One Coach, Two Long Island Powerhouses

American Soccer Club New York head coach John Fitzgerald is taking on a new challenge while remaining with the Fighting Tomcats.

Fitzgerald has been named the men's soccer head coach at Molloy University on Long Island. He will continue in his role as head coach of American Soccer Club NY, giving him the opportunity to lead two prominent soccer programs in the region.

"I am honored and extremely proud to lead Molloy Men's Soccer," Fitzgerald said. "Coaching two of Long Island's preeminent teams, American Soccer Club NY and Molloy University, makes me very fortunate. I get to work with terrific and extremely dedicated players, as well as top-class coaching staffs, and therefore I am very grateful."

Fitzgerald has served as the head coach of American Soccer Club NY since the club's inception in 2024. During his first two seasons in the National Premier Soccer League, he helped establish the Fighting Tomcats as a competitive program.

This past season was a historic one for the club, as Fitzgerald led American Soccer Club NY to the first playoff appearance in team history. The Fighting Tomcats advanced all the way to the North Atlantic Conference Championship Game.

Fitzgerald will also bring members of the American Soccer Club NY staff with him to Molloy. Fighting Tomcats captain Sean Fitzgerald and Match Analysis Coach Ben Koch will join him on the Molloy coaching staff.

"On behalf of everyone at American Soccer Club NY, I want to congratulate John Fitzgerald on being named Head Coach at Molloy University," said Fighting Tomcats Managing Partner and General Manager Jim Kilmeade.

"This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of John's leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to player development," Kilmeade added. "Since joining American Soccer Club NY, John has been instrumental in establishing a culture of excellence, accountability, and ambition throughout our club."

Fitzgerald brings extensive coaching experience to Molloy. He previously served as head coach of the Staten Island Monarchs and as an assistant coach with the Long Island Rough Riders and New York Cosmos B. With Cosmos B, he helped lead the club to the 2016 National Premier Soccer League National Championship.

He also coached the Long Island Rough Riders USL Academy team and the Long Island Lady Rough Riders, leading the latter to the 1997 W-League National Championship.

At the collegiate level, Fitzgerald served as associate head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, helping the Mariners reach six NCAA Tournaments.

For American Soccer Club NY, Fitzgerald's continued presence provides some stability during what is becoming an exciting period for the club.

"We take great pride in seeing our staff advance their careers while continuing to strengthen the game throughout our region," Kilmeade said. "We are excited to support John in this next chapter and look forward to continuing our relationship as he leads the Molloy program while remaining an integral part of the American Soccer Club NY family."

Fitzgerald’s dual role gives both programs continuity, while his coaching background shows why Molloy selected him for the position.