Scott Palguta, who served the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Colorado College men’s soccer team, has been named the third coach in program history, athletics director Ken Ralph announced today.

Palguta succeeds Horst Richardson, who announced his retirement in December after 50 years at the helm, including 49 as head coach.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Ken Ralph and Greg Capell for giving me this opportunity,” Palguta said. “None of this would have been possible without Horst’s mentorship over the last two years. I’ve learned a great deal about being a college soccer coach, but specifically being a college soccer coach at CC. Thanks to his efforts and taking me under his wings, I feel very well prepared.”

During his two seasons as an assistant, Colorado College compiled a 29-10-4 record and were ranked as high as No. 14 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Division III poll. With last year’s 15-4-2 record, the Tigers posted their most victories since the 2004 squad finished with a 16-4-1 mark.

“Scott is exceptionally qualified from his collegiate and professional careers,” said Richardson, who compiled a 567-304-71 career record. “His appointment will be popular not only with our players and alumni, but also with our coaching colleagues.

Prior to joining CC for the 2013 season, Palguta played four seasons as a defender with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. He signed with Colorado in 2009 and was part of the 2010 team that won the MLS Cup.

“From the team’s perspective, we’re excited to have a coach who is on the same page as the players and is ready to attack the upcoming season,” said midfielder Caden MacKenzie, who will be a junior this fall. “The guys were 100 percent behind the decision to promote Scott and we couldn’t be more excited to get back on the field.”

A native of Toms River, N.J., Palguta was a two-time all-Ivy League selection at Cornell University, where he graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration.

While attending Cornell, Palguta played for Cape Cod of the USL Premier Development League from 2002 to 2004, winning back-to-back national championships with the Crusaders in 2002 and 2003.

“We are thrilled that Scott emerged from a national search as the top choice of everyone involved in the selection,” Ralph said. “He has the vision, energy, passion, and tactical expertise to take our program to the next level. 

“His playing experience as an all-Ivy League performer at Cornell University gives him a unique insight into the academic and athletic demands placed on our students.  Colorado College soccer is in great hands moving forward.”

Palguta got his first taste of professional soccer during his senior year at Cornell after he was drafted by the Rochester Raging Rhinos in the second round of the USL First Division College Draft. He was named the league’s “Rookie of the Year” in 2005 and was an all-USL selection in 2008.

“From the moment I first set foot on campus, I sensed that Colorado College is a special place and that the men’s soccer program is a unique band of brothers,” Palguta said. “It was immediately evident that CC was where I wanted to begin my collegiate coaching career.

“What makes our program so exceptional and allows it to thrive is the continued support of the wonderful alumni. Horst has established an incredible soccer network, and a big aspect of my job will be to keep this outstanding group of people engaged and connected to the Colorado College men’s soccer program.”

Palguta and his wife, Melissa, reside in Colorado Springs.