Alejandro Barnatan graduated from Lincoln in 2014 and has assisted in the PIL program since 2020.

Lincoln's boys soccer team, a 6A quarterfinalist in four of the last five seasons, is heading into this fall with a new coach.

Alejandro Barnatan, a 2014 Lincoln graduate who has assisted in the program for six seasons, has been hired to replace Brandon McNeil, who went 47-15-8 during his four-year tenure.

“It's a huge point of pride for me to come back to my old stomping yard,” Barnatan said. “Growing up, there were always those coaches you looked up to, and aspired to be. Now I'm given that opportunity to fill that role in the most meaningful way in my career so far.”

After graduating from Oregon, Barnatan moved back to Portland and began coaching at FC Portland. That's where he reconnected with then-Lincoln coach Pablo Dipascuale, who brought him aboard the Lincoln staff in 2020.

Barnatan started out coaching Lincoln's JV2 team and has spent the last three seasons coaching the JV team.

“Now I'm getting my shot at the big leagues,” said Barnatan, a data analyst at Nike. “It's not a privilege that I take lightly or for granted.”

Barnatan said he will employ what he has learned from coaching under Dipascuale and McNeil at Lincoln. He credited Dipascuale for building a family atmosphere and McNeil for being a detail-oriented tactician.

“My biggest takeaways from Pablo were the bigger picture, creating this really wholesome environment,” Barnatan said. “And Brandon really showed me how to dial it in on the field from a more technical standpoint. I'll be somewhere right in between.”

Barnatan played at Lincoln under Facundo Dipascuale, who led the Cardinals to their only state title in 2015. Three players from that 2015 team -- Gabe Barnatan, Max Rougier and Will Liu – will remain on Lincoln's coaching staff. Gabe Barnatan, Alejandro's brother, will serve as varsity assistant and Rougier and Liu will coach the JV and JV2, respectively.

Senior-dominated Lincoln returns virtually intact from last season, when the Cardinals went 12-4-2 overall, 5-1-1 in the Portland Interscholastic League and lost to West Linn 2-1 in the state quarterfinals. Lincoln was runner-up to Grant in the PIL, which has been one of the state's top leagues in recent seasons.

“I'm no stranger to the competition in the PIL,” Alejandro Barnatan said. “I have nothing but respect for all those other programs. I love how everybody shows up and wants to compete. There's no easy game. It's great to see the level rise.”

Barnatan recalled the “crosstown clash” rivalry with Grant from his senior year, when Lincoln beat the Generals twice in league play but lost to them in the playoffs.

“I love a good game against Grant,” he said. “That's probably my favorite game of the season.”

Lincoln's lineup is loaded with experience. Senior center back Sebastian Sinai and senior defender Edward Gao – third-year starters – lead a formidable back line. Senior Noah Cliff is a catalyst in center midfield.

The Cardinals will be looking to break through the quarterfinal barrier.

“I think we can make our own luck,” Barnatan said. “Really making sure we're organized and prepared, taking advantage of every moment. We don't take a single game for granted.”

Philomath turns to Garibay

Philomath has filled its coaching vacancy with former Central assistant Gerardo Garibay. He replaces Dave Ellis, who went 61-37-12 in eight seasons and led the Warriors to the 4A title in 2021.

Garibay, a Central graduate, assisted at his alma mater for nine seasons, working his way up from JV2 coach to varsity assistant. He takes over a Philomath team that finished 8-4-2 and missed the 4A playoffs last season.

Garibay will face a difficult test in the rugged Oregon West Conference, which had four teams in the top 10 of the OSAA 4A power rankings last season. Philomath outscored its opponents 42-12 and finished No. 9 in the power rankings, but missed the playoffs by taking fourth in the conference.

“In my opinion, it’s the toughest conference in 4A and I believe that competition is only going to push us to want to grow, work harder and ultimately elevate the program,” Garibay told the Philomath News.

“Following the area, I know the success that Philomath athletics has with the great support and the community. I think what really attracted me is everything you need to build a foundation for long-term success can be found at Philomath.”

Garibay will meet his former team this season as Central has moved from the 5A Mid-Willamette Conference to the Oregon West.