Former MLS, FUTSAL and Sockers’ Star Player Sean Bowers Signs On As General Manager
Sean Bowers joins the San Diego Sockers — the most successful indoor soccer team in sport’s history — as the MASL club’s new General Manager ahead of the 2016/2017 campaign that kicks off in October. The U.S. National Futsal former Captain and player with the highest number of CAPS originally played for the San Diego Sockers, first in 91 and then in 2003 until 2005 when the team folded. When Coach Phil Salvagio, brought back the championship San Diego Sockers team in 2009, he asked Bowers to rejoin and once again Bowers took on the role of defender until he retired in 2011. The Sockers hold the record for the longest winning streak — forty-eight games from December 29, 201o to January 27, 2013.
Soccer News: The San Diego Sockers has selected former pro player Sean Bowers to become their new General Manager. Announced Monday, Bowers takes over as of August 1st and has signed a three-year deal.
“I put my heart on the line when I played soccer,” said Bowers in an exclusive interview with SoccerToday. “And, I am bringing my heart back to the Sockers — I want everyone to have their heart on the line too — I expect nothing less. We are a championship organization and this is what the Sockers deserve.”
“I am really excited to be back in professional soccer with this amazing organization and look forward to continuing the success of the San Diego Sockers on and off the field,” said Bowers.
When asked why — as the owner of the successful 619 Futsal organization in San Diego — Bowers became the new Sockers GM, he replied, “I love the challenge the job of GM brings. For me, it’s all about relationships and my goal is to put a championship team together off and on the field — what happens off the field is important, there are lot of hard working people who are a big part of this behind the scenes and sometimes we lose sight of this.”
Bowers is determined to build the excitement and buzz around the Sockers. Looking to raise sponsorship, increase attendance and strengthen the championship heritage, Bowers looks forwarding to walking down the street and seeing fans wearing Sockers t-shirts. “I want to see the San Diego Sockers’ logo everywhere,” said Bowers.
“We are thrilled to have Sean Bowers leading our organization,” said Phil Salvagio, Head Coach for the Sockers. “His leadership and management skills along with his years of experience in the game whether coaching or playing, give him a great understanding of what it takes to deliver results.”
“I have a long history with indoor soccer and for me, it helped me become a professional player with the MLS,” said Bowers who made 111 appearances for Sporting Kansas City from 1996 to 1999. “Indoor soccer is a fast-paced game and was a great experience before becoming the Captain of the U.S. National Futsal team.”
“It is fantastic to work with Phil again. He and I share the same ideology and a great passion for the sport — with a deep commitment to championship level performance on and off the field,” said Bowers.
Bowers’ background is diverse and his playing experience is as vast as his time as a coach. Bowers is the only person in NPSL/MISL history to achieve at least 1000 blocks and 1000 points. He was a 2002/2003 MISL All-Star and also the league’s Defender of the Year with the Baltimore Blast. In fact, Bowers is a 4-time Defender of the Year, earning this distinction twice in the NPSL, as well as in the CISL and the MISL. A San Diego native, Bowers grew up in this area and played youth soccer with the San Diego Nomads.
Taking over from broadcasting icon John Kentera — who resigned as GM of the Sockers earlier this month to take a position with a top sports agencies in the country — required only one real tough decision; to leave coaching at Miramar Colleger where Bowers has been the head women’s soccer coach since 2007. Under Bowers’ leadership, the Miramar College women’s soccer program had a record of 146-32-17. Among some of the women’s soccer accomplishments is 5 PCAC Championships, 2 sweet sixteens and 3 elite eights.
During Kentera’s six seasons with the Sockers as GM, the team won three PASL indoor soccer championships, five division championships and two U.S. Open Cup titles.
Bowers will continue to be president of 619futsal, the league he launched in 2011 to help San Diego youth soccer players to learn and understand the benefits of futsal. 619 Futsal develops over 2000 players annually through leagues, camps and clinics.
