Q&A with Monmouth Generals FC
Photo credit: Monmouth Generals FC
Expansion club Monmouth Generals FC recently presented their first-ever coach in Carlos Figueroa, along with several other big announcements. We caught up with Figueroa to talk about his new opportunity, and also sat down with Monmouth Generals FC owner John Frusciante.
Kevin Johnston: What’s your background in the game as a coach and/or player?
Carlos Figueroa: First and foremost, I would like to thank John for giving me the opportunity to do what I like, and my mother, wife and kids for supporting me 100 percent on what I like to do with soccer. As a player, I was fortunate to represent Princeton High School (Mercer County), giving me the opportunity to show my skills on the pitch which translated to becoming an All-American in the 1995-96 season and winning a state championship. I was All-County, All-State and All-Regional as well. I had the opportunity of training with the MetroStars Riptides and a professional team in Guatemala. I was fortunate to play in the U-14 U.S. national team pool.
As a coach, I started for Princeton FC and at the same time was the head coach for Emily Fisher Charter School in Trenton. After school closed, I move to become an assistant coach for the Pennington School and Next Level Soccer Academy. After a couple of years at Pennington and NLSA, I moved to become an assistant coach for Bucks County Community College, but when I decided to start my own company related to soccer I left Bucks County to concentrate my time to my project, Elite Futbol Group LLC.
KJ: Why are you excited to coach this club?
CF: Because it’s a new project that is starting from scratch and would give me the opportunity to mold a team to our beliefs and develop a new mentality in today’s soccer, but mainly because John and I have the same believes relating to the beautiful game of soccer.
KJ: What goals are you setting for the team this season?
CF: My first goal is to put together a team that is willing to work hard and compete every day on and off the field. The second goal is to engage with our community and give them a show every time we play home games. Also, one of my goals would be helping develop our youth players in the area. I would like to thank you for taking the time to interview me.
KJ: What are the latest developments with the club?
John Frusciante: We have recently announced Umberto’s Restaurant and Pizza as the Official Pizzeria of Monmouth Generals FC. Umberto’s will also be the front of the jersey partner for the 2018 Garden State Soccer League Summer League season.
This Saturday, April 14, Umberto’s will host player meetings. During the player meetings, interested players will be able to learn more about the plans for the 2018 Garden State Soccer League Summer League Season and ask any questions they may have. If players are interested in playing for the Generals this summer, click this link: monmouthgeneralsfc.com/
Interested in playing for the Generals this summer? @pizza_umberto will host Monmouth Generals player meetings next Saturday April 14th. Click the link and fill out the form to confirm your interest. https://t.co/ri58BWMyD9 #MonmouthCounty #GSSL pic.twitter.com/bm6APPnE4c
— Monmouth Generals FC (@MGeneralsFC) April 4, 2018
Last week, Carlos Figueroa was named head coach for the 2018 season. I’m happy to have him coach the team this season, and I’m looking forward to preseason which will be the first time Carlos will be able to work with the players.
Monmouth Generals FC have announced this week that Admiral Sports has been named the Official Supplier Of Sportswear and Accessories to Monmouth Generals FC. I’m looking forward to show the soccer world our home and away kits. The Generals online store will be online soon.
KJ: How long have you known Carlos and what was the process like hiring him?
JF: I have recently gotten to know Carlos. He’s a local soccer coach that has great coaching experience. Over the past couple of weeks, Carlos and I had conversations and last week, Carlos put pen to the paper to make it official.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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