Submitted photos – Adrian Magana signs his letter of commitment to play soccer at Mendocino College in the fall.
By Ray Hamill — Two more H-DNL soccer players are taking their talents to Mendocino College after graduation this year and both are expected to have an impact with the Eagles.
Fortuna’s Adrian Magana and Eureka’s Kaleb Green will follow in the footsteps of a pair of recent Arcata High graduates — Josiah Graham and Ethan Gyenis — who enjoyed big freshman campaigns with the Eagles last fall.
Magana recently signed his letter of commitment to play for the Ukiah area community college, while Green is expected to sign his letter in the near future.
In addition to their impressive performances for their high school teams, both seniors have enjoyed two good years playing for local travel club Sequoia FC.
And their coach Eddie Garcia believes they have the tools to succeed at the next level.
“Both Kaleb and Adrian have played a huge part in the team’s growth,” Garcia said. “It’s been a pleasure to have them be a part of this team. Their work ethic, positive attitude, drive to improve and leadership will help them as they make the move to college game.
“We are excited to see what they accomplish and look forward to seeing their continued improvement under (Mendocino) coach Felipe (Chavez).”
Chavez is also looking forward to working with the two new additions.
Magana has been a team captain with Sequoia for the past two seasons and was a four-year varsity starter with the Fortuna Huskies and team captain as a senior.
He will likely play center midfield for the Eagles.
“I think he’s really comfortable in the central area of the field,” Chavez said of the H-DNL all-league player. “Technically he’s a very sound player and he has the ability to break lines with the ball.”
Something else impressed the Mendocino College coach after he recently watched Magana during a Sequoia FC game.
“He can hit free kicks really well,” Chavez said. “And that’s something we’re looking forward to. He’s dynamic.”
Green, meanwhile, was a two-year starter with the Loggers after missing his sophomore season through injury.
Kaleb Green
He also was a team captain and all-league selections as a senior with the Eureka boys, who fell just short in their bid for a league championship in 2023.
Chavez likes his versatility at the back and believes he could have an impact anywhere across the defense.
“He’s physical, he’s athletic and he’s comfortable with the ball at his feet,” the Mendocino coach said. “He’s brave, he’s strong, he’s vocal, and all of those things are good characteristics to have for anyone playing at the back.”
Green is hoping to see his game continue to develop at Mendocino and says that was one of his reasons for choosing the Eagles.
“I feel like coach Felipe has built a great program where I can learn more, grow in skill and give myself the best chance to play at a four-year university,” he said.
Magana has similar goals of playing for a four-year program after his time at Mendocino.
“I am attending Mendocino because I want to play at a four-year one day, and I know the program along with coach Felipe can help me work towards that goal,” he said.
Fortuna head coach Daniel Holmes believes the Huskies senior has the leadership qualities to make an impact at the collegiate level.
“Adrian became quite the leader for us on and off the pitch,” he said. “He played four years with us and grew into many roles.
“He provided leadership and a work ethic that many young players bought into.”
The recent track record of local players playing for Mendocino is impressive.
Last fall, Gyenis was named Bay Valley Conference Forward of the Year after setting a new school single-season record with 17 goals for the Eagles in his freshman campaign, while Gomez was named to the all-conference second team in his first college season.
Both Gyenis and Gomez are expected back with the Eagles this fall, giving them a good sized H-DNL contingent.
“Academically they’re both doing well, and on the field they’re both doing well,” Chavez said of Gyenis and Gomez.
