SEATTLE, Wash. – West Seattle Junction FC is excited to announce the appointment of Mike Mata as the club’s new Head Coach ahead of the 2026 season.
Coaching Experience
Coach Mata has quickly become a household name within the Seattle soccer community after transforming local UPSL side Bellevue Athletic FC into a championship contender. Mata, who was promoted to Head Coach after just three months as an assistant, historically led BAFC to back-to-back PNW Playoff Championships while reaching the National Round of 16 twice – the furthest any team from Washington has advanced in UPSL history.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this new chapter for West Seattle Junction FC,” Mata shared, when asked about his new role. “I will represent the club with passion, professionalism, and the values that define our community. I’m excited to get started and bring lots of joy to our fans.”
Currently, Mata holds a USSF “B” Coaching License, with plans to get his “A” License next year. He will continue to serve as the Head Coach of Bellevue Athletic, as well as Eastside FC, which is just one of the local youth clubs he has coaching experience at. As a player, Mata played in the academy of first-division Venezuelan side Real Esppor Club, before later competing at the third-division level, and will bring first-hand knowledge of the game’s demands and opportunities.
New Chapter
Having become known as a serial winner with a commitment to guiding athletes to success on and off the field, Mata will look to lead Junction FC to their first Northwest Division title in 2026.
“This marks an exciting new chapter for Junction FC,” shared General Manager Cory Hinthorn. “Mike’s achievements as a Head Coach are undeniable. His knowledge and passion was immediately evident in our first meetings, and I can’t wait to see where his leadership takes us.”
The excitement of Coach Mata’s appointment is echoed by his former players, who are eager to see the Blues in action under Mata’s leadership.
“Success has followed Mike the last three seasons with three trophies in the UPSL to show for it, including two national title runs – he has proven he’s ready for the next level,” said Junction FC forward Jacen Stein, who has previously played under Mata at Bellevue Athletic. “I have no doubt that success will continue to follow him at the USL League Two level, and I’m excited to have him lead us this upcoming season!”
Fellow Junction FC forward Mani Diop shared a similar sentiment, having also played under Mata for Bellevue Athletic in the past. “Mike’s a great guy, both as a person and a coach. He opened up doors and created opportunities for me to play, and he knows how to put together a winning team.” Diop went on to say, “We’ve got a lot to look forward to next summer [with Coach Mata] – he’s got a lot that he brings to the table, and I’m really excited for what’s to come.”
Up Next
Head Coach Mata and his staff will hit the ground running in the coming months, as they prepare to build their squad through open tryouts scheduled to take place in December and January.
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