Army West Point Athletics
Tiago Capela - Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Men's Soccer Coach
Capela completed his first season as an assistant coach under Brian Plotkin's staff in 2026 after arriving at Army West Point in July 2026.
In his first season on the sidelines, Capela helped guide the Black Knights to several notable results, closing the 2026 campaign in dominant fashion with a commanding 4-0 shutout road victory against Colgate. The season featured a string of resilient performances against top-tier competition, highlighted by a hard-fought scoreless draw against No. 12 Akron in August. The Black Knights also secured a 4-2 road victory over Columbia and a 2-1 triumph over Bucknell to highlight Senior Day. Throughout the fall, several individuals were recognized for their performances, with Jubril Bamgbala earning First Team All-Patriot League honors and Kelly Cooper earning Third Team All-Patriot League Honors.
Prior to arriving at West Point, Capela coached at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, N.J., from August 2022 through July 2026 as lead assistant and recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, FDU posted an impressive 41-20-16 record.
He also served as head coach of Cedar Stars Academy in New Jersey and director of goalkeeping at Modern Goalkeeper Training Systems LLC from 2023-24.
Capela’s coaching success is highlighted by teaching and developing players to later earn numerous awards and accolades. Several players he coached went on to be drafted in the Major League Soccer draft and sign professional contracts. One player was drafted No. 9 overall in the 2023 MLS draft, and another signed a professional contract with New York City Football Club in 2025.
Under his guidance, athletes have secured major awards, such as NEC Goalkeeper of the Year and NEC Defender of the Year in 2022, NEC Player of the Year in 2025 and NEC Coaching Staff of the Year honors. During his coaching tenure at Fairleigh Dickinson, players went on to win the NEC regular-season championships and NEC tournament championships,while 24 student-athletes earned All-Conference NEC honors. The FDU Knights ranked third nationally in wins and ninth in goals scored in 2025 during Capela’s time there.
Capela is a graduate of Southeastern University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Capela also went on to pursue a master’s degree in sport management from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
