MLS Next

Atlético Santa Rosa Soccer Club

A new paradigm for player development

MLS NEXT will transform the way players learn and grow. Building on where we’ve been, but looking ahead to the future. Taking youth soccer to the next level. The future starts here.

MLS Next

Youth Soccer Reimagined

MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a 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.

Teams

Staff Members

  • Adolfo Mendoza
    Adolfo Mendoza
    President & Board Member
  • Adolfo Mendoza
    Adolfo Mendoza
    President & Board Member
  • Jorge Castaneda Reyes
    Jorge Castaneda Reyes
    Director of Academy
  • Chloe Colbert
    Chloe Colbert
    MLS Sport Performance Coach
  • Yasmine Angel
    Yasmine Angel
    Coach, College Placement
  • Luis Sanchez
    Luis Sanchez
    Coach & MLS Next Scheduling
  • Ciana Mencarini
    Ciana Mencarini
    Coach & MLS Next Administrator / Registrar
  • Salvador Cortez
    Salvador Cortez
    Club Registrar
  • Martin Cortes
    Martin Cortes
    MLS Next Ambassador

Coaching Staff

  • Jorge Castaneda Reyes
    Jorge Castaneda Reyes
    Director of Academy
  • David Rangel
    David Rangel
    Volunteer Instructor
  • Jorge Rivera Maldonado
    Jorge Rivera Maldonado
    Strength and conditioning coach
  • Daniel Garcia
    Daniel Garcia
    Coach
  • Oscar Deniz
    Oscar Deniz
    MLS Next Coach U17
  • Humberto Lopez
    Humberto Lopez
    Coach
  • Nicholas Rogers
    Nicholas Rogers
    Assistent Coach
  • William Mpagi
    William Mpagi
    MLS Next Goalkeeper Coach, Academy Team Coach

Albums Galleries

Yasmine Angel
Coach, College Placement
Yasmine Angel

Luis Sanchez
Coach & MLS Next Scheduling


Luis has been a dedicated soccer coach since 2000, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the field. He began his coaching journey with Atlético in 2011 and has since become an integral part of the team. Luis’s playing career started in his childhood at the Atlas of Guadalajara Academy, where he developed his skills and love for the game. He continued to excel at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) and was part of the first generation of SOL Sonoma County, further solidifying his deep connection to soccer. His true passion lies in developing youth players to reach their maximum potential. Luis is committed to nurturing young talent, helping them grow both as athletes and individuals. His dedication to the sport and his players makes him a respected and influential coach at Atlético, inspiring the next generation of soccer stars.

Ciana Mencarini
Coach & MLS Next Administrator / Registrar


After 14 years of playing as a goalkeeper, including six years with Atlético Santa Rosa, Ciana graduated from Chico State in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and minors in sociology, psychology, and gender studies. During her time studying from home, she reconnected with Adolfo and Atlético, reigniting her passion for soccer and her commitment to the sport. Ciana took on various roles within the Atlético Santa Rosa Academy and Fuego, contributing her expertise both on and off the field. Her involvement also extended to helping with the administration of the MLS Next teams, ensuring smooth operations and fostering a supportive environment for all players.

Ciana’s true passion lies in introducing soccer to the next generation of Atlético players. She strives to instill a love for the game in every player she works with, believing in the power of soccer to inspire and transform lives. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a valued mentor and role model within the Atlético Santa Rosa community.

Salvador Cortez
Club Registrar

 


My name is Salvador Cortez-Cruz, I am a former player that was part of Atlético Santa Rosa Milan from 2008-2012. Playing for this club was an honor, Atlético Santa Rosa taught me skills that go beyond the field; discipline, teamwork, work ethic, leadership and overcoming adversity. I now use these skills in my daily life and it is because of these skills that I am now pursuing a Kinesiology Bachelor’s Degree of Science at San Francisco State University. I am enthusiastic to be back with the club, eager to get to work and continue building success at Atlético Santa Rosa.

Sincerely,

Salvador Cortez-Cruz

Martin Cortes
MLS Next Ambassador

 


Martin’s soccer career is marked by significant achievements and a deep connection to his community. He played for Atlético Santa Rosa for three years, competed at the varsity level at Montgomery, and continued his soccer journey at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business. Guided by the philosophy “Played for the community, now serving the community,” Martin has transitioned from a player to a community leader. He is the owner of 707 Soles, a local shoe retail business. Through this venture, he sponsors and donates to the club, demonstrating his commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of soccer players.

David Rangel
Volunteer Instructor

 


Jorge Rivera Maldonado
Strength and conditioning coach


Jorge’s soccer journey began with Club Deportivo Guadalajara, nicknamed “Chivas,” a Mexican professional football club based in Guadalajara, where he played throughout his life and made his professional debut in 1991 against Correcaminos in a Copa tournament. With 16 years of coaching experience, Jorge has had the privilege of mentoring several notable players at Chivas, including Carlos Vela, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, and Marco Fabián. Jorge’s coaching philosophy goes beyond developing skilled players; he focuses on nurturing well-rounded individuals. His goal is to help his players become good people off the field, exceptional students who honor and respect their parents, and excellent soccer players. Jorge’s commitment to fostering both personal and athletic growth has made him a respected and influential coach, inspiring the next generation of soccer stars.

Daniel Garcia
Coach
Daniel Garcia

Soccer has been Daniel’s passion since childhood. Growing up, financial challenges limited his participation in club soccer, leading him to develop his skills through self-guided experiences, alongside friends and his surrounding environment. Daniel played high school soccer at Montgomery High and continued his journey with the SRJC soccer team. Around the age of 20, Daniel’s passion for soccer evolved into a commitment to coaching youth soccer. His first coaching experiences included working with middle school soccer through the Parks and Rec Program in Santa Rosa and creating an elementary school program for underprivileged students as part of an after-school initiative. During this time, he also volunteered with Santa Rosa High School’s boys’ soccer program under the mentorship of Antonio Garcia, the varsity coach at the time. These early experiences deepened his love for the game from a new perspective.

Daniel has now been coaching for about eight years, dedicating himself to continuous education and keeping an open mind throughout his journey. At Santa Rosa High School (SRHS), he has held various coaching roles over the past eight years, from Volunteer Freshman Coach to JV Boys’ Coach, Assistant Varsity Coach, and currently, Boys’ Varsity Coach—a position he has held for the past four years. In addition to his role at SRHS, Daniel has been coaching at Atlético Santa Rosa for about seven years, working with all ages and levels (U9-U19) in leagues such as NorCal, NPL, ECNL, and currently MLS NEXT, where he coaches the U-19 Boys. He was also an assistant coach on the Northwest Region Staff of the Year for the SRJC Men’s soccer team during the 2023-2024 season, where the team won the Big 8 Conference title and reached the State Final 4.

Committed to his growth as a coach, Daniel has pursued continuous education in coaching, obtaining his USSF National B License and is currently working towards his USSF National A License. His goal as a coach extends beyond improving players’ soccer skills; he aims to help them become positive contributors to the community, grow as young adults, and navigate life with or without soccer.

Oscar Deniz
MLS Next Coach U17
Oscar Deniz

Since 2005, Oscar has dedicated nearly two decades to nurturing young soccer talent at Atlético Santa Rosa. His journey with the club began as a player, where he spent six years honing his skills before the club transitioned into a primarily youth-focused organization. With a deep understanding of the game and a strong commitment to player development, Oscar’s primary goal is to help his players grow both on and off the field. He strives to prepare them to become better individuals, with the ultimate aim of shaping them into exceptional soccer players. Oscar’s dedication to fostering both personal and athletic growth has made him a respected and influential coach at Atlético Santa Rosa, inspiring countless young athletes to reach their full potential.

Humberto Lopez
Coach


Humberto’s journey in soccer has been marked by significant achievements and experiences. As a player, he competed at the Division 2A level with Gallos Azucareros and represented the United Clubs of Jalisco youth team. His dedication to the sport led him to participate in the National Training System of the Mexican Football Federation, where he earned the title of Technical Director. Humberto prioritizes excellent communication with young players and is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience to help them optimize their abilities. At Atlético Santa Rosa, he focuses on fostering a positive and productive environment for player development.

Nicholas Rogers
Assistent Coach


Nico brings a wealth of experience and passion to the field, with 15 years of club soccer experience from the Fullerton Rangers. He further honed his skills at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he served as captain for two years and led his team to a conference championship. Nico’s professional career includes 10 years of playing professional street soccer and 4 years of pro teqball. In 2006, he transitioned to coaching, accumulating 18 years of experience at various levels, including club, high school, junior college, and Division II college. As a coach, Nico’s goal is to instill a deep love for the game in his players and help them reach their full potential. His diverse background and dedication to the sport make him an invaluable mentor and leader.

William Mpagi
MLS Next Goalkeeper Coach, Academy Team Coach


William’s soccer journey began at the Juventus Soccer Academy in his hometown, where he honed his skills by playing in multiple age groups. This foundational experience not only deepened his love for the sport but also provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the game. Transitioning from player to coach, William dedicated himself to sharing his passion and knowledge with the next generation of players. He took on a coaching role at the local Juventus Soccer Academy in Kampala, focusing on developing young talent and fostering a love for soccer.

As a coach, William’s primary goal is to teach his players the intricacies of the sport, nurture their passion for the game, and help them realize their potential to reach the next level. His commitment to his players’ growth and development is evident in his coaching approach, making him a respected and influential figure within the Juventus Soccer Academy community.