MEET AUDAX COACHES
Rafael Soares
Director of Coaching and Coach
Rafael has been coaching in the U.S. since 2003, with experience at the collegiate, high school, and youth levels. He was an assistant coach for San Jose State University Women’s Soccer (2014–15), helping the team win the 2015 Mountain West Conference Championship. He has also coached at Saint Francis and Washington High Schools, and with youth clubs including Sunnyvale Alliance, FC Fremont, MVLA, Palo Alto SC, and SVSA (MLS Next).
In 2018, Rafael founded Audax Soccer Club, where he serves as Director of Coaching and coaches the Audax 2015 boys team.
Rafael holds a US Soccer E License, US soccer D License, US soccer C License, USSF National B License and the NSCAA Premier Diploma.
Born and raised in the State of Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil, Rafael begun his professional soccer career in 1993, playing for Esporte Clube Novo Hamburgo, in the same city he grew up. From 1993 to 2002, Rafael played as a PRO-level goalkeeper for five different clubs in south of Brazil.
"I grew up following my father's steps on soccer fields every weekend for my entire childhood. Soccer has been my passion ever since I was a little kid. I was able to pursue my dream and play soccer professionally thanks to my determination and family's support. When I moved to the U.S. in 2002, I soon started my coaching career, giving me the opportunity to share my knowledge, passion, and experience with those I coach."
Allison Bass
Coach
Allison grew up in the community and has been coaching youth soccer since 2008. Throughout her coaching journey, she has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of players and teams, from the recreational to the competitive side, across all age groups from U4 to U18. Her passion for the sport and dedication to providing a positive, high-quality experience for every player shines through in everything she does.
Coach Allison is currently the head coach for the Girls 2014 and 2016 teams. She also leads the Mini-Dax and Junior-Dax programs in Gilroy, helping to introduce and develop young players in their first soccer experiences.
When she’s not on the sidelines coaching, Allison still finds time to lace up her own cleats and play soccer. She also enjoys spending quality time with her three children — although they’re not exactly "kids" anymore!
In addition to her extensive coaching experience, Coach Allison holds multiple certifications that reflect her commitment to continuous learning and development. Her credentials include the US Soccer F License, E License, D License, and C License, along with the NSCAA Junior Level V Diploma, NSCAA Youth Level IV Diploma, and a CNRA referee license.
Coach Allison’s experience, passion, and dedication make her an incredible asset to our club and the young athletes she mentors.
Alejandro Sanchez
Coach
Coach Alex began playing soccer at age 7, developing his skills through street soccer before joining a competitive travel team at age 9. His early passion for the game fueled a lifelong commitment to soccer, leading to over a decade of coaching experience across multiple sports, with a strong focus on youth soccer development.
Throughout his coaching journey, Coach Alex has worked at both the recreational and competitive levels. He spent five years coaching with Orchard Valley, eight years with the City of Gilroy’s recreational soccer program, and seven years with Sentinels Soccer Club. Under his leadership, his teams have achieved significant success, earning three first-place State Cup titles, three second-place finishes, and more than 30 trophies in total — a reflection of his dedication to developing players and fostering teamwork.
Currently, Coach Alex serves as the head coach for the 2014 boys team and the 2017/2016 boys team. He is deeply committed to working with the younger age groups, focusing on first-stage soccer development by teaching technical skills, building confidence, and creating a positive foundation for long-term growth in the sport. His approach emphasizes not only skill development but also love for the game, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Coach Alex holds US Soccer D, E, and F licenses, and also serves as the head coach for the girls junior varsity program at Christopher High School. His experience, passion, and player-centered approach continue to inspire young athletes both on and off the field.
Fernando Cortes
Coach
Coach Fernando brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, with a strong background as both a player and a coach. His strategic approach to coaching, focus on player development, and commitment to fostering a winning mentality have a positive impact on every team he leads. He emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth, inspiring players to reach their full potential on and off the field.
Coach Fernando competed professionally in the Mexican League, playing for Atlas FC, Oro Jalisco, and Alacranes de Durango (Liga de Ascenso). After his professional career, he played for several local teams in the Bay Area and began working with youth players through the Gilroy City Soccer League. He later served as an assistant coach for Hollister Tremors and ECFC Salinas.
In addition to his club coaching experience, Coach Fernando was the boys' soccer coach for South Valley Middle School during the 2023–2024 season, further demonstrating his commitment to developing young athletes
He is licensed through the U.S. Soccer Education System, holding both E and D licenses.
At Audax Soccer Club, Coach Fernando is the head coach for the 2012 and 2015 boys teams. His passion for the game, dedication to player development, and ability to build a strong team culture make him an invaluable part of the club.
Alan Cortez
Coach
Coach Alan’s background is rooted in professional soccer. After starting the game at just 3 years old, he advanced through competitive youth soccer by age 8, elite academy programs by his early teens, and signed professionally at just 17 years old. From 2017 to 2021, Alan played professionally with Club Tijuana and UDG Leones Negros in Mexico.
Before his professional career, Alan trained and competed with top U.S. academies including the Earthquakes Academy, De Anza Force Academy, and Breakers FC Academy, while also being selected for U.S. Youth National Team camps at the U15, U17, and U20 levels.
In addition to his playing career, Alan has coached with Audax Soccer Club and Christopher High School's boys JV team. He holds a U.S. Soccer F License and a referee license.
Currently, Coach Alan serves as the assistant coach for the Audax 2014 and 2015 girls’ teams and the head coach for the 2016 boys’ team. Alan’s professional playing background and understanding of the academy-to-pro pathway are at the core of his coaching — bringing real-world experience, a high-level training standard, and a passion for player development to Audax Soccer Club.