BRAZILIAN CONNECTION GETS STRONGER WITH CAPITALS - Neto announced as new Head Coach

Following the 2008 season when the Capitals introduced a Brazilian Head Coach (Helio D'Anna) and seven Brazilian players, more of a Brazilian flavor is being added.

Capitals President and Owner James Vilas has announced that Paulo Canineu Neto will be the Head Coach during the 2009 season.

Coach Paulo Neto has just finished his fourth season as the University of the Cumberlands (NAIA) head men's soccer coach. He led the Patriots last season to a 14-4-2 record, having played one of the strongest schedules in the nation, including a 3x2 victory against the eventual National Champions, Bethel College, and a 0x0 tie against the #1 program in the nation, Lindsey Wilson College. The Patriots won the Mid-Soth Conference regular Season title and finished the year ranked #13 team in the nation. Neto joined the Patriot staff after being assistant coach for the men and women's soccer teams at Lincoln Memorial University under Head Coach Helio D'Anna.

Neto hails from Sorocoba, Brazil and was a 2003 graduate of Union College with triple majors in Business Administration, Physical Education, and Sports Management. He earned a masters degree in Business Administration from Lincoln Memorial University in May of 2008.

Before coming to the United States, Neto played in the youth system of some of the best clubs in the world including Fluminense FC and SC Corinthians. He also was pre-selected to the U-17 Brazilian National Team. In the USA, Neto played at nearby Union College and served as team captain from 2000 to 2002. In addition to being named team captain, Neto was a four-year starter earning All-Conference honors each season including Conference Player of the Year his final season. His various other achievements include being named All-Region in 2000, 2001 and 2002, and All-American in the same years. Neto was an exemplary student-athlete and was recognized twice as an NAIA All-American Scholar. Professionally, Neto was part of the Cincinnati Kings squad (USL) in 2005 before taking over the Cumberlands program.

Neto works with the Olympic Development Program as a head coach in the state of Kentucky, and is a staff coach with the ODP Region II. Additionally, Neto serves as the director of training with Kentucky Rush Soccer Club. Coach Neto also runs the Brazilian Way Soccer Camps throughout the southern states in the summer time.

Neto holds a "A" coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and is currently working towards his UEFA "A" License. He lives in Corbin, KY with wife Maria and three sons, Tulio, Lucas, and Gabriel.

"I am excited to see what Neto will do with the BR Capitals" - stated D'Anna. "Having had a chance to coach him and then have him as first assistant, I know what kind of person he is. He is committed to excellence and will be able to attract great players as well as retain our top ones."

The Capitals finished the 2008 season one game short from qualifying to the play offs. In 2009 they will look to not only make play offs, but also advance in the Open Cup.