Luca Marinelli Makes Emotional Debut for Westchester SC

On April 30, Westchester SC announced the emergency signings of goalkeepers Giuliano Santucci and Luca Marinelli to 25-day contracts after injuries sidelined Andrew Hammersley and Mattias Molina.

Santucci was already a familiar face around the club, having served as Westchester’s Goalkeeper Coach since January. The former professional previously spent time with NYCFC II in MLS NEXT Pro and Boyacá Patriotas FC in Colombia before moving into coaching.

Marinelli, however, was stepping into the professional game for the first time.

Staying Ready for the Call

Born in Rome and raised in Milford, Connecticut, Marinelli played collegiately at Bryant University before finishing his career at Sacred Heart University. In 2025, he won the MAAC Golden Glove award after posting a 0.73 goals-against average and five clean sheets in 14 starts.

Despite that success, professional opportunities did not immediately follow.

He trained with Hartford Athletic during preseason before later spending time with Connecticut United FC, but neither opportunity resulted in a contract.

He admitted the uncertainty was “definitely challenging mentally,” but said previous obstacles in his career helped him stay focused as the season began.

“I think the most important part was to stay mentally prepared and ready for any opportunity,” he said.

That opportunity eventually came through a personal connection. One of his former coaches had previously worked with Westchester head coach George Gjokaj and connected the two, a reminder of how important networking can be in the professional game.

Gjokaj soon called with an offer.

“I was very excited after getting off the phone with Coach George,” Marinelli said. “This has been a goal of mine that I have worked towards every single day since I was a little kid.”

The difficult path made the moment even more meaningful.

“I knew I was ready for the moment because I had been working for it every day,” he added.

Professional Debut With Extra Meaning

The week of Marinelli’s debut was also marked by personal loss.

As Westchester prepared to travel to Richmond, his grandfather passed away. Like Marinelli, his grandfather had been a goalkeeper, and the sport helped form a close bond between them over the years.

“This night was even more special to me personally,” Marinelli said. “I just wanted to go out there in Richmond and play for him because I know he was watching.”

Amid the emotional week, he was named to the starting lineup for his professional debut. He leaned on the same routines and preparation that had carried him through years of uncertainty leading up to the moment.

Westchester ultimately fell 1-0, but Marinelli delivered an encouraging performance, making four strong saves against a Richmond Kickers attack that has recently shown signs of finding form.

“I felt pretty good after the match,” he said. “It felt rewarding knowing all the work I have put in for this moment.”

Despite the result, Marinelli believed the performance showed what Westchester is capable of this season.

“Coach George pushes us every day in practice and is taking us in the right direction to achieve our goals,” he said.

Making The Most Of The Moment

Three matches remain within Marinelli’s 25-day contract window as Westchester prepares for trips to Fort Wayne and Naples, along with a home match against the New York Cosmos.

Under league rules, clubs can sign a player to only one 25-day contract per season. Once that deal expires, the player must either leave the club or sign for the remainder of the year.

For Marinelli, though, there is little value in looking too far ahead.

“I just focus on the present and how I can help this team the best I can in getting results and qualifying for playoffs,” he said. “The most important thing is giving my all in the next practice or game.”

Rather than worrying about what comes after the contract expires, Marinelli said he is focused solely on making the most of the opportunity in front of him.

“I try to take things day by day and make the most of this opportunity,” he said. “I’m hungry and motivated to achieve more.”