbol Family (L to R): Gio Velasquez, James Pyatsky, Billy Gialas, Stephan Manz, Mark Lugris, Carly Credidio, Avery Gomez, Robbie Gomez, John Egan
During his acceptance speech, Mark described himself as an ordinary player, who was a hard worker and passionate about the game. And these are the qualities he tries to instill in the young players he mentors and coaches. He believes his success is credited to all those who have believed in him- his parents, his wife Nina and family, his coaching staff at Cantera, and the members and players of NCHU, who as he says, have invested in him. He knows this honor does not come without the support of many during his long and successful career. These are the reasons he is so invested, and his trainers are so invested in the development and success of all the players of NCHU and the club as a whole. Mark was inducted by former NCHU President and LIJSL Board member Matt Power. Matt spoke about Mark’s dedication to NCHU in helping the Board to “right the ship” as the performance and morale of the club had lost some of its momentum. In Matt’s words, “On countless occasions, Mark has put the kids first and has been fiercely loyal to NCHU”. It is these selfless qualities that have allowed the club to prosper and flourish in recent years. As an aside, we owe thanks to Board member Mike Carrano who knew that Mark Lugris was special and accomplished, and the perfect person to help NCHU develop into the club it is today. On a personal note, it has been an honor to get to know Mark and call him a friend. He has a gentle heart, a warm smile, and a genuineness to him that we need more of in the world. And if that isn’t enough, he has done the work, and the resume speaks for itself.
Mark was a two-time MVP, All-MAAC, and All-MET selection, a three-time All-Tri-State choice, and the Tri-State Defender of the Year in 1982 at Fordham University. In 1995 Mark was inducted into the Fordham University Athletic Hall of Fame. Between 1983 and 1998 Mark racked up 79 goals and 88 assists while playing for several professional soccer clubs including the New York Cosmos, Houston Dynamos, Columbus Capitals, Fort Wayne Flames, Dallas Sidekicks, and Dayton Dynamo. Mark’s talent and dedication also earned him a coveted spot on the Puerto Rican national team, where he represented his country with distinction in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Caribbean Cup, and the Olympic qualifiers. Notably, he captained the team from 1992 to 1998. In 2014 Mark was inducted into the Puerto Rican Soccer Hall of Fame and in 2022, was named to the all-time Puerto Rican Dream team by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics.
Beyond his impressive playing career, Mark has left an enduring mark on the Long Island soccer community. He has tirelessly championed the sport, fostering the development of young players and inspiring countless individuals with his dedication and passion to play at the collegiate and international levels. Congratulations Mark- we are so very proud of you!
Mark and Mike Carrano, NCHU Vice President
Northport Cow Harbor United Soccer Club 