USL 2: An Interview with Apotheos FC Head Coach João Garcia
- Andrew Earnest
- 37 minutes ago
- 4 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
MORROW, GA — Apotheos FC got their preseason off and running in a seven-goal thriller against NCAA Division II side Clayton State University. Both Apotheos and Clayton State showed high-quality moments, powering through the midday heat. The match ended 4–3 in the Atlanta club's favor, a win that gave new head coach, João Garcia, a deepened understanding of his roster’s strengths and weaknesses.
Coach Garcia aims to improve from last year’s USL 2 campaign, which finished in a 9th place finish in the South Central Division. After the Apotheos victory, I spoke with him to discuss his background and priorities for the club.
Credit: Apotheos FC
On his coaching background:
I started coaching right out of college. I played my four years at Berry University. As soon as I graduated, I started coaching there. I was assistant coach for four years at Berry. I coached junior college here in Georgia. Then my first head coaching job was at Andrew College in Southwest Georgia. Then I moved on to NAIA. I coached two years at Florida National University, a year and a half, one season. Then I moved to Atlanta to serve as assistant coach for the Atlanta Silverbacks. Then I was assistant coach for Atlanta Soccer Club, which was the NISA team back in 2019, I believe. Then I coached the Brazil National Team for indoor soccer, which is 6v6, the MASL Major Arena Soccer League. There's a professional league here in the United States. Then I was the head coach for Boston City FC in USL League 2. Then in Connecticut for Ole FC. Then I moved back to Atlanta to coach Georgia FC as a head coach in NISA. Lastly, taking over at Apotheos. It's amazing.
On his priorities when arriving to a new club:
I think it all starts with the environment. You know, this is a professional environment. Everyone should be willing to work hard for each other. Being selfless. I think that's the core of what we do is trying to get everyone on the same page and working hard for each other. Then you start working on trying to play a good brand of football, but I think it starts with the culture. The most important thing is we want to give a good product for our fans to watch and to have an identity with the team.
On his perception of the 2026 roster’s identity:
You know, I think it changes a lot from game to game. In terms of personnel, people have different characteristics. We're trying to build an attacking style where we keep the ball, but not just to keep it. We're keeping it to open space, to move the opposition, to get into the right positions. Then depending on the opposition, how we move it differs. Very intense pressing without the ball. Something that the fans will be excited about and look forward to the next game.
On his familiarity with Apotheos before taking the role:
I've lived in Atlanta for five years now, so I was around when they made that run to the championship in the NPSL. I followed from afar these past years, but I've had former players of mine who were on the team and are still on the team now, like Luis. So I've been following from a distance.
On players to watch this season:
There are two that the fans will be very excited about. We haven't announced them yet, so maybe this will be hot off the press. We have a former World Cup player, Sammir, who played on the Croatian national team alongside Luka Modric and Rakitic. He started for Croatia in the World Cup. He just arrived in Atlanta yesterday, which is why he didn't play today. We also have our goalkeeper Douglas, who played in the second and first divisions in Brazil. He's a second division national champion. Lastly, Kyle, a goalkeeper who played at Atlanta United. I think those two goalkeepers are going to be very interesting, sharing minutes across different games. And then Sammir as an attacking center mid, and Alex, who has played for Apotheos before and brings a lot of experience.
I really believe this team is going to have players that shine in different moments. I'm looking forward to the season.
On his go-to spot after a win:
I love Ethiopian and Indian food, but one I've been really enjoying lately is Amalfi, an Italian restaurant in Buckhead. I think that's going to be my go-to after wins.
Coach Garcia and Apotheos FC will open the 2026 USL 2 season with a home match against Columbus United at Silverbacks Park on May 9th at 7:30PM EDT. The Locomotives seek a reversal from last year’s losses to the club and earn the Chattahoochee Cup, a trophy granted to the winner of the two-match series.
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