St. John's University Athletics
Red Storm's Matteo Signs with Columbus Crew
8/14/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Matteo, who led the Red Storm to the NCAA Final Four and the BIG EAST Tournament Championship last year, will make his first appearance for the Crew on Wednesday night when they host the Los Angeles Galaxy.
A 2002 graduate of the University, Matteo was selected by the Crew with the 20th overall pick in last years MLS Draft. After attending training camp with the team, he played in the Italian third division (Serie C1) for Monza, before returning to finish the USL D3 Pro League season with the Westchester Flames. Matteo played in five games for the Flames, tallying five points on one goal and three assists.
I am really happy to be in Columbus, Matteo said over the phone Tuesday night. It was an unusual situation how it ended up, but I am excited for the opportunity. I am going to work hard and give it my all every day and do whatever the coaches and team need me to do.
Matteo, who will wear No. 24 for Columbus, was a four-year standout for the Red Storm, leading the program to two BIG EAST Tournament titles and the teams second-ever appearance in the NCAA Final Four. As a senior, he guided St. Johns to a 17-3-3 overall record and led the squad in scoring with a career-high nine goals and five assists for 23 points. He was named the BIG EAST Conferences Midfielder of the Year, was a first-team all-conference selection, first-team All-Region selection and a second-team All-America.
He finished his career at St. Johns having played in 88 career games and leading the team to a 59-19-11 record in that span. Matteo had 55 career points, with 17 goals and 21 assists.
The Red Storm, ranked No. 3 in the 2002 preseason polls, open their season on September 1 at Boston College. The team will play a preseason game at LaSalle next Tuesday.
