Rough Riders’ Gerry Lucey Returns Home as PDL Coach

PLAINVIEW, N.Y. – Highlighting a spring of incredible progress for Long Island's hometown soccer club, the Rough Riders have announced the hiring of former University of Tampa head women's soccer coach Gerry Lucey after last week's publication of the PDL affiliation with New York City FC.

Former Rough Riders professional player, Gerry Lucey (1997-2000), will take the reins for the men's 2016 campaign after a stellar coaching career at the NCAA level.  The Ireland native has made no secret of the connection he feels to the Long Island soccer community and why it's such an honor to call our region home once again, professionally and personally.

"The Rough Riders organization meant a lot to me when I played here", said Lucey, a USSF A-License coach.  "Having attended college at LIU-CW Post and spending 11 years here before moving to Tampa, I have many close friends and immediate family on Long Island. I was fortunate to coach many wonderful teams and players during that period and have a very strong affinity to the area."

He led the University of Tampa Women's team to the 2007 NCAA Div II National Championship and is the program's all-time winningest coach with a record of 114-43-20.  After spending 17 seasons in the college game and 10 as an NCAA Head Coach, he stepped away in 2015 with a record of 153-49-21, a national championship, two visits to the final four, four regular and five conference championships and eight NCAA appearances.

He retired as a player with the Rough Riders in 2000 after leading the team in total points (9g,9a) and a place on the A-League All-Star team. "I wanted to come back to more familiar surroundings, friends and family.  I wanted to get back to people I love and trust."  Coach Lucey will be taking over for Paul Roderick, a former Rough Riders player who joined the coaching staff in 2007 after playing for the Rough Riders.

"We are very fortunate to have a coach with the knowledge and experience of Gerry Lucey", said Flavio Ferri, Rough Riders General Manger.  "We are grateful for Coach Roderick's time with the PDL team and we are confident that Coach Lucey will build upon the foundation that Coach Roderick has helped to establish."

There is an obvious excitement around the affiliation with the local MLS franchise, New York City FC and Lucey is motivated to implement a style similar to Patrick Vieira's side.  This is one of the ways the clubs will be aligned with the purpose of raising the level of play. "The Rough Riders are a team that wants to play attractive soccer and it's always been my style.  It's something we want to do at every level of the organization", added the Head Coach. He will also play a role in the Riders' youth development programs as their Director of Coaching. "We keep it on the ground and teach the kids the right way to play.  It's been a big part of my life and I really want to give back to the community here, from our youngest members all the way up to the PDL team."

The affiliation represents an opportunity for information sharing and the illustrious coach is looking forward to being a student of the game.  New York City FC staff of all levels will collaborate with the Rough Riders on coaching methodologies, technical support and other aspects of soccer development.  "Personally I'm looking forward to the interaction with the New York City FC coaching and scouting departments, and how this will positively impact our PDL team", said Lucey after last week's announcement. "I'm always looking to learn and grow as a coach and this new relationship opens up new avenues to receive top-notch information that we can pass along to our own organization."

The Rough Riders open their season on May 7. For more information, please visit liroughriders.com.