Monterey Bay FC
| File:Monterey Bay FC logo 20212.png | |
| Full name | Monterey Bay Football Club |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Union[1] |
| Founded | February 1, 2021 |
| Stadium | Cardinale Stadium Seaside, California |
| Capacity | 6,000 |
| Owner | Ray Beshoff |
| President | Mike DiGiulio |
| Head Coach | Frank Yallop |
| League | USL Championship |
| Website | Club website |
Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) is a future American professional soccer team based in Monterey County, California. The club was established in 2021 and is a member of the USL Championship, the second tier of the American soccer league system. They plan to begin play in the 2022 season.
History
Monterey Bay F.C. is a continuation of the USL Championship's Fresno FC franchise. The team, owned by Ray Beshoff, ceased operations after the 2019 season because he was unable to secure construction of a soccer-specific stadium. Beshoff retained the franchise rights and started a search for another place in California to relocate.[2] On February 1, 2021, Monterey Bay F.C. joined the USL Championship. The club's Sporting Director will be two-time MLS Coach of the Year, Frank Yallop. Yallop had previously served as General Manager of Fresno FC.[3][4] In April 2021, former San Jose Earthquakes captain, Ramiro Corrales, joined the team staff as a technical advisor.[5] Frank Yallop was also named Head Coach on April 22, 2021, with Ramiro Corrales named as Assistant Coach.[6]
Stadium
Monterey Bay F.C. will play their games at what was Freeman Stadium on the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay. The stadium will be renovated with private funds and will hold 6,000 fans.[7] Ground breaking for the stadium renovations took place on September 16, 2021. The team entered into a multi-year partnership with the Cardinale Automotive Group for the stadium naming rights. The venue will be renamed Cardinale Stadium.[8]
Technical staff
- As of April 22, 2021
| Technical staff | |
|---|---|
| Sporting director / Head coach | Frank Yallop |
| Technical advisor / Assistant coach | Ramiro Corrales |
References
- ^ "Monterey Bay F.C. Reveals Official Crest and Colors". montereybayfc.com. Monterey Bay Football Club. July 16, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
- ^ "Fresno FC Club Statement". Fresno FC. December 19, 2019.
- ^ Devine, John (February 1, 2021). "Pro soccer: USL to put pro franchise in Monterey". montereyherald.com.
- ^ "USL Championship Welcomes Monterey Bay Football Club". USLChampionship.com Staff. February 1, 2021.
- ^ "MONTEREY BAY FC ADDS FORMER MLS AND U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER RAMIRO CORRALES TO TECHNICAL STAFF". USL Championship. April 12, 2021.
- ^ "MONTEREY BAY FC ANNOUNCES FRANK YALLOP WILL SERVE AS HEAD COACH". Monterey Bay Football Club. April 22, 2021.
- ^ "Monterey Bay FC plan includes major stadium renovation". Kevin Reichard. Soccer Stadium Digest. February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
- ^ "Monterey Bay FC Breaks Ground on Cardinale Stadium on the CSUMB Campus". montereybayfc.com. Monterey Bay Football Club. September 16, 2021.
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