May 18, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
AV Alta FC News Release
LANCASTER, Calif. – USL Antelope Valley (USL AV) announced today that Southern California native Brian Kleiban has been named head coach for their men’s professional soccer team. Kleiban, who holds a USSF Senior A License, becomes the first head coach in the club’s history. The team will kick-off their 2025 Inaugural Season in USL League One and play at Lancaster Municipal Stadium, which will be converted from baseball to a soccer-specific configuration.
“Our mission is to create civic pride and opportunity for the entire Antelope Valley,” said the Club’s Founder and President John Smelzer. “But make no mistake, we plan to win. Brian is a world-class coach and we’re lucky to have him. As the USL grows the Beautiful Game in new markets across the country, more opportunities for players and coaches will arise, and new stars will be born. Brian is one of those stars.”
Kleiban brings 20 years of coaching experience to the club with an expertise and track record for identifying and developing young talent. Early in his career he held internships with FC Barcelona’s first team while under legendary manager Pep Guardiola as well as the Barcelona B team under Luis Enrique (2008-2013). Additionally, he spent time studying with the Argentina National Team during the Copa America in Peru coached by Marcelo Bielsa (2004).
“After my internships with Barcelona, I did not want to reinvent the wheel,” said Kleiban. “Copying a successful formula for player development and applying it state-side was what my staff and I set out to do. I simply brought those ideas and adapted them to fit the needs of player development in the U.S.”
Kleiban credits his experience with two of the world’s top clubs for his training methodology and team culture. His leadership directly contributed to the development of extraordinary talents, including Alex Mendez (Ajax Amsterdam) and Mexican Nationals Julian Araujo (FC Barcelona) and Efrain Alvarez (Club Tijuana).
Kleiban has held roles at the former Chivas USA Academy as head coach (2013-2015) and Total Football, formerly Barcelona USA Academy, as director (2011-2013). Most recently he was appointed head coach at LA Galaxy Academy for the U14, U17 and U18’s (2015-2019) and LAFC So Cal Youth head coach for the U15 and U18’s in 2022.
The Southern California native who was born in Torrance and grew up in La Mirada, shares the Club’s vision and philosophy. “We…