Rafael Garcia Joined CSUN Soccer Coaching Staff
The former Los Angeles Galaxy standout returns to his alma mater to serve as an assistant coach.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Soccer
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Former professional player Rafael Garcia has returned to the CSUN men's soccer program as an assistant coach for the 2026 season. Garcia aims to provide leadership and player development for the team he played for between 2007 and 2011.
Why it matters
The hire brings significant professional experience to the CSUN program as Garcia aims to transition into a coaching career. Garcia expressed a desire to give back to the university he considers his home following his time in the MLS.
During his collegiate career, Garcia recorded 68 total appearances with 63 starts, contributing 5 goals and 8 assists. He later appeared in 45 regular season games for the LA Galaxy after being selected 38th in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft.
The players
Rafael Garcia
He is a former professional soccer player for the Los Angeles Galaxy and a CSUN alumnus.
Terry Davila
He serves as the head coach for the CSUN men's soccer team.
The details
Garcia accepted the position under CSUN head coach Terry Davila, seeking to share his professional expertise with the current roster. The team recently demonstrated early success with a 5-1 victory over The Master's University in their home opener.
Timeline
Rafael Garcia played at CSUN from 2007 to 2011.
Garcia won MLS Cup titles in 2012 and 2014.
He served as head boys soccer coach at Sierra Canyon School in 2024.
Garcia joined the CSUN coaching staff for the 2026 season.
Season Trajectory
Integrating a former professional player into the coaching staff provides the CSUN men's soccer team with immediate experience following their strong 5-1 home opener. This hire aims to bolster player development as the squad seeks to improve its standing in competitive collegiate play.
The hiring of Garcia adds veteran experience to the sidelines for the remainder of the 2026 campaign. Fans should watch for how his professional training background influences the team's tactical performance compared to their 5-1 home opener success.
The takeaway
Garcia's return highlights the value of maintaining strong relationships between professional programs and collegiate alumni. His transition demonstrates how players can leverage their professional accolades to contribute to future student-athlete success.
Further reading
For more on local matches and team developments, visit Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sundial.
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