Zach Carroll is a former professional soccer player with MLS and USL experience. Passionate about developing the next generation, Zach specializes in defensive skills, positioning, and elite-level mindset training.
Soccer Training
Events
About
Location:
East Lansing, Michigan
Youth Club:
Nationals Academy
Credentials:
USSF B License
Experience:
10+ Years
Position(s):
Forward, Midfield, Defense
Training:
International, Professional, Semi-Pro, College, ODP, Academy
Played:
Professional, Semi-Pro, College, ODP, Academy
Specialties:
Tactical, Technical, Defending, Shooting, Ball Mastery
About Coach Zach
Zach Carroll is a seasoned professional soccer player and coach with a distinguished career that spans Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United Soccer League (USL). A former standout at Michigan State University, Zach was drafted by the New York Red Bulls and went on to compete for top clubs including Orlando City B, Reno 1868 FC, Memphis 901 FC, and Las Vegas Lights. Known for his strong defensive presence, leadership on the field, and commitment to excellence, Zach earned a reputation as a reliable and intelligent center back at the pro level. Now retired from professional play, Zach brings his elite experience and passion for the game to player development. His training sessions focus on technical precision, tactical awareness, and the mental approach required to succeed in competitive environments. Whether working with young players or advanced athletes, Zach is dedicated to helping each player reach their full potential through structured, high-level coaching.
Zach Carroll is a former professional soccer player with MLS and USL experience. Passionate about developing the next generation, Zach specializes in defensive skills, positioning, and elite-level mindset training.
Las Vegas Lights (2023)
In January 2023, he signed with Las Vegas Lights and featured in 30 games throughout the season in the USL Championship.
Memphis 901 FC (2020–2022)
Carroll joined Memphis 901 FC in early 2020, playing 62 matches and scoring 4 goals across three seasons for the USL Championship club.
Reno 1868 FC (2018–2019)
He moved to Reno 1868 FC ahead of the 2018 USL season, accumulating 50 appearances and 3 goals over two seasons.
Orlando City B (2017)
Carroll signed with Orlando City’s USL affiliate in December 2016, starting 24 games and scoring twice during their 2017 campaign.
New York Red Bulls (2016)
Drafted 38th overall by NYRB in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Carroll signed and spent the season at their USL reserve side NYRB II. He made 25 league appearances and helped win both the USL regular-season title and the 2016 USL Cup.
Michigan Bucks (2014)
During his college off-season in 2014, he played 10 matches and notched a goal for the USL PDL side Michigan Bucks.
RVA FC (2013)
In the summer of 2013, Carroll featured briefly in the National Premier Soccer League with RVA FC, scoring 3 goals in just 3 appearances.
Zach Carroll played Division I soccer at the University of Virginia and Michigan State University. At Virginia, he helped the team reach the NCAA College Cup and earned ACC All-Tournament honors. At Michigan State, Zach was a standout defender, serving as team captain, earning All-Big Ten and All-Region honors, and leading his team to deep NCAA Tournament runs.
Michigan State University (2014–2015)
In January 2023, he signed with Las Vegas Lights and featured in 30 games throughout the season in the Transferred for his final two college seasons, Carroll became a pivotal leader and defender: 2014: Started every game (23 apps), scored 5 goals (including two on penalties and a game‑winner on a header in the NCAA Tournament), earning Second‑Team NSCAA All‑Region honors and ranking ninth in Big Ten goals msuspartans.com . 2015: Senior captain who featured in 16 of 17 matches (15 starts), contributing 2 goals and 2 assists (both goals were match‑winners). Accolades included First‑Team All‑Big Ten, NSCAA Second‑Team All‑Midwest Region, Academic All‑Big Ten, and pivotal performances such as penalty‑kick goals to open the season and in overtime vs West Virginia .
University of Virginia (2012–2013)
A central defender and two-season starter: in 2012, Carroll started all 16 games he played, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists, earning a spot on the ACC All‑Tournament Team. In 2013, he appeared in 8 matches (6 starts) but missed half the season due to a hamstring injury; he returned in time to play in both NCAA quarterfinals and College Cup semifinal, logging a key assist in the quarterfinal victory
⚽ High School (Grand Blanc, MI)
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2011 NSCAA National Boys High School Player of the Year & All-American
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Gatorade Michigan Boys Soccer Player of the Year & Michigan’s “Mr. Soccer” in 2011
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Scored 33 goals and 30 assists, leading Grand Blanc to two state semifinal appearances and three district titles
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Competed with U.S. U‑17 National Team, started in the 2011 FIFA U‑17 World Cup, and won the 2011 CONCACAF U‑17 Championship
⚽ College (Virginia & Michigan State)
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University of Virginia (2012–2013)
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ACC All-Tournament team honors; key goals and assists helped VA reach NCAA College Cup
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Michigan State University (2014–2015)
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2014: Second-Team NSCAA All-Region, ranked ninth in Big Ten for goals with 5
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2015: First-Team All-Big Ten, NSCAA Second-Team All-Midwest Region, Academic All-Big Ten; scored multiple match‑winners
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⚽ Professional & Club Career
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2016 USL Championship (NYRB II)
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Won both USL Regular Season Title & USL Cup; named to USL All-League Second Team
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Reno 1868 FC (2018–2019)
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Starter for two playoff-bound seasons; praised as “All‑USL caliber”
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Memphis 901 FC (2020–2022)
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Re-signed for 2021; made over 118 USL Championship appearances, nearing 10,000 career minutes
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✅ Notable Career Stats & Honors
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Over 200 senior career appearances, 9 goals, and 15,000+ minutes
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Represented USA U‑17 with 8 cap
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Leadership roles: Michigan State captain, instrumental defensive performances leading to weekly accolades
