Home Grown Ryan Guy Comes Back To Surf SC to Develop Next Generation of Pro Players
Ryan Guy is a homegrown San Diego soccer player who has played for MLS’ New England Revolution, NASL’s San Antonio Scorpions and NPSL’s San Diego Flash. As a youth player, Guy first started training at the Nomads and then moved to San Diego Surf SC where he has returned to coach and give back to the game he loves. Watch the GOAL in the video – Beautiful finish on the field for New England, Guy is a pro turned coach who has the real life experience to guide the next generation of homegrown soccer players to new heights.
Ryan Guy is a success story. Guy joined the New England Revolution in 2011 after playing in Europe of four years. That season, Guy earned his first two career MLS goals minutes apart against Chicago Fire on September 25th in stoppage time. Known as a highly versatile and cunning player, Guy has played nearly every position on the field expect left back and goalie.
For Guy, life after leaving the Revolution at the end of 2013 mirrors his drive and passion as a player. Guy’s commitment to the game of soccer has led him to coach youth soccer back, where he honed his skills as a youth player.
The ability to share first hand knowledge is irreplaceable and Guy’s real-life experience of successfully transitioning from a hard working youth soccer player at San Diego Surf SC to an acclaimed International and MLS professional provides a great role model. Guy is a welcome addition to the Surf SC coaching staff, taking on the responsibility of Assistant US Soccer Academy Director, working directly under his old coach Michael Nicholson, known better on the fields simply as Nico. Guy will also coach a youth boys team.
“I am thrilled to be with Surf SC and back on the Polo Fields, this time as a coach,” said Guy. “It is an absolutely different perspective being on the field as a coach than as a player. I had such a wonderful career, I am beyond the point where I want to give back.”
Surf SC USSF Academy Director Nico is also the Assistant Coach for USD Men’s Soccer said, “I have known Ryan for fifteen years. I remember when he came to the Surf SC for his last 4 years as a youth player before college. Ryan is a very confident and positive person and was always ready to move onto the next game and challenge irrespective of the result or performance. His outlook is a reflection of his parents and grandparents.”
San Diego Surf SC is known for recruiting former professional players who grew up playing youth soccer and can share their career experience.
“This attitude is invaluable at the academy level since playing time, performance and results are all magnified at the Academy level,” said Nico. “The Academy process not only offers greater opportunity to develop as a player, but it offers a great mental challenge as well. Ryan’s experience at club, college and pro level will be invaluable in helping the players dealing with the Academy season and the ups and downs that it brings.”
“I am excited about working with the players and helping them develop,” said Guy. “Soccer is amazing game and the coach-player relationship is very special. To be really successful, the coach has to have great communication with the player. Coaches are mentors to players and I am honored to now become a coach and focus on player development.”
“My relationship with Ryan at USD, where I am the assistant coach, allows me to share my coaching experiences as an assistant and helps prepare Ryan for his role as my assistant. Again, his enthusiasm and energy is infectious and he will be a great boost for the program,” said Nico.
Although wanted by Cal, Saint Mary’s, UCLA, Penn and Boston, Guy chose to stay in Southern California for college. A University of San Diego standout, Ryan was always on the field for his college appearing in all 79 of San Diego’s games in his four seasons from 2003 to 2006, starting 77, and was a 2004 NSCAA All-Far West honoree. Nico also coached Guy while on the USD squad in college. “Ryan had many great performances at college and was respected and feared by the opposition,” said Nico. “I have a lot of good memories of Ryan. His skill helped the team win many victories, but I remember most his philosophical and uplifting spirit when we lost. Ryan always looked forward to the next opportunity on the field.”
Perfect performances on the soccer field may be the stuff dreams are made of but reality is different. Remembering Ryan’s unwavering effort, Nico said, “He scored some great goals but missed chances too and what was important was that he was very even keeled. Ryan’s athletic ability meant he always had a chance to go pro. He was a starter in club and college but I feel that the time spent on the bench as a pro helped him understand the game better and his mental toughness and positive approach helped him work through the experience. If I could send a message to all parents – it is to stay positive and help kids fight through adversity. With support from his mum and grand parents, Ryan felt that anything was possible.”
More on Ryan Guy’s Career
Just so you know who is walking around the field at Surf SC coaching; helping the players develop and reach their dreams.
Ryan was originally selected in the 2007 MLS Super Draft second round (22nd overall) by FC Dallas but left America for opportunities abroad. Before his time with the New England Revolution, Ryan played for Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Athletic, starting in 2007. Playing in the 2008 UEFA Cup first qualifying round, Ryan scored St. Patrick’s first-ever away goal in Europe against Latvia’s JKF Olimps.
Guy trialed with the Portland Timbers and FC Dallas before signing with the New England Revolution in 2011. No stranger to hard work, when the Revs Head Coach changed from Stevie Nicol to Jay Heaps, Guy had to become a more versatile, utility player.
A citizen of the world, Guy has traveled playing soccer and has always been grateful for the chances he earned as a player. Guy debut for the GUAM National Team at the Philippine Peace Cup, Sep 25-29, 2012. Ryan’s father is Guam-born which qualified him to play for his family’s homeland. With Guy’s with help, the Guam men’s national soccer team, the Matao, achieved its highest international ranking in history last year.
