Fordham Soccer Alum Chris Gonzalez to be Honored at NYC Soccer Gala

Bronx, N.Y. - On Thursday, March 22nd, the Sixth Annual New York City Soccer Gala will be held at the New York Athletic Club. Among the honorees at this year's event will be Fordham men's soccer alumnus, Chris Gonzalez '95.
 
The New York City Soccer Gala was formulated by the Division I men's soccer programs of New York City. Soccer in New York City has a rich history and the Gala's goal is to highlight and show appreciation to all those who have devoted their lives to enhancing the game of soccer.
 
Gonzalez is the sixth Ram to be honored at the event joining his former coach Frank Schnur (2013), Mark Lugris '83 (2014), Jack Shannon '85 (2015), John Wolyniec '99 (2016), and Chris Donovan '92 (2017).
 
Gonzalez has been a part of the New York soccer community his entire life. Growing up in Mamaroneck, N.Y., he played for Rye Neck High School and was a member of the founding team of FC Westchester.  The inaugural team went on to win multiple ENYSA State Cup titles along with a U17 Region 1 title in 1990. Gonzalez was recruited and played collegiate soccer at Fordham University from 1991-1995.  During his time at Fordham University, he was a four-year letter winner, a two-time First Team All-Patriot League selection, and team MVP in 1994. He graduated in 1995 with a degree in Communications.  Gonzalez then went on to play professional soccer for the NY Fever and the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL in '95-'96, and the NY Fever of the Pro Independent League in 1997.
 
Gonzalez began his coaching career in 1998 with FC Westchester, and has spent the last twenty years coaching at various levels. Gonzalez served as the Head Coach at Mercy College, compiling a record of 32-28-7 in four seasons. He led the Flyers to the conference tournament twice, winning the 2004 New York Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship. In 2007 and 2008 he was the assistant coach for the Iona College men's soccer program.
 
He has since spent his career at the youth level.  During his tenure with FC Westchester, he brought the U19's to the USSF Development Academy National Championship Finals week in 2009 and a USSF DA playoff appearance in 2010. He joined New York Soccer Club in the Fall of 2010 and is currently the Academy Director. He has led the effort in guiding the club to attain full USSF DA status for the boys and girls programs. In a short period, he has led teams to an NPL National championship and a Dallas Cup Championship and he has helped develop numerous US Youth National Team call ups.[ and most notably James Sands, NYCFC's first homegrown signing as a 16 year old. ]
 
In 2016, Gonzalez was named U13/U14 USSF Eastern Conference Development Academy Coach of the Year by the USSF and in 2017 Gonzalez was called into four U.S. U14 Youth National Team Camps as an assistant coach.  Gonzalez received his USSF "A" license in 2005, and since renewed and retained his "A" status from the USSF in 2009, 2013, and 2016.
Gonzalez lives with his wife, Lauren, and two children Richard and Cameron in Port Chester, N.Y.

For more information, please visit www.nycsoccergala.com.