Monterey Bay F.C. announced today that the club has signed goalkeeper Rafael Díaz ahead of the 2022 USL Championship campaign.
Díaz joins Monterey Bay F.C. following four seasons with fellow USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC. While in Sacramento, the goalkeeper recorded nine clean sheets in 27 appearances and earned Republic FC’s 2021 Save of the Year honor for an impressive double-save in a match against El Paso Locomotive FC in September.
Prior to his stint with Republic FC, the Dominican Republic international spent three seasons with the New York Red Bulls organization from 2015-2017. During his time with Red Bulls II, Díaz earned eight clean sheets in 21 appearances. In addition to competing at the club level, Díaz has also made five appearances for the Dominican Republic Men’s National Team, four of which came this past year in FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifying.
“Rafi is a seasoned goalkeeper that has found success in the USL Championship,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He’s athletic, a very good shot stopper and full of all-around ability.”
Díaz attended St. John’s University from 2010-2013 and set a school record for clean sheets with 32 across 72 starts with the Red Storm.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to play for this new franchise in its inaugural season,” exclaimed Díaz. “I can’t wait to get to work, I look forward to meeting my new teammates and the fans.”
Player Information:
Name: Rafael Díaz
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 30
Height: 6’1″
Hometown: Paterson, New Jersey
Monterey Bay F.C. roster as of February 4, 2022:
Goalkeepers:
Dallas Jaye (Danville, California)
Rafael Díaz (Paterson, New Jersey)
Defenders:
Midfielders:
Forwards:
Walmer Martínez (Santa Cruz, California)
Chase Boone (Beaverton, Oregon)
Seku Conneh (Voinjama, Liberia)
Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nevada)
