Coach Profile

Geoff Spear enters his 27th season of a second stint as the top assistant coach for Plattsburgh State’s men’s soccer program in 2022. Spear is involved with all aspects of the Cardinals’ program and is primarily responsible for goalkeeper training. Spear developed Zach Manning and John San Filippo into all-State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) goalies during four years from 2005-08. San Filippo led the SUNYAC and ranked 16th in NCAA Division III with a 0.53 goals-against average in route to earning all-region accolades in 2006. San Filippo then led the nation with 0.20 GAA, while making the 2007 D3kicks All-America Second Team. He wrapped up his career holding several school records and earned the 2008 Huntley Parker Award as the SUNYAC’s top player. In 2005, Manning finished in the SUNYAC top four in GAA, minutes played and save percentage while earning all-conference and SUNYAC Tournament MVP honors for the first time en route to the Cardinals’ first NCAA Final Four appearance. During his first tour of duty at Plattsburgh State, Spear was an assistant to Chris Waterbury from 1994-97, helping the Cardinals to a 61-14-2 mark during that span. Then Spear left for Paul Smith’s (N.Y.) College in 1998 before he returned to his alma mater for the start of the 2000 season. Spear had a 14-15-2 record in two years at Paul Smith’s as the Bobcats’ men’s coach and soccer coordinator. Before his first stint at Plattsburgh State, Spear was a men’s soccer assistant coach at perennial power Connecticut from 1990-94, serving in all aspects of recruiting and training for the NCAA Division I program. Spear was also the women’s soccer coach at Clinton Community College in 1988 and posted a 7-7 record. In 1989, he led the Clinton Community College men’s team to a 10-5-1 record and a junior college regional playoff berth. In addition to coaching, Spear has served as a state evaluator for the Olympic Development Program from 1996 to 1998. He holds an Advanced National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and a Level B coaching license from the U.S. Soccer Federation. After his Plattsburgh graduation in 1985, Spear earned a master’s degree in physical education from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.