Monterey Bay FC Sign Trio of Players to Academy Contracts Leading into the 2026 season
SEASIDE, California (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) announced today for the first time in its history the signings of Djimon Anderson, Andres O’Neal, and Angel Villasana to academy contracts, pending league and federation approval.
The landmark achievement for the club’s player development pathway signals the new vision and direction of the club. All three players have shown great potential and demonstrated hunger, professionalism and competitive excellence throughout their development. Their progression reflects the club’s long-term investment in cultivating elite youth talent.
“These signings represent a significant milestone for the club and the direction we want to go in the future when it comes to identifying young talent to develop for the first team,” said Tony Awor, Director of Recruitment at Monterey Bay FC. “We look forward to seeing how these boys embrace the challenge ahead of them as they try to establish themselves in the professional environment.”
Anderson, O’Neal, and Villasana each bring distinct qualities to the squad, adding depth, energy, and familiarity with the club’s identity and style of play. Their integration into the first team underscores Monterey Bay FC’s commitment to sustainable growth and homegrown success.
Anderson, 17, a native of Atlanta, Georgia brings excellent MLS Next Academy pedigree with Real Salt Lake and FC Cincinnati. “I’m grateful for this opportunity,” said Anderson “All glory to God.”
Villasana, 19, was recommended to MBFC after being identified and scouted at the Dreams Academy as a part of the established partnership with C.F. Pachuca, that identifies the next generation of talented players. After a successful pre-season with Monterey Bay FC, Villasana was selected as the first player to be signed between both clubs. “I’m grateful to sign my academy contract,” said Villasana. “I’m extremely thankful to all that have supported me in my journey. I’m also excited to be part of a professional environment at Monterey Bay FC.”
O’Neal, 16, is a local talent that came to MBFC during the 2025 season from De Anza Force Soccer Club based out of Cupertino, CA. He was later recruited to the MBFC U-20 squad. Throughout his time with the club, he practiced regularly with the first-team and became the first player to come out of the U-20 and make a first-team appearance. “I’m excited to make the jump at such a young age,” said O’Neal. “I’m grateful for it and I’m excited to be a part of this club.”
NAME: Djimon Anderson
POSITION: Forward
AGE: 17
HEIGHT: 6’3”
DATE OF BIRTH: June 16, 2008
HOMETOWN: Atlanta, Georgia
NATIONALITY: United States/Ghana
PREVIOUS CLUB: CF Cincinnati
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Djimon Anderson to a academy contract on March 4, 2026.
NAME: Angel Villasana
POSITION: Midfielder
AGE: 19
HEIGHT: 5’11”
DATE OF BIRTH: January 4, 2007
HOMETOWN: San Antonio, Texas
NATIONALITY: United States/Mexico
PREVIOUS CLUB: Dreams Academy
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Angel Villasana to a academy contract on March 4, 2026.
NAME: Andres O’Neal
POSITION: Defender
AGE: 16
HEIGHT: 5’11”
DATE OF BIRTH: June 5, 2009
HOMETOWN: San Jose, California
NATIONALITY: United States
PREVIOUS CLUB: De Anza Force Soccer Club
TRANSACTION: Monterey Bay has signed Andres O’Neal to a academy contract on March 4, 2026.
The current roster heading into the 2026 season as of March 4 is listed alphabetically as follows:
Goalkeepers: Fernando Delgado
Defenders: Kelsey Egwu, Zackery Farnsworth, Joel Garcia Jr., Nico Gordon, Luka Malesevic, Andres O’Neal, Stuart Ritchie, Abdel Talabi
Midfielders: Eduardo Blancas, Facundo Canete, Belmar Joseph, Johnny Klein, Giorgi Lomtadze, Adrian Rebollar, Nick Ross, Angel Villasana
Forwards: Djimon Anderson, Omari Glasgow, Wesley Leggett, Youssou Ndiaye, Ilijah Paul
Monterey Bay FC Communications – @MontereyBayFC
PRESS CONTACT:
Marco Peralta, Monterey Bay FC
E: marco@montereybayfc.com
