Meet Francisco Anton and Tomas Muller: Capital FC Players Making an Impact On and Off the Field

By Kathryn Canfield | Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

For Francisco Anton and Tomas Muller, soccer is more than just a sport—it's a calling that brings fulfillment and purpose to their lives. More significantly, Anton and Muller’s shared love for the sport, coupled with a desire to impart knowledge and empower young players, has led them to invest their time and energy in coaching Capital FC youth players alongside playing for Atletico, Capital FC’s USL 2 team, this summer. 

Originally from Spain, Francisco Anton, 24, began his soccer career at the age of 6. Throughout his career, Anton played for numerous clubs, including the Kelme Club de Fútbol, Orihuela Club de Fútbol, and Hercules Club de Fútbol. Over 18 years, his dedication and unwavering passion for the game flourished, leading him to explore opportunities to play in the United States at the University of Charleston in Charleston, W.Va.

“My family and friends really supported me with my decision to come to the United States to play,” Anton said.

“Nowadays people come to the United States from all over the world to play soccer at the same time as studying, but a few years ago it wasn’t as common as it is today. But overall my family supported me and I am very thankful for that.“

Tomas Muller, 24, born and raised in Santa Fe, Argentina, began playing soccer at 7 years old. While his father originally put him into the game of basketball as a kid, Muller was instantly drawn to soccer and its special place in the hearts of Argentinians. 

At the age of 7, Muller's soccer journey led him to play for one of the largest clubs in his province, Colón de Santa Fe, for nearly a decade. As he grew older, Muller felt the desire to explore new horizons and test his skills collegiately in the United States. At 19, Muller enrolled at Ohio Valley University, where he pursued his first two years of college, and he then later transferred to the University of Charleston to finish out his college career.

“I believe I have improved a lot since I have been here,” Muller said. “And when I go back home to Argentina, my friends and family let me know that they too see that I have improved a lots from my daily life to my soccer skills.

Moving abroad comes with a process of maturing and being able to, like, grow because you are exposing yourself to things that you didn't experience before.”

While they have only known each other for a season, Anton and Muller enjoy each other's company as it gives them a sense of being at home. When they are at school together, they enjoy watching professional soccer matches, listening to music, and enjoying Argentinian and Spanish cuisine.  

Alongside that, language and cultural differences presented initial hurdles for both Anton and Muller. Coming from out of the country, they both only spoke Spanish. However, through both working in the cafeteria at their university, Anton and Muller have worked to perfect their English and overcame these challenges while adapting to their new environments.

“I remember when I started to work in the cafeteria, I couldn't understand what the students were saying,” Anton said. “I don't know if it's because people who live in West Virginia speak with a very close accent or something, but when they spoke, for me, it was impossible to understand.” 

On the field, both in Charleston and Salem, Anton and Muller have become instrumental players on the pitch. This season for Atletico, both players have showcased their technical prowess and leadership abilities. However, their impact extends beyond the game itself. Both players actively contribute to the development of youth players as coaches.

Anton and Muller highlight the impact coaching has not only support system while away from Charleston but has also allowed them to indulge in their passion for working with kids and helping them improve in the sport that they love. 

“I have wanted to be a coach since I was 15 years old,” Muller said. “ I think it's the perfect transition, when you finish as a player, to try to teach the generations what you can.”

Looking ahead, both Muller and Anton envision themselves continuing to coach in the future. 

They both believe coaching serves as a natural transition after their soccer career, allowing them to share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of soccer plays. Their journey from Argentina and Spain to the United States has shaped them into exceptional athletes and compassionate mentors. 

Join us in cheering on Francisco Anton and Tomas Muller and the rest of the Atletico men on the pitch this weekend as they play their last match of the season on Sunday, July 16th at McCulloch Stadium against Lane United FC. You can get tickets here.

Fran with his CFC team after his Atletico match on 7/12.