FC Monmouth Stars Excelling In College and Abroad
WRITTEN BY: CHRIS DAILEY
FC Monmouth’s stars from 2023 are in the midst of completing both collegiate seasons all around the United States in addition to professional seasons around the globe.
FC Monmouth, which prides itself in finding the best local talent, have helped sharpen the skills of these players during the spring season.
Here is an update on many of FC Monmouth’s finest from 2023.
Brett Sieg, Fairfield
Midfield maestro Brett Sieg just wrapped up his second year of college soccer at Fairfield following his freshman year at Monmouth University.
Sieg tallied one goal and one assist throughout the year.
It’s not the statistics that tell the full story, however. Sieg was a valuable member of the midfield at Fairfield and helped control the speed of the game.
“College season was up and down, but finished strong. Hopefully we can build off how we ended next year,” said Sieg.
Jack Wagoner, University of Pennsylvania
Jack Wagoner came to Monmouth in the spring not knowing what to expect. Wagoner had spent his childhood growing up in South Carolina before playing at UPenn.
Wagoner quickly picked up the Jersey Shore lifestyle and came to love Monmouth, and FC Monmouth fans loved him back.
A strong, fast, and clinical forward, Wagoner managed to put together a solid season for UPenn.
“My college season went great. We had a rockier start this year, but were able to find our feet and win the regular season Ivy League. Unfortunately, we lost in the semifinals of the tournament and think we could’ve gotten more out of our playoff stretch. But overall we were happy with our success. Playing extended minutes at Monmouth definitely helped me prepare for more playing opportunities with Penn,” stated Wagoner.
Wagoner is currently still considering his options for the upcoming spring season and has yet to rule out anything.
“I am still trying to find out if I’ll be working an internship somewhere. However, if I do end up in the area again, I would be pumped to get another season going with the FC Monmouth team,” said Wagoner.
No matter where he goes, Wagoner will be sure to bring the same positive energy he has to both UPenn and FC Monmouth.
AJ Montana, Sacred Heart University
AJ Montana completed his second season of college soccer at Sacred Heart University. Montana came in as a transfer from Monmouth.
A vocal goalkeeper, AJ Montana became well-known with FC Monmouth fans for his penalty kick saves and man of the match performance away from home against the Philadelphia Union Developmental Squad.
“Overall, it went really well,” said Montana in regards to his college season, “I was able to get to know a great group of guys and we were able to reach the NEC Final for the first time in program history. I’m looking forward to competing in the MAAC next season against other FC Monmouth teammates.”
Montana is now eager to finish his sophomore year of college and return to the Count Basie for what would be his third year at FC Monmouth.
“I’m extremely excited to potentially be coming back to FC Monmouth, I’m really looking forward to playing at Count Basie and playing for Coach John again. Also, I’d like to continue to make positive memories with the team like last summer.”
Montana returning would embark one of the longest continuous runs any player has had at the club and cement his status as a legend at the club.
Michael Mallon, Georgian Court University
Although Michael ‘Mikey’ Mallon didn’t play for FC Monmouth last year, his time at the club in 2022 was something written out of the storybooks.
Mallon brought an energy to the club both on and off the pitch and became one of the most significant players despite still being a teenager.
“College season was a tough one for me personally due to injuries. I pulled my hamstring twice which kept me out for a month and a half. It was difficult for me as I live for football and not being able to play was hard,” said Mallon.
However, Mallon remained persistent and was able to come back for the playoff quarter-finals in which GCU won on penalties.
“We lost in the semis to a good Bridgeport side. It felt great to be back playing and I played well but the loss was tough to take. We were all at a loose end after being knocked out. Over all the season was a difficult one for me however had plenty of highs that came with the lows. Again, the team became closer and new bonds were formed throughout. The atmosphere amongst the team and staff is always incredible,” stated Mallon.
Mallon is still weighing his options for the spring but isn’t ruling out coming back to the club where his NPSL began, FC Monmouth.
Rowan University
Davide Caputo (pictured above), Mason Martelloni, and Johnny Troiano all completed a brilliant season for Rowan University in the New Jersey Athletic Conference
Following the 2022 season in which Caputo scored a hattrick in the NJAC Final as a freshman, the Rowan Men's Soccer Team came back firing yet again.
The team reached the NJAC Final yet again, unfortunately falling this time to Montclair State.
Caputo scored 3 goals and dished out 7 assists, earning himself first team all NJAC awards.
Troiano scored an astonishing team-leading 15 goals and recorded an additional 5 assists, joining Caputo in being honored as first team all NJAC.
Mason Martelloni was an anchor both in the back and in the midfield, earning second team all NJAC honors.
Overall, it was yet another successful year for Rowan and the three FC Monmouth stars who play for the Profs.
Dawid Mroz, Poland
Since the conclusion of the 2023 NPSL season, Dawid Mroz (center in image, wearing orange) has played professionally in football for Polish side Huragan Międzyrzec Podlaski.
Mroz, dubbed as “The Great Wall of Monmouth” is currently enjoying an eventful start to his stint overseas.
“I’ve been here for a little over four months now and it’s been an enjoyable experience full of challenges and positive progress,” stated Mroz.
Mroz played his collegiate soccer at Berkeley College before donning the Blue and Gold during the spring.
Conor Kelly, Maidstone United
Conor Kelly was born in England before moving to the United States at a young age.
Despite moving to America, the love Kelly developed for “football” while in England never wavered and he became a star player at Duke and propelled to even further heights in his graduate season at NC State.
Following a wildly successful college career, Kelly played for his hometown team of FC Monmouth - having been raised in Monmouth County.
Kelly’s time with the club was cut short due to trials overseas.
Those trials have paid off big time.
Since signing with National League South side Maidstone, Kelly has appeared 9 professional matches and has tallied a goal and an assist.
Kelly has also featured in the FA Cup.
It’s a dream come true for Kelly and a historic landmark in the history of FC Monmouth as Kelly is the first time a player has gone directly from FC Monmouth to a professional club in England.
REVIEW
Overall, it’s been an amazing college season for FC Monmouth players of past and present. FC Monmouth is also extremely proud of both Dawid and Conor for continuing their careers as professionals.
Other notable seasons include Conor Anderko from Franklin & Marshall who was named first team all-conference, Joe Davis who played in 17 matches at the D1 level for NJIT, and Justin Ruffino who was a key contributor at Rider University.
The college season closing means the 2024 NPSL season is right around the corner. Follow @wearemonmouth on Instagram and X for updates about the club.