After helping lead Albion San Diego to the semifinals in his first season at the helm, head coach Diego Gomez was named NISA coach of the year on Sunday, Dec. 3.

Gomez took over for Ziggy Korytoski, who led Albion to the NISA championship match in 2022, before moving to USL League One to coach the Chattanooga Red Wolves.

“I was very happy coaching my first season with Albion San Diego,” said Gomez. “Starting a new project is never easy, but the team has grown and I was very pleased with the dedication that they showed alongside the staff.”

Albion San Diego finished in fourth place of the standings, which earned the team a home playoff game in the quarterfinal round where it defeated the Maryland Bobcats in penalty kicks. Gomez managed to beat out Chattanooga FC head coach Rod Underwood who led that team to the best record as well as Flower City Union head coach Jordan Sullivan who led his club to the NISA championship after finishing sixth in the standings.

“We still have the passion to return next season and seal the deal by bringing a championship to San Diego,” Gomez added. “I’m very honored to be given this recognition knowing there are so many talented coaches and colleagues who have brought so much to the success of the league.”

Albion also had two players make the NISA best 11, midfielder Daniel Bedoya and team captain Tyler Gabarra. The two players were an integral part of controlling the midfield and regaining possession which allowed Albion San Diego to finish undefeated in its final five regular season matches outscoring its opponents 11-3 during that span.