Academy Director: Todd Saldaña
LAFC Academy Director Todd Saldaña is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the Academy, and provides a direct link for the Academy to the first team. Saldaña has played an integral part in the progress of soccer in Southern California and the greater US, having scouted, coached, and developed players who have gone on to play in MLS and for US National Teams.
Saldaña joins LAFC from the United States Soccer Federation, where he worked both as the Technical Advisor for the Southwest region and as a scout for the US Men’s National Team under former Head Coach Juergen Klinsmann. He has also spent significant time with youth academies abroad, including FC Barcelona, Villarreal, and Valencia. Born and raised in Redondo Beach, California, Saldaña began his professional career when drafted by the Los Angeles Aztecs at the age of 18 where he played with the legendary Johann Cruyff.
He holds a United States Soccer Federation “A” license.
Director of Coaching / Academy Coach: Enrique Duran
A native of Cataluña, Spain, Duran brings his expertise in global youth development to LAFC. He oversees the creation of the Academy’s training methodology, balancing in both individual and team developmental concepts. Duran also is responsible for the development of the coaching staff in the Academy. Enrique spent 10 years with FC Barcelona leading projects in Spain, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. He holds a UEFA ‘A’ License.
Academy Manager: Tony Vigil
Tony Vigil is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the Academy. Originally from Lancaster, CA, Vigil combines his knowledge of youth player development with valuable corporate experience. With experience on both the technical and business side of the game, Vigil provides a valuable link between the Academy and all departments within the Club.
Vigil earned his M.A. in Organizational Leadership, and also holds a United States Soccer Federation “A” license.
Academy Coach: Fabian Sandoval
Born in Compton, California, Sandoval coaches the U15 age group and helps identify potential Academy players. He brings valuable experience as both a former collegiate and professional player and coach. With strong ties to the LA community and knowledge of the youth soccer landscape across the region, Sandoval adds an important layer to player identification and talent development inside the LAFC Academy.
Academy Coach: Juan Fresquez
An LA native, Juan joins the LAFC Academy staff as the U13 coach. Juan is no stranger to developing MLS homegrown players, as he was an integral part of the Real Salt Lake Academy prior to joining LAFC. He has helped developed some of RSL’s brightest young players, and will bring that experience to the LAFC Academy.
Academy Coach: Marius Rus
Originally from Romania, Rus coaches in the Academy’s U12 age group. Rus was a standout youth coach in Southern California for AC Brea prior to joining LAFC, and works hard on mastering his craft as a youth coach. Rus adds an important layer to the player identification and developmental aspects for the Academy.
He currently holds the USSF “B” license.
Academy Coach: Abraham Jacinto
Originally from Boyle Heights, Jacinto enters his 1st season with the LAFC Academy. His passion for the game and hunger to learn will add an important layer to the Academy’s U11 age group. Abraham joins LAFC from Boca OC, and currently holds a USSF “A” license.
Academy Administrator: Christian M. Becerril
Academy Assistant Coach: Michael Jacobson
Academy Goalkeeper Assistant Coach: Adrian Padilla
Academy Sports Performance Coach: Jason Clifford
Academy Scout: Robert Vidrio
Academy Scout: Gabriel Lucatero
Academy Scout: Mario Ayala
Academy Scout: Hector Garcia