Garcia and Solli Join Women's Soccer Coaching Staff

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---Head coach Christine Johnson has announced the hiring of Rafael Garcia and Dan Solli as assistant coaches to the CSUN Women's Soccer team.

"I couldn't be more excited to be adding these two experienced and professional coaches to my staff," said Johnson. "Not only do they have a wealth of experience to share but they are genuinely great individuals with high character who will lead by example. It's rare to have the opportunity to add two high impact coaches in a single year and I feel lucky that they have chosen to share in this journey."

A former CSUN standout and two-time MLS Cup champion, Garcia has been an assistant coach with the LA Galaxy Academy since 2021. He assisted with coaching the U-13 and U-14 teams. Garcia also spent the 2018-19 year as an assistant varsity coach at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, Calif. Prior to embarking on his professional soccer career, Garcia served as assistant varsity coach at nearby Harvard Westlake School from 2010-12.

"I'm extremely honored and humbled to be able to return to CSUN as an assistant coach of the women's soccer program," said Garcia. "CSUN has always had a special place in my heart, and I'm thrilled about the opportunity to work with our student-athletes and staff and contribute to the success of the program both on and off the field."
2021 Season: LA Galaxy Academy Headshots, October 16, 2021. Photo by Bailey Holiver/LA Galaxy—www.LAGalaxy.com—LAGALAXY

2021 Season: LA Galaxy Academy Headshots, October 16, 2021. Photo by Bailey Holiver/LA Galaxy—www.LAGalaxy.com—LAGALAXY

As a collegiate soccer player, Garcia was a three-time All-Big West selection and a former team captain with the Matadors. Garcia played in 68 career games including making 64 starts from 2007-11. Over his career, Garcia totaled 21 points, nine assists and six goals. He earned his first career All-Big West First Team honor in his senior season after hitting the net twice.

Garcia was selected by the LA Galaxy in the second round, 38th overall, in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. He would spend six seasons with his hometown club as a defensive midfielder, playing in 45 career matches and collecting two assists from 2012-17. Garcia was a part of two championships with the Galaxy, winning the MLS Cup in 2012 and 2014. He also spent time with the LA Galaxy II, captaining the team in its inaugural 2014 season.

After departing the Galaxy, Garcia played professionally for the Las Vegas Lights (2018) and the Oklahoma City Energy FC (2019-20) of the USL Championship.

Garcia earned a degree in Sociology from CSUN in 2022. He holds a U.S. Soccer Federation National "B" coaching license.

"Rafa is a CSUN legend who developed his soccer skills on the youth fields in our backyard," said Johnson. "He is the epitome of perseverence and grit and brings with him a nod to the rich history of soccer in the Valley. I'm excited to see his legacy continue to grow as he impacts and develops the athletes within our community."

Possessing over a decade of coaching experience, Solli served as volunteer assistant coach and goalkeeper coach for the Seton Hall men's soccer team under Andreas Lindberg since 2019. He helped the Pirates win the Big East Tournament title in 2020, the program's first in 29 years. Seton Hall also advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals that season. For his efforts, Solli was honored as part of the East Region Coaching Staff of the Year and Big East Coaching Staff of the Year.

"Firstly, I would like to thank Christine Johnson for the tremendous opportunity to join the CSUN program," said Solli. "It is an exciting time to join the Matador family as we look to build a program that competes to win Big West championships. I believe strongly that the future is bright for the CSUN Women's Soccer program and I look forward to meeting the team and getting the work started."
Dan Solli Seton Hall Headshot

Solli has served as a seasonal staff coach with the New York Red Bulls since 2012. With the Red Bulls, he has been a goalkeeper coach of youth from various age groups from U-12 to U-19 while he also worked as a regional coordinator from 2017-21.

Additionally, Solli had a two-year stint as an assistant women's soccer coach at Fordham University from 2014-16 while he served a similar role at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 2011. Solli would also work with youth, 18 and under, for the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club from 2010-11.

During his playing career, Solli played for National Premier Soccer League's Brooklyn Italians (2010-11), as well as for Roza FC (2009-10) and Union Latina SC (2009-10).

Solli is a 2010 graduate of Seton Hall University with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations. He holds a U.S. Soccer Federation National "B" coaching license and a United Soccer Coaches national goalkeeping diploma.

"Dan brings an exciting and fresh perspective to our team," said Johnson. "His energy, and work ethic will transform the way we approach our team training and game preparation. We are fortunate to have someone with his breadth of experience working with our goalkeepers and I have no doubt his impact will be felt from day one."

#UniteTheValley

Garcia and Solli Join Women's Soccer Coaching Staff

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