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Monterey Bay FC Announces Additions to Technical Staff Ahead of 2025 Season

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Monterey Bay FC Announces Additions to Technical Staff Ahead of 2025 Season

SEASIDE, California (Friday, January 17, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) has announced four additions to Technical Director Simon Dawkins and Head Coach Jordan Stewart’s staff ahead of the 2025 USL Championship campaign. Emmanuel Espinoza has joined the club as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, alongside the additions of Kelly Luekens as Head Athletic Trainer, Obed Galarza as Equipment Manager, Elian Corona as a Performance Analyst and Scout, and Dylan Smith as Team Administrator.

Espinoza, 31, joins the Monterey Bay FC coaching staff following a stint with MLS NEXT Pro side The Town FC, where he worked closely with both Stewart and Clark. A native of San Jose, Espinoza played on the men’s soccer team for San Jose State University from 2011-2015. He then graduated from San Jose State with a bachelor’s degree before beginning work as a strength and conditioning coach in numerous sports including men’s and women’s soccer, American football, baseball, softball, swimming, and more. 

Two years later, Espinoza completed his Master’s degree in Kinesiology before joining the San Jose Earthquakes as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for their academy in 2019 before jumping to The Town FC in 2023. While with the Quakes organization, Espinoza pursued his PhD in Sports Performance and Physiology at East Tennessee State University, which he completed in August 2024. 

Now, Espinoza joins Clark on Stewart’s coaching staff alongside the rest of the new-look technical staff rounded out by Luekens, Galarza, Corona, and Smith. The already cohesive group brings a fresh dynamic to the organization and is poised to elevate Monterey Bay FC’s success both on and off the pitch as the club officially embarks on a new and exciting era with the start of training next week.

Monterey Bay Adds Goalkeeper Sam Gomez

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Monterey Bay Adds Goalkeeper Sam Gomez

SEASIDE, California (Friday, January 17, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) announces today that the Club has signed goalkeeper Samuel Gomez to a one-year contract with an option for 2026, pending league and federation approval.

“I am beyond excited for this opportunity to join Monterey Bay FC and get started,” said Gomez. “I have a great feeling about this season and I am looking forward to being a part of a lot of special moments this year. I can’t wait to meet all of the fans soon.”

Gomez, 25, joins the Crisp-and-Kelp after spending the 2024 campaign with St. Louis CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro. Before joining CITY2, the goalkeeper built a collegiate resume that included stints at Syracuse University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). The St. Louis, Missouri native shined for the Cougars in 2023. He started 20 matches between the sticks and earned Ohio Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors.

That same season, Gomez finished tied for fifth in the nation with 10 shutouts while ranking sixth in both save percentage (.844) and goals against (.611). With SIUE, Gomez recorded 85 saves in 28 starts. Prior to college, Gomez attended Webster Groves High School where he won consecutive state championships in 2014 and 2015 before being named the Missouri Class 3 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017.

“We’re thrilled to have Sam join our squad,” said Monterey Bay FC Assistant Coach Jeremy Clark. “He’s a quality goalkeeper with exceptional feet, a professional mindset, and an unmatched work ethic. His drive and determination are second to none, his ability to excel in 1v1 situations and his commanding presence in goal are standout qualities. We’re confident he will make a tremendous impact on our team.”

NAME: Samuel Gomez
POSITION: Goalkeeper
AGE: 25
HEIGHT: 6’1
DATE OF BIRTH: December 26, 1999
HOMETOWN: Saint Louis, Missouri
NATIONALITY: United States
PREVIOUS CLUB: St Louis CITY2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Samuel Gomez to a one-year contract on January 17, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 17 is listed alphabetically as follows: 
Goalkeepers: Samuel Gomez
Defenders: Joel Garcia Jr., Nico Gordon, Carlos Guzmán, Alex Lara, Jacob Muir, Grant Robinson
Midfielders: Ethan Bryant, Mobi Fehr, Wesley Fonguck, Pierce Gallaway, Xavi Gnaulati, Adrian Rebollar
Forwards: Luther Archimède, Alex Dixon, Diego Gutiérrez, Mayele Malango, Anton Søjberg

Monterey Bay FC Communications – @MontereyBayFC

Monterey Bay FC Acquires English Midfielder Wesley Fonguck On Loan

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Monterey Bay FC Acquires English Midfielder Wesley Fonguck On Loan

SEASIDE, California (Thursday, January 16, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) announces today that the Club has added English midfielder Wesley Fonguck via a season-long loan from English National League side Ebbsfleet United F.C. ahead of the 2025 campaign, pending league and federation approval.

“Wesley’s skillset caught our eye straight away,” said Monterey Bay FC Technical Director Simon Dawkins. “We’ve gone for him to bring a little bit more experience as he’s played over 200 games in England. He’s a good holding midfielder who can get forward as well. Wesley is composed on the ball, good in tight situations, and can control the tempo of the game. He is going to be fantastic in our build out play and in what we want to do. He can get around the pitch quite a lot as well.”

“He is going to be a leader on the team and will share his experience with the younger guys. Our fans are going to really appreciate the level of talent that he has. He’s going to give everything for us, 100% effort. Wesley is going to be a fan favorite.”

A seasoned and dynamic midfielder, Fonguck, 27, began his journey in Crystal Palace’s youth system, which led to a brief stint with Croydon via the Kinetic Foundation before being scouted by Barnet to join their academy in 2014. He made his senior debut for the Bees at just 17 years old that same season against the Concord Rangers. Following loan spells with Hendon and Hampton & Richmond, Fonguck earned a spot in Barnet’s first team, competing in English League Two. During his time at The Hive, he amassed over 150 appearances, netted 15 goals, and was recognized at the international level with a call up to England C in 2019.

In the summer of 2022, Fonguck made the move to Southend United where he featured in 73 matches and contributed five goals. In July 2024, the South Londoner joined Ebbsfleet United F.C. and featured 16 times. His first goal for the Fleet came on October 22 in a match against Forest Green Rovers. Now, Fonguck is set for a new challenge with his first stint stateside.

“I’m very excited to be joining Monterey Bay FC on loan this season,” said Fonguck. “I’m ready for the new challenge and looking forward to adapting to a new league. I believe the way the manager wants to play really suits my strengths. We want to be a ball dominant side and I’m a technical player who likes to get on the ball constantly to dictate play and help build attacks. I’m excited to meet my teammates, the staff, our fans, and am looking forward to experiencing a new lifestyle.”

NAME: Wes Fonguck
POSITION: Midfielder
AGE: 27
HEIGHT: 6’1
DATE OF BIRTH: July 16, 1997
HOMETOWN: Lambeth, England
NATIONALITY: England
PREVIOUS CLUB: Ebbsfleet United F.C.
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay FC has acquired Wes Fonguck on a season-long loan from Ebbsfleet United F.C. on January 16, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 16 is listed alphabetically as follows: 
Goalkeepers: 
Defenders: Joel Garcia Jr., Nico Gordon, Carlos Guzmán, Alex Lara, Jacob Muir, Grant Robinson
Midfielders: Ethan Bryant, Mobi Fehr, Wesley Fonguck, Pierce Gallaway, Xavi Gnaulati, Adrian Rebollar
Forwards: Luther Archimède, Alex Dixon, Diego Gutiérrez, Mayele Malango, Anton Søjberg

Monterey Bay FC Communications – @MontereyBayFC

Monterey Bay FC Signs 22-Year-Old Salinas Native Joel Garcia Jr.

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Monterey Bay FC Signs 22-Year-Old Salinas Native Joel Garcia Jr.

SEASIDE, California (Monday, January 13, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) announces today that the Club has signed 22-year-old defender and Salinas native Joel Garcia Jr., pending league and federation approval. The Alisal High School alum spent time with MBFC2 in 2023 for the U23 side’s inaugural campaign in USL League Two, making Garcia Jr. the fourth player in Club history to complete the jump to the first team.

“Im very excited to get started with MBFC this upcoming season. Coming from Salinas and being able to represent my local club is an honor,” Garcia Jr. explained. “I will give all of my effort to help the club succeed all throughout the year. I’m also really looking forward to playing in front of my family and friends coming from Salinas. I want to contribute in any way that I can to help the club not only make a deep run in the playoffs, but also to win the league.”

A local product of the San Jose Earthquakes academy, Garcia Jr. began his collegiate career with San Jose State University in 2020. During his time with the Spartans, the defender appeared in 41 matches (33 starts), scoring six goals and adding two assists from the back line. He earned All-WAC Freshman Team honors during his first season, and made the All-WAC Preseason Team ahead of his final season at the school in 2023.

Garcia Jr. returned to the Quakes in 2024, signing his first professional contract with the organization’s reserve team The Town FC under a coaching staff that consisted of current Monterey Bay FC coaches Jordan Stewart and Jeremy Clark. He played in 24 matches in all competitions for The Town, scoring two goals and adding three assists. Now, the young defender joins Stewart and Clark in Seaside.

“Joel’s 100% effort and buy-in to the cause has impressed us,” said Monterey Bay FC Technical Director Simon Dawkins. “He is a versatile defender who can play multiple positions. Jordan [Stewart] and the rest of the coaching staff know Joel very well from his time with The Town FC, but we as an organization were already familiar with him from his time with MBFC2. It is extremely important for us to have a local product playing for Monterey Bay FC. This shows once again that there is a real pathway for all of the local talent here, and Joel perfectly represents that. It will be a really exciting moment to see him put on an MBFC jersey here at Cardinale stadium in front of his family and friends.”

NAME: Joel Garcia Jr.
PRONUNCIATION: HO-el
POSITION: Defender
AGE: 22
HEIGHT: 5’7
DATE OF BIRTH: April 26, 2002
HOMETOWN: Salinas, California
NATIONALITY: United States
PREVIOUS CLUB: The Town FC
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Joel Garcia Jr. to a one-year contract on January 13, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 13 is listed alphabetically as follows: 
Goalkeepers: 
Defenders: Joel Garcia Jr., Nico Gordon, Carlos Guzmán, Alex Lara, Jacob Muir, Grant Robinson
Midfielders: Ethan Bryant, Mobi Fehr, Pierce Gallaway, Xavi Gnaulati, Adrian Rebollar
Forwards: Luther Archimède, Alex Dixon, Diego Gutiérrez, Mayele Malango, Anton Søjberg

Monterey Bay FC Communications – @MontereyBayFC

Monterey Bay Agrees to Deal with former Birmingham City F.C. Defender Nico Gordon

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Monterey Bay Agrees to Deal with former Birmingham City F.C. Defender Nico Gordon

SEASIDE, California (Wednesday, January 8, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) announces today that the Club has signed English and Montserratian defender Nico Gordon to a one-year contract with an option for 2026, pending league and federation approval.

Gordon, 22, signed with FC Dallas’ MLS NEXT Pro side North Texas SC in 2024 and was named team captain ahead of a season in which he played a total of 1,826 minutes across 22 appearances. He also contributed to five shutouts, anchoring a defense that allowed just 32 goals on the season – the second-fewest in the league en route to securing the MLS NEXT Pro Cup and becoming the first team in league history to finish the season undefeated at home. Gordon’s impressive performances throughout the trophy-winning campaign also caught the attention of a multitude of coaches and executives across MLS NEXT Pro, leading to the defender being named to the league’s end-of-season Best XI.

“Nico is defensively solid, has composure on the ball, and leadership qualities,” said Monterey Bay FC Head Coach Jordan Stewart. “His standout performances, including helping North Texas SC win the MLS NEXT Pro Cup and earning a spot in the Team of the Season, highlighted his ability to handle pressure and contribute both defensively and in building play. Fans can expect him to bring a strong defensive presence, leadership, and versatility to the squad. Now we have two guys from Birmingham in the building.”

Gordon’s professional soccer journey began when he joined Birmingham City’s academy in 2014 where he quickly progressed through the club’s youth ranks. He captained the U-18 side for the 2019-20 season, leading them to the Round of 16 in the FA Youth Cup. The Birmingham, England native then signed his first professional contract with Birmingham City F.C. on June 26, 2020, and made his professional debut the following day in an EFL Championship match against Hull City. He earned his first pro start later that season on July 12 against Stoke City amidst 15 total Championship appearances. Gordon scored his first goal for his hometown club in a 2-1 win over Bristol City on March 5, 2022. He also featured in the first-round of the 2021-22 Carabao Cup, appearing against Colchester United.

“I’m very excited about joining Monterey Bay,” said Gordon. “This is a good challenge for me being in a team with senior players that I can learn from and develop my skills, and I am looking forward to it. When the opportunity came to me, I could tell that head coach Jordan [Stewart] was very interested, and I want to be somewhere where I’m really wanted. I know I will play my best football around people who can push me and coach very well, and I got that impression from the conversations I had with the manager.”

On the international stage, Gordon received his first senior cap for Montserrat on September 9, 2023 in a CONCACAF Nations League match against Barbados. From there, Gordon went on to receive multiple call-ups to the Montserrat Men’s National Team throughout 2024. The first was in March for a pair of friendlies against Antigua, before being called up again in June for the first two matches of 2024 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Nicaragua and Panama. He then received two call-ups for additional Nations League play in September and November, in which he participated in matches against El Salvador and St. Vincent. Gordon has amassed 12 caps for the Emerald Boys so far with over 1,000 minutes played.

“I’m a composed player, but also very hungry,” Gordon explained. “I’m really aggressive off the ball and I’m hard to beat in my duels. Coming off of a successful year last year, I want to make even more memories this season and I feel I can bring a winning mentality along with my experience. Having played in England with Birmingham City, I’ve gained a lot of experience with some top players at a young age. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and the staff along with the fans and I’m hoping to build a strong connection right away to take into the new season. I want to be in the top area of the table playing top quality football – I want us to be the team that other teams hate to play against.”

NAME: Nico Gordon
PRONUNCIATION: KNEE-co
POSITION: Defender
AGE: 22
HEIGHT: 6’0
DATE OF BIRTH: April 28, 2002
HOMETOWN: Birmingham, England
NATIONALITY: English and Montserratian
PREVIOUS CLUB: North Texas SC (MLS NEXT Pro)
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Nico Gordon to a one-year contract on January 8, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 8 is listed alphabetically as follows: 
Goalkeepers: 
Defenders: Nico Gordon, Carlos Guzmán, Alex Lara, Jacob Muir, Grant Robinson
Midfielders: Ethan Bryant, Mobi Fehr, Pierce Gallaway, Xavi Gnaulati, Adrian Rebollar
Forwards: Luther Archimède, Alex Dixon, Diego Gutiérrez, Mayele Malango, Anton Søjberg

Monterey Bay FC Communications – @MontereyBayFC

Monterey Bay Football Club Announces CHARLY as Official Apparel Partner

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Monterey Bay Football Club Announces CHARLY as Official Apparel Partner

SEASIDE, California (Thursday, January 2, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) has announced today a new partnership with Mexico-based soccer brand CHARLY as the club’s Official Soccer Apparel Partner ahead of the 2025 campaign.

CHARLY will serve as both the Crisp-and-Kelp’s exclusive kit manufacturer and one of the club’s top apparel providers, including all player training and travel gear. Monterey Bay will unveil new primary and secondary kits in the coming months, with an additional third kit set to be unveiled in the summer. CHARLY, an international soccer brand renowned for its quality and innovative spirit, is working closely with the club to create bold new threads inspired by the landscape, culture, and diversity of the 831.

“Our commitment to our brand and our colors has always been a priority for us,” said Monterey Bay FC President Mike DiGiulio. “While we loved our partnership with PUMA, we were not able to deliver our Crisp blue color to the fullest extent. With CHARLY, we are getting exactly what we were looking for – kits that truly represent both our colors and our region. All three of the new kits that we’ll be launching this year deliver on that.”

The official league apparel partner of both USL Championship and Liga MX, CHARLY is one of the fastest-growing soccer brands in the world and currently outfits USL Championship clubs including Oakland Roots SC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and some of Liga MX’s most popular teams – Atlas, León, Xolos, Pachuca, and Santos Laguna. In addition, CHARLY represented the Liga MX All-Stars in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 editions of the MLS All-Star Game.

“We are proud to join forces with Monterey Bay FC and bring their unique spirit to life with our kit designs,” said CHARLY Sports Marketing Director Mauricio Rodríguez Vallejo. “It is going to be a big year for the Crisp-and-Kelp.”

2025 season tickets are available now. Visit www.montereybayfc.com/tickets for more information on exclusive member benefits. Information regarding single-game tickets for the 2025 regular season will be made available soon.

Monterey Bay Football Club Debuts Requisite Brand Refresh

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Monterey Bay Football Club Debuts Requisite Brand Refresh

SEASIDE, California (Thursday, January 2, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) has announced today a refresh to the club’s overall brand that features a re-worked primary crest, a new letter mark, and new wordmarks. Following several years of deliberation, a refreshed look was required in order for the club to trademark its brand. However, the major and most important elements of the brand will remain the same, laying the foundation for the newly introduced primary crest to proudly represent Monterey Bay FC for years to come.

“While we loved our current crest and believe it represented the region perfectly, the conclusion of four years of trademark discussions meant that we ultimately had no choice but to make some adjustments to the branding,” said Monterey Bay FC President Mike DiGiulio. “We were able to keep all of our key elements in place, but it was also an opportunity for us to bring in some new elements that we are extremely excited about and will help us further our brand as a whole. Special thanks to our Football Brand Designer Christopher Payne for his work on both of our designs to ensure that the new crest stayed true to our unique identity.”

A seamless continuation of the previous brand identity, the new crest features the same iconic lines that symbolize the land and sea. These lines have been at the focal point of the club’s identity from the beginning and are here to stay. At the top of the crest, Monterey Bay FC features prominently above the land-and-sea lines, and retains the defining Bixby Bridge-inspired curvature.

The club’s refreshed crest will debut on four new merchandise items: a hoodie, a tee, a long-sleeve tee, and a windbreaker – all of which are available online now at mbfcshop.com. Moving forward, the inaugural crest will serve as part of Monterey Bay FC’s greater legacy collection of merchandise and will continue to be sold throughout the year.

2025 season tickets are available now. Visit www.montereybayfc.com/tickets for more information on exclusive member benefits. Information regarding single-game tickets for the 2025 regular season will be made available soon.

Monterey Bay Signs Former USL League One Young Player of the Year Ethan Bryant

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Monterey Bay Signs Former USL League One Young Player of the Year Ethan Bryant

SEASIDE, California (Wednesday, January 1, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) announces today that the Club has signed midfielder Ethan Bryant to a two-year contract ahead of the new campaign, pending league and federation approval.

“Ethan is a versatile midfielder with excellent vision, passing range, and tactical awareness,” explained Monterey Bay F.C. Head Coach Jordan Stewart. “He can dictate play, break lines, and contribute both defensively and offensively. His adaptability allows him to thrive in different midfield roles, and his work rate and creativity will help in our game model. Fans can expect him to bring energy, goal contributions and a dynamic presence this season, helping to drive the team forward on both sides of the ball.”

Bryant, 23, joins the Crisp-and-Kelp after two seasons with Sporting Kansas City II in MLS NEXT Pro where he recorded 13 goals and eight assists in 2,945 minutes across 52 appearances, including the playoffs. In his final match with Sporting Kansas City II this past October, Bryant put together an impressive two-goal performance in a 4-3 win over LAFC. Prior to joining the Sporting Kansas City organization, Bryant was named the 2022 USL League One Player of the Year following a standout campaign with the Richmond Kickers in which he scored three goals and added six assists in just over 2,000 minutes across 28 appearances in all competitions. 

“I am so excited to be joining Monterey Bay,” said Bryant. “I am super excited about the vision that Jordan [Stewart] and Simon [Dawkins] have for the club and I am honored to be a part of it. I’ve only heard positive things in regards to the stadium, fans, and club culture and I look forward to feeling it for myself. To work under professionals with the pedigree of Jordan, Simon, and the rest of the staff, it was an opportunity I could not pass up. I am eager to learn from their experiences and knowledge of the game to improve me as a player and person. Being able to watch some games last year has only increased my excitement to play at Cardinale Stadium.”

The young midfielder began his career rising through the ranks of San Antonio FC’s youth academy before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2018. From there, Bryant made his pro debut in a U.S. Open Cup match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in May 2018. A few months later, Bryant became the youngest goal-scorer in San Antonio FC history on September 29, 2018 with a goal against Seattle Sounders FC 2 – the first of his professional career. Outside of a brief loan stint to Belgian side K.S.V. Roeselare in 2019, Bryant spent the majority of the next two seasons with the Texas-based USL Championship squad before his move to Richmond, Virginia. On the international stage, Bryant represented the United States U-18 National Team in 2019.

“I hope to provide impact in every game I step foot in, with the ultimate goal of making the playoffs and winning trophies,” Bryant explained. “Whether it’s scoring, assisting, creating, or defending, I want to put my stamp on every game. I am a midfielder that likes dictating the game, getting on the half turn, and driving at defenders. I am most excited about getting into the market and meeting all of my teammates, coaches, and the fans. I am really excited to be a part of this special project at the club and look forward to seeing and feeling the growth.”

NAME: Ethan Bryant
POSITION: Midfielder
AGE: 23
HEIGHT: 5’11
DATE OF BIRTH: August 20, 2001
HOMETOWN: Longview, Texas
NATIONALITY: United States
PREVIOUS CLUB: Sporting Kansas City II
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Ethan Bryant to a two-year contract on January 1, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 1 is listed alphabetically as follows: 
Goalkeepers: 
Defenders: Carlos Guzmán, Alex Lara, Jacob Muir, Grant Robinson
Midfielders: Ethan Bryant, Mobi Fehr, Pierce Gallaway, Xavi Gnaulati, Adrian Rebollar
Forwards: Luther Archimède, Alex Dixon, Diego Gutiérrez, Mayele Malango, Anton Søjberg

Monterey Bay FC Communications – @MontereyBayFC

Monterey Bay F.C. Signs Danish Forward Anton Søjberg

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Monterey Bay F.C. Signs Danish Forward Anton Søjberg

SEASIDE, California (Monday, December 30, 2024) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) announces today that the Club has signed Danish forward Anton Søjberg to a one-year contract with an option for 2026, pending league and federation approval.

“Acquiring Anton will really help us in the final third,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Technical Director Simon Dawkins. “His ability to get his shot off in and around the box makes him a consistent goal threat and having more players that can contribute with goals will ultimately help us win games. Any opportunity Anton gets to shoot he will, inside the box and out. Fans will appreciate his desire to score goals.”

Søjberg signed his first professional contract with Skive IK in the Danish second division in 2021 before quickly making the jump up to the first division with Vendsyssel FF where he played just over 1,000 minutes in 32 appearances. From there, the Dane finished out the 2023 season with a short stint in Iceland, where he scored four goals and added one assist in nine matches with HK Kópavogur. In 2024, Søjberg signed with B36 Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands, a Danish territory. Søjberg went on to score 10 goals and added five assists in nearly 2,500 minutes across 32 appearances in all competitions for B36 Tórshavn. Now, Søjberg is ready for a new challenge stateside.

“I’m very happy to sign with Monterey Bay. The ambitions and goals for the club are a great match for me, and now I can’t wait to meet everyone and start our journey together,” said Søjberg. “When the club reached out, I was eager for the opportunity. I’m glad to be a part of this club and confident that we will reach our goals together. After having conversations with Jordan [Stewart] and Simon [Dawkins], it was without a doubt the best option for me and my career at this stage. The club’s vision and goals for the future are something that I want to contribute to.”

Søjberg continued. “First and foremost, I will be reliable on goals and assists. I have been that way my whole life and I don’t see that changing,” he explained. “I have a strong set piece foot, and bring vision and clarity to the game. I’m a hard worker and a team player. But at the end of the day, for me, it’s about winning. I can’t wait to contribute to Monterey Bay taking the next step. I admire the American spirit and mentality, so hopefully I can adapt to that quickly. And along with my European input, I think it will be a great mix both on and off the pitch. I want to contribute as much as possible to the team’s success and inspire the people around me to give their best.”

NAME: Anton Søjberg
PRONUNCIATION: AN-TAWN SOY-BERG
POSITION: Forward
AGE: 24
HEIGHT: 5’9
DATE OF BIRTH: December 21, 2000
HOMETOWN: Aarhus, Denmark
NATIONALITY: Denmark
PREVIOUS CLUB: B36 Tórshavn
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Anton Søjberg to a one-year contract on December 30, 2024.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of December 30 is listed alphabetically as follows: 
Goalkeepers: 
Defenders: Carlos Guzmán, Alex Lara, Jacob Muir, Grant Robinson
Midfielders: Mobi Fehr, Pierce Gallaway, Xavi Gnaulati, Adrian Rebollar
Forwards: Luther Archimède, Alex Dixon, Diego Gutiérrez, Mayele Malango, Anton Søjberg

Monterey Bay F.C. Communications – @MontereyBayFC

Monterey Bay Extends Exciting Young Midfielder Xavi Gnaulati

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Monterey Bay Extends Exciting Young Midfielder Xavi Gnaulati

SEASIDE, California (Monday, December 23, 2024) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) announces today that the Club has extended the contract of midfielder Xavi Gnaulati through the 2026 campaign, pending league and federation approval. One of the league’s most exciting young talents, Gnaulati made an impressive impact in his first season, and the club believes the sky is the limit for the 19-year-old as he enters his second year on the Central Coast.

The San Diego native from Cardiff by the Sea earned 971 minutes across 11 starts and 19 total appearances in his first year in Seaside – including 15 appearances (10 starts) in the second half of the season alone. In the final month of the campaign, Gnaulati opened his goal scoring account for Monterey Bay with a pinpointed, left-footed strike into the top-left corner from distance in a rivalry match at Sacramento Republic FC. The memorable goal from the youngster even went on to win the USL Championship’s fan-voted Goal of the Week for Week 32.

“Securing Xavi’s future at Monterey Bay was incredibly important from both a footballing and a cultural perspective,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Technical Director Simon Dawkins. “He is a key figure in the club’s philosophy and future. Even though he is still very young with a lot to learn, his enthusiasm and determination to improve aligns with the culture we’re building here. Last season we saw glimpses of Xavi’s ability to make a difference in games. Next season, fans will witness his willingness and desire to consistently perform at a high standard.”

Gnaulati’s promising finish to the 2024 campaign successfully set the stage for a highly-anticipated 2025, including one significant milestone he hopes to reach in the new year – his debut goal at Cardinale Stadium in the home Crisp and Kelp. The young midfielder infamously orchestrated a dramatic comeback victory for his former side with two goals in three minutes inside the confines of Cardinale Stadium the year prior, but still awaits his first in an MBFC kit. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Gnaulati is determined to deliver even more thrilling moments for fans in Seaside.

“I’m excited to continue building with this club,” said Gnaulati. “This extension gives me the opportunity to build something special here and we have some unfinished business to take care of. The fans can expect a lot of special moments both at Cardinale stadium and on the road this season.”

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