Chris Flaherty

Chris Flaherty is an experienced, accomplished coach with a proven ability to develop talent at the collegiate, club, and youth levels. Entering his third season as an assistant coach, Flaherty brings a deep technical background and an impressive résumé built across championship‑winning programs and elite youth environments.

Flaherty spent six seasons as the goalkeeping coach for the University of Bridgeport’s men’s and women’s programs, where he played a pivotal role in two straight CACC Championships in 2022 and 2023. Working with a pair of freshman goalkeepers in 2023, he helped lead the Purple Knights to an extraordinary defensive run, allowing just one goal across three CACC Tournament games and recording 73 saves over 19 matches with a save percentage above .750. He also guided standout goalkeeper Clara Karlsson, who posted nine clean sheets and a .790 save percentage before transferring to Florida Gulf Coast.

On the men’s side, Flaherty developed Clement Anet, the 2022 CACC Goalkeeper of the Year, who led the conference with 10 wins, 82 saves, and a .796 save percentage, one of the top statistical seasons in program history.

Flaherty’s success is not limited to conference titles. He was part of the University of Bridgeport staff that captured the 2018 Division II National Championship, a historic 20‑win season that earned the coaching staff national recognition as the United Soccer Coaches National Coaching Staff of the Year.

In addition to his impressive college résumé, Flaherty is deeply rooted in youth soccer development, bringing valuable experience from several respected programs. He has coached with Connecticut Football Club (CFC), Staples High School, and FC National Elite, where he helped young players build technical foundations, confidence, and competitive maturity. His youth coaching experience strengthens his ability to connect with developing players and guide them toward the next level.