Matt McDougall Named Director of Goalkeeping
Posted On May 1, 2015 by PUSC
Coach Matt McDougall
A mainstay in competitive youth soccer and the college soccer scene, Coach Matt McDougall has officially been named the new Director of Goalkeeping for Placer United Soccer Club. Matt, a former indoor professional and collegiate all conference player, will lead Placer’s goalkeepers and help develop them to reach their full potential. Matt holds a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma in addition to a NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma.
“We are over the moon about Matt McDougall,” said an enthusiastic Paul O’Brien, Director of Soccer Operations. “Not only does he bring division one college-level expertise to our successful goalkeeping program, Matt has played at the professional level and will be a asset to all our goalkeepers.”
Matt graduated from Sacramento State in 2006 with a degree in business administration and marketing. After college, he coached with the San Juan Soccer Club from 2006-2013 before joining Placer United in 2013. Matt is also the assistant head coach and goalkeeper coach at Sac State since 2006.
“Matt’s expertise lies in the goalkeeping position, game management, match analysis, and on-field training,” Placer’s Director of Coaching, Ron Benjamin said. “We look to him to continue the great success and legacy of our fearless leaders in between the pipes.” Placer United’s development of goalkeepers over the past 20 years has been unmatched with keepers moving on to the collegiate level, as well as keepers selected for youth and full senior national teams.
“The goalkeeper position is very unique and involves individual development along with being integrated into the team/club philosophies,” said Matt McDougall. “Trainings will be intense, very demanding on techniques and the ability for goalkeepers to play with their feet. This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to developing the best goalkeepers in the region.”
Matt has been coaching older boys teams within Placer United since 2013. He brings knowledge, experience, and passion to his new position.