“The success of Robben and Sebastian I attribute to several things. First, the natural talent they have to play soccer. Second, the effort and dedication they put into training and lastly the intensity with which they experience the game.” Mentioned Castañeda, who also is the club’s Director of Methodology.
“They are players with personality and leadership on and off the field.”
Providing professional and collegiate pathways for their players is nothing new for Atletico Santa Rosa. Since the club’s inception in 2003 they’ve shipped off a total of 41 to the next level, most notably local Jonathan Gonzalez who went on to win Mexico’s top flight Liga MX championship and CONCACAF Champions League with Club de Futbol Monterrey during the 2019 season. Now a part of MLS Next, the club may see those numbers rise as there’s direct connections with organizations such as San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angeles Galaxy, Portland Timbers and many more. According to the league’s website MLS Next is youth soccer reimagined providing the best player development expierence in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and commitment to innovation, MLS Next players have access to the highest levels of competition and to training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life.
It’s not secret that Atletico Santa Rosa has a recipe for success on how to not only develop players but also provide the proper avenues and resources to see them succeed at the highest levels they each want to achieve.
To learn more about the club, their diverse programs and community partnership opportunities please visit www.atleticosr.org
Atletico Santa Rosa kicked off 2023 with a bang after announcing that two of their players will be signing with the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer. Sebastian Ventura Gonzalez of Rancho High School and Robert Guevara of Casa Grande High School are both Sonoma County natives who recently formed part of Atletico’s U14 MLS Next side led by head coach Jorge “Tote” Castañeda.
Robben and Sebastian, both age 15 are the first of many the club hopes to see rise through their MLS Next program. Much of their success not only derives from their talent on the field but how they act off it as well.
“Off the pitch Robben is a very serious guy and respectful of his teammates, he smiles little but he has very clear goals that we know he will achieve.”
Acknowledged Jorge Castañeda about the Casa Grande freshman.
“Sebastian is very cheerful, he is always laughing with his other classmates but is very respectful as well. He knows when to make jokes and when not to.”
