[1] Scarpelli attended the University of Tampa where he played on the men's soccer team.
[2] In 1980, Scarpelli joined the United States men's national under-20 soccer team as it qualified for the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship.
[3] He was also drafted by the St. Louis Steamers of the Major Indoor Soccer League, but never entered a first team game.
In February 1983, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers purchased Scarpelli's contract from the Steamers.
He played three pre-season games, then sat as the third string backup keeper during the regular season.