SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay F.C. announced on Monday it had signed midfielder Xavi Gnaulati to a two-year contract extension through the 2026 USL Championship campaign. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Gnaulati made an impressive impact in his first season with Monterey Bay, logging 971 minutes across 19 appearances in his first year at Cardinale Stadium including 15 appearances in the second half of the season. In the final month of the campaign, Gnaulati opened his scoring account for Monterey Bay against Sacramento Republic FC. He also notched one assist and nine chances created in the campaign while posting an 82.2 percent passing accuracy rate.

“Securing Xavi's future at Monterey Bay was incredibly important from both a footballing and a cultural perspective,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Technical Director Simon Dawkins. “He is a key figure in the club’s philosophy and future. Even though he is still very young with a lot to learn, his enthusiasm and determination to improve aligns with the culture we’re building here. Last season we saw glimpses of Xavi’s ability to make a difference in games. Next season, fans will witness his willingness and desire to consistently perform at a high standard.”

Gnaulati joined Monterey Bay having previously entered the professional ranks with hometown club San Diego Loyal SC in 2023. He recorded two goals in 137 minutes of action in the 2023 USL Championship season for SD Loyal in his first full professional campaign while also making three appearances for the side in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

“I’m excited to continue building with this club,” said Gnaulati. “This extension gives me the opportunity to build something special here and we have some unfinished business to take care of. The fans can expect a lot of special moments both at Cardinale stadium and on the road this season.”