The name Lev Kirshner needs no introduction for those of you who have followed San Diego soccer the last couple of decades.
After 20 years as head coach of the San Diego State University men’s soccer team, Kirshner now serves as CEO of the Poway Youth Soccer League (PYSL) and GM of Poway Vaqueros Soccer Operations. They are currently implementing their 2022 strategy for what is expected to be another successful year.
Credit: Brandy McGuire
“The last 18 to 24 months have been very challenging for all clubs, so we are very excited to get back to a more traditional soccer calendar,” Kirshner said. “We will always keep interpersonal connections at the forefront of our club as staff can only coach two teams thus players get the full attention from our coaches.”
Kirshner is currently focused on 2022 tryouts where more than 175 kids are signed up for January 10th-13th trials at Arbolitos Park in Poway. This time last year, there were only 135 registered competitive players at PVSC. The season closed with nearly 200 competitive players and 450 recreational participants through the summer and fall programming.
“This not only stabilized our club’s finances, but it allowed us to nearly double 2020 revenue and have a significant profit,” Kirshner added. “In short, our club is healthy, strong, and ready to be recognized once again.”
Kirshner’s record of success at SDSU has been a big difference-maker at Poway Vaqueros — which is no coincidence. It has included three trips to the NCAA tournament, numerous national rankings, and three top-30 (two being top-10) recruiting classes in his last three seasons.
Here are just a few of the PVSC accomplishments: SD Charity Cup Champions, SD Premier Classic Champions, Cardiff Sockers Champions, Copa Del Mar Champions, Hotspurs USA Finalist, La Jolla Labor Day Classic Champions (girls), and 2nd Place Presidio Spring League (girls).
“Every undertaking I have been hired for has been a rebuild and this is just another challenge I am truly enjoying,” Kirshner said. “Similar to the rebuilding of SDSU men’s soccer program, Poway Vaqueros used to be a very strong club in San Diego County but lost its way for one reason or another. I have no doubt that we are regaining its recognition and venerability.”
Hector Trujillo received his B.A. and M.A. from SDSU. Born in Mexicali and raised in Tijuana, Hector has lived in San Diego for over 25 years and covered soccer since 2003 (The Daily Aztec).
