From County Fields to Global Pitches
Two rising stars from Monterey County are set to light up international friendly matches this week, as Dante Williams and Alejandro Cano earn call‑ups for their respective national sides.
Williams, a forward who honed his game with the Monterey County Futbol Club, now plies his trade for Ponce FC in the Liga Puerto Rican League. He currently sits third in the league’s scoring charts with 15 goals, and will lead the Puerto Rican attack against Saudi Arabia in Austin on June 5.
Cano, a defender who progressed through the San Jose Earthquakes Academy and now features for San Jose Earthquakes II in MLS NEXT Pro, earned a place on the El Salvador senior roster after a standout high‑school career at Monterey High. He will face South Korea on June 3 and Qatar on June 6.
Both players trace their development to the supportive environment of the Monterey County Futbol Club, a community hub that also counts George Marshall Elementary, International School of Monterey and Monterey High among its partners. Their journeys reflect a broader pipeline that stretches from local youth programs to institutions such as Oregon State and the Liga Puerto Rican League.
The upcoming friendlies not only highlight personal ambition but also underscore the effectiveness of regional scouting networks. As Williams and Cano prepare to test themselves against seasoned opponents, the matches serve as a reminder that talent nurtured in Monterey County can compete on the world stage.