MONTEREY BAY SIGNS SACRAMENTO STATE FORWARD MICHAEL GONZALEZ
SEASIDE, California (Saturday, March 23, 2024) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) announced today that the Club has signed Michael Gonzalez to a one-year contract, pending league and federation approval. Gonzalez’ addition to the roster comes just ahead of the Club’s third match of the 2024 USL Championship regular season against Rhode Island FC and continues the infusion of youth that Monterey Bay F.C. has prioritized this offseason.
“I first noticed Michael at a Path2Pro tryout out in San Rafael,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He caught my eye when I saw him on day one, and then again when I was watching on day two. I had a good chat with him, invited him to preseason and he’s earned the right to a contract. It’s not easy coming straight from college, he was at Sac State, but he has good traits – he’s dangerous around the goal. He’s a good athlete, he’s tough, works hard, he’s good in the air, good at taking players on, and has a good finish on him. He’s still learning the game at the pro level, but I’m really happy with his attitude and demeanor. He’s fitted in great with the guys so far and we’re excited to have him.”
Gonzalez, 23, is a Fresno, California native who began his collegiate career at Fresno City College in 2019. He led the team with nine assists and led the school to the 2019 California Community College Athletic Association Championship. Gonzalez then transferred to Sacramento State, where he made an instant impact, leading the team in points and making appearances in all 18 matches on the year. He scored his first career goal for the Hornets against Santa Clara on August 29, 2021, his first game-winner three days later against San Jose State and earned Big West Conference All-Academic Team honors in 2022. After graduation, Gonzalez joined Monterey Bay for its third preseason this past January, and performed his way into his first professional contract.
“This is something that I have been working for my entire life,” said Gonzalez. “I have always wanted to go pro and play the sport I love for a living. And I am thankful that Frank [Yallop] has given me that opportunity this season with Monterey Bay. I couldn’t be more happy with the situation I’m in. Frank and Ramiro [Corrales] first saw me at a Path2Pro combine and invited me for preseason. I didn’t know what to expect, but it has been an amazing experience.”
He continued. “It’s been a big change from college to this level. The guys here really demand the best out of you every day. It was scary knowing that any day could be your last day and you could be sent home just like that, but I gave it my all and thankfully that day didn’t come. My goal this season is to get into the team and get some good minutes. I know it’s going to be a hard feat to break into this starting eleven, so I am hoping that I can. That is one of my biggest goals is to have a pivotal role for the team here and help bring a trophy to Monterey Bay.”
NAME: Michael Gonzalez
POSITION: Forward
AGE: 23
HEIGHT: 6’0
DATE OF BIRTH: January 3, 2001
HOMETOWN: Fresno, California
NATIONALITY: United States
COLLEGE: Sacramento State
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Michael Gonzalez to a one-year contract on March 23, 2024.
The current roster heading into the 2024 season as of March 23 is listed alphabetically as follows:
Goalkeepers (2): Carlos Herrera, Antony Siaha
Defenders (7): Morey Doner, Max Glasser, Kai Greene, Carlos Guzmán, Alex Lara, Walmer Martínez, Grant Robinson
Midfielders (7): Rafa Baca, Simon Dawkins, Mobi Fehr, Pierce Gallaway, Xavi Gnaulati, Miguel Guerrero, Adrian Rebollar
Forwards (9): Luther Archimède, Chase Boone, Ryan Dieter, Alex Dixon, Chuy Enríquez, Michael Gonzalez, Jesse Maldonado, Anthony Orendain, Tristan Trager
