Juan Manuel A.

My coaching career began at Oklahoma Christian University, where I was the Graduate Assistant Goalkeeper Coach in 2021 and 2022. During that time, we went from one win in 2021 to 11 wins in 2022—the most since the program moved to NCAA D2—and qualified for the conference tournament for the first time in the D2 era.

I returned to Kansas City to work full-time in the corporate world while continuing to coach with KC Legends and serve as MNU’s goalkeeper coach. In 2023, I helped lead the team to its first NAIA National Championship. Our starting goalkeeper, Enzo Carvalho, was named to the National Championship All-Tournament Team, and we finished the season 17-4-4.

In 2024, I continued with the MNU program as a goalkeeper coach, helping the team reach another national tournament. I also launched a goalkeeper academy with Legends and began running private sessions for goalkeepers and field players in the area.

I started playing soccer at the age of 7. From 2011 to 2016, I was part of the youth academy at Club Atlético Temperley in Argentina, where I played with my age group and occasionally trained with the first team. In 2016, I moved to the U.S. to play for Feather River College in California. We won the Golden Valley Conference in my first year and finished second in my sophomore season.

For my junior year, I transferred to the University of the Southwest (NAIA) in New Mexico, where we recorded the best regular season in the program’s history. In 2019, I finished my college career at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas, earning Newcomer of the Year honors.

In 2020, I signed with Green Bay Hoppers in Antigua, where we were second in the league just two matches before the season was cut short due to COVID. After that, I shifted my focus away from playing and began creating content for goalkeepers. From 2020 to 2023, I built a community of over 500,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram (@juanmanuelarias_25), sharing tips, drills, and insights from my experience as a player and coach.

During my individual sessions, I adapt to the specific needs of the goalkeeper or field player. The first session focuses on evaluating technical and tactical fundamentals based on the player’s position. From there, I create a customized training plan tailored to their development.

My goal is to build predictability in their decision-making, helping them recognize patterns and respond effectively in game situations. As we progress, we dive deeper into tactical awareness and how to make adjustments during the game.

I also prioritize video analysis, self-confidence, and building a strong rapport with each athlete. I take a holistic approach—working together to solve problems, overcome challenges, and create a positive, trust-based environment for growth.