Goalkeeping coach Omar Zeenni
Angel City FC today announced the hiring of Omar Zeenni as goalkeeper coach and Oliver Blitz as performance analyst to complete their 2024 technical staff. Zeenni and Blitz will join First Assistant Coach Eleri Earnshaw, Assistant Coach Lee Nguyen, and Technical Assistant Coach Mykell Bates for the 2024 NWSL Season under Becki Tweed in her first full season as the club’s head coach. In addition, Sarah Neal will join the medical and performance staff as the club’s new director of rehabilitation.
“We are thrilled with our completed technical staff for the season,” said Tweed. “For us to keep growing the league, we have to bring new people in with different experiences. Omar moving over from MLS is massive with his record of working with high-level MLS goalkeepers, bringing a wealth of knowledge to our environment.”
“Oliver’s role is a new one for our staff. He has already impressed us so much, and will no doubt enhance our performance in training and during the season,” continued Tweed. “The addition of Sarah is also critical as we continue to ensure the best care for our players off the field so we can continue to perform our best.”
Zeeni, a SoCal native from Arcadia, CA, brings eight years of experience to ACFC. Working under the direction of Steve Cherundolo, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) head coach, since 2021, Zeeni has served as the goalkeeper coach for LAFC2 and USL affiliate Las Vegas Lights FC.
Prior to joining the LAFC coaching staff, Zeenni served as the goalkeeper coach for Cal State LA’s men’s soccer team, helping them to a 2021 NCAA Division II National Championship title and a 2019 NCAA Division II Finals appearance. In addition, he and the rest of the Cal State LA coaching staff were named the 2021 NCAA Division II West Region Staff of the Year.
In 2016, Zeenni founded Pro GK Academy, focusing on training and developing goalkeepers, after a career-ending injury halted the start of his professional career. Zeenni, who signed with LA Galaxy Academy at the age of 15, played Division I collegiate soccer for UC Davis. In his senior season, he earned Big West First Team All-Conference and Big West Goalkeeper of the Year, with 262 saves and 18 shutouts.
“I’m excited to be joining Angel City, and grateful for the opportunity to work for this incredible club,” said Zeenni. “It’s been great to see what the club has built in such a short time. I can’t wait to get on the field and put in the work to bring a championship to LA.”
Performance analyst Oliver Blitz
Before joining ACFC, Blitz was a performance analyst at Florida State University when the Seminoles won the 2023 NCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship. The team were ACC Regular Season and Tournament Champions in 2022 and 2023.
Previously, Blitz was team manager at the University of Missouri and Assistant Director of Coaching at Sporting Columbia Soccer Club in Columbia, Missouri. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management from the University of Missouri, a Master of Science in Sport Management from Florida State, and holds a USSF D coaching license and an ISPAS Level 1 license.
“I’m excited to learn more about this club and its community,” said Blitz. “I’m looking forward to seeing how they celebrate soccer and everything that’s great about the club.”
Neal, originally from Wilmington, Delaware, is a dual-credentialed clinician, holding certifications as both a physical therapist and athletic trainer. Prior to joining ACFC, she served as director of rehabilitation for MLS’s DC United. Previously, she owned a physical therapy business, providing sports medicine, rehabilitation, and sports performance.
“I am very excited to join the high-performance team with Angel City, and to help contribute to the health and rehabilitation of our players, " stated Neal. “The club culture and team dynamics have been phenomenal so far, and I am looking forward to a very successful season!”
