Alvine hired as women’s soccer coach

The women's soccer team's search for a new head coach ended Dec. 28, when Al Alvine was hired as Tim Zundel's replacement. Zundel resigned Nov. 18. 

Alvine comes to Duquesne as the program's fifth head coach after coaching the California University of Pennsylvania women's soccer team for five seasons where he posted a 73-28-11 record and led the team to the Division II Championships for three seasons in a row.

Before coaching, Alvine played collegiate soccer for Robert Morris University and professionally for the Brooklyn Italians and Staten Island Vipers. Alvine made the jump to coaching in 2002 for Castleton State in Vermont, where he spent three seasons. He then coached Saint Anselm in New Hampshire for two seasons before heading to California University of Pennsylvania. His overall coaching record is 130-63-18 over 10 seasons.

The Duquesne athletic department is excited about the hire.

"He's had a good track record and is successful wherever he goes," assistant director of media relations, Ryan Gavatorta, said. "He's an excellent hire."

Freshman goalkeeper Devon Tabata agrees.

"Hopefully [he brings] change and a positive outlook. We're looking for a promising season," Tabata said. "We're excited to see what new things are on the table for us."

Alvine was unavailable for comment.

Alvine graduated from Robert Morris University in 1992 with a degree in communications. He was a starter all four years and a captain senior year for the men's soccer team.

The Dukes are hoping for a better season after finishing 3-14-1 and enduring a streak of 569 minutes without a goal. They were also outshot 321-160 by opponents and averaged just 0.5 goals per game.