Fordham Hall of Famer John Wolyniec to be Honored at Fourth Annual NYC Soccer Gala

On Thursday, March 3rd, the Fourth 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 Hall of Famer, John Wolyniec '99.
 
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.
 
Wolyniec is the fourth Ram to be honored at the event joining his former coach Frank Schnur (2013), Mark Lugris '83 (2014), and Jack Shannon '85 (2015).
 
Wolyniec was the most prolific scorer in Fordham men's soccer history. 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.
 
The 1998 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, Wolyniec led the NCAA Division I in scoring that year with 60 points, setting the Fordham single season record for most goals in a season (25) and points in a season. Wolyniec was named the Vincent T. Lombardi Award winner in 1997 and 1998.

 
Academically, Wolyniec was just as well decorated, being named First Team Academic All-American® in 1999 and Third Team Academic All-American® in 1998. He graduated in just three-and-a-half years in order to train with the U.S. National Team.
 
Wolyniec was drafted by the NY/NJ Metro Stars of the MLS following graduation.  He went on to play for the MetroStars, Chicago Fire, New England Revolution, LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew, and the New York Red Bulls of the MLS.  He also earned a call-up to the U.S. National Team in 2004, getting his first cap against Denmark in January 2004.
 
Wolyniec started his coaching career at Red Bulls Academy following his official retirement from professional soccer in 2010. He joined the staff full time on January 2011 as an assistant, serving mainly as an individual technical coach.  In 2013, he was named Reserve Team Coach/Player Development Coordinator, and in 2015, was named head coach of New York Red Bulls II, the organization's USL affiliate, for the inaugural 2015 season.
 
To Reserve a spot at the Gala, click here.