University of New Haven Athletics

A four year member of the Chargers back line, Dimas Couto helped lead the New Haven men’s soccer team to a 49-16-11 overall record and three appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a runner-up finish in his rookie season.

Couto was a versatile player, good at many positions and an outstanding teammate. He was great in the locker room and had a sense of humor and dignity that was perfect for the team. He had an uncanny leadership ability, a strong desire to succeed and belief and confidence in himself which contributed in no small way to the team chemistry.

In his inaugural season, the Chargers posted 12 wins and made the program’ first and only appearance in the NCAA Championship game. The next season, the Blue and Gold returned to the Final Four, finishing in third place overall while recording a then school record 16 wins and a .850 winning percentage.

Despite being a defender, Couto found the back of the net in his next two seasons with two goals and an assist. In his junior season, the Chargers made their third-straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Regional Championship. As a senior, Couto helped the New Haven defense shut out six opponents. In total over his four seasons on the pitch, the Chargers defense helped shutout 30 opponents.

Couto’s loyalty and dedication to the program was further exemplified when he returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach under Joe Maher from 1982-87 and would again help lead the Chargers to the final four. In his second season as an assistant, the Chargers posted a school record 17 wins, a mark that still stands today. The following season, the Blue and Gold rattled off a school record 14 straight wins, culminating with an appearance in the Final Four. With Couto on the sidelines, the Chargers collected an overall record of 74-38-6.

In total, Couto spent 10 season with the Chargers and played a part in nearly 125 wins for the Blue and Gold.