After beginning his collegiate soccer career at nearby Chapman University, Eddie Soto transferred to Cal State Fullerton. Despite only playing three seasons with the Titans (1992-1994), Soto remains in the top five in all three CSUF career men's soccer offensive categories over thirty years later.
As a goal-scoring forward, Eddie was a part of two of the most successful soccer squads in Fullerton history, reaching the NCAA "Final Four" in 1993 and "Elite Eight" in 1994. Soto was inducted into the Titan Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.
Following a standout youth playing career for Cerritos High School, North Huntington Beach Futbol Club, and the various US Youth National Teams, the 5'10" striker was recruited by numerous college soccer programs, including Cal State Fullerton and then-head coach Al Mistri.
Eddie said: "Coach Mistri recruited me in high school, but I had verbally committed to UCLA. I wasn't eligible for admission, which led me to Chapman University (DII). My brother had just graduated from there and had a great overall experience. My family felt it was a good place for me to prepare for when I would transfer to a DI program. My intentions were never to stay at Chapman, but to leave and join UCLA in a year or two. After redshirting my freshman year and then playing my second at Chapman, it was time to move, and I contacted Mistri as I saw Fullerton as a true national contender, with a world class facility, and I wanted to be part of that. After that, the rest was history."
Coach Mistri eagerly remembered Soto's impact: "When he committed to CSUF he made an indelible imprint on our program – A Final Four and Elite Eight in back-to-back years; All-American recognition; and a countless number of significant goals.
"(Eddie) was a remarkable player, an invaluable assistant coach, and eventually an accomplished head coach. I am proud to have him as a friend."
Soto was effusive when asked about some favorite on- and off-field memories, "Everything about my time at Fullerton was memorable. From teammates to coaches, faculty, and the athletic department staff. Fullerton truly had a family feel. We had a great run on the field with victories and ultimately reached the College Cup (Final Four). Additionally, there were national rankings and personal accolades.
"As a Kinesiology major I had a great support system from various professors. Dr. Ravizza, Dr. Laguna, Dr. Bailey, and
Julie Max were very open and helped to make my time there even more special. My favorite off-field memory was graduation and finishing my degree. Having (commencement) in Titan Stadium made it even more special. But ultimately, the highlight must be none other than being inducted into the Titans Athletics Hall of Fame."
Soto cited 2021 Titan Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and sports psychologist Ken Ravizza for additional praise: "Dr. Ravizza was special. I spent a lot of time in his office, and today, I still find myself preaching his words amongst my programs and teams. I stay in touch with Coach Mistri and Coach Pryor, whom I meet with at games, as I like to keep a pulse on the Titan Soccer Program. As for my teammates, they're family and my lifelong friends, of whom I stay in touch with often."
Following graduation, Soto was drafted twice with Major League Soccer NY/NJ Metro Stars (1996) and again with San Jose Clash (1998). He finished his professional career as an A-League All Star with stints with the Montclair Standard Falcons, Los Angeles Salsa, and Orange County Zodiac.
Following his playing career, Soto transitioned to coaching as an assistant at Long Beach City College, Cal State Fullerton (2001-2003 & 2006), Long Beach State, and UCLA. Eddie helmed the U.S. national beach soccer team as head coach from 2007 to 2020 earning two trips to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. From 2014 to 2018, Soto led the University of San Francisco Dons.
Soto has been head coach of the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros (DII) since 2019, amassing an enviable record of 45-30-18 with an impressive Sweet 16 run, an NCAA 2
nd round appearance, two CCAA conference titles, and a CCAA Conference Tournament Title in two of the last three seasons.
Eddie and his wife of 31 years, Stephanie, live in Long Beach. They have three adult children: Fabrizio, Isabela, and Wyatt.
Soto was kind enough to add this as a postscript: "The Fullerton soccer program is a place I call home. The experience I had there as a player and coach will stay with me forever. It developed me as a young man, and the people there helped shape me into the coach and person I am today. As a young player, my goal was to bring Fullerton soccer into the national spotlight and echo the success of their baseball program. With the help of my teammates and coaches, we did that. And one day, I hope that Titan Soccer will lift the ultimate prize as a national champion. I promise when that day comes, I will be there."
Honors
- B.A., Kinesiology, Cal State Fullerton – 1995
- All-American, Second Team – 1992
- All-American, Honorable Mention – 1993
- MPSF Honors are Unavailable
- NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament "Final Four" – 1993
- NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament "Elite Eight – 1994
- 15th Anniversary All-MPSF Soccer Team – First Team
- Titan Athletics Hall of Fame - 2023
CSUF Soccer Career Records
- #1 – Goals in a Season - 18
- #3 – Points – 96
- #3 – Goals – 38
- #3 (T) – Assists – 20
- Overall CSUF Record (1992-1994) – 42-20-2
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