Written By:  Shawn Medow
West Region Contributor

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For the 2022 season, SoCal Union FC made the switch from the Coastal Division to the Plymouth Division within the SoCal Conference of the West Region.
 

Despite the change in division and opponents, the goals remained the same for the team.

 

“My goals are the same each season: develop a fun, challenging environment for all college players, challenge each player to improve from the start of May through July, and train each day for improvement,” Rudy Canales, SoCal Union head coach said. “So, when they go back to college, they are ready for the start of the college season.”

 

There was another change for SoCal Union and head coach Rudy Canales: they would be without Marley Canales, Rudy’s daughter, as she takes on her first season in the NWSL with OL Reign. Marley was drafted 47th overall by the Seattle-based OL Reign after a successful career at national powerhouse UCLA.

 

“To see all the hard work, dedication, and a lifelong dream come true was the best thing I could ever imagine,” Canales said. “Marley is an inspiration to everyone that comes in contact with her. She is so humble and genuine; you find yourself always cheering for her and her success. She has inspired me to become a better coach, husband, and father. I know she has inspired our team to always work hard and to keep chasing your dreams.”

 

The team has worked hard in 2022, launching itself up to second place in the division ahead of the final matchday.
 

This season, the team had over 56 players register to play - something Canales calls a “good challenge to have.”

 

“Our club does a great job of preparing for the season ahead of time,” Canales said. “The only big challenge was determining a game roster.”

 

Kandace Love, a former professional player from the WPS and NWSL, joined SoCal Union this season. Love played alongside and against the likes of Marta, Alex Morgan, Leslie Osbourne, Brandi Chastain, and Abby Wambach. Even scoring a goal in the 2010 WPS Final when FC Gold Pride defeated the Philadelphia Independence 4-0. Marley Canales and Kandace Love recently spoke on the WPSL’s Her Game podcast about their respective careers.

 

​Kandace Love, So Cal Union FC

 

Now part of SoCal Union in her post-professional career, Love is inspiring some of the younger members of the team while being a pivotal influence on the pitch. When speaking of Love, Canales acknowledged the “huge impact” she was making with the younger players of the team.

 

Despite having a young squad overall, SoCal Union has performed at a high level. In its match against So Cal Dutch Lions on June 12, SoCal Union trailed 2-0 at halftime before scoring three goals in a seven-minute span in the second half to come from behind and win.

 

“I have really enjoyed the development of our players; we have a lot of young talent,” Canales said. “Just seeing their confidence grow and playing a possession-oriented game is so fun to watch.”

 

As the season winds down for SoCal Union and much of the WPSL, the team sits three points off the division-leading Strikers with one match left, while the Strikers have two in hand. While winning the division seems unlikely, the season will end on a positive note for SoCal Union.

 

“My hope is no injuries,” Canales said of the end of the season. “My second hope is that each player enjoyed their time and feel like they improved and found some new friends.”