LOWELL, Mass. -- Following one of the best seasons in program history, UMass Lowell Men's Soccer Head Coach Christian Figueroa and his staff were named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division I East Region Staff of the Year.

"It's always nice to receive this type of recognition from fellow coaches in the region," commented Figueroa. "Bob, Frankie, Abel, and Keady have been outstanding all year long, they have all played an important role in the success this program has had this season. While each of them bring something different to the table, we share the same philosophy, and that has been a big reason for the success. I can't thank them enough for all of the work they have put into helping this program success during our Division I transition. We are extremely fortunate to have coaches who are not just very knowledgeable, but are great people, involved with UMass Lowell Men's Soccer."

Earlier this month, the coaches were named the America East Staff of the Year after guiding the team to the best start in program history, sitting at 10-0-2 as one of three remaining unbeaten teams­ in the country en route to a ranking at No. 11 in the final regular-season NSCAA Top 25.

NSCAA Regional Staff of the Year recipients will be placed on the ballot for National Staff of the Year consideration within their respective NCAA Division, along with the coaching staffs from all schools which compete in the semifinals of their NCAA Championship.

This marks the first time in program history that the men's soccer staff has earned national recognition.