OSC signs local trio as clubs first official senior team signings - April 23, 2021
Oakland Soccer Club has signed its first batch of players ahead of its official start to the 2021 SFSFL season. Juan Vasquez, Francisco Mendoza and Niall Iriwn collectively join the club with deep roots in the Town and are poised to help OSC grow into big ambition within the US soccer landscape for 2021 and beyond.
Juan Vasquez is an Oakland grown product through and through. Born and raised on 27th avenue, he would go on to attend and play for Fremont High School before finally progressing to junior college powerhouse City College of San Francisco. A multiyear member of the Oakland Leopards, Vasquez brings an attacking presence to a squad hungry for establishing itself as one of the bay area's best. “Oakland, to me, it’s the culture, the way we express our feelings and how we work hard to show people that a lot of young talent comes from the town” said Vasquez. “My two sons were born here and I want to show them about our culture, especially in soccer, so that they can be proud to say that I’m from Oakland.”
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Joining Vasquez at OSC is fellow Oakland native Francisco Mendoza. An Oakland Tech High School graduate, Mendoza played youth soccer with Oakland Barcelona before progressing to the San Jose Earthquakes youth academy. After playing collegiately in Oakland at Merritt College, Mendoza has spent the last several years captaining bay area based NPSL side Napa Valley FC. “Oakland to me is a beautiful city,” said Mendoza, “and is truly one of a kind. It's not the best city or the worst, but this city really makes you appreciate the little things that people often take for granted. Nothing here is given for free, which is why our future generations are always strong and hungry for success. The diverse cultures, the social movements and the struggles, with all of the let downs and still all of the come ups, this is what I love about this unique and special town of Oakland.”
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Rounding out the initial batch of signings is former two time Merritt college All American Niall Irwin, an adopted Oaklander from his collegiate days as well as through his last two seasons as a midfielder with Oakland Roots. “Oakland has been a home for many years and in my time here I can say that representing this Town is truly something special. To reunite with this city, now, and especially with such a special group as the one we have formed was an opportunity I couldn’t say no to.” |
OSC Head Coach Mike Muniz had this to say on the signings: “We’re excited to begin officially forming this group for the season ahead of us. All three of these players bring immense quality into our squad and most importantly, they provide our youth members within OSC with real role models to follow and a pathway to progress through. I look forward to working with Juan, Francisco and Niall to accomplish some big things within our Town.”
About Oakland Soccer Club: Since 1974 Oakland Soccer Club has provided affordable, high-quality opportunities for underserved youth in Oakland to develop skills for soccer, school, and life. Our goal is to remove the pay-to-play barriers restricting the youth of Oakland from participation in soccer and developing to their highest level.
Check out our website at www.oaklandsoccer.org and give us a follow on social media to see more club announcements including ways you can get involved as a player, coach, or volunteer.
About Oakland Soccer Club: Since 1974 Oakland Soccer Club has provided affordable, high-quality opportunities for underserved youth in Oakland to develop skills for soccer, school, and life. Our goal is to remove the pay-to-play barriers restricting the youth of Oakland from participation in soccer and developing to their highest level.
Check out our website at www.oaklandsoccer.org and give us a follow on social media to see more club announcements including ways you can get involved as a player, coach, or volunteer.