California Jaguars
 | |||
| Full name | California Jaguars | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname | Jaguars | ||
| Founded | 1995 (as Monterey Bay Jaguars) | ||
| Dissolved | 1999 | ||
| Stadium | Salinas Sports Complex Salinas, California | ||
| Capacity | 17,000 | ||
| Owner(s) | Robert Alderete, Enrique Garcia | ||
| Manager |  Mark Semioli | ||
| League | USISL (1995–1996) USL A-League (1997–1998) USL D3 Pro League (1999) | ||
| |||
California Jaguars were an American soccer team that played in Salinas, California, at the Salinas Sports Complex. The club joined the USISL in 1995 as the Monterey Bay Jaguars, but changed the name a year later. They played in the A-League in 1997 and 1998 seasons then moved to the USL D3 Pro League, later named the Pro Select League, in 1999.[1]
History
The Monterey Bay Jaguars were formed after their ownership group purchased the USISL Monterey County territory rights from Santa Cruz Surf owner Kevin Miliken.[2]
After the Surf folded ahead of the 1995 USISL Pro League season, the Jaguars would split their inaugural home schedule between Santa Cruz and Monterey County, scheduling eight matches at Cabrillo College's Carl Connelly Stadium in Aptos and the remainder at Alisal High School's stadium in Salinas.[3] The club performed well in 1995, but lost several players in the drafts ahead of the inaugural 1996 Major League Soccer season.[4]
The Jaguars would fold ahead of the 2000 season, after having not attracted a strong enough fan base in their five years.[5] They ultimately played at seven different home grounds across their tenure.[6]
The Jaguars played three friendlies against UNAM Pumas recording a 2-2 tie at Gonzales High School, and losing the other two results in 1997 and 1998.[7]
The team also hosted the San Jose Clash, in 1997 falling 3-1. One of the Clash goals was scored by former Jaguar Jeff Baicher.[8]
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Reg. season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 3 | USISL Pro League | 1st, Western North | Sizzling Nine | Did not qualify |
| 1996 | 2 | USISL Select League | 1st, Pacific | Champions | First Round, lost to San Jose Oaks 3-2.[9] |
| 1997 | 2 | USISL A-League | 1st, Pacific | Division Semifinals | Did not qualify |
| 1998 | 2 | USISL A-League | 7th, Pacific | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 1999 | 3 | USL D3-Pro League | 4th, Western | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
Coaches
- Greg Petersen: 1995[10]
- Mark Semioli: 1995
- Joe Silveira 1996–1997 a former San Jose Earthquakes defender.
- Gaspar Silveira 1996–1997[11][12]
- Carlos Volpini 1998
- Orlando Cervantes: 1999[13]
Key players
- Ramiro Corrales Joined the team in May 1995, after graduation from North Salinas High School, enjoyed a long MLS career.
- Paul Bravo Scored 19 goals during the 1995 season.
- Jeff Baicher Also scored 19 goals during the 1995 season.
- Mark Semioli Player coach in 1995, after Greg Petersen left to coach the Chico Rooks.
- Rhett Harty
- David Kramer Top goalkeeper in 1995.
- Tayt Ianni
- Francisco Gomez Local product from Watsonville High School, 1996 and 1997.
- Paul Holocher On the first Jag team in 1995, returned to team for two seasons after a year in MLS.
- Zak Ibsen Played for Jags after his MLS career.
- Chris Biason Local product from Carmel High School, the defender scored four goals in two campaigns (1995 and 1996).
- Mark Baena Team's leading scorer with 24 goals during 1997 season and part of 1998 before being sold to the Seattle Sounders.
- Kevin Rueda The team's top goalkeeper in 1996.
Front Office
| Year | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Alejandro Gonzalez |
General Manager |
References
- ↑ Chu, Evan (April 13, 2016). "Soccer in the Central Coast: Should the USL expand to Salinas?". Last Word on Sports. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
- ↑ Sports staff (April 6, 1995). "Extra Points: RIP, Santa Cruz Surf". Santa Cruz Sentinel. p. 12. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
- ↑ Sports staff (April 20, 1995). "Extra Points: Bo, Michael & Marcia". Santa Cruz Sentinel. p. 12. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
- ↑ Clark, Nancy (June 5, 2003). "New coach Petersen installs new style for Menace". The Des Moines Register. p. 31. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
- ↑ Devine, John (March 23, 2000). "Troubles force Jags to fold". The Californian. p. 1. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
- ↑ Devine, John (March 23, 2000). "Troubles force Jags to fold". The Californian. p. 8. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
- ↑ Callifornian Staff (June 22, 1996). "Jaguars Rally to Tie Pumas, 2-2". Salinas Californian. p. 10. Retrieved July 26, 2026.
- ↑ Bongiglio, Jeremy (September 25, 1997). "Clash Edges Jaguars to Avoid Sweep". Salinas Californian. p. 9. Retrieved July 26, 2026.
- ↑ Nagel, Josh (June 28, 1996). "Santesteban Gets Revenge". Santa Cruz Sentinel. p. 11.
- ↑ "USISL: 1996 Select League Team Info and Outlook". www.socceramerica.com. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
- ↑ "West Valley College". West Valley College. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
- ↑ "A-League: 1997 All-Star Game rosters announced". www.socceramerica.com. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
- ↑ "Lamar Names Orlando Cervantes as Women's Soccer Coach". www.southland.org. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
External links
- Defunct soccer clubs in California
- USISL teams
- Defunct United Soccer League teams
- USL First Division teams
- Soccer clubs in California
- 1995 establishments in California
- 1999 disestablishments in California
- Association football clubs established in 1995
- Association football clubs disestablished in 1999
- Sports in Salinas, California
- Sports in Monterey County, California