[Men's Soccer] Perez Elevated to Friends Men's Soccer Head Coach
WICHITA, Kan. – In searching for Friends University's men's soccer head coach, Joe Dincecco's successor, Associate Vice President of Athletics Dr. Rob Ramseyer hired current assistant coach Bryan Perez as the program's next head coach.
Elevating Perez makes sense on and off the pitch, as he's been a crucial part of the Falcons' success the past two seasons under Dincecco. This is highlighted by a KCAC tournament championship over the regular-season champion and top-seed Oklahoma Wesleyan University last year, and a sparkling 11-3 overall mark during this campaign. He also brings an important local association from his current tenure with FC Wichita, a local men's soccer amateur team that is a member of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
"We are ecstatic that Bryan accepted our offer to become our new men's soccer coach," said Ramseyer. "He and Joe (Dincecco) have done a wonderful job building the program and we are excited that Bryan will continue the work. He brings great recruiting connections in Wichita with his work at FC Wichita along with his affiliations across the country and around the world. Above all, he is a quality person that will lead our program with integrity and is in alignment with the university's mission and RISE values."
Perez is a key component in the Falcons heading into the KCAC postseason tournament on Saturday (Apr. 10) playing their best ball of the season, winning 11 of their last 13 matches overall, including an eight-match unbeaten streak.
"Working with the Friends University Athletic department and Joe Dincecco has been an amazing experience," said Perez. "Coach Dincecco is one of the best and he will be greatly missed. I know that with the support from the University and the surrounding community of Wichita, I can push this program to new heights. My family and I are grateful for this opportunity and are enjoying being a part of the Falcon family."
In addition to being the head coach of FC Wichita, Perez also functions as the Technical Director for the program.
Perez's experience also includes serving as the Director of Coaching for Alliance FC in Kansas City, where he led the coaches and developed the soccer curriculum.
His professional playing career includes competing six years for the Kansas City Comets, an indoor soccer team in the Major Arena Soccer League. He led the Comets to a pair of championships, including an undefeated season in 2015.
He was also called to play for the United States Men's National Futsal team for their 2012 and 2016 World Cup Qualifying teams.
Perez played collegiately at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and enjoyed a standout career that resulted in him being inducted into the school's athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
He wrapped up his playing career at UMKC as the team's all-time leader in goals (29), points (70) and games played (78).
A four-time All-Summit league performer, Perez was a three-time first-team honoree.
Perez earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UMKC in 2010 and currently resides in Wichita with his wife Jamie and two children, Mila (five) and Enzo (two).
The Falcons are set to host Southwestern College Saturday night (Apr. 10) at 7 pm in the KCAC quarterfinal round at Stryker Complex.