Oliver Wyss brings a history of front office success and sense of purpose to Monterey Bay FC.

Should anyone have questions about the role of a chief soccer officer, Oliver Wyss has the answers.

“You look after the well-being of the entire club,” he says. “You hire great people and bring everyone together with a common goal, give them the resources they need, clear expectations and standards. We win and lose as a team.”

By team, Wyss means Monterey Bay FC—not only the USL Championship soccer club, but everyone from the interns to the ownership. The no-nonsense veteran soccer executive has been named as MBFC’s first chairman and chief soccer officer, as the club continues to bolster its leadership.

Wyss comes to MBFC from the USL front office, where he served as head of global football development and sporting director for a league that has grown from one conference with nine teams in 2014 to the nation’s largest soccer organization with three professional leagues, along with pre-professional and developmental programs.

He joins a team that has not finished above 11th in its four years of Western Conference play. Wyss believes he understands the issues, and it is not with the coaching. Head Coach Jordan Stewart and Technical Director Simon Dawkins have Wyss’ full support.

“We have a good coaching staff, but they haven’t had the leadership or the resources,” he explains. “You have to build a foundation and a great team spirit. There’s no real foundation. You have to build a winning culture, and you only do that with a strong core. And you set the standards from the beginning.”

Wyss has met with some of MBFC’s fans and is impressed by the level of support. He hints at some future developments, including adding a USL women’s professional team.

“But,” he cautions, “we need to get one thing right. We build in stages.”

Before moving to the league office, Wyss achieved success as both a head coach and general manager in the USL. His playing career began with the Swiss side F.C. Solothurn. For now he is evaluating players and the team’s culture in readiness for the 2026 campaign.

Already, he has a clear sense of purpose.

“I absolutely hate losing,” he says, pointing a finger for emphasis. “But if we are prepared and give our all, I can accept losing to a team that is better. What’s unacceptable is not being prepared. I can’t wait for the first game. There’s going to be a completely different vibe.”