(Ronkonkoma, NY) – Former LIJSL player Matthew Vowinkel was selected in the third round of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft (56th overall) by FC Cincinnati on January, 21st.
The New Hyde Park native had an extensive nine-year LIJSL journey, which spanned across three member clubs: New Hyde Park, Albertson, and most recently, Massapequa.
“The Massapequa Soccer Club is extremely proud of Matt for all of his academic and athletic accomplishments,” said Paul Bigilin, Massapequa SC Director of Coaching. “All of his accolades and success are very hard earned and well deserved.”
Vowinkel, as a member of the Massapequa Aces [Boys ‘98], won back-to-back ENYYSA State Cup Championships (2016 & 2017).
At the high-school level, Vowinkel was a four-year veteran at Chaminade. During those four years, he helped lead the Flyers to back-to-back New York State Championships.
After completing his LIJSL career, Vowinkel continued his soccer pathway to the collegiate level where he featured in 57 games for Hofstra University over the course of three years. In those 57 games, he tallied 23 goals and two assists.
“Matthew is a wonderful young man who has worked incredibly hard,” stated Hofstra University Men’s Soccer Coach, Richard Nuttall. “He is one of the top collegiate players in the country when he has the ball at his feet inside the box, and he is very brave in the air. We are very proud of all of his accomplishments,” Nuttall added.
Vowinkel said to LIJSoccer.com about being drafted, “Don’t ever give up on your dreams.”
The LIJSL extends its congratulations to Matthew on his tremendous achievements, and wish him the best of luck in his professional soccer career.