Jeff Matteo - Men's Soccer Coach - St. John's University Athletics

Jeff Matteo

Title:
Associate Head Coach

Jeff Matteo is in his 10th season as an assistant coach at his alma mater. Hired prior to the 2007 season, Matteo returned to Queens following a five-year professional career that included stints in both the United States and Italy.

In his tenure as an assistant coach with the Red Storm, Matteo has helped guide the squad to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including one trip to the NCAA College Cup, two BIG EAST Tournament crowns and one BIG EAST regular season title.

A former BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year himself, Matteo has helped develop two BIG EAST Midfielders of the Year with Pablo Punyed (2011) and Nelson Becerra (2008) each taking home the honor during his tenure.

Matteo began his coaching career at the club level while still playing professionally. After instructing daily training routines and helping with college placement for the North Rockland (N.Y.) U-19 boy’s team, Matteo led the White Bear Lake (Minn.) U-19 girl’s team to the USA Cup after a second place finish in the State Cup. Matteo also spent time as an instructor at camps hosted by St. John’s, the Charleston Battery and the Minnesota Thunder.

Matteo capped his professional career with a three-year stint in the USL. Before spending the 2006 season with both the Charleston Battery and Miami FC, Matteo played with the Minnesota Thunder for two seasons and was a second team All-League honoree in 2005.

Prior to his USL career, Matteo spent two seasons in the MLS as a member of the Columbus Crew and the New York New Jersey Metrostars. Drafted by Columbus as the 20th overall selection in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft, Matteo first traveled abroad to play in the Italian Third Division (Serie C1) with Monza.

An All-American and the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year as a senior, Matteo was a four-year letterwinner (1998-2001) and a three-time team captain at St. John’s. The two-time NSCAA All-Region selection also earned All-BIG EAST honors three times, including a pair of first team selections and one second team selection. Matteo helped St. John’s advance to the NCAA Tournament four times, including one College Cup appearance, and win two BIG EAST Tournament titles.

Matteo graduated from St. John's in December 2001 with a bachelor of science in telecommunications and a minor in business. He and his wife, Ashley, and daughter, Andie Jaye, reside in New York.