San Jose, CA — April 20, 2025
This Sunday, the spotlight will shine not only on some of the top senior soccer players from across the Bay Area, but also on the pioneers who laid the foundation for the game’s growth and success in the region. At the inaugural GSF Senior All-Star Men’s Soccer Game, a select group of soccer legends will be recognized as Honorary Captains — each representing decades of excellence, leadership, and dedication to youth and collegiate soccer.
The event will be held at Gunderson High School in San Jose, and will feature 32 of the best senior footballers from around the Bay, competing in the “Stand Up and Support” Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention Game — a campaign powered by GetSportsFocus to inspire action and awareness through sport.
Before kickoff, GSF will introduce seven honorary captains, all of whom have left a lasting legacy on and off the pitch.
Meet the Honorary Captains
Daniel Castillo
A standout from Homestead High School, Castillo was a 2x First Team All-CCS selection and SCVAL De Anza League MVP in 1997. He played for San Jose State from 1997–2001, leading the team to a #1 national ranking in 2000, setting a program record for wins in a season, and finishing as the conference’s top scorer in 2001.
Frank Yallop
A British-Canadian soccer icon, Frank Yallop brings a decorated career in both playing and coaching to the field. As a player, he appeared in over 470 professional matches — including 52 for the Canadian National Team and nearly 400 for Ipswich Town in England. As a coach, he won two MLS Cups with the San Jose Earthquakes (2001, 2003), led the Canadian Men’s National Team, and held head coaching roles with LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire, and Monterey Bay FC, among others. Most recently, Yallop served as Head Coach and Sporting Director of Monterey Bay FC, helping lay the foundation for the club’s future. He is widely respected for his team-building, steady leadership, and focus on player development.
George Lamptey (“King George”)
An Olympian, NASL pro, and one of the most revered educators in the game, George Lamptey has spent decades giving back to soccer both locally and globally. A USSF and FIFA-licensed coach and instructor, George has authored The Ten Bridges to Professional Soccer and produced the Youth All-Star Instructional Video. He has coached youth for decades in the Bay Area, most notably with MVLA, and scouted talent for professional clubs across Europe and MLS. Today, he serves as the Founder and CEO of the High-level Sports Foundation (Ghana) — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged youth and orphanages in Ghana. His impact stretches far beyond the field, with a personal motto: “It’s not what you achieve, but what you overcome to achieve it.”
Jerry Smith
One of the most respected names in U.S. collegiate soccer, Smith is entering his 39th year as head coach at Santa Clara University. A Homestead HS alum, Smith has led SCU to numerous conference titles and a National Championship, earning the reputation as one of the finest coaches in the country.
Joe Silveira
A Cupertino High School Hall of Famer and veteran coach, Silveira brings over three decades of experience at the high school, college, and professional levels. He’s a 2x National Champion coach, 12x Coach of the Year, and former professional player with teams including the San Jose Earthquakes and SF Blackhawks. His teams have been nationally ranked in 15 seasons, and he holds elite coaching licenses from the USSF and NSCAA.
Mark Stuart
An alum of Piedmont Hills High School, Stuart made his mark as a creative winger, remembered for scoring a spectacular bending goal against CCS powerhouse Independence High during his senior year. That moment still stands as one of the most iconic in school history.
Mehdi Siadat
A lifelong educator and mentor, Siadat graduated from Skyline High School and played at San Jose State University, where he received lifetime achievement recognition. He has spent over 35 years coaching youth soccer, earning State and National Coach of the Year honors and holding top-level coaching certifications including the USSF National License.
Scott Murray
A Milpitas High School Class of 1987 graduate, Murray was a league MVP and two-time champion, known for his playmaking in midfield. In 2004, he transitioned to the net and earned a gold medal at the Police International Olympics as a goalkeeper — showcasing versatility and leadership throughout his athletic career.
Steve Robertson
A former Oak Grove HS All-CCS selection, Robertson played at Santa Clara University, where he helped the Broncos win the 1989 NCAA National Championship — the last D1 men’s team to finish a season undefeated. His professional career included stints with the SF Bay Blackhawks, Real Santa Barbara, and the San Jose Grizzlies. He has coached with Santa Clara Sporting for 12 years and remains a key figure in Bay Area soccer development.
A Legacy of Leadership
The inclusion of these seven honorary captains added depth and meaning to the GSF Senior All-Star Men’s Soccer Game. Each one has influenced the game at multiple levels — from youth leagues and high school sidelines to college stadiums and professional clubs.
“This is more than just an all-star game,” said GSF Executive Producer Alforde Joaquin. “It’s a chance to reflect on the giants who paved the way, the coaches and players who set the standards, and the mentors who’ve shaped countless lives through soccer. We’re honored to recognize these legends tonight.”
As the next generation of student-athletes took the field, they did so with the support and example of the legends before them — a powerful reminder that while the game is played for 90 minutes, its impact can last a lifetime.
