Clipboard: Monterey Bay F.C. to bring back three cornerstones to franchise

SEASIDE >> The reboot for Monterey Bay F.C. continues as in addition to the re-signing of forward Alex Dixon to a one-year contract,  the Union have also inked defenders Alex Lara and Grant Robinson to one-year contracts, bringing their roster to 10 for the upcoming United Soccer League Championship season.

Robinson has been a part of the Union since their inaugural season in 2022, joining Watsonville’s Adrian Rebollar as players who have been with the franchise since its inception.

Robinson has played over 4,000 minutes covering 56 matches in his career for the Union, sitting third all-time in interceptions with 86.

Over four seasons, Robinson has collected 95 tackles, 87 clearances and nine blocks, to go along with a pair of goals and an assist for Monterey Bay F.C.

“I’m grateful to the coaches and front office for believing in me once again,” Robinson said. “I am eager to get back to work and help the club achieve our goals on and off the field. It means a lot to be able to wear this crest.”

Lara will be returning for his third season with the Union, providing leadership, experience and depth to a defensive unit that shutout eight teams last year.

“Lara has made significant strides since I joined the club,” said Union coach Jordan Stewart said. “His professional work ethic and positive attitude are exactly the qualities we need in our locker room and on the pitch.”

Lara has logged nearly 3,000 minutes through 41 matches in his career for the Union, having started 33 games. He comes into the season No. 4 all-time in both clearances (128) and blocks (36) for the franchise.

In two seasons with Monterey Bay F.C., Lara has collected 62 tackles and 54 interceptions. He’s also scored three goals, including a game-winner against Memphis last April.

“I feel like me and all the returning players are really going to step up and lead on the pitch,” Lara said. “I know that everyone at the club is working harder than ever to accomplish our goal of not only making the playoffs, but a championship run as well.”

The Union have not made the postseason in their three-year existence, finishing with the third worst record in the United Soccer League Championship last year at 8-16-10.

Sergent closes chapter

Coming back for a final season created a milestone moment for Grant Sergent, who tossed a career-high six touchdowns in one game for the University of San Diego.

The Palma graduate closed his career for the Toreros, throwing for 2,403 yards and 26 touchdown passes, with just five picks in 325 attempts.

Sergent guided San Diego to an 8-3 overall record and a runner-up finish in the Pioneer Football League. He completed 60 percent of his passes, averaging 218.8 yards a game.

Over the course of his career for the Toreros, Sergeant threw for 3,346 yards and 34 touchdowns in 16 career starts.

The Herald’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2018, Sergent threw for nearly 2,300 yards and a school record 27 touchdowns in leading Palma to a Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division title.

A teammate of Sergent’s this past fall was former Palma quarterback and Torero safety Thomas Nunes, who was redshirted, along with one-time Carmel lineman Oscar Weigel.

Finley finishes at Stephen F. Austin

Former Palma and MPC defensive end Joey Finley saw action in six of the Stephen F. Austin football team’s 12 games this year.

A redshirt sophomore, the 6-foot-5, 242-pound defensive end collected seven tackles, including his first sack for Stephen F. Austin, which finished 7-5.

Finley recorded a sack for an 8-yard loss against McNeese State and finished with four tackles against Northern Colorado. He also had a quarterback hurry.

The conference’s Defensive Most Valuable Player during his freshman season at MPC in 2022, Finley led the state in sacks with 17, earning a scholarship to Stephen F. Austin.

Finley spent time as a defensive end/tight end at Palma, earning all-county honors on defense. He also played basketball and baseball for the Chieftains.

Tengan sizzling for CSUMB

Sophomore Jaden Tengan has gotten off to a blistering start on the hardwood for Cal State Monterey Bay, averaging 15.8 points a game through six games.

The 5-foot-11 sharpshooter is shooting 41 percent from the 3-point line and 48.0 percent from the field while leading the team in assists with 23.

Michael Mora, who redshirted last season at the University of Vermont, is dropping in just 8.8 points a night for CSUMB, which was 2-4 going into the weekend.

A 6-foot-6 freshman, Mora is shooting 48 percent from the field and is second on the Otters in steals at just over one a game.

Another transfer making an impact for CSUMB is 6-10 senior post Blake Jones, who is dropping in 9.3 points and a team-high 8.2 rebounds per contest.

Coaches needed

Marina is looking for a varsity boys volleyball coach and a varsity baseball coach. Go to www.edjoin.org/MPUSD.

Seaside is looking for head coaches for varsity baseball, softball and boys and girls swimming. Contact athletic director Steven Vasquez at stvasquez.mpusd.k.12.ca.us

Salinas is looking for head coaches in boys’ volleyball and field hockey. Go to https://salinashscowboysathletics.com

Officials needed

Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game. There is an immediate need for officials in the winter for boys’ and girls’ basketball, soccer and wrestling. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.