Lazaga will begin his ninth season at the helm of the Jessup men's soccer team when the 2024 season begins, having taken the head coaching position in the fall of 2016. The seasoned veteran currently sits number one in program history for the most wins, holding a record of 44-90-13. Lazaga previously served as the squad’s assistant coach for one season in 2015.

“I am excited to continue to be a part of the vision of excellence on and off the field that is driven through the competitive environment. We strive to always raise the bar of expectation while remaining grounded and guided in the foundation of Christ.” Lazaga said.

YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS

Lazaga's first victory as the Jessup head coach came against UC Merced on September 6, 2016. That season the Warriors went 6-2-0 on their home field, highlighted by a 3-2 win on Senior Day over Biola University. WJU's 43 goals in 2016 were a new program best.

Jessup went 5-12-1 in year two under Lazaga. The Warriors picked up two GSAC wins that season, defeating San Diego Christian 5-0 and Menlo College 2-1.

Year three under Lazaga saw the Warriors reach the GSAC Men's Soccer Tournament for the first time in program history. Jessup finished 6-10-1, reaching postseason play for the first time since 2013 (Cal Pac). Jessup were eliminated in the first round by Arizona Christian.

Lazaga and the Warriors went 4-11-2 in 2019, with the highlight being a 13-0 win over Pacific Union, setting a new program record for goals in a single game. WJU had strong showings on the road at NCAA DII Stanislaus State and at home against No. 4 ranked Westmont losing both matches 1-0.

After the 2020 season was pushed to the spring, Lazaga and the Warriors finished one point shy of a GSAC East Division title. Jessup's 7-4-1 record was good enough to place Lazaga atop the WJU Men's Soccer wins list. The year was highlighted by goalkeeper Robert Sams' 250+ minute shutout streak, and four GSAC POTW nods.

The fall of 2021 was tough sledding for the Warriors as they finished the season just 1-14. Jessup’s lone victory came on September 9 when they shutout Pacific Union College on Jessup Field. The season was a historic one, as October 9 marked the debut of Jessup’s brand-new turf soccer complex. At the end of the season, Josh Freeman was named to the All-GSAC team for the second year in a row.

Jessup saw an uptick in the 2022 season, starting with their 2-0 victory over Bushnell on opening day. Jessup remained in the hunt for the GSAC Tournament until the final week of the season, ending the campaign 1-7-1 in conference. Junior Donovan Carrillo earned a spot on the All-GSAC team, and was later voted to the CSC Academic All-District team.

The Warriors made their return to the GSAC Tournament in 2023, as Jessup posted a conference record of 2-3-1. Jessup's postseason bid sent them to Santa Clarita, where they lost 3-2 to The Master's University. The 2023 season saw Jessup earn two All-GSAC selections: Donovan Carrillo and Diego Nunez. 

COACHING & PLAYING EXPERIENCE

After a standout career playing soccer for Summerville High School, Lazaga went on to play soccer at Azusa Pacific University between 1998 and 2001 in the front field for the Cougars. He graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education/Kinesiology.

While attending school, Lazaga didn’t keep his soccer gifts in California as he would seize the opportunity to travel with the Charlotte Eagles Missionary Athletes in Action team on an international tour for two years. Even before graduating college, Lazaga had begun his coaching career, taking the opportunity to coach a JV high school team in Walnut, Calif. between 1999 and 2001.

After graduating, Coach Lazaga was called into a career of teaching and earned his teaching credential from CSU Sacramento before starting an illustrious 12 years of elementary and high school physical education teaching career.

While teaching, Lazaga would also earn a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology from Fresno Pacific University. In 2014, Lazaga would start coaching in the collegiate realm as an assistant coach at Cosumnes River College before coming to William Jessup. As a coach, Lazaga has received his National Diploma, Advanced National Diploma, and his Premiere Diploma through United Soccer Coaches. 

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

23    Scholar-Athletes

13   All-Conference

8    GSAC Players of the Week

2    CoSIDA/CSC Academic All-District

2    Postseason Appearances

1    CoSIDA/CSC Academic All-American

PERSONAL

Lazaga calls Tuolumne, Calif. his hometown but currently resides in Sacramento with his wife and three kids. In his spare time he enjoys watching his kids grow and play competitive sports while continuing his love for coffee/espresso by finding new coffee shops and traveling in the offseason.