Ryan Hollingshead’s Major League Soccer career reached a remarkable milestone this season as the veteran defender celebrated his 300th MLS appearance — a testament to both his longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport.
A product of Placer United Soccer Club in Northern California, Ryan honed his skills locally before making a name for himself at UCLA, where he was an All-American standout. In 2013, he was selected by FC Dallas in the MLS SuperDraft, but unlike most, Ryan delayed the start of his professional career. Instead, he chose to honor a personal promise — helping his brother Scott build Harvest Bible Chapel, a new church in Sacramento. Guided by faith and family, this decision reflected the depth of his character.
In 2017, his journey took another dramatic turn. While aiding a stranded motorist during icy conditions, Ryan was struck by a car, suffering three broken vertebrae in his neck. His future in soccer seemed uncertain. But in true Hollingshead fashion, he defied the odds. After months in a neck brace and intense rehab, he returned to the field just four months later and went on to appear in 18 games that same season. His courage earned him the MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year award for his selflessness.
After nearly a decade with FC Dallas, Ryan was traded to LAFC in February 2022, where he quickly became a key piece of the backline. His consistent performances and leadership helped fuel LAFC’s success in league play and beyond.
Most recently, Hollingshead and LAFC faced Chelsea FC in a highly anticipated Club World Cup match. Despite a challenging 2–0 loss, Ryan was a standout performer, pushing forward relentlessly and coming close to scoring with a stunning 30-yard strike. The result may not have gone their way, but Hollingshead’s class and competitiveness on the global stage once again highlighted the career of a player who has overcome every obstacle placed in his path.
From building churches to building defenses, Ryan Hollingshead’s story is one of grit, grace, and gratitude — and he’s far from done writing it.
We’re thrilled to announce that the Mexican National Team has scouted Placer United’s Kairi Payan during a recent futsal tournament. She is invited to the El Camino – Regional Talent ID Camp for outdoor play!
“I’m so blessed to announce my commitment to play soccer, further my education, and grow in faith for the next four years at Saint Norbert College in Wisconsin! I have so many people to thank, specifically Coach Todd DeCarlo and the placer staff pushing and supporting me. I wanted to thank my parents for being at my side and having my back since the beginning; I’d like to thank God for all the blessings and direction, and lastly, Coach Katie Gunns at Saint Norbert for this opportunity.” — Jeana Wuchter 
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to Sierra College to continue my athletic and academic career. I want to thank my parents for always being there and supporting me, as well as Coach Todd and the Placer United staff for always pushing me to improve on the field. Lastly, a big thank you to Coach Jason Gantt for this exciting opportunity!” — Alicia DeLeon 
“I am beyond grateful to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career at Sierra College. All of this would not be possible without the support of my family and friends. I would also like to thank my coach, Todd DeCarlo, for his support and push to get me where I am today. Lastly, I want to thank coach Jason Gantt at Sierra College for this amazing opportunity!” — Megan Link 
“I am excited to announce my commitment to American River College. I want to thank Coach Paul Hansen for giving me this opportunity. I thank my Placer coaches, Paul Valdez, Emre Gencer, and Ron Benjamin. I would also like to thank my high school coaches, Trevor Harris and Mauricio Chavez. I would also like to dedicate this to Coach Matt Scammacca. I want to thank my family, who have supported me since the first day of my soccer journey. I wouldn’t be in this position without them. I would also like to thank all my friends and teammates who made my soccer journey fun. I’m looking forward to what comes next. Go Beavers!” — Carlos Diaz 
“I’m extremely blessed to announce my commitment to further my academic and athletic career by playing D1 soccer at Texas Christian University. Most importantly, I want to thank God for this amazing
Gia Costanzo
“I’m beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Sierra College! I want to thank my Coach, Todd DeCarlo, and all the closest people who believed in me. I’d also like to thank my family and friends for their endless support on and off the field. Lastly, I’d like to thank Sierra’s coaching staff for giving me this amazing opportunity! GO WOLVERINES!” 
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic pursuits at Clarke University in Iowa. I sincerely thank my coaches, family, and friends for their unwavering support throughout the years. In particular, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my parents, who have been my pillars of strength and have been supportive from the beginning. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the invaluable guidance of my coaches, Todd, Ron, Leo, and Jason, who have consistently challenged me to reach my full potential. Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to Coach Josh Printz at Clarke University for extending this exceptional opportunity. I eagerly anticipate embarking on this new chapter of my life.”—Hailee Jones 
“I am incredibly blessed to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career by playing D2 soccer at William Jessup University. First, I want to