Ali Goncalves was one of the star players on Westfield’s powerful soccer teams of the mid 1970s. 

The Ludlow, Mass., native was an All American and the conference MVP his senior year in 1976, and a four-time All New England selection. 

He is the all-time leading scorer at WSC with 198 career points. An excellent passer from his halfback position, Goncalves ranks first in career assists with 66 and second in career goals with 66. 

The Owls played in the NCAA Tournament in all four of his years and they captured two Mass. State Conference titles. 

A freshman sensation in 1973, Goncalves led Westfield to its first NCAA Tournament and was second in New England in scoring with 23 goals and 16 assists. The team record during his four years was 61-13-4. 

Goncalves resides in Ludlow and is a supervisor for the state welfare department. He has coached youth soccer and is a highly respected high school and college soccer referee. 

He and his wife, Diane, have three daughters: Melissa, Angela, and Kristine.