A New Chapter for Sacramento State Soccer
Matt McDougall, a fixture of Sacramento State men's soccer for more than two decades, has been named interim head coach following the retirement of Michael Linenberger, who concluded a 38‑year tenure. The appointment comes as the program seeks continuity while honoring a legacy built on sustained excellence.
McDougall's journey with the Hornets began as a player, progressed through coaching roles, and culminated in his promotion to associate head coach in 2016. Over the years he has overseen a period of remarkable success, including Mountain Pacific Sports Federation titles in 2009, NCAA Tournament appearances in 2009 and 2010, and a program‑wide record of 128 victories.
Under his guidance the team amassed 65 all‑conference honors and 101 conference all‑academic recognitions, while also producing standout talents such as Cesar Castillo, who earned Goal.com Freshman All‑America status in 2010, and James Del Curto, who finished his career with 241 saves and 24 wins. More recently, protégé Mac Learned captured back‑to‑back Big West Conference saves titles and earned a professional contract with NYCFC II in MLS NEXT Pro.
In a heartfelt statement, McDougall thanked Athletic Director Mark Orr for the opportunity, acknowledged the mentorship of Coach Linenberger, and expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of his wife Missy and their daughters Myla and Ava. He also reflected on his brief stint as a fill‑in goalkeepers coach for the Republic of Ireland women's national team in 2015, a experience that broadened his perspective on the global game.
Looking forward, McDougall aims to preserve the program’s competitive edge while fostering the holistic development of his student‑athletes. He emphasized the importance of community, academic achievement, and the relentless pursuit of excellence — values that have defined his tenure and will guide his interim leadership.