By Ethan Ndachi (@EthanNdachi) – Content Editor | SJSU men’s soccer plays against Air Force Academy on Nov. 2 2025 (Photo by Cassandra Washington – The Spear)
Ahead of a new season in the Mountain West conference, SJSU men’s soccer has appointed two assistant coaches to help fill the recent holes left by former coaches Marcos Oliveira and Jamie Reid, the latter of whom departed to the San Diego State Aztecs in January. Former SJSU and Town FC goalkeeper David Sweeney will return home to the Spartan Soccer Complex in 2026 as one of these assistants.
Sweeney’s last stint at SJSU saw him leave as one of SJSU’s most decorated goalkeepers in school history. His accolades include WAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2023, All-WAC Preseason Team in 2023 and five-time WAC Defensive Player of the Week.
Sweeney also remains the SJSU all-time leader in saves (281) and clean sheets (20) and will look to guide the Spartans’ next generation of goalkeepers.
Head coach Simon Tobin told SJSU Athletics that he’s always believed he’d have the potential to be a top goalie coach. Sweeney spent time developing future keepers at Los Gatos United, All-Stars United, Central Valley San Jose and Bellarmine College Preparatory.
SJSU’s second coaching hiring comes in the form of former Juventus Academy DC Metro head coach Jota Yamaguchi. His appointment will also see him become Director of Futsal for De Anza Force.
Yamaguchi, a San Jose native, played collegiate soccer for UC San Diego and coached for its club men’s soccer team, where he led them to an undefeated spring season.
Yamaguchi’s coaching philosophy, “Jota ball”, favors controlling possession, midfield overloads and high expected goal chances, something Tobin and associate head coach Jesus Sanchez will look forward to integrating into their own style of play for the 2026 campaign.
“I expect both young men to develop into successful coaches at SJSU,” Tobin told Athletics. “And enjoy brilliant careers coaching the beautiful game.”
