32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 2-8, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com SPORTS On a sunny Sunday morning, 50 female soccer players, ranging in age from 18 to over 30, showed up at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to try out for local women’s semi- or pre-professional soccer teams. Cosmos Femenil FC has won eight trophies since it started back in 2022, competing in the Women’s NorCal Division of the United Premier Soccer League and part of the nonprofit Salinas Soccer Femenil. Monterey Bay FC’s Sirens began in January as an entry in the United Soccer League W. To jumpstart the Sirens squad, MBFC partnered with both SSF and the Cosmos. “It’s a very high-level league, and having the support of Monterey FC really just elevates it to a new level, and it gives an opportunity to our local players and from our surrounding area to really achieve something special,” says Laura VanWart, head coach of both the Sirens and CSU Monterey Bay. The Central Coast is a seedbed for soccer players, both male and female. Salinas Soccer Femenil focuses on providing opportunities for female players, including a Sunday soccer league and a girls academy. Manuela Rangel, SSF’s co-founder, says the goal is to provide local players with a path to pro. Coaches from both the Cosmos and Sirens observe tryouts and will meet to decide which players to add to the rosters. Some will qualify for both teams, and there is an advantage for athletes: more playing time. For now, the USL has a limited schedule. Alessandra Tejada from Gonzales, a freshman player with the Hartnell College Panthers, participated in the first tryout on Sunday, March 8. She says she found out about it online and told her friends and teammates. “I was like, ‘Why not go try out for a [semi] pro team?’ And I sent the invite out to my friends, asking if they wanted to come, join the tryouts with me,” Tejada says, adding that the competition was fierce. “It makes everyone work extra hard.” On Saturday, March 28, the Sirens conducted another tryout, and 22 players who attended the previous one were invited to participate. (Tejada did not make it to the second round.) The squad members are yet to be announced, but VanWart says the team will have a mix of young and older players, some out of high school or college, and some with professional experience. Their first game is in May. The Sirens’ first game is at 7pm on Saturday, May 9 at Cardinale Stadium against Stockton Cargo. CELIA JIMÉNEZ First Team To build its new women’s team, Monterey Bay FC partnered with local clubs. By Celia Jiménez About 50 female soccer players attended tryouts for a new semi-pro team, the Sirens, on Sunday, March 8. The roster is to be announced. The Peninsula’s Downtown Shops, restaurants, hotels and businesses Spend some time with us Downtown… oldmonterey.org 11:30am-close, 10am Sat & Sun 484 Washington Street Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 www.melvilletav.com WOOD FIRED PIZZAS, BURGERS, PASTA, SALADS & SANDWICHES INDOOR, PATIO DINING & TAKEOUT HAPPY HOUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS DAILY 4-6PM WEEKEND BRUNCH Family-Owned. Locally Loved. Since 1980. Open Daily from 8am 1992– 2025 VOTED BEST Comfort Food Family Restaurant Desserts Now Open in Sand City! 434 Alvarado St. Monterey 831.375.1400 rosinesmonterey.com 2160 California Ave., Sand City 831.291.5182 caffebyrosines.com 447 Alvarado St • Monterey • 375-5332 www.gaspersjewelers.com Voted Monterey’s Best Jewelry Store 20 years ’25 Celebrating 11 years in Downtown! Sunday–Thursday 11:30am-10pm Friday–Saturday 11:30am-11pm 426 Alvarado St. Monterery 831-655-BEER asb.beer Monterey County’s Best Local Beer/Brewery Best Bar for Gen X Best Server-Chelsea Dalhamer Best Place to Eavesdrop Best Podcast - KRML’s ‘Pub Talk” THE OSIO THEATRE RETURNS The Osio Arts Foundation is restoring this beloved venue as a home for film, music, art and live performance. Support the Restoration OSIOARTSFOUNDATION.ORG Scan to Learn More g Before The Vision INTEREST IN BUILDING OUT AND OPERATING OUR ATTACHED CAFÉ? We are actively seeking a restaurateur with experience and the highest ethics to bring our vision to life. Contact Brant Wilkinson through our website for additional information.
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