I can’t claim to know Clenton Alexander extremely well. This is due, in large part, to being 2,000 miles apart, and both being extremely busy individuals. What brought us together was our passion for soccer, and while I never had a chance to shake his hand, which is more and more common in this 21st century digital age we live in, I was impacted by his generosity and drive to make an impact in the sport he loved.

Clent Alexander, the CEO of the NPSL’s San Diego Flash, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 14. His health was not something he advertised, or sought pity for. As far as I knew he was just sick and had to visit the doctor more often than he’d like. When the topic of his health would come up, he would always quickly shift our conversation back to soccer. I never knew the gravity of the situation, so needless to say, this came as quite a shock to me, and to the many of us who knew him.

Clent was always a supporter of TheCup.us and I had exchanged emails with him over the years. Despite not knowing me very well, he stepped forward last year after I put out a cry for help on social media asking for advice from someone who was business-savvy. He fit the bill perfectly. You’ll find in the American soccer world, especially at the minor league level, there are people who are in it to make money and see soccer as a path to achieve that, and there are some who are in it purely for the love of the game and the financial element is secondary. Clent managed to find a balance between those two, which is so important in the game today.

He reached out and gave me a call and wanted to know everything about the ins and outs of TheCup.us and how he could help. From that conversation, and the ones that followed, he gave me plenty of advice and he put me in touch with a handful of people who are working with me to help take the site to the next level. What was most surprising, was that he offered to put up the money to buy shirts and hats to sell to raise money for TheCup.us. While the fundraiser was only a modest success, he wasn’t discouraged and had bigger and better ideas going forward. He loved the US Open Cup and saw its potential. He would tell me, “you really have something special” and that it was just a matter of getting the right people on board.

He was a champion for the sport of soccer, for the city of San Diego, his club, the San Diego Flash, and the #growthegame movement that he helped organize. Those are just a few of the things Clent will be remembered for. He always talked about his big plans for bringing professional soccer to San Diego and I agreed that it only seemed a matter of time before it happens. If and when it does, it will be built on the foundation he has laid. And for me personally, everything he has done to help my site, I will be forever grateful for his help and generosity. #RIP

Clent was a great leader and an awesome ambassador for the sport of soccer. I am lucky to be one who knew him. @usopencup @FlashSoccerCEO — Jason Gibbons (@JayGibb1) February 17, 2015

Clent Alexander https://t.co/uhD5ZJfj4Y via @yearzerosoccer An important member to our movement has passed. — Benjamin Falvo (@benjaminfalvo) February 16, 2015

In Memory of Clent Alexander who passed away February 14, 2015 pic.twitter.com/7J1EoN6P2F — Del Rey City Soccer (@DelReyCitySC) February 16, 2015

@FlashSoccerCEO I'm sorry we didn't get to say goodbye friend. You inspired me to follow my dreams. Until we meet again Friend. — SPACER (@Space_NoSleep) February 17, 2015