May 5, 2004

Queens, N.Y. - Several former St. John's men's soccer standouts have continued to excel in the professional level, with seasons just underway. Three former Red Storm players are playing with teams in Major League Soccer, while a pair are with teams in the A-League.

In the MLS, former St. John's goalkeeper Dan Popik is in his second season as a backup with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Former All-American Shalrie Joseph is in his second season with the New England Revolution. Joseph, who was a key figure in the Revolution's run to the MLS semifinals. Joseph is starting this season at central defender.

Chris Wingert, the 2003 Hermann Trophy recipient and a two-time All-American at St. John's, has begun the season with the Columbus Crew.

Jeff Matteo, the BIG EAST's Midfielder of the Year in 2001, started the 2004 season with the Minnesota Thunder of the A-League. This past week, he was named to the United Soccer League's Team of the Week for the second week of the season. Matteo scored a goal and assisted on another in the Thunder's home opening win over the Calgary Mustangs. Matteo, who played for the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer last season, sent a through-pass, after dribbling through four defenders, to assist on the winning goal in the 24th minute. Six minutes into the second half, he put the icing on the cake when he launched a 25-yard, bending free-kick into the upper right corner.

Tim O'Neill, who graduated from St. John's in December, is playing in the A-League as well, with the Syracuse Salty Dogs. O'Neill has an assist in two games for the Salty Dogs, who are 2-0 and stand in first place in the Eastern Conference. He tallied his assist on the game-winning goal in the team's 1-0 season-opening win over the Atlanta Silverbacks.

Rich Bradley, a 2003 graduate, has started two games this year for the Long Island RoughRiders of the Pro Soccer League as well.