Rafael Garcia Returns to CSUN as Men's Soccer Assistant Coach

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---CSUN head coach Terry Davila has announced the return of Rafael Garcia to Matador men's soccer program as the team's assistant coach for the 2025 season.

A two-time Major League Soccer Cup Champion, Garcia returns to the Matador program where he was a four-year letterwinner, a team captain and an All-Big West First Team honoree.

"I'm so happy and excited to bring Rafa onto our coaching staff here at CSUN," said Davila. "Having him join us is a huge win for our program. Rafa's experience playing at the highest level of American professional soccer, combined with his championship pedigree, brings a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable to our team."
Rafael Garcia MSOC Coach Announcement

On the bench, Garcia has served as an academy coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy where he has worked with many youth soccer players from multiple age groups. He most recently served as the head boys soccer coach at Sierra Canyon School in 2024. He has also spent time coaching at the high school ranks at Viewpoint School in Calabasas and nearby Harvard Westlake School.

"Rafa has been an integral part of the LA Galaxy Academy staff for several years, which speaks volumes about the depth of his coaching experience," said Davila. "I truly don't think we could have made a better choice for our program than bringing in such a high-quality person and coach.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the impact Rafa will make with us!" he added.

As a soccer player, Garcia was drafted by the LA Galaxy 38th overall in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. He would go on to spent six seasons with his hometown club as a holding midfielder. Garcia was a member of both the 2012 and 2014 MLS championship teams with the Galaxy.

Garcia played 45 career matches with the Galaxy, accumulating two assists from 2012-17. With the club, he spent his first five seasons playing for U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame coach Bruce Arena.

Garcia played in a career-high 18 games in his final season with the Galaxy in 2017 where he totaled 12 starts and picked up his two helpers. He also spent time with the LA Galaxy II, captaining the club in its inaugural season in 2014.

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

Garcia had a standout collegiate career with CSUN from 2007-11, garnering three All-Big West Team selections including a First Team honor in his senior season. He would play in 68 total games with 63 starts where he totaled five goals, eight assists and 18 points. Garcia led the Matadors with six assists and 10 points during the 2010 season while he scored two goals in each of his final two years.

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

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Rafael Garcia Returns to CSUN as Men's Soccer Assistant Coach

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