Rafael Martinez Promoted to Associate Head Coach
2/13/2025 2:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Martinez has been a part of five years of growth with KC Men's Soccer
KANSAS CITY - On the heels of the most successful season in program history, Kansas City Men's Soccer has announced the elevation of Rafael Martinez to associate head coach. Martinez has been an assistant coach since Head Coach Ryan Pore's arrival in 2020, aiding the Roos through five seasons of improvement and elevation.
"Rafa has been instrumental in our program's success and has earned this well-deserved recognition," Pore said. "His dedication, leadership, and commitment to our student-athletes have been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing our work together for many more years. I'm thankful for Rafa and his family's commitment and loyalty to Kansas City Athletics and we are all excited for his new role!"
Martinez was a key catalyst in the historic run which saw the Roos win their first conference title since 2008, take down three nationally-ranked opponents and put together a 14-5-3 overall record. Kansas City took down Saint Louis and Missouri State in the NCAA Tournament, qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time in program history.
Throughout his five years on the Kansas City sideline, Martinez has been part of two Summit League Coach of the Year campaigns (2020, 24) and has helped the Roos qualify to three league championship games. KC has seen eight players selected to the All-League First Team during the past five year and has had 11 players earn an Academic All-League selection.
The Roos will prepare for the 2025 fall season with an upcoming spring slate, starting with a March 1 game at Sporting KC II and playing a pair of home games on March 8.