HARRISON, N.J. – New York Red Bulls Director of Coaching Education and Youth Partnerships Bob Montgomery and Red Bulls II Head Coach John Wolyniec were honored at the NYC Soccer Gala on Thursday, March 3, 2016, for their devotion to enhancing soccer in New York City.
Montgomery was a two-time NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year at Adelphi. He went 258-224-39 and made seven NCAA Tournament appearances in 29 seasons as the head coach of the Panthers, who were consistently ranked in the top 25 nationally. Beginning in 1989, Montgomery served as an Associate Athletic Director at Adelphi for 17 years, where he was responsible for compliance and eligibility for over 250 athletes.
The longtime U.S. U-14 Men’s National Team assistant coach joined the Red Bulls as the Academy Director in 2007 and has helped guide the academy to multiple National Championships. On Feb. 18, 2016, Montgomery was named Director of Coaching Education and Youth Partnerships with the Red Bulls. In his new role, he will serve as a daily coaching education resource to the first team, USL and academy coaching staffs.
Wolyniec, a native of Bronx, N.Y., played college soccer at Fordham where he finished as the program’s most prolific scorer. A 1998 All-American, he graduated with the school career records in goals scored (75), assists (34) and total points (184), shattering the old records of 44 goals, 18 assists, and 106 points. He also holds the Fordham career record with 80 games played and 77 games started.
As a professional soccer player, Wolyniec played a total nine seasons for the MetroStars and New York Red Bulls. Wolyniec joined the Red Bulls staff following his final season in 2010, and has progressed to become head coach of New York Red Bulls II, the club’s United Soccer League team. In his first season as a head coach, he led his side to a fourth place finish, the club’s first ever playoff berth and its first postseason victory. In the same year, Wolyniec was voted into the Red Bulls Best 20 in 20, which honored the best 20 players in club history during the team’s 20th season in MLS.
Former Red Bulls player and Best 20 in 20 honoree, Giovanni Savarese, was also honored, along with former NY/NJ MetroStars head coach and current MLS Director of Player Programs, Alfonso Mondelo.
Hosted by Columbia, Fordham, LIU Brooklyn, St. Francis Brooklyn and St. John’s, the NYC Soccer Gala was formulated by the desire to highlight and show appreciation for the rich history of soccer in New York City and to those who have devoted their lives to enhancing the game.
Claudio Reyna, Charlie Stillitano and Manny Schellscheidt were among the honorees at the third annual Gala. Mike Petke and Shep Messing were recognized in year two, while Sunil Gulati was honored at the inaugural event.
