A native of Portugal, Matos grew up in New Bedford, MA.
[1] He attended West Virginia University where he was a 1973 and 1974 Honorable Mention (third team) All American soccer player.
[2] In 1975, he turned professional with the Philadelphia Atoms of the North American Soccer League.
In 1977, Matos returned to New Bedford where he became the High School boys soccer coach.
[3] On May 5, 1978, the New England Tea Men of the North American Soccer League signed Matos.