The A-League’s Connecticut Wolves have named former U.S. international Brian Bliss their new head coach. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Bliss was a two-time All American at Southern Connecticut State University, and was the first player to have his number retired. Bliss played in 43 matches for the U.S. national team, including the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Professionally, Bliss played in the MISL and APSL in the late 1980s, and moved to Germany after Italia ’90, where he spent five seasons with Carl Zeiss Jena. He returned to the U.S. in 1996 for the inaugural season of MLS, and was a key member of the Columbus Crew defense. He was traded to the MetroStars during the 1997 season, and then moved on to Kansas City for half a season in 1998. “I’m excited about the opportunity and about coming back to the state where I went to college and still have many friends and aquaintences,” said Bliss. “My outlook on the season would be to make the Wolves a top-five contender on the field.” Bliss becomes the third coach of the Wolves, who will be entering their seventh season. He replaces Steve Stokoe, whose record with the Wolves was 37-53 over three and a half seasons. The Wolves’ 1998 record of 7-21 (5 wins by Shootout), was the lowest point total (11) of the A-League. “Brian brings a lot to the table for the Connecticut Wolves,” said Wolves Assistant GM Gary Shiff. “Not only will he draw more soccer talent to Connecticut, it will help draw more fans to Wolves Games.” Bliss will be in Cleveland for the next few days, tying up some loose ends before he moves to Connecticut next week. He is expected to be in Connecticut in time for the Wolves’ training camp on March 20.