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Community Corner

Encinitas Express Welcomes Gus Mokalis as Coach and Boys Sub-Director

Encinitas, California – April 10, 2014 - Encinitas Express Soccer announced today that Gus Mokalis, experienced professional player, coach and scout in the soccer industry, has joined the club to work with Guy Newman, Director of Coaching,  as the Sub-Director of the Older Boys’ Division and will coach two of the club’s teams. “The Board of Encinitas Express made this important investment in order to move our competitive program into the future” says Express’s Vice President of Competitive, Matt D’Alessandro.  “Gus’s experience and contacts provides a strong foundation and a multitude of opportunities for player advancement.”  

Mokalis and Newman, both former San Diego Sockers, will be working together to advance the olders division of the Express program by providing opportunities to its players through their extensive network of contacts.  Between the two of them, they have played and coached at the professional level both domestically and internationally and have an intimate understanding of what it takes to play in college and in the pros.  “Gus brings a wealth of experience and not only knows what it takes to play at the next level, having played extensively himself, but has the connections out in the soccer world to create amazing opportunities for Express players.  We are thrilled to have Gus as part of our Express coaching staff,” says Guy Newman.

Gus Mokalis was born in Hungary and played professional soccer in the Greek Division 1 League, F.C. Aris Salonica, for six years as a midfielder and defender.  Five of the six years included European Cup appearances.  He also played in the United States for the San Diego Sockers, the Los Angeles Lazers, and the St. Louis Storm.  After retiring as a professional player, he served as head coach for Los Angeles United (CISL), Managing Director for Tatabanya F.C. in Hungary, and Technical Director for F.C. Femina, who won the Hungarian Women’s Championship three times during his tenure.  Most recently, Gus served as the Managing Director for Advanced Sports Marketing International, recruiting and placing professional players with teams domestically and abroad.

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“I am excited to get back into youth soccer and look forward to working with players who want to take their game to the next level,” says Gus Mokalis.  “With my past experience as a professional player, I know what it is expected to play at the college and professional levels and I am eager to help players pursue those dreams.”

Gus Mokalis will be coaching two boys’ teams at Express, the BU14 White team and BU17 e3 (elite) team.  Both teams play in the highly competitive Southern California Developmental League (SCDSL.)  Tryouts for the BU17 e3 team start on Monday, April 14th.  “I am looking for dedicated and committed players who want to train at the highest level” says Gus.  For the Express tryout schedule and other information, please visit www.encinitas-soccer.org

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About Encinitas Express
Encinitas Express Soccer is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization providing competitive and recreational soccer programs for over 1500 soccer players between the ages of 5 and 19. Express is dedicated to being a high quality, community-based soccer organization that supports the development of every player and team to its maximum potential by promoting a positive environment for the development of youth, building soccer skills and ability, character, self esteem and love of the game. Encinitas Express is a US Youth Soccer approved club and a Cal South affiliate competing in Southern California’s District 2. Express competitive teams compete in San Diego’s Presidio League and the San Diego Developmental Academy (SDDA) as well as the Southern California Developmental Soccer League (SCDSL.)

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