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CSUMB and United Soccer League bring pro team to Monterey Bay

CSUMB announced in February 2021 that professional soccer is coming to the Monterey Peninsula in 2022.

Rendering of Freeman Stadium
HOK Architecture’s rendering of the planned renovations for Freeman Stadium on CSUMB campus.

By Sophia Huang McKenzie

CSUMB partnered with the newly named Monterey Bay Football Club — or Monterey Bay FC — to bring the United Soccer League expansion team to Seaside.

“We are excited by the opportunity to work with Monterey Bay FC and the USL in bringing world-class soccer to the Monterey Bay region,” CSUMB President Eduardo M. Ochoa said. “We look forward to hosting fans from Salinas Valley to Seaside to Santa Cruz and beyond.”
 
“Over the years, I have seen the passion for soccer that exists in the Monterey Bay. I really love the soccer enthusiasm,” said team owner and chairman Ray Beshoff, who lives in the area. “This is a club that will be committed to the community, and our first priority will always be to listen to our fans.”
 
CSUMB’s Freeman Stadium, currently paved over and used for graduation ceremonies only, will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation using private investors’ funds. It will become the team’s new home with a seating capacity of 6,000.
 
Work will begin in Summer 2021, with completion in time for the team’s first season starting in March 2022 and continuing through October.