Nelson began his collegiate soccer career at Monroe Community College.
In 1981, Cupello joined the expansion Rochester Flash of the American Soccer League.
He held that position through the 1984 season, but with his retirement from playing professionally, he moved full-time into coaching.
In 2012, Cupello led the Tribunes to an 18-1-1 record, and a third-place finish at the NJCAA Division I National Tournament.
In 2003, became the Director of Coaching at the Rochester Futbol Club which Cupello and Charlie Williams had founded in 1997.