Rutgers-Newark Athletics

A veteran club and high school coach with strong ties in the area, Mike Rooney brings a wealth of knowledge to the Scarlet Raider soccer staff.

A captain in the Kearny Fire Department for 19 years, he started serving as an assistant coach under Kevin East at New Jersey City in 2006. As a head coach, he helped Harrison High School to five straight state playoff appearances from 1997 through 2001. He also helped the Kearny Thistle Soccer Club to a Northern County League title, a State Cup finalist finish, and to semifinal appearances in the FC Delco and the Sun Bowl from 2000 through 2004.

He broke into coaching as the mentor for the Kearny Scots adult league squad (1990- 1996), helping the team to a State Cup championship in 1994.

A 1983 graduate of New Jersey City with a master of arts in political science, Rooney lettered in soccer in 1980 after transferring from the County College of Morris. The Point Pleasant Boro resident helped CCM to a 13-3 record and a regional title in 1978 while finishing work on an associate’s degree in criminal justice.

At Harrison High School, Rooney was a two-time Group I All-State selection, helping his junior squad to a 13-1-5 mark and a state championship. His senior team was ranked No. 1 in the state.

Back To Roster Page