He attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville where he played on the men's soccer team from 1971 to 1974.
In 2005, SIUE inducted Carenza into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.
[2] In 1975, Carenza signed with the San Antonio Thunder of the North American Soccer League.
Carenza spent a few months beginning in October 1978 with London Football League side Leyton Orient.
In December 1978, after seven reserve outings and an appearance against Sweden's IFK Goteborg in a friendly he was offered a professional contract.