All posts by PUSC

College Bound

Giuliana Sallomi of 08/09G ECNL Commits to the Vaqueros of Santa Barbara City College

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Santa Barbara City College!

First and foremost, I want to thank God for His constant guidance, strength, and for opening this incredible opportunity. None of this would be possible without Him.

Dad—thank you for your continuous support throughout this entire process. Thank you for all the time, effort, and sacrifices you’ve made to help me become the person and athlete I am today. From Day 1, you’ve believed in me and supported me tremendously.

Mom—thank you for always being there for me, for your love, encouragement, and for supporting me through every step of this journey. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me.

To Coach Ron, Coach Jon, Coach Kristina, Coach Ronil, Coach Iain, and all of the other coaches who have been a part of my journey, thank you for believing in me, pushing me to become a better player, and helping me grow every step of the way. A special thank you to Coach Ron at Placer United for challenging me every day and helping me improve.

To my teammates, thank you for all the memories and for always pushing me to be my best.

A huge thank you to Coach Zermeno, Coach Alvarado, and the entire SBCC coaching staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career as a Vaquero.

I’m incredibly excited for this next chapter, the opportunities ahead, and everything I’ll learn on and off the field. I can’t wait to get to work and represent Santa Barbara City College. 

GO VAQUEROS!”—Giuliana Sallomi
College Bound

2027 Grad and 09G ECNL Player Ireland McAuliffe Commits to Point Loma Nazarene in San Diego

“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Point Loma Nazarene University.

Coach Tanner, Coach Kristi, and Coach Mark, from the moment I stepped on campus in 8th grade, I knew. I’ve dreamt of lacing up my cleats with “Point Loma” on my jersey. It’s the culture, the faith, and the family environment you’ve built that make this place special. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity.

To my friends and teammates, thank you for all the smiles and for pushing me to be my best self, unapologetically.

To Coach Jim, Helena, Katie, Leo, Kristina, and Ron, thank you for shaping me into the player and person I am today. You pushed me, believed in me, and helped me fall in love with the game at every stage. I’m forever grateful.

To Shay, Keenie, and Momaw, I’m so grateful for the love and support you’ve always provided. I’ll always carry that with me. Thank you for being such a huge piece of this process.

Mom, I don’t have the words to express my gratitude. If I become even half the woman you are, I’d be honored. The sacrifice you made going part-time will never be forgotten. You served others all day and still came home to serve our family with love. You showed me that “what doesn’t challenge you won’t change you.” The way you handle hard days and still show up as Mom is a superpower. Thank you for your patience, your love, and for teaching me to be proud of who I am, with or without soccer. Your faith gave me something to hold onto when mine was small.

Dad, the way you’ve led our home as a man of God has built trust and confidence in me. You’ve shown me to believe actions over words. “If you want what others don’t have, you have to work for what others won’t”, and “there’s a difference between meeting a standard and setting it”-those aren’t just words, they’re how I live. Thank you for the countless hours training, listening, and always being proud of me. Thank you for always treating me like your little girl, no matter how badly I said I wanted to grow up.

And most importantly, my foundation, the Lord. I would not have the blessing of calling this place and these people “home” without His guidance.” — Ireland McAuliffe

College Bound

2027 Grad Lucy Hoffman, 09G ECNL Team, Commits to the Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV

“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to play Division 1 soccer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas! Thank you to the coaching staff at UNLV for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Thank you to my club coaches, Ron and Todd, my trainer, Victor, and my high school coach, Kara, for pushing me and helping me grow as a player. Thank you to my family and teammates for always supporting me. I couldn’t have done this without you. Can’t wait to get started. Go Rebels!”
#Colfax High School
College Bound

2026 Grad, Kat Olmedo-Coca, Commits to Sierra College

“So thankful for this opportunity and want to thank Coach Todd and Coach Sean for shaping me into the player and person I am today. And I’d like to thank my parents for always supporting me. Lastly, I am very grateful to Coach Jason Gantt for this opportunity to play and further my education at Sierra College. Thank you.“—Kat Olmedo-Coca, Roseville High School

College Bound

Donovan Kuwazaki, 07/08B ECNL, Commits to the Cougars at Cal State San Marcos

“I’m unconditionally grateful to further my academic and athletic career, as I’ve committed to DII Cal State San Marcos! First, I want to thank God for blessing me with such an amazing gift and opportunity to play soccer at the next level. Secondly, I want to thank all my coaches, teammates, and parents for supporting me and pushing me to be the best I can be!”—Donovan Kuwazaki
Rocklin High School
College Bound

07/08G ECNL Goalkeeper & 2026 Grad Brekyn Davenport-Murrish Commits to the Colorado School of Mines

“I’m so excited to announce my commitment to play soccer at Colorado School of Mines! I want to thank God, my family, coaches, and teammates for helping me along the way. Big thanks to coach Bashar and coach Ron for all their support. I also want to thank Coach Fickes and Devoe for this opportunity. I’m so excited to be an Oredigger!” — Brekyn Davenport-Murrish

#Del Oro High School

News

Richmond Kickers Sign Defensive Midfielder Placer’s Ali Sasankhah

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Kickers have signed defensive midfielder Ali Sasankhah, the club announced Friday. Sasankhah adds a technically sound and hard-working presence to the club’s midfield unit ahead of the upcoming season.

Sasankhah joins Richmond following a four-year collegiate career at Sacramento State, where he developed into a consistent contributor for the Hornets while earning Big West Conference All-Academic Team honors in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

“During the roster build, we made it a point to look for competitors willing to do what it takes in different scenarios to get something out of each competition,” said Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. “Ali brings a tough defensive presence, and he is very sharp on the ball. He has good passing range and is willing to mix it up when needed. As he gets up to speed, the City Stadium faithful will enjoy his brand of soccer.”

During his senior season in 2024, Sasankhah appeared in 15 matches with 11 starts, becoming a regular in Sacramento State’s midfield rotation down the stretch. He recorded one goal and two assists on the season, including a penalty finish in the regular season finale against UC Davis. Known for his composure on the ball and on-field endurance, Sasankhah played the full 90 minutes in multiple matches and started each of the Hornets’ final eight contests of the year.

The 6-foot-2 Persian-American saw steady growth throughout his collegiate career. As a junior in 2023, he started 14 matches and consistently featured in Sacramento State’s midfield, logging several full-match performances. The year prior, he played a major role in the Hornets’ lineup, starting 17 of 18 appearances in 2022, scoring his first collegiate goal in a road victory at Saint Mary’s while totaling 1,476 minutes on the pitch.

Sasankhah made his collegiate debut in 2021, appearing in nine matches as a freshman while earning four starts and recording multiple 90-minute performances early in his career.

“It means a lot to have officially signed my first professional contract with a well known club like the Kickers,” Sasankhah said  “I’ve heard amazing things about the team, fans and the atmosphere. I’m more than excited to be part of the Kickers family and play under Darren.”

Before arriving at Sacramento State, Sasankhah starred at Foothill High School in California, where he was named Pioneer Valley League MVP and team MVP, helping lead the Mustangs to a league title. At the club level, he competed for Placer United in Rocklin, California.

In addition to his collegiate experience, Sasankhah spent time competing in USL League Two with Des Moines Menace, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment.