staff

Kevin Nuss

Kevin Nuss is one of the country’s most experienced and successful coaches at the USL-2, USL-1, and collegiate levels. Currently the club’s Sporting Director, Nuss previously held the role of Head Coach (2019 & 2022). Guiding the club to the 2022 Mid-Atlantic division championship with an undefeated record of 11-0-3, Nuss compiled a historic 21-match unbeaten streak and earned a USL-2 Coach of the Year nomination along the way.

After success with Ocean City, Nuss was asked to join one of the country’s most successful professional clubs, Union Omaha of USL League One. Serving as the club’s Assistant Coach and Head of Scouting, he helped guide the team to the 2023 regular season championship.

Sporting Director

Matt Perrella

Currently the club’s Head Coach of the USL2 team, taking over for Nuss after the 2022 season, Matt defended the Mid-Atlantic Division title while finishing the season with a 10-2-5 record (including playoffs). During his time in Ocean City, Matt has been instrumental in the promotion of Nor’easters players to the pro ranks, including 2023 USL2 Best XI inductee Nick Pariano (Philadelphia Union, MLS), Jack Sarkos (Crown Legacy, MLS Next Pro), Danny Russo (Atlanta United 2, MLS Next Pro), Josh Jones (Real Salt Lake, MLS), and Ryan Becher (St. Louis FC, MLS Next Pro).

Matt brings an extensive knowledge of the pro game from his time as a player most notably with Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Bethlehem Steel (USL Championship).

Academy Director

Alex Lewis

Alex Lewis serves as Soccer Operations Director at Nor’easters Academy where he leads strategic development efforts. A native of South Jersey, Alex founded Oaklyn United FC in 2018 and has grown it from a grassroots recreational club to a full-fledged elite amateur organization with teams competing at the semi-pro level. OUFC is now one of the largest grassroots clubs of its kind in the state.

Outside of soccer, Alex is the Director of Campaign Analytics at strategic communications firm Avoq, and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for IDIA, a 501c3 non-profit that coordinates civics education programs for students.

Soccer OpERATIONS Director

Austin johnson

Prior to joining Nor’easters, Austin Johnson was pivotal in elevating Next Level Soccer (NLS) to its esteemed status as a premier supplemental training provider. Under his stewardship, NLS has garnered widespread recognition as a top-tier supplementary training provider. Austin's prowess as a technical trainer is unparalleled, evidenced by his remarkable track record of honing the skills and guiding the careers of elite youth academy players, collegiate athletes, and professionals in the NWSL. With over 12 years of coaching experience in youth club soccer, Austin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every session.

Before transitioning into coaching, he showcased his talents on the field, competing at the collegiate level for LaSalle University and York College of Pennsylvania, and with the Ocean City Nor'easters in the USL2.

co-player development Director

Rich Balchan

Training Center Director, Atlantic/Cape May

Rich Balchan

jason mancuso

co-player development Director

Before joining the Nor’easters, Jason Mancuso played a pivotal role in establishing Next Level Soccer (NLS) as a premier supplemental training provider. Due to his dedication and vision, NLS has emerged as one of the most respected training entities in the region. Renowned as one of the top technical coaches in the state, Jason boasts a proven track record of player development and mentorship, setting him apart in the field of soccer training. With 15 years of coaching experience in youth club soccer, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every session, shaping the skills and futures of aspiring athletes.

Prior to his coaching endeavors, Jason showcased his talents on the field as a player for the Harrisburg City Islanders. He also competed at the collegiate level for Central Connecticut State University and York College of Pennsylvania

Rich Baker

Sports Performance Director

Rich Baker

Giancarlo Granese

President, Ocean City Nor’Easters

Giancarlo Granese is the president of the Ocean City Nor’easters, a role he has held since founding the club in 2005. Under Granese’s guidance, the Nor’easters have become one of the most successful USL2 franchises in the league notching four divisional titles including back-to-back Mid Atlantic championships in 2022 and 2023. During that same span of time, the Nor’easters have sent a staggering number of alumni into the pros including 2022 MLS Cup MVP John McCarthy and, most recently, homegrown Philadelphia Union midfielder Nick Pariano.