Arguably the only iconic player in the history of the MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls), Savarese initially became a star in the metropolis while leading the Long Island Rough Riders to the 1995 USL Second Division championship with a last-second goal. He guided the club to a 19-1 record in his second season with the team, scoring 23 goals and 11 assists after a four goal, two assist campaign in 1994. His efforts in 1995 helped him earn the first-ever Most Valuable Player honor in USL professional soccer history.

He went on to play three seasons with the MetroStars, registering at least 13 goals a season for a total of 41 goals and 12 assists in 85 regular season games. In 1999 he played for the New England Revolution (10 goals, 2 assists in 27 games) and finished his MLS career with San Jose in 2000, playing just four games.

Savarese returned to the Rough Riders in 2004, registering five goals and an assist in 10 games before retiring as a player.

He also played a key role in the development of the successful Red Bulls youth program which plays in the USL Super Y-League and has been a consultant with the Brooklyn Knights of the Premier Development League.