The North County Battalion have announced Ryan Guy as their Head Coach for the upcoming 2016 National Premier Soccer League season. Guy fills the void
The North County Battalion have announced Ryan Guy as their Head Coach for the upcoming 2016 National Premier Soccer League season. Guy fills the void left by Giovanni Vlahos who resigned his coaching duties on February 28, 2016. In a statement to SoccerNation.com, Vlahos said he “wishes the best to (owner) Jason and the Battalion.”
Ryan Guy, a San Diego native, brings a wealth of playing experience with him to the head coaching job at the Battalion. Guy played at the University of San Diego before being drafted by MLS side FC Dallas in 2007. Guy elected to travel abroad and played in Europe for 4 years before moving back to the MLS where he played with the New England Revolution for 2 seasons.
In 2014, Guy returned to San Diego and assumed a coaching role with powerhouse youth club San Diego Surf. While coaching with Surf, Guy continued his playing career with the San Diego Flash, an NPSL team owned by former England International Warren Barton. During his time with the Flash, Guy gained valuable experience with the inner workings of the NPSL.
Guy’s knowledge of the league is one of the reasons Guy was selected for the Battalion job. “Ryan’s experience playing as a professional in MLS and in Europe, coupled with his knowledge of the rigors and challenges of the NPSL made him the stand-out choice for me,” said Barbato. “The dignity and integrity with which Ryan conducts himself will serve as an example to everyone involved with the Battalion organization.
In February, Guy tasted success with his Surf BU11 Academy Select Team as they triumphed in the final of the Cal South State Cup. Guy intends to bring that winning culture from his youth team to a Battalion squad in need of leadership as they embark upon their maiden season in the NPSL. After what he described as a “whirlwind” last few days, Ryan Guy said that he is “excited to have the opportunity to be involved in this project. This is about building soccer. The Battalion represents the embodiment of the potential that San Diego holds as a soccer city.”
For more information on the North County Battalion, visit their website at www.ncbattalion.com
