By Laura Amato
He’s ready to notch another goal.
Longtime soccer coach Frank Vertullo was named the brand-new head coach of Queens College men’s program Monday, a move that the Knights hope will help the squad contend at the national level.
“I am honored and excited to be part of such an amazing institution,” Vertullo said in a release from the college’s athletic department. “I look forward to implementing a culture of recruiting strong student-athletes that fit the expectations of the QC athletic department, the men’s soccer program and the college.”
Of course, Vertullo has a reputation of success on the sidelines.
He spent ten seasons at Suffolk Community College, turning the program into one of the top JUCO programs in the entire country. During his time at Suffolk, Vertullo posted a 161-24-13 record and led the Sharks to national titles in 2010 and 2014. The 2010 championship was the program’s first-ever national title.
The team also reached the national quarterfinals in 2008, the national semifinals in 2012 and notched a second-place finish in 2013.
Vertullo was named NSCAA Coach of the Year after the first championship and was named NJCAA Region XV Coach of the Year five times. He also mentored some of the country’s most dominant JUCO athletes – helping both Zacchious Ogoo and Joseph Lopez earn NSCAA National Player of the Year honors in 2010 and 2014, respectively.
Prior to taking over the reigns at Suffolk, Vertullo served as an assistant coach at his alma matter Dowling College from 2001 to 2006. He helped the Golden Lions capture the first men’s soccer National Championship in 2006 and the team notched four NCAA Division II National Semifinals.
Of course, Vertullo was comfortable at Dowling after spending four years as a starter and three years as a captain with the squad. He was a three-time, all-conference selection and played in three NCAA Tournaments. Following his college career, Vertullo played professionally for the New York Freedoms, including two years as a starter at the center back position.
Now, Vertullo has his sights set on helping shape the future of soccer at Queens College. The team went 6-7-4 overall last season, notching just three conference victories. Vertullo, however, is confident moving forward, hoping to once again find success on the sidelines and, lead his team to victory.
“I truly am thankful to be back in the ECC,” Vertullo said. “And I look forward to building the men’s soccer program to compete in such a great conference.”
