Monterey Bay FC has added depth and a local presence to its roster after the signing of Alisal High alum Joel Garcia, while adding a veteran to its attack, acquiring midfielder Wesley Fonguck on loan from Ebbsfleet United F.C. of the English National League.

The 22-year-old Garcia is familiar with Union head coach Jordan Stewart, having played under him and assistant coach Jeremy Clark for the San Jose Earthquakes reserve team The Town FC in 2024.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of my family and friends from Salinas,” Garcia said. “I want to contribute in any way that I can to help this club not only make a deep run in the playoffs, but also to win the league.”

The Union opened training camp on Monday for their fourth season in the United Soccer League Championship, having yet to make the postseason. Stewart took over the job in mid-July last year.

Garcia spent time with Monterey Bay FC2 in 2023 and the U23 side’s inaugural campaign in USL League Two. In four years at San Jose State, he appeared in 41 matches and was named to the all-West Athletic Conference preseason team in 2023.

In four years with the Spartans, Garcia scored six goals and collected two assists as a defender. He was named to the all-WAC Freshman team in 2020.

Garcia becomes the third player on the current roster with ties to the community, joining Carmel product and midfielder Pierce Gallaway and Watsonville native and former Cal State Monterey Bay midfielder Adrian Rebollar.

Garcia was a part of Alisal’s 2018 Northern California Division II championship team, leading them in assists with a dozen.

The 27-year-old Fonguck has played in over 200 professional games in England. He’ll provide leadership and experience for the Union, who will be one of the younger teams in the USL.

“I’m ready for a new challenge and I’m looking forward to adapting to a new league,” Fonguck said. “I believe the way the manager wants to play really suits my strengths. I’m a technical player who likes to get the ball constantly to dictate play.”

Last year Fonguck joined Ebbsfleet United F.C., where he produced a goal. In 2022, he played for Southend United, where he had five goals in 73 career matches.

The Union also added goalie Samuel Gomez two days before the start of Monday’s first practice. The 25-year-old St. Louis native spent last season with St. Louis CITY2 in the MLS NEXT Pro.

In 2023, he was the Ohio Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Year at Southern Illinois University, finishing fifth in the nation in shutouts (10), collecting 85 saves in 28 starts, posting a .844 save percentage.

Laporte establishing scoring marks >> Igniting Chico State’s 7-1 start on the hardwood in the California Collegiate Athletic Association is Salinas High graduate Makenzi Laporte.

The senior forward leads the Wildcats in scoring, averaging a college career-high 15.4 points in the team’s 14 overall games (12-2).

The 5-foot-10 2021 Herald Female Athlete of the Year is shooting a team-high 42 percent from beyond the 3-point arc, averaging just under 30 minutes a game.

Laporte, who earned all-league honors in basketball and golf at Salinas, is second on the team in assists with 35, averaging 4.6 boards, while compiling eight steals.

In 98 career games for Chico State, Laporte has started 45 consecutive games, scoring over 800 points, while pulling down over 400 rebounds.

A second team all-CCAA selection last year in basketball, Laporte has also spent the last two springs playing on the Wildcats’ golf team.

Moore sisters reunited >> Sisters Sabrina and Kylee Moore will reunite this spring as teammates for the San Jose State beach volleyball team.

Sabrina, a true freshman, spurned an offer from the University of Washington to play with her older sister Kylee, who spent two seasons at Monterey Peninsula College.

A multi-sport athlete at Salinas High, Sabrina was The Herald’s Volleyball Player of the Year in 2023, becoming the first player in the county with over 500 kills and 500 digs in a single season.

The single-season school record holder in kills at Salinas with 531, Sabrina led the program to a school record for wins and a Central Coast Section Division I title in 2023 in indoor volleyball.

Kylee, a state qualifier in beach volleyball at MPC in 2023, has played with her sister in beach volleyball tournaments in the past.

Tunney Scholar-Athlete Scholarship >> Having started in 2010, the Jim Tunney Scholar-Athlete Award Endowment Fund will continue for student athletes at Monterey Peninsula College in his honor.

A legendary former NFL referee, long-time MPC Trustee, educator and motivational speaker, Tunney died last month.

Along with Tunney’s family and friends, the annual scholarship foundation will continue to carry his legacy, supporting MPC student-athletes who transfer to four-year institutions.

To make a contribution in Tunney’s honor to the Jim Tunney Scholar-Athlete Award Endowment, contact Gina Bianchi at gbianchi@mpc.edu.

Coaches needed >> Marina is looking for a varsity swim coach, and a JV boys volleyball coach. Go to jcisneros@mpusd.net

Seaside is looking for head coaches for varsity baseball, and boys and girls swimming. Contact athletic director Steven Vasquez at stvasquez.mpusd.k.12.ca.us

Alvarez is looking for coaches for flag football and girls tennis. Go to brian.vazquez@salinasuhsd.org

Salinas is looking for head coaches in boys volleyball and field hockey. Go to https://salinashscowboysathletics.com

Monterey is looking for an assistant baseball coach. Contact cventimiglia@mpusd.net. Monterey is also looking for a head JV football coach. Email abesaw@mpusd.net

Palma is looking for a varsity swim coach for this spring. Contact bishop@palmaschool.org

Officials needed >> Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game.

There is an immediate need for officials and umpires in the spring for boys’ volleyball, baseball, softball and boys and girls’ lacrosse. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.