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]
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 |
| 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[7]
- Mark Semioli: 1995
- Joe Silveira 1996–1997
- Gaspar Silveira 1996–1997[8][9]
- Carlos Volpini 1998
- Orlando Cervantes: 1999[10]
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.
- ^ "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.
