Before kickoff at the inaugural GSF Senior All-Star Men’s Soccer Game, honorary captain Thomas Silvas delivered a heartfelt message to the players, sharing his journey from humble beginnings in Campbell to becoming an NCAA Champion, U.S. National Team player, and community leader.
His words resonated deeply with the seniors, including BVAL Senior of the Year Manalo Joaquin, who said:
“Thomas Silvas was motivating and special. The honorary captains speaking to us made the entire experience of being an all-star even more amazing and special for us seniors.”
Silvas reminded the athletes to “Dream Big – Soñar a lo Grande,” emphasizing the power of hard work, perseverance, and giving back — values that perfectly captured the spirit of the night.
🎥 This is the uncut version of Silvas talking to all the all-stars. Raw footage.
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.
Thomas Silvas
Born in Campbell to Mexican-American parents who worked the prune fields, Thomas Silvas rose to become a 3-time San Jose Mercury News Player of the Year (1981–83), a Parade All-American, and the MVP of UCLA’s 1985 NCAA National Championship — in the longest game in NCAA history (8 overtimes). He played for the San Jose Earthquakes, U.S. National Team, Olympic Team, and Futsal Team, totaling 10 pro seasons. He later coached in Singapore’s Super League and founded the Silvas Family Soccer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting youth athletes. A UCLA grad and licensed attorney, Silvas is now a top Bay Area real estate agent. His journey is a testament to grit, achievement, and giving back — a true example of Dream Big – Soñar a lo Grande.