RANCHO CORDOVA, CA – While many college athletes spend their summer months recovering from the grind of a long academic year, Menlo Men's Soccer standout Donald Holliday was doing the opposite, sharpening his skills, pushing his limits, and competing at one of the highest levels of pre-professional soccer in the country. 

 

Making Noise in the USL

This summer, Menlo College Men's Soccer was well represented in the United Soccer League (USL) by Donald Holliday and Andres Maldonado, who suited up for San Juan Soccer Club during its inaugural season in the league. Competing in the nation's most prominent pre-professional league with over 144 teams, San Juan SC proved to be a standout, finishing with an 8-4-1 record and advancing to the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs. Facing off against the reigning Southwest Division Champions, Ventura County Fusion, San Juan's impressive run came to an end in a narrow 1-2 loss - yet their success marked a powerful statement in year one.

Holliday, a graduate student from Burnham, England, played a key role in the team's defense, logging 516 minutes across 9 matches, including 5 starts. Alongside him was senior midfielder Andres Maldonado from Citrus Heights, CA, who played 300 minutes in 7 appearances, including 3 starts. The duo's impact went beyond the scoresheet - they brought leadership, work ethic, and the high-level training they've developed at Menlo to one of the most competitive summer platforms in the country.

 

Oaks on the Rise: Holliday and Maldonado Fuel Menlo's Historic NCAA DII Debut

Their standout summers come on the heels of an incredible first season for Menlo College Men's Soccer as an NCAA Division II program. The Oaks made an immediate splash in the PacWest Conference, finishing in second place and proving they belonged among the best. Holliday and Maldonado were instrumental to that success, both serving as steady contributors throughout the year.

Holliday started 16 of 17 matches, played 1,225 minutes, recorded an assist against Biola, and was honored with the Menlo Athletics Sports Performance Iron Oak Award and CSC Academic All-District recognition for his efforts on and off the field. Maldonado added 11 starts in 17 appearances, logged 917 minutes, and tallied 4 assists, along with 17 shots and 9 on target, providing a constant offensive spark. Now, with the 2025 season approaching, the Oaks will welcome Holliday back to the pitch while Maldonado shifts roles, joining the Menlo Athletics staff as a Game Operations Graduate Assistant with the Sports Information Department.

 

Whether on the field or on the sidelines, Holliday and Maldonado continue to raise the standard for what it means to be a Menlo Oak.