SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay F.C. announced on Wednesday it had signed veteran midfielder Rafael Baca to a new two-year contract through the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

After signing with Monterey Bay this past July in a move away from Liga MX side Cruz Azul, Baca logged more than 1,000 minutes across 12 appearances and recorded 24 tackles, 11 interceptions, 11 chances created, one goal, and one assist.

“I’m grateful for the new opportunity given to me by Monterey Bay Football Club and all of the staff,” said Baca. “Personally, I will prepare to the best of my capabilities to bring lots of joy to the fans. The main aspiration that I have for this season is to achieve one of the franchise's main goals – a playoff run. Alongside my teammates, I also aspire to work hard to deliver quality performances for the fans.

“I’m a strong believer that with the positive results you gain, comes the confidence of the fans. And with the confidence of the fans, you have an incredible atmosphere without a single empty seat. Full circle, an atmosphere like that leads to positive results. Vamos Monterey Bay!”

Baca joined Monterey Bay after a long and successful tenure in Liga MX, where he helped lead Cruz Azul to several honors, including winning the Copa MX: Apertura in 2018, both the Supercopa MX and Leagues Cup in 2019, Liga MX: Guardianes in 2021, and Supercopa de la Liga MX in both 2021 and 2022. In total, the Tuxpan, Michoacán native played over 22,700 minutes across 311 matches for the side, adding nine goals and eight assists for La Máquina.

“It’s great to continue with Rafa at our Club,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He is really experienced and played well after joining us late last season. He is a calming influence in the midfield and our young players look up to him. Rafa is important to this team, not just for the good work he does on the field but for the work he does off the field. He is well respected in the locker room and brings much experience and leadership. He also enjoys connecting with the community and fans. We are excited to have him on our team and at our club for the next two years.”

Analysis

Rafael Baca’s impact at Monterey Bay wasn’t quite enough to help pull the side into the postseason a year ago, but his quality on the ball and in pushing play forward showed the value he still possesses at the age of 35. He logged 44.4 successful passes per 90 minutes at an accuracy rate of 83.7 percent while contributing one assist and 10 chances created.

Baca will likely need a side-kick that can help win possession more consistently in the middle of the field – he averaged only 3.44 duels won, 0.94 interceptions and 6.61 recoveries per 90 minutes – but if Monterey Bay can find a way to work around that then Baca is still capable of making an impact.