EMFC Coaching Staff
Director of Coaching: Jürgen Ruckaberle
U10 Technical Director: Mac Wilson
- Alex Vidal
- Andy Everett
- Bear Goodman
- Brad Stratton
- Brian Roach
- Bryn Dennehy
- Chris Bolton
- Dave Peterson
- Dean Smith
- Dennis Larson
- Finn Cronin
- Gabriel Hernandez
- Jake Moore
- Jeremy Flores
- Jes Smith
- Joseph Beeler
- Josh Walters
- Katie Schoene
- Michele Smith
- Mikey Latteri
- Nate Spinney
- Nick Leonard
- Parker Nehl
- Pat Walro
- Phil Larsen
- Rick Virgin
- Ryan Vilhauer
If you are interested in joining our excellent EMFC coaching staff, please contact Jürgen Ruckaberle: jurgensoccer@comcast.net.
- Name: Jürgen Ruckaberle
- Assignment: EMFC Director of Coaching
- License: USSF 'B' License/German 'B' License
Until age 18, Jürgen played on competitive youth teams in the highest state league competing on the regional and national level in Germany, as well as in international tournaments. From age 18 on, he played for a semi-professional club team in Germany competing in a competitive statewide league leading his team as captain to a state title and two cup titles.
Jürgen's coaching career started as a player coach for a semi-professional team in Germany about 15 years ago. While coaching German youth soccer teams, he attended several coaching education courses and acquired a number of German coaching licenses culminating with the German National ?B? coaching license in an extensive 8-week training camp with one of the German U-21 national coaches.
Here in Eugene, Jürgen has coached numerous teams from U11-U17 competing from local leagues up to statewide premier leagues from 2000- present. During the 2006/2007 season, Jürgen was the Head Coach for the EMFC U13 boys Fusion and the Head Coach for the EMFC U15 Fire boys . Jürgen has also served as the Director for the highly successful EMFC Spring Break Camp in 2006 & 2007.
Jürgen was recently named as the Boys Varsity Head Coach at South Eugene High School where he will lead the Axemen starting in the 2007 season.
Jürgen holds his German Soccer Federation National "B" license and his USSF 'B' license.
- Name: Mac Wilson
- Assignment: U6-U10 Technical Dir./Head Coaching Trainer
- License: USSF National 'A' License
Mac is the Director of Coaching for EMFC. During the 2006/2007 season, he served as the Head Coach of the EMFC U13 girls Spirit team. Mac was honored to receive the Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA) Girls Coach of the Year award in 2006. Mac has also served as a team and staff coach for the Oregon Olympic Development Program (ODP) since 2004. He was the Head Coach during the 2005/2006 season for the Oregon '92 boys and Assistant Head Coach for the Oregon '93 boys in the 2006/2007 season. Mac is also the Director of the Lane County Top Soccer Program.
Prior to assuming the DOC position with EMFC, Mac served two years as the Eugene Director of Youth Development for Oregon United Soccer Academy (OUSA). In 1998 - 2001, he spent three years as Director of Coaching for the Irish Football Club. Mac also held the position of Head Men?s Soccer Coach at Sheldon High School for 8 years (1997 - 2004) where his team won the OSAA class 4A state title in 2002. Mac was named the Oregon Scholastic Athletic Association (OSAA) State Coach of the Year in 2002 as well. During his tenure at Sheldon, he was also named Midwestern League Men?s Soccer Coach of the year 5 times. Mac coached and mentored over seventeen players at Sheldon who went on to enjoy great academic and soccer success at the NCAA Division I, II, and NAIA levels.
Prior to settling in Eugene, Mac played college soccer for four years at the University of Tampa, where he was a 4-year starter and a captain under Tom Fitzgerald from 1988 - 1991. Mac's UT teams made the NCAA Division II National Tournament each year and reached the elite eight his final year.
Mac has a M.S. Degree in Special Education and has been teaching in the Eugene area for 12 years. He is currently a teacher at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School.
Mac currently holds his USSF National "A" license.
- Name: Alex Vidal
- Assignement: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Alex Vidal joins the EMFC staff after a successful coaching and professional playing career. Alex is currently in his second year as the head Mens Varsity Soccer Coach at Sheldon High School. Previous to joining EMFC, Alex was a staff and Head Coach at Oregon United Soccer Academy (OUSA) for both a U12B team and a U11G team.
Prior to moving to Eugene , Alex coached at Club Austuriano in Mexico in 1997 - 1998. Alex had a successful professional playing career in Mexico before beginning his coaching career. Alex played for Club America in Mexico from 1979 - 1988 with four years on the first team. While there, Alex was a part of two league championship teams. After that, Alex played for Club Asturiano from 1988 - 1997. Alex attended the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey ITESM - CCM from 1990 - 1997 for his high school and university studies.
Alex holds his USSF "D" license.
- Name: Andy Everett
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Andy is a graduate of South Eugene High School where he played varsity soccer. During the 2004-2005 season, Andy earned his first lead position as Head Coach of the Lake City Eagles, a boy?s U 17 club team from Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington in 2005. Andy then joined the EMFC coaching staff in the spring of 2006 as a coach for the spring break camp. He also served as assistant with Mac Wilson and the U12 Spirit that spring. During the summer of 2006, Andy was a staff coach at all EMFC summer camps and academies . In the fall of 2006, Andy was the Director and Lead Coach for the EMFC Little Metros U10 program. This past winter, Andy coached in the EMFC foot skills camp and in the spring of 2007, Andy was the Co-Director for the Little Metros program again. Andy has also been the Assistant Head Coach with the EMFC U-12 Phoenix in the spring 2007 season.
Andy curently holds his USSF "D" Coaching License.
- Name: Bear Goodman
- Assignment: Little Metro's Program
- License: USSF National 'D' License
I have coached U-10 soccer in the Eugene area for the past 4 years. I am a life-long soccer lover having played both recreationally and competitively. I enjoy teaching the game and seeing players develop skill and passion for soccer.
Outside of soccer, I am the Founder and Director of Creative Minds School, a local alternative school serving middle and high school students who have academic needs that cannot be met in the traditional classroom. I am a U of O graduate, and licensed teacher, earning my Masters degree in Education in 1996. I draw on my experience as a teacher and administrator when coaching soccer. My wife, Rachel, is an acupuncturist who keeps our family healthy and pain free. My daughter, Mia, shares my enjoyment for soccer playing with the EMFC U-11 Magic.
- Name: Brad Stratton
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'A' License
Brad played in the Men's Professional Development League (PDL) as a player for the Cascade Surge and the Willamette Valley Firebirds between 1996 and 1999. For two of these seasons, he was the Head Coach of the Firebirds and then the Asst/Player Coach of the Surge.
Brad's coaching experience includes 5 years with Corvallis United Soccer Club in the mid nineties. Brad has also coached with the Oregon ODP program from 1992 to the current year as a staff and team Head Coach. He coached winning teams in two Regional Camp Championships and won a Nike Friendship Cup Championship. Brad also coached the Corvallis High School Varsity Girls team for 11 seasons and just finished his second year as theVarsity Head Coach for the girls program at South Eugene High School, including a heart breaking loss in the 2005 State Final.
Brad played collegiately at Oregon State University. The following year, he signed a contract to play in the American Professional Soccer League (APSL) with the LA Heat for two seasons. Brad then played for the San Diego Nomads and the Arizona Condors until 1992. Brad has his United States Soccer Federation "A" coaching license.
- Name: Brian Roach
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Before joining the EMFC staff in April 2007, Brian was the Men's Varsity Assistant Coach at Sheldon High School. He served as the Junior Varsity Coach at Sheldon during the 2004 season. Prior to EMFC , Brian was also an OUSA staff coach for 2 years. Brian grew up in Salem, Oregon and was an all league player at McKay High School. His club soccer playing experience included Northeast Salem Soccer Club and Salem United Soccer Club. Brian's father, Ron Roach, was a founding member of Salem United Soccer Club (now Cascade F?tbol Club). Brian was the Head Coach for the EMFC U11 boys Rangers during the 2006/2007 season and an assistant with the U17 Fury. He led the Rangers to the runners up trophy at the 2006 Presidents Cup and a first place finish in the spring 2007 premier bronze division.
Brian graduated from the University of Oregon where he majored in business administration. Upon completion of his degree, Brian accepted a position as a Financial Consultant with A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. In addition to his consulting career and his coaching, Brian is a Committee Chairperson for the McKenzie Fly Fishers and is the acting Vice President for a Business Networks International chapter here in Eugene.
Brian currently holds an "D" coaching license.
- Name: Bryn Dennehy
- Assignment: EMFC Asst. Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Bryn is a native of Eugene and graduated from Churchill High School. During the 2006/2007 season, Bryn was the Assistant Coach for Mac Wilson with the Eugene Metro FC U13 girls Spirit. Bryn's other coaching experience includes OUSA summer academies, EMFC Little Metros program staff coach in 2006 & 2007, as well as various private small group and individual training sessions.
Bryn's playing experience includes overseas training in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Romania. He was selected as MVP for the Euro Soccer Academy of the USA in Romania during his third trip in 2002. Bryn was also selected as team MVP his senior year at Churchill in 2005, as well as being selected for First Team All-League and All-State Honorable Mention teams the same year. Bryn played for Oregon State Select in 2001, and was selected for the Super-Y League Northwest regional team in 2004. His club playing experience includes playing for McKenzie United, Oregon United, Salem United and Cascade Surge.
Bryn is currently a student at the University of Oregon, where he is studying Sports Marketing.
Bryn holds his USSF "D" coaching license.
- Name: Chris Bolton
- Assignment: EMFC Staff coach
Chris Bolton is entering his second year as the head coach for the Northwest Christian College men's soccer team after a 4-9 record during the inaugural campaign. Bolton brings with him a strong local background, having coached at Junction City High School for the past seven seasons.
During his tenure as the Junction City Head Coach, Bolton led the Tigers to three straight Oregon 3A state championships from 2001-2003. He was named the Oregon 3A Coach of the Year in two of those seasons and was the NSSF Oregon Boy?s Soccer Coach of the Year in 2003.
His career coaching record at the high school level was a remarkable 80-20-8 and during his time he sent more than ten players on to star at the collegiate level, including Los Angeles Galaxy starter, Ty Harden. Bolton also spent one year as an assistant coach with the Oregon United soccer academy under Oregon State University coach Dana Taylor.
Bolton played collegiate soccer for two years at the University of Chicago and also ran track and cross country while completing his undergraduate studies. He graduated in 1992 and went on to earn a Masters of Education degree from the University of Oregon in 2000.
Bolton continues to teach chemistry at Junction City HS. He is married to Liz Bolton, the assistant women's basketball coach. They have three children, Zemedkun (12), Hannah (11) and Seth (8)
- Name: Dave Peterson
- Assignment: EMFC Staff coach
Dave Peterson has played and/or coached soccer in Eugene for over thirty years. He was an All-State player for South Eugene High School and an All-Conference player at Lane Community College. He has coached youth soccer from ages U-6 to U-18. Since 1996, Dave has worked professionally with kids and teens as a mentor, mental health worker and social worker. Dave served previously as a boys soccer coach at South Eugene High School is the current Varsity Head Boys Soccer Coach at Churchill High School. He carries a USSF "D" National Coaching License and is a lifelong devotee to the "beautiful game."
- Name: Dean Smith
- Assignment: EMFC Head coach
- License: USSF 'C' License
Dean is a Eugene native and graduate of South Eugene HS, where he received six varsity letters in two different sports. He has dedicated the last 20 years to promoting and coaching soccer in the Eugene-Springfield community, including significant volunteer time given to youth boys and girls teams. Over the years, he has developed successful soccer teams at the club, high school, and college levels.
At the high school level, Dean coached in the girls program at South Eugene prior to becoming the head coach at Marist High School. In three years, his girls teams won two conference titles and he received honors for conference coach-of-the-year. He was also twice named as a Shriner's State All-Star Coach.
Most recently, in 2006, Dean took over as head coach for the Lane Community College Women's Soccer Program. In his first year at LCC, he guided the struggling new program to a winning season and post-season play. The 2006 LCC Lady Titans took second in their competitive Southern NWAAC Conference, going 16-3-3 in league play. On the road to the Final Four in post season, Lane defeated the 2005 NWAACC Champions, as well as the Northern and Western Division Champions. Dean was named Southern Conference Coach-of-the-Year, and his 2006 team placed five players on the League All-Star Team, three on the All-Region Team, and six received Academic All-Star honors. As a result of the team's success, four players from the team who earned their Associates Degree from Lane have received scholarships and will be playing at four-year schools this fall. He is looking forward to the 2007 Lane Soccer season.
- Name: Dennis Larson
- Assignment: EMFC Head coach
- License: USSF 'D' License
Dennis Larson enters his second season as Assistant Head Coach for the Northwest Christian College Beacons. The Beacons are entering their second season of NAIA competition with Chris Bolton and Dennis Larson at the helm. Larson has been coaching at the high-school and club level for the past seven years and now begins the second season of developing and improving the NCC Men's Soccer program. Dennis has recruited a number of strong athletes to join their program this year.
From 2003-2005, Dennis served as Junction City HS Head Girls Soccer Coach. He also spent the four previous seasons, (1999 - 2002) , as the Assistant Head Coach to Chris Bolton with the Junction City boys soccer team, helping to guide the team to a pair of OSAA state championships. Dennis was the Elmira High School Boys Head Soccer Coach in 1997-1998 as well.
Larson played competitively at both Southwestern Oregon Community College and Lane Community College.
Coach Larson has been married to his wife, Kim, for seven years. They have two sons, Kobe and Brooklyn. He also works full-time for Symantec.
- Name: Finn Cronin
- Assignment: EMFC Asst Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Finn has coached youth soccer teams in Eugene from Kindergarten through the U-12 age group for the last seven years. Finn was the Assistant Head Coach for the U11 boys Gunners team in the 2006/2007 season. Finn led the Gunners to a berth in Premier Gold division in both the fall and spring seasons as well as a berth in the 2007 Oregon State Cup quarterfinals. He continues to enjoy playing soccer in the City of Eugene mens leagues. Finn is a native of Dublin, Ireland and grew up playing club hurling (Irish National Sport) and running cross-country. He was the Irish Hill Running Champion in 1983 and also competed for Ireland at the International level in hill running races. Finn came to the United States in 1984 on a track and cross-country scholarship and was All-American in both disciplines. In 1987, Finn finished second in the three mile at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships.
Finn presently has a USSF "D" coaching license.
- Name: Gabriel Hernandez
- Assignment: EMFC Co-Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Gabriel is currently the Varsity Assistant Coach at Churchill High School for the girls program where he led the Lady Lancers to a state playoff berth in 2006. Gabriel was also the Assistant Head Coach for the EMFC U11 boys Rangers and the U15 boys Fire team during the 2006/2007 season where he led them to a first place finish in the Winter U15 Premier League. He is a native of Eugene and attended North Eugene High School. Gabriel was selected Midwestern League First Team All League and League Most Valuable Player in 1997.
Gabriel spent one year in Tegucigalpa, Honduras playing soccer with Club Motagua of the Honduran 1st Division Professional Soccer League.
Gabriel is a Spanish translator for Sacred Heart Hospital during the day.
He holds a USSF "D" license.
- Name: Jake Moore
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Jake joins the EMFC staff after coaching for five years , 2001-2006, with the Lonestar Soccer Club in Austin, Texas. Lonestar SC is one of the premier clubs in Texas with over 100 competitive teams. While coaching with Lonestar SC, Jake coached kids/teams ranging in age from 8-18. He was the Head Coach for multiple youth teams in addition to coaching at multiple Lonestar SC academies. Jake was the Director of Steiner Ranch Academy where he ran a soccer academy program for 7, 8, and 9 yr olds.
In 2006, Jake was Head Coach for University of Texas Women?s Club soccer team where he coached the team to a 3rd place finish at university club nationals. In 2003-2004, Jake also coached freshman and varsity boys at McNeil HS and the junior varsity at St. Stephens High School.
Jake is currently a graduate student at the University of Oregon.
Jake holds his USSF "D" license.
- Name: Jeremy Flores
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Jeremy has been the Girls JV Head Coach at South Eugene High School for the last four years. During this time, Jeremy's teams have been the strongest and most successful in the Midwestern League at that level. Jeremy was the Head Coach for the EMFC U12 girls Phoenix team during the 2006/2007 season. He led the Phoenix to a berth in the fall 2006 Premier Silver division. Jeremy's girls have shown consistent growth and improvement over the past year and started the 2007 spring silver division season with three straight wins.
Jeremy is also an avid player in the City of Eugene Men's "A" league as well as the Men's Latino League. Jeremy has also worked with elementary age kids at the YMCA for the last five years.
- Name: Jes Smith
- Assignment: Top Soccer Coach/U16 Asst.
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Jes assisted with the ESS Blue Crush girls' team for two years, the last year focusing on goalkeeping. He is currently helping in the TOP Soccer program and assisting the EMFC Edge with conditioning. Jes is a student at LCC.
- Name: Joe Beeler
- Assignment: EMFC Goal Keeper Coach/Trainer
Joe comes to EMFC after spending 2005-2006 in Austin, Texas where he worked as a Volunteer Assistant Coach at Southwestern University, Goalkeeper Trainer for the Westlake Division of the Lonestar Soccer Club, and assistant to the New Mexico ODP 90 Boys team. Lonestar SC is a Nike Premier Club in Austin, TX with 120 teams.
In 1989 Joe begin his coaching career in Southern California while attending school and playing for the California State University San Bernardino soccer program. Over the past several years Joe has been the head coach for various Southern California Club Teams ranging from the Upland Celtic GU11 State Cup Finalists to Redlands International BU17 and BU15 Premiere League Teams. Several of his teams have experienced achievement in State Cup, Tournament and League play. While in Southern California, Joe was also the Volunteer Assistant Coach for California State University San Bernardino in charge of Goalkeepers for 2003-2004 and spent a spring season as the Volunteer Assistant for the University of Redlands prior to moving to Austin Texas in 2005.
With a strong background in Goalkeeping, Joe has had the privilege of working with many talented youth goalkeepers who have gone on to experience collegiate play at the NCAA DIV I,II, and III levels. (2) of the Goalkeepers have played professionally and others have played for ODP State, Regional and Youth National Teams.
Joe now resides in Cottage Grove, OR where he lives with his Wife Tricia and daughter Hannah, age 9.
Joe holds a USSF ?A? License
- Name: Josh Walters
- Assignment: EMFC Asst. Coach
Josh grew up in Ohio and played club soccer throughout his youth with Emerald Soccer Club and Ohio Premier. Josh was on the Ohio ODP(Olympic Development Program) team starting in high school and made the regional team 4 years in a row. He traveled to Germany and Austria to play with the regional team the summer between 9th and 10th grade, earning MVP for one of the games played in Europe. Josh was privileged enough to be invited to United States U17 National Team tryouts in Boca Raton, FL two separate times. During his senior year in high school, Josh trained with the United States U17 national team at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego, CA.
Josh played Division I soccer on full scholarship with the University of Akron in Ohio during his freshman season. He played his second and third year of college on scholarship with Francis Marion University, a Division II team. Josh has been coaching youth club and high school teams for the past eight years. He was the Head Coach for a U11, U12 and U13 boys team at OUSA during during the 2003-2006 seasons. Last year Josh was a Trainer for the EMFC U11 Gunners team in addition to coaching at multiple EMFC camps and academies. Josh is an elementary school teacher by day in the Cottage Grove School District.
- Name: Katie Schoene
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Katie joins the EMFC coaching staff after completing a successful academic and playing career at Portland State University where she played for four years on the PSU Women's Soccer team. She played for the Vikings from 2003- 2006 and enjoyed a Big Sky Conference title in her sophomore season and earned Big Sky Conference All Academic Team honors in 2003, 2005, & 2006. Katie also served as team captain for the Vikings in 2005 & 2006 and earned Big Sky Conference Honorable Mention as a senior.
Katie has recently completed her first season Volunteer Assistant Coach for the University of Oregon Women's Soccer program . Katie joins the staff of Tara Erickson, her former Head Coach at PSU. In addition,Katie has coached at the University of Washington Soccer Camps from 2005-2007 and has coached a U14 girls team from the Seattle area the last two summers.
Katie was the Assistant Coach for the EMFC '93 Spirit & EMFC '94 Phoenix in the fall. She is now serving as Head Coach for the '91 Extreme as they begin training in preparation for the Winter League season.
Katie played her high school and club soccer in the Seattle area.
- Name: Michele Smith
- Assignment: EMFC Staff Coach
Michele is a graduate of South Eugene High School where she helped the South girls to their first State Championship game. She attended and played soccer at the University of Washington, and then moved to Anchorage, Alaska where she continued playing competitive soccer for five years on the state's championship team. Michele represented both Alaska and Oregon in USSF National tournaments, twice helping her teams to the national final four.
Michele began coaching high school girls in 1987 in Alaska. After moving back to Eugene, she was the head coach of the JV1 girls' team at South Eugene for 5 years. Since that time, she has coached both boys' and girls' teams from ages U10 to high school. Most recently, since 2003, she has been coaching with the Blue Crush girls' team.
Michele is an attorney at Johnson, Clifton, Larson & Schaller, PC. She is a founding member and President of SAIL Housing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed to promote housing for developmentally disabled adults. For the last two years, She has also been on the Board of the South Eugene Soccer Club.
- Name: Mikey Latteri
- Assignment: EMFC Asst Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Mikey joins the EMFC staff after a highly successful local playing career. During his high school career at South Eugene High School, Mikey was a vital member of the 2002 Co-state champions in 4A Soccer as well as the Midwestern League champions in 2003 & 2004. Mikey was also member of the OUSA Black team which won three OYSA state championships (2002-2004) and made it all the way to the Regional Semi-Finals at the OYSA Region IV championships. He is currently a member of the University of Oregon Mens Club soccer team where he was a player on the 2005 NIRSA Club National Champions (Open division) and current 2006 Regional Champions. Mikey's coaching career includes leading multiple Kidsports teams, being a SEHS Summer Soccer Camp Coach (2002-2004) , and an OUSA/Corver Coach in 2005. Mikey has been the South Eugene High School JV Head Coach for the 2005 & 2006 seasons. Mikey holds his OYSA "D" coaching license.
- Name: Nate Spinney
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'E' License
Nate was a 4 year varsity starter at Sheldon High School under Mac Wilson in Eugene, Oregon from 1997 - 2001 where he led his team to four straight state playoff appearances as well as their first Midwestern League title in ten years during the 2001 season. Nate also played 5 years with Mc Kenzie United Soccer Academy during the same time period. Nate was voted "Most Inspirational Player" twice while with MUSA. Since high school, he has played with the University of Oregon Men's Club Soccer Team. Nate was the Head Coach of the Sheldon Men's Junior Varsity team for two years under Mac Wilson and also coached as an Assistant with Oregon United Soccer Academy. He also dedicates much of his time to long distance running and is involved with the University of Oregon's Running Club.
Nate is a student at the University of Oregon in his fourth year majoring in Mathematics and Spanish. He has hopes of becoming a High School Math Teacher and a Soccer and/or Track coach in a Spanish speaking country.
During the 2006/2007 season, Nate served as the Head Coach for the EMFC U11 girls Magic team where he led them to a berth in the Premier Gold division in both the fall and spring and a berth in the OYSA State Cup Quarterfinals.
Nate is also a USSF certified Soccer referee and currently hold his USSF "E" coaching license.
- Name:Nick Leonard
- Assignment: EMFC Staff Coach
Nick was born and raised in Eugene. He attended International High School at South Eugene where he earned all Midwestern League First Team honors three years. During Nick's senior year, he scored 29 goals and was named Midwestern League Player of the Year. Nick was also honored to be named first team all state.
Nick attended Cornell University for his freshman and sophomore years in college where he played and lead the team in scoring goals and points both seasons. He transferred to the University of San Diego where he spent the next two seasons ? redshirting as a transfer and playing in the fall of 2006. Frustrated fighting a back injury, Nick decided to forego his senior year of eligibility and finish his degree back at Cornell. In the spring of 2007, Nick earned his BS degree from the college of agriculture and life sciences with a focus in business.
Nick has coached soccer since his junior year at South Eugene when he volunteered for Kidsports . He spent his time off during college coaching for OUSA is the summers and most recently served as the Assistant Head Coach for the South Eugene boys varsity team in the fall of 2007.
Nick is currently working for Spirit Leatherworks here in Eugene.
- Name: Parker Nehl
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Born and raised in Eugene, Coach Nehl is entering his 4th year with the Marist Boys Varsity Soccer Team and is currently Co-Head Coach along with Coach Tom Coffin. His Marist teams have enjoyed success in the league and state-wide levels, including a second place finish in league and a berth in the OSAA state semi-finals in 2006 . In addition to coaching soccer, Parker has coached youth basketball for Kidsports and the YMCA for the past five years. Coach Nehl received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon in 2003. A Marist alumnus, Coach Nehl played a major role as a player with the '96 and '97 State Championship soccer teams. He ranks second on the Spartan all-time roster of total goals scored (43) and was voted First-Team All State as a senior. Coach Nehl loves teaching the game and enjoys seeing the learning process of young players. He is dedicated to the development of youth soccer in the Eugene area and is excited by the opportunity to coach for the Eugene Metro Futbol Club.
During the 2006/2007 season, Parker served as the Assistant Head Coach under Jurgen Ruckaberle for the EMFC U15 boys Fire team that won the OYSA U15 winter Premier League.
- Name: Pat Walro
- Assignment: EMFC Asst Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Pat is a Eugene native and a graduate of South Eugene High School. Pat played for the South Eugene varsity soccer team where his teams won two Midwestern League titles and made it to the Oregon state quarterfinals twice. At the club level, Pat's teams won three Oregon state titles and at the 14 state Region IV Tournament, Pat's teams reached the quarterfinals three times. After high school, Pat played his freshman season at Concordia University in Portland. He has returned to the University of Oregon to continue his undergraduate studies. Pat has been a staff coach at numerous EMFC camps and academies as well as South Eugene High School soccer camps. Pat was the Assistant Head Coach for Jurgen Ruckaberle & the EMFC U13 boys Fusion team during the 2006-2007 season .
Pat holds his OYSA "D" coaching license.
- Name: Phil Larsen
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Phil Larsen
Phil is a Eugene native and graduate of North Eugene High School. He has been coaching at the high school and club level since the 1998 season. Phil was the JV and Assistant Varsity Coach at North Eugene High School from 1998-1999. From 2000-2002, Phil was the Men's Varsity Assistant Head Coach at Sheldon High School with Mac Wilson. During this time, their teams won a state championship and two Midwestern League titles. From 2003-2006 , Phil was the Women's Varsity Head Coach at Sheldon High School. His teams won two consecutive state titles(2003-2004) and went undefeated over those two years. Phil was honored to be named OSAA State Coach of the Year both of those years. Phil has also been involved with club coaching as an Assistant, a Trainer, and a Head Coach from 1998 - 2005 with Oregon United Soccer Academy.
During the 2006/2007 season, Phil was the Trainer for the EMFC U11 girls Magic team and the Head Coach for the EMFC U17 boys Fury team.
Phil holds his United Sates Soccer Federation (USSF) "D" license.
- Name: Rick Virgin
- Assignment: EMFC Head Coach
- License: USSF National 'D' License
Rick is entering his fourth year as the Boys Head Varsity Soccer Coach at Pleasant Hill High School. He has turned around the program and turned them into a contender for a state playoff berth each year.
Rick was the Head Coach for the EMFC U11 boys Gunners team in the 2006/2007 season. Rick led the Gunners to a berth in the Premier Gold division in both the fall and spring seasons as well as a berth in the 2007 Oregon State Cup quarterfinals. Rick also led the Gunners to a runners up finish in the 2006 prestigous Nike Lake Oswego Cup.
Rick has also been heavily involved in the EMFC U10 Little Metros Program from organizing winter indoor teams to assembling summer tournament teams.
He has a strong fitness background having won several bench-press contests at the state level, and having ran in 4 marathons including the Boston Marathon in 2001. In 1989 he was an all-conference finisher in the NWAACC Track and Field Championships in both the 5000 and 10000 meters.
Rick holds a USSF "D" coaching license.
- Name: Ryan Vilhauer
- Assignment: EMFC Staff Coach
Ryan Vilhauer is the current Junior Varsity Head Coach at Churchill High School. Ryan was a four year varsity starter for Mac Wilson at Sheldon High School (2001-2004), including their State Co-Champion season. Ryan also played for Mckenzie United Soccer Academy and OUSA where he led his team to four Oregon state championships. Ryan went on to earn a scholarship to Oregon State University where he played for two years for the Beavers. Ryan is now finishing his degree at the University of Oregon. Ryan will serve as Assistant Head Coach for the U15B Ajax.