2019 USL Championship Media Guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
USL ALIGNMENT .........................................................................................................................................................4
SEASON STRUCTURE................................................................................................................................................5
ATLANTA UNITED 2.....................................................................................................................................................6
AUSTIN BOLD FC.........................................................................................................................................................8
BETHLEHEM STEEL FC............................................................................................................................................. 10
BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC.................................................................................................................................... 12
CHARLESTON BATTERY.......................................................................................................................................... 14
CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE............................................................................................................................ 16
CO. SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC...................................................................................................................... 18
EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC.................................................................................................................................. 20
FRESNO FC.................................................................................................................................................................. 22
HARTFORD ATHLETIC............................................................................................................................................ 24
INDY ELEVEN.............................................................................................................................................................. 26
LA GALAXY II............................................................................................................................................................... 28
LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC...........................................................................................................................................30
LOUDOUN UNITED FC.......................................................................................................................................... 32
LOUISVILLE CITY FC................................................................................................................................................34
MEMPHIS 901 FC....................................................................................................................................................... 36
NASHVILLE SC........................................................................................................................................................... 38
NEW MEXICO UNITED...........................................................................................................................................40
NEW YORK RED BULLS II...................................................................................................................................... 42
NORTH CAROLINA FC...........................................................................................................................................44
OKC ENERGY FC.......................................................................................................................................................46
ORANGE COUNTY SC............................................................................................................................................48
OTTAWA FURY FC......................................................................................................................................................50
PHOENIX RISING FC............................................................................................................................................... 52
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC.....................................................................................................................54
PORTLAND TIMBERS 2........................................................................................................................................... 56
REAL MONARCHS SLC.......................................................................................................................................... 58
RENO 1868 FC.............................................................................................................................................................60
RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC...................................................................................................................................... 62
SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC.............................................................................................................................64
SAINT LOUIS FC.........................................................................................................................................................66
SAN ANTONIO FC....................................................................................................................................................68
SWOPE PARK RANGERS....................................................................................................................................... 70
TACOMA DEFIANCE............................................................................................................................................... 72
TAMPA BAY ROWDIES............................................................................................................................................ 74
TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC.................................................................................................................................... 76
USL EXECUTIVE STAFF...........................................................................................................................................79
RULES & REGULATIONS.........................................................................................................................................80

Special Thanks: U.S. Soccer Federation, Major League Soccer, Canadian Soccer Association
2018 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved.
*ALL SCHEDULES ET & SUBJECT TO CHANGE

www.USLChampionship.com
USL ALIGNMENT SEASON STRUCTURE

2019 ALIGNMENT SEASON STRUCTURE


The USL Championship today announced its conference alignment for the league’s 2019 regular season. The league will feature 36 teams across two conferences Regular Season Structure
in the upcoming season, with the clubs set to embark on a 34-game regular-season schedule that will be conducted over 33 weeks and open on the weekend The USL Championship’s 2019 regular-season schedule features a 612-game slate kicking off on March 8, with 17 matches set for the opening weekend. The
of March 8-10, 2019.Four of the league’s expansion arrivals will join the Eastern Conference, with Birmingham Legion FC, Hartford Athletic, Loudoun United FC biggest regular season in the USL Championship’s history will run for 33 weeks. The league’s 36 teams are divided into two conferences – Eastern and Western
and Memphis 901 FC joining the conference led by defending USL Cup champion Louisville City FC. – with each team playing 34 regular-season games. Teams will play two games (one home, one away) against each conference rival to make up the full regular
season schedule.
The Eastern Conference also features two new arrivals in Saint Louis FC and the Swope Park Rangers, who make the move after both reaching the USL Cup
Playoffs in the Western Conference a season ago. Expanded Format For 2019 USL Cup Playoffs
The 2019 USL Cup Playoffs will expand to include 10 teams from each conference, with the lowest four seeds in each conference opening the postseason in the
The remaining three expansion clubs – Austin Bold FC, El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United – join the Western Conference for their inaugural Play-In Round, provisionally slated for Wednesday, October 23 with the No. 7 seed hosting the No. 10 seed and the No. 8 seed hosting the No. 9 seed for a place
seasons. The addition of Austin and El Paso to the conference gives the USL Championship four clubs in Texas for the first time, while New Mexico and El Paso in the Conference Quarterfinals.
are set to engage in a strong regional rivalry with the clubs separated by just over 250 miles.
Following the Play-In Round, the two teams to advance will be placed into the main bracket for the Conference Quarterfinals, with the lower remaining seed
facing the conference’s No. 1 seed and the higher remaining seed facing the No. 2 seed.

2019 CONFERENCE ALIGNMENT The single-elimination format will then continue for the following four weekends in a fixed-bracket format with the higher seed in each matchup serving as host
through the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. The 2019 USL Cup will be held between November 14-18, 2019 and be hosted by the conference champion
with the better regular-season record.

WESTERN CONFERENCE EASTERN CONFERENCE


Austin Bold FC ATL UTD 2
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Bethlehem Steel FC
El Paso Locomotive FC Birmingham Legion FC
Fresno FC Charleston Battery
LA Galaxy II Charlotte Independence
Las Vegas Lights FC Hartford Athletic 1
New Mexico United Indy Eleven
OKC Energy FC Loudoun United FC
Orange County SC Louisville City FC PLAY-IN PLAY-IN
Phoenix Rising FC Memphis 901 FC ROUND ROUND
Portland Timbers 2 Nashville SC
Real Monarchs SLC New York Red Bulls II
Reno 1868 FC North Carolina FC
Rio Grande Valley FC Ottawa Fury FC
Sacramento Republic FC Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
WESTERN CONFERENCE EASTERN CONFERENCE
San Antonio FC Saint Louis FC
Tacoma Defiance Swope Park Rangers
Tulsa Roughnecks FC Tampa Bay Rowdies

PLAY-IN PLAY-IN
ROUND ROUND

KEY DATES
Regular Season Begins – March 8 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final – August 27/28
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup First Round – May 7/8 USL Championship Roster Freeze – September 20 Conf. Conf. Conf. Conf. Conf. Conf.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round – May 14/15 Regular Season Ends – October 20 Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals 2019 USL Cup Finals Semifinals Quarterfinals
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Third Round – May 29 USL Cup Play-In Round – October 23
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round – June 12 USL Cup Conf. Quarterfinals – October 25-27
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 – June 19 USL Cup Conf. Semifinals – November 1-3
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals – July 10 USL Cup Conf. Finals – November 8-10
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinals – August 7 USL Cup – November 14-18

4 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 5
861 Franklin Gateway SE

ATLANTA UNITED 2
Marietta, Georgia 30067
www.atlutd.com/2
P: (470) 341-1500 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 ATL V HFD 7:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/15


3/23
ATL
CLT
V
V
LOU
ATL
7:30pm
7:00pm
ATL UTD 2’s inaugural season got off to an auspicious
start as it claimed victory in its first official game in the
4/6 ATL V STL 7:30pm
USL Championship, but the 3-1 win against the New 4/10 MEM V ATL 8:00pm
York Red Bulls II was one of relatively few highs during
the 2018 campaign that saw the side finish 14th in the
4/13 ATL V NC 7:30pm
Eastern Conference as the younger members of its 4/24 ATL V TBR 7:30pm
squad learned some important lessons.
4/28 OTT V ATL 2:00pm
There are changes ahead of Year 2, most notably on 5/4 ATL V NSH 7:30pm
the sideline and in the club’s home venue. Former
Aberdeen and Newcastle United player Stephen Glass
5/12 BST V ATL 6:00pm
has taken over as Head Coach after the offseason 5/19 SPR V ATL 5:00pm
departure of Scott Donnelly, and the side has moved
to Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga., giving it a Tyler Ruthven 5/25 CHS V ATL 7:30pm
proper soccer-specific home. Glass’ task as he moves
up from Atlanta’s Academy will be to try and build a
Defender 6/7 ATL V NY 7:30pm
sturdier base for the side, which conceded 74 goals in 6/15 ATL V PIT 7:30pm
Having already featured in Major League Soccer, the USL Champion-
the regular season a year ago. ship and Europe over the course of his career, Tyler Ruthven returns 6/22 IND V ATL 7:00pm
Glass will get help in that category from returning
to ATL UTD 2 after arriving at the club midway through the 2018
campaign. The 30-year-old Georgia native is going to be relied upon
6/28 LDN V ATL 7:30pm
defenders Jack Metcalf and Tyler Ruthven, with Ruth- to provide experience for the club’s young core and will slot into a 7/5 ATL V CHS 7:30pm
ven’s late-season arrival in 2018 providing some im- back line that will also include experience in the form of Jack Metcalf.
portant experience in the middle of defense. There After a tough inaugural season defensively, Ruthven’s influence is 7/13 NY V ATL 5:00pm
going to be key to the club’s improvement.
are also some very interesting loan arrivals including 7/20 BHM V ATL 8:00pm
Panamanian international Guillermo Benitez and Hon-
duran U-20 player Wesly Decas. An influx of high-level 7/24 ATL V CLT 7:30pm
prospects to go with the talent coming from Atlanta’s 7/27 NC V ATL 7:00pm
own academy could help the side make a move in its
second year. 8/2 ATL V LDN 7:30pm
8/11 LOU V ATL 3:00pm

CONTACTS 8/16
8/24
ATL
HFD
V
V
SPR
ATL
7:30pm
7:00pm
8/28 ATL V MEM 7:30pm
HEAD COACH Owner – Arthur Blank President – Darren Eales
9/4
9/7
ATL
ATL
V
V
BHM
OTT
7:30pm
7:30pm
9/14 TBR V ATL 7:30pm
Vice President and Technical Director Head Coach – Stephen Glass 9/25 ATL V IND 7:30pm
Carlos Bocanegra
9/28 STL V ATL 8:30pm
10/5 PIT V ATL 7:00pm
Communications – Chris Raimondi, Operations – Case Garner, Dylan Castanheira 10/9 ATL V BST 7:30pm
Goalkeeper
[email protected] [email protected]
678-491-6321 860-918-5710 10/19 NSH V ATL 8:00pm

A former standout at Columbia University, Dylan Castanheira broke


Vice President of Business Operations
Catie Griggs
Manager, Social Media & Analytics
Katie Gillen
the Ivy League’s single-season record for goals-against average in
his senior season (0.513) and was named the conference’s Defender
/ATLUTD2
[email protected] of the Year. Castanheira was invited to the MLS Combine this past
404-769-8624 January and while he was selected by FC Dallas in the Fourth Round
of the MLS SuperDraft, the 6-foot-2 goalkeeper elected to join the @ATLUTD2
Stephen Glass professional ranks with ATL UTD 2, signing a deal that will likely make
him the club’s first choice between the sticks this season.

@ATLUTD2
6 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 7
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd

AUSTIN BOLD FC
Austin, TX 78617
www.austinboldfc.com
P: (512) 872-8700 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 LV v AUS 10:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/30
RNO
AUS
v
v
AUS
SA
5:00pm
10:30pm
Austin Bold FC brings professional soccer back to Tex-
as’ capital this season and does so with a new home
4/6 SAC v AUS 10:30pm
stadium at the Circuit of The Americas and a squad that 4/17 AUS v PHX 8:30pm
has both a lot of experience outside the United States
and some familiar faces for Austin’s local fanbase.
4/21 AUS v ELP 4:30pm
Utilizing the experience of General Manager Roberto 4/26 AUS v SLC 8:30pm
Silva and Head Coach Marcelo Serrano to bring in
some high-level talent, Austin wants to be a playoff
5/4 LA v AUS 10:00pm
contender from the off and may have the parts to do it. 5/10 AUS v OKC 8:30pm
At the center of it all may be Xavier Baez, who arrives
5/18 OC v AUS 10:00pm
from Liga MX’s Necaxa as one of Silva’s splashy over- 5/22 FRS v AUS 10:30pm
seas imports. He’s joined by Brazilians Andre Lima and
Kleber and Argentine Dario Conca – formerly of River
Kris Tyrpak 5/25 AUS v NM 8:30pm
Plate and Fluminense – among Bold FC’s international
contingent. They’re bolstered by a strong group of
Midfielder 6/1 TUL v AUS 8:00pm
players with MLS and USL Championship experience, 6/8 AUS v POR 8:30pm
A native of Austin, Kris Tyrpak returns home after spending time with
including former Portland Timbers defender Amobi both San Antonio FC and Nashville SC in the 2018 USL Championship 6/15 AUS v TAC 8:30pm
Okugo, 2017 Championship Goalkeeper of the Year
Diego Restrepo, and the local duo of Kris Tyrpak and
season. A former Most Valuable Player in USL League Two in 2013,
Tyrpak has recorded 27 goals and 10 assists in 93 appearances in the
6/22 RGV v AUS 8:30pm
Sonny Guadarrama. Championship. The 26-year-old winger became the second local 6/29 AUS v COS 8:30pm
signing for Austin Bold FC and will be hoping to lead the side to a
Led by Serrano, who has experience both in his native successful inaugural season alongside fellow local standout Sonny 7/3 SA v AUS 8:30pm
Guadarrama.
Brazil and as a coach within U.S. Soccer’s youth nation- 7/13 AUS v OC 8:30pm
al team set-up, there’s going to be plenty of intrigue
as to how all of this comes together in Bold FC’s first 7/19 PHX v AUS 10:30pm
season. Whatever happens, it’s going to be very inter- 7/27 AUS v FRS 8:30pm
esting to watch.
8/3 NM v AUS 9:30pm
8/10 AUS v LA 8:30pm

CONTACTS 8/17
8/24
AUS
OKC
v
v
TUL
AUS
8:30pm
9:00pm
9/1 AUS v RGV 8:30pm
HEAD COACH General Manager - Roberto Silva
[email protected]
512-785-6773
Head Coach - Marcelo Serrano
[email protected]
941-730-6494
9/7
9/11
COS
AUS
v
v
AUS
SAC
8:00pm
8:30pm
9/15 AUS v RNO 7:00pm
Team Manager - Ryan Tewes Director of Marketing - Regan Holley 9/22 AUS v LV 7:00pm
[email protected] [email protected]
858-752-9792 512-655-6325 9/29 POR v AUS 4:00pm
9/5 SLC v AUS 3:00pm
Director of Corporate Partnership Director of Sales - Anthony Rizzo Xavier Baez 9/10 ELP v AUS 9:00pm
Midfielder
Bryan Kraham [email protected]
[email protected] 512-536-1453 9/19 TAC v AUS 10:00pm
832-882-8469

A longtime fixture in Liga MX, Xavier Baez joined Austin as one of the
VP-Events & Guest Operations
Brian Mishkin
club’s marquee signings for its inaugural season. Having played pre-
viously for Chivas de Guadalajara and Necaxa, the 31-year-old has
/AustinBoldFC
[email protected] made more than 250 appearances in Mexico’s top flight and helped
512-655-6320
@AustinBoldFC
Cruz Azul claim the Concacaf Champions League in 2014. A central
midfielder, Baez looks set to be a key member of the club’s central
Marcelo Serrano spine alongside the other experienced veterans brought in by Gen-
eral Manager Roberto Silva and Head Coach Marcelo Serrano.

@AustinBoldFC
8 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 9
s: 2501 Seaport Drive, BH Suite 100

BETHLEHEM STEEL FC
Chester PA 19013
www.bethlehemsteelfc.com
P: (844) 783-3532 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 BHM v BST 7:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/24
BST
BST
v
v
NC
MEM
7:30pm
6:00pm
Bethlehem Steel FC not only advanced to the USL Cup
Playoffs for a second consecutive season but added
3/30 BST v PIT 7:30pm
its first postseason victory to the club’s history book 4/6 SPR v BST 5:00pm
after an enthralling clash against Keystone State rival
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC saw the visitors emerge
4/13 BST v CHS 7:30pm
victorious in a penalty shootout. The 2018 campaign 4/16 CLT v BST 7:00pm
may have ended the same way as 2017’s – at the hands
of eventual USL Cup champion Louisville City FC – but
4/20 BST v IND 7:00pm
Bethlehem put together an 8-3-2 run down the final 5/3 LDN v BST 7:30pm
third of the season to easily book a playoff place and
will draw from that as it enters its fourth season.
5/12 BST v ATL 6:00pm
5/19 BST v OTT 7:00pm
Unsurprisingly given his success on the field and in
helping turn fresh talent upward to the Philadelphia James Chambers 5/26 BST v LOU 7:00pm
Union, Head Coach Brendan Burke remains at the
helm, and he’ll have his on-field general back as well
Midfielder 5/31 NY v BST 7:00pm
in the form of Irish midfielder James Chambers. New 6/9 BST v NSH 7:00pm
Bethlehem Steel FC re-signed James Chambers after a successful
arrivals include former Union Academy standout Ben 2018 USL campaign which saw the 31-year-old continue his role as 6/15 BST v STL 7:30pm
Ofeimu on a professional contract, and Issa Rayyan,
who joins the club as a professional after previously
an on-field leader for the club’s young standouts while also produc-
ing some outstanding performances individually. Chambers is the
6/22 BST v TBR 7:30pm
playing as a USL Academy signing before his freshman only player to remain from the club’s inaugural roster in 2016 and has 6/29 HFD v BST 7:00pm
season at Duke University. made 84 appearances over the past three years. Serving as captain
in the past two seasons, Chambers has scored 13 goals and recorded 7/4 PIT v BST 7:00pm
six assists, and is Bethlehem’s all-time leader in appearances, starts,
As with previous years, there will be roster turnover for
and minutes played. 7/10 BST v NY 7:30pm
Burke to deal with, but there also may be the chance
to see more of young playmaker Brenden Aaronson 7/20 LOU v BST 7:00pm
on loan from the Union after a 2018 season that saw 7/27 STL v BST 8:30pm
him record five assists in 18 games. Regardless of the
team’s overall make-up, though, it should be expected 7/30 BST v HFD 7:00pm
that Bethlehem will be in the mix for the postseason 8/10 NSH v BST 8:00pm

CONTACTS
again this October.
8/25 BST v BHM 7:00pm
9/1 BST v SPR 7:00pm
9/7 NC v BST 7:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner – Jay Sugarman Sporting Director – Ernst Tanner
9/14
9/18
IND
BST
v
v
BST
LND
7:00pm
7:30pm
9/21 TBR v BST 7:30pm
Director of Business Operations Head Coach – Brendan Burke 9/28 MEM v BST 8:00pm
Tim Seidler [email protected]
[email protected] 10/6 BST v CLT 7:00pm
610-497-6404
10/9 ATL v BST 7:30pm
Communications – Rob Hildreth Team Coordinator – Jason Israel, Ben Ofeimu 10/12 OTT v BST 2:00pm
Defender
[email protected] [email protected]
610-990-4364 732-261-6929 10/19 CHS v BST 7:30pm

Ben Ofeimu’s signing this offseason marked the first time a player that
Game Operations and Partnership
Joshua Buggy
Game Operations and Special Events
Alicia LaPorta
had completed the Union Academy’s Residency Program joined the
professional ranks with Steel FC. The 18-year-old has prior experi-
/BSteelFC
[email protected] [email protected] ence with the club as an Academy signing, having made 12 appear-
(610) 497-8794 (610) 990-4360
@BSteelFC
ances and nine starts. Throughout his time in the Union Academy,
Ofeimu appeared in 63 matches, and scored three goals across four
Brendan Burke seasons. Now the 6-foot-3 center back will be looking to follow in
the footsteps of current Philadelphia Union center back and former
United States U-20 international Auston Trusty, who led Steel FC to
its first postseason berth in the 2017 season as he established himself @BSteelFC
as one of the top young defenders in the United States.

10 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 11
BIRMINGHAM 2213 1st Ave. S
Birmingham, AL 35233

LEGION FC KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE


BirminghamnLegionFC.com
P: (205) 600 - 4696

Date Home Away Time (ET)


3/9 BHM v BST 7:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/30
BHM
LOU
v
v
OTT
BHM
8:00pm
7:00pm
Birmingham Legion FC made a splash when it an-
nounced hometown standout Chandler Hoffman as
4/6 BHM v NY 8:00pm
its first signing midway through last year, and it only 4/13 STL v BHM 8:30pm
added to that since with the appointment of former
Major League Soccer Head Coach Tom Soehn and the
4/20 BHM v SPR 5:00pm
arrival of other notable names with USL Championship 4/27 BHM v LDN 8:00pm
and MLS pedigree as it builds towards its first season
in the league.
5/1 NY v BHM 7:00pm
5/4 MEM v BHM 4:00pm
Joining Hoffman in the Magic City is former New York
City FC and San Antonio FC midfielder Mikey Lopez
5/11 BHM v LOU 8:00pm
and former Houston Dynamo midfielder Joe Holland, 5/18 NC v BHM 7:00pm
who could make an effective midfield tandem. There’s
experience in goal from Matt van Oekel, while Dan- Chandler Hoffman 5/22 BHM v NSH 8:00pm
iel Johnson (Chicago Fire) and Femi Hollinger-Janzen
(New England Revolution) join Hoffman in the club’s
Forward 6/1 BHM v TBR 8:00pm
attacking corps. 6/8 CHS v BHM 7:30pm
The first signing in Legion FC’s history and a native of Birmingham,
Ala., Chandler Hoffman will be aiming to continue his outstanding 6/15 CLT v BHM 7:00pm
The biggest question, as it is for all expansion clubs, is
how quickly Soehn will be able to turn this squad into a
career in the USL Championship while leading the expansion club
onto the field in its inaugural season. Hoffman sits third in the Cham-
6/22 BHM v HFD 8:00pm
cohesive unit, a challenge made tougher by the load- pionship’s history with 59 regular-season goals, eight back of all-time 6/26 IND v BHM 7:00pm
ed field that on paper makes up the Eastern Confer- leader Dane Kelly (Indy Eleven), and with another big year could put
ence this season. With strong roots in the city after its himself into contention to lead the pack by the 2020 campaign. 6/29 PIT v BHM 7:00pm
move up the ranks from its founding as the Birmingham 7/13 BHM v NC 8:00pm
Hammers in 2013, there’s going to be a buzz around
the team in its first year as professional soccer arrives 7/20 BHM v ATL 8:00pm
in Alabama. 7/27 BHM v CLT 8:00pm
8/2 OTT v BHM 7:00pm
8/10 TBR v BHM 7:30pm

CONTACTS 8/17
8/24
BHM
BST
v
v
MEM
BHM
8:00pm
7:00pm
8/28 LDN v BHM 7:30pm
HEAD COACH President/GM - Jay Heaps
[email protected]
205-600-4678
Head Coach - Tom Soehn
[email protected]
(774) 256-4353
9/4
9/13
ATL
BHM
v
v
BHM
STL
7:30pm
8:00pm
9/17 NHS v BHM 8:00pm
Executive Vice President - Doug Hicks Director of Business Operations 9/20 BHM v IND 8:00pm
[email protected] Morgan Copes
(703) 989-7158 [email protected] 9/30 SPR v BHM 8:00pm
(210) 748-8225
10/5 BHM v CHS 8:00pm
Communications Coordinator Director of Ticket Sales - Michael Emert Joe Holland 10/13 HFD v BHM 8:00pm
Midfielder
Clayton Humphries [email protected]
[email protected] (205) 600-3872 10/20 BHM v PIT 4:30pm
(334) 740-9986

Legion FC also signed 25-year-old attacking midfielder Joe Holland


Marketing Coordinator - Matt Dunham
[email protected]
ahead of its inaugural season, with the English native having begun
his professional career after being selected with the 10th overall pick
/bhmlegion
(813) 285-3873 in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by the Houston Dynamo. After making
five appearances in his rookie season, Holland spent most of the
year on loan with the USL Championship’s Rio Grande Valley FC. Last @bhmlegion
Tom Soehn year, Holland joined Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, where he appeared
15 times and helped the Hounds to a third-place finish in the Eastern

@bhmlegion
Conference and a place in the USL Cup Playoffs.

12 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 13
CHARLESTON 1990 Daniel Island Drive

BATTERY
Charleston, SC 29492
www.charlestonbattery.com
(843) 971-4625 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 CHS v OTT 7:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/30
CHS
NC
v
v
HFD
CHS
7:30pm
8:00pm
The Charleston Battery reached the USL Cup Playoffs
for the eighth consecutive season in 2018, continuing
4/7 CHS v CLT 2:00pm
their streak as the lone club to reach the postseason 4/13 BST v CHS 7:30pm
in every year of the league’s history, but for a second
consecutive year they were eliminated at home in the
4/20 CHS v NSH 7:30pm
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by the New York 4/27 MEM v CHS 8:00pm
Red Bulls II. That defeat completed a disappointing
end of the regular season that saw Charleston win
5/4 CHS v PIT 7:30pm
only four times in its final 13 games to finish fourth in 5/11 CHS v STL 7:30pm
the East after a start that looked promising to add a
second USL Cup to its trophy case.
5/18 IND v CHS TBC
5/25 CHS v ATL 7:30pm
Despite that late-season downturn, however, the Bat-
tery should be considered a solid playoff contender Taylor Meuller 6/1 LOU v CHS 7:00pm
again this season. The side returns All-League First
Team midfielder Tah Anunga – who broke out as one
Defender 6/8 CHS v BHM 7:30pm
of the best two-way midfielders in the league –Trinidad 6/15 TBR v CHS 7:30pm
The longest-serving member of the Battery, Mueller returns for his
& Tobago international forward Ataulla Guerra and eighth season in Charleston approaching some major landmarks in 6/22 CHS v SPR 7:30pm
stalwart center back Taylor Mueller. Goalkeeper Joe
Kuzminsky also returns after taking the No. 1 spot from
club history. The 30-year-old has made 169 regular-season appear-
ances in the Championship since joining the club and sits third in
6/26 OTT v CHS 7:00pm
Odisnel Cooper a season ago. Battery history with 195 appearances in all competitions after over- 6/29 CHS v NY 7:30pm
taking club legend Paul Conway at the end of last season. Having
Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser – who last year cele- helped lead the club to another USL Cup Playoffs berth a season 7/5 ATL v CHS 7:30pm
ago, Mueller is showing no signs of slowing down at the heart of the
brated his 200th victory as the club’s leader – has also
Battery’s defense. 7/13 CHS v MEM 7:30pm
brought in former New York Red Bulls draft selection
Zeiko Lewis, while players like Jay Bolt, Kotaro Higashi 7/20 HFD v CHS 7:00pm
and Nico Rittmeyer also return to add to strong sea- 7/27 SPR v CHS 8:00pm
sons in 2018. While the competition continues to get
stronger, the Battery have always found a way to keep 8/3 CHS v TBR 7:30pm
pace, and this year should be no exception. 8/10 STL v CHS 8:30pm

CONTACTS 8/14
8/17
LDN
CHS
v
v
CHS
LOU
7:30pm
7:30pm
8/24 NSH v CHS 8:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner – Eric Bowman President - Mike Kelleher
[email protected]
(865) 235-4850
8/30
9/7
CLT
CHS
v
v
CHS
IND
7:00pm
7:30pm
9/14 PIT v CHS 7:00pm
Head Coach & General Manager Video Production & TV Host 9/22 CHS v NC 2:00pm
Mike Anhaeuser Poppy Miller
[email protected]  [email protected] 9/27 NY v CHS 7:30pm
(843) 670-2420 (843) 288-1285
10/5 BHM v CHS 8:00pm
Operations Manager - Wade Crutchfield VP of Corporate of Partnerships Ataulla Guerra 10/13 CHS v LDN 2:00pm
Forward
[email protected] Jodi Witte
(865) 297-2828 [email protected] 10/19 CHS v BST 7:30pm
(919) 414-2509

A big question for the Battery a season ago was how the club would
Director of Communications
Evan Peters
replace Romario Williams’ attacking threat after his loan spell at the
club in 2017 from Atlanta United FC. Guerra stepped up in a big way
/charleston.battery
[email protected] to finish ninth in the Championship with 15 goals to ensure the Bat-
(561) 818-5237
@Chas_Battery
tery’s attack didn’t experience a major drop in production on its way
to an eighth consecutive postseason berth. The Trinidad & Tobado
Mike Anhaeuser international returns for his fourth season in 2019 looking to add to
those figures and could feature this summer for the Soca Warriors at
the Concacaf Gold Cup as well.
@charlestonbattery
14 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 15
CHARLOTTE PO Box 30728

INDEPENDENCE
Charlotte, NC, 28230-0728
www.charlotteindependence.com

KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE


Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/15 CLT v IND 7:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/23


3/30
CLT
STL
v
v
ATL
CLT
7:00pm
2:00pm
The departure of two-time USL Championship Most
Valuable Player finalist Enzo Martinez to the Colora-
4/7 CHS v CLT 2:00pm
do Rapids last season had the unfortunate side-effect 4/13 CLT v NY 7:00pm
of seeing the Independence slide out of the playoff
positions for the first time since 2015. Now Martinez is
4/16 CLT v BST 7:00pm
back, and the Independence have added new recruits 4/20 CLT v NC 7:00pm
that would seem set to help Charlotte regain its play-
off contender status.
4/27 TBR v CLT 7:30pm
5/4 HFD v CLT 7:00pm
The most interesting offseason arrival for Charlotte,
though, may be the club’s new Head Coach Jim Mc-
5/11 CLT v LDN 7:00pm
Guinness. The Head Coach of the 2012 All-Ireland 5/18 NSH v CLT 8:00pm
Gaelic Football championship with Donegal, McGuin-
ness went on to work at legendary Scottish club Celtic Enzo Martinez 5/25 PIT v CLT 7:00pm
FC under both Neil Lennon and Brendan Rodgers,
ascending to coach the club’s U-20 team. This is his
Forward 6/2 OTT v CLT 2:00pm
first head coaching position in professional soccer, but 6/8 SPR v CLT 5:00pm
The Charlotte Independence’s talisman during the 2016 and 2017 sea-
the history of success he brings means he shouldn’t be sons returns this year, with Enzo Martinez looking to regain the form 6/15 CLT v BHM 7:00pm
underestimated. that made him twice a finalist for the Championship’s Most Valuable
Player award. Martinez made 87 appearances over three seasons
6/22 LOU v CLT 7:00pm
McGuinness has new additions on the defensive line in before joining the Colorado Rapids for the 2018 campaign, tallying 31 6/29 CLT v MEM 7:00pm
the form of Championship veteran Hugh Roberts and goals and 14 assists and earning back-to-back All-League First Team
up front with former Montreal Impact and Columbus honors. Reunited with some familiar faces like Jorge Herrera and 7/4 NC v CLT 7:00pm
brother Alex Martinez, the 28-year-old will be aiming to lead the side
Crew SC striker Dominic Oduro arriving at the club
back to the postseason this campaign. 7/13 CLT v STL 7:00pm
to join Martinez and returning veteran Jorge Herrera.
The Independence will also have 2018 MAC Hermann 7/24 ATL v CLT 7:30pm
Trophy winner Andrew Gutman on loan from Celtic FC, 7/27 BHM v CLT 8:00pm
adding to a backbone that should see the Indepen-
dence become a more consistent proposition in 2019. 8/3 CLT v LOU 7:00pm
8/9 LDN v CLT 7:30pm

CONTACTS 8/17
8/24
CLT
IND
v
v
NSH
CLT
7:00pm
7:00pm
8/30 CLT v CHS 7:00pm
HEAD COACH President & Managing Partner
Jim McPhilliamy
[email protected]
Senior Advisor Executive – Tom Engstrom
tengstrom@@queencitysc.com
(704) 293-0835
9/7
9/13
CLT
NY
v
v
TBR
CLT
7:00pm
7:00pm
(917) 822-3600
9/21 CLT v SPR 7:00pm
General Manager – Mike Jeffries Head Coach - Jim McGuinness 9/28 CLT v HFD 7:00pm
[email protected] 704-756-6041
(708) 227-1741 [email protected] 10/6 BST v CLT 7:00pm
10/12 MEM v CLT 8:00pm
Executive Vice President of Marketing Game Operations Manager Hugh Roberts 10/19 CLT v OTT 7:00pm
Defender
Partnerships - Wade Leaphart Rich Posipanko
[email protected] [email protected]
(704) 516-3418 (803) 524- 2501

One of the Independence’s big offseason arrivals, Hugh Roberts


Director of Communications
James Thomas
has had a track record of success in the Championship at his previ-
ous stops. An All-League selection in 2016 for the Richmond Kickers
/charlotteindependence
[email protected] when he played every minute of the season, Roberts has subse-
(980) 622-2919 quently helped Bethlehem Steel FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
to the postseason in the past two years. He’ll be looking to help @CLTIndependence
Jim McGuinness improve an Independence defense that conceded 57 goals in the
2018 regular season as the side missed the USL Cup Playoffs for the

@cltindependence
first time since 2015.

16 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 17
COLORADO SPRINGS 234 N. Tejon St.

SWITCHBACKS FC
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
www.switchbacksfc.com
P: (719) 368-8480 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 LA v COS 10:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
COS
COS
v
v
SAC
SA
8pm
8pm
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC had its moments in
2018, but they were too few and far between and re-
3/30 PHX v COS 10:30pm
sulted in a second consecutive absence from the USL 4/6 OC v COS 10:00pm
Cup Playoffs. Only able to string together back-to-
back victories twice, the Switchbacks finished well off
4/13 COS v RNO 8:00pm
the pace with their lowest regular-season points total 4/20 POR v COS 10:00pm
in the club’s four-year history.
4/24 TUL v COS 8:00pm
There could be room for optimism as the Switchbacks 5/4 COS v ELP 8:00pm
enter 2019, however. Off the field, the club’s plans for
a new soccer-specific home in downtown Colorado
5/11 LV v COS 10:30pm
Springs are coming together, and the team has a new 5/18 COS v NM 8:00pm
partnership with Major League Soccer’s Colorado
Rapids that should help provide additional talent to Rony Argueta 5/25 OKC v COS 8:30pm
Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. The club itself has gone
out and added some new pieces like former Nashville
Midfielder 6/1 COS v FRS 8:00pm
SC winger Ish Jome and has welcomed back Rony 6/8 COS v TAC 8:00pm
After spending a season with Fresno FC in 2018, Rony Argueta
Argueta (Fresno FC) and Mike Seth (San Antonio FC) returns to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for the 2019 USL Cham- 6/15 RGV v COS 8:30pm
after stints away from the club. pionship season looking to help restore the club to the postseason
after a two-year absence. Argueta is no stranger to the Switchbacks
6/22 COS v SLC 9:00pm
There are key figures to be replaced, with Josh Suggs having been a central figure in the club’s first three seasons while 6/29 AUS v COS 8:30pm
having moved on to expansion side New Mexico serving as captain in the 2017 campaign. Argueta made 86 appear-
United and veteran midfielder Luke Vercollone having ances for Colorado Springs and logged more than 7,000 minutes in 7/4 COS v OC 9:00pm
that first stint with the club and will be a key figure for Head Coach
announced his retirement after reaching 200 regu-
Steve Trittschuh again this season. 7/13 COS v TUL 8:00pm
lar-season appearances in his final game for the club.
Those absences will be mitigated by the return of 7/20 COS v OKC 8:00pm
defenders Jordan Burt and Jamal Jack, and forwards 7/27 RNO v COS 10:30pm
Shane Malcolm and Saeed Robinson, with Robinson’s
penchant for the spectacular having provided some of 8/3 SLC v COS 10:00pm
the brightest moments of the past campaign. 8/7 COS v POR 9:00pm

CONTACTS 8/10
8/17
COS
SAC
v
v
RGV
COS
8:00pm
11:00pm
8/24 FRS v COS 10:30pm
HEAD COACH President – Nick Ragain
[email protected]
(719) 368-8480 x101
Executive VP – James Ragain
[email protected]
(719) 368-8480 x108
8/31
9/7
COS
COS
v
v
PHX
AUS
8:00pm
8:00pm
9/14 NM v COS 9:30pm
Director of Soccer & Team Operations Communications Manager 9/21 ELP v COS 9:30pm
John Wells Cody Costra
[email protected] [email protected] 9/28 COS v LV 8:00pm
(719) 440-2438 (719) 368-8480 x104
10/5 COS v LA 8:00pm
Head Coach – Steve Trittschuh Jordan Burt 10/12 TAC v COS 10:00pm
Defender 10/19 SA v COS 8:30pm

With the retirement of Luke Vercollone this offseason, Jordan Burt will
become the lone member of the Switchbacks’ squad to have played
a part in every season in the club’s history. The 28-year-old sits at
/SwitchbacksFC
the top of the club’s all-time list with 113 appearances and 8,980
minutes of Championship action in Switchbacks’ colors, including a
single-season high 33 appearances a year ago. Set to be part of a @SwitchbacksFC
Steve Trittschuh reconfigured back line this year, Burt’s experience will once again be
valuable to the squad.

@SwitchbacksFC
18 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 19
EL PASO 1 Ballpark Plaza

LOCOMOTIVE FC
El Paso, TX 79901
www.eplocomotivefc.com
P: (915) 235-4625 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 ELP v OKC 9:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
SLC
ELP
v
v
ELP
RGV
3:00pm
9:30pm
El Paso Locomotive FC scored a coup in bringing El
Paso native Omar Salgado on as the club’s first sign-
3/30 ELP v OC 9:30pm
ing, and there are other additions the club has made 4/13 ELP v PHX 9:30pm
in the build up to its first year in the USL Championship
that would indicate this is a side that could be in the
4/21 AUS v ELP 4:30pm
playoff mix in the Western Conference. Head Coach 4/27 ELP v RNO 9:30pm
Mark Lowry enters with a sterling reputation from his
previous stop at Jacksonville Armada FC, too, which
5/4 COS v ELP 8:00pm
only adds to the belief this side should get out of the 5/12 ELP v NM 8:00pm
blocks well.
5/18 ELP v SAC 9:30pm
Salgado’s presence at the top of the club’s spine is 5/25 POR v ELP 10:00pm
supplemented by the addition of former Armada FC
players Richie Ryan – who showed well when not Omar Salgado 6/1 TAC v ELP 10:00pm
sidelined for FC Cincinnati a season ago – and former
Championship All-League selection Mechack Jerome,
Forward 6/8 ELP v LA 9:30pm
whose experience with the Haitian national team will 6/15 TUL v ELP 8:30pm
A native of El Paso, former United States U-23 international Omar
be invaluable along the back line. There’s also Cham- Salgado was unveiled as the first signing in Locomotive FC’s history 6/22 ELP v LV 9:30pm
pionship experience in the form of full back James
Kiffe, himself an All-League selection with Sacramento
last June. The first selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by Vancou-
ver Whitecaps FC when he was a member of the United States U-20
6/26 SA v ELP 8:30pm
Republic FC in 2017. National team, the 25-year-old Salgado has since competed in Major 6/29 FRS v ELP 10:30pm
League Soccer and Liga MX. He will be hoping to break out in a big
As with all expansion clubs, how all the pieces fit way as he returns to his hometown to lead its inaugural season after 7/6 OKC v ELP 9:00pm
recording three goals in 14 appearances on loan with Las Vegas
together will be the biggest thing to watch for early
Lights FC last year. 7/17 ELP v SA 9:00pm
in the season. Lowry’s sides in the past have valued
possession and tempo, and as a result could be one 7/20 ELP v SLC 9:30pm
of the more attractive sides to watch in the league this 7/31 NM v ELP 9:00pm
season. Whether that results in a postseason berth,
though, remains to be seen. 8/3 ELP v POR 9:30pm
8/10 PHX v ELP 10:30pm

CONTACTS 8/17
8/24
ELP
RGV
v
v
TAC
ELP
9:30pm
8:30pm
9/4 ELP v TUL 9:00pm
HEAD COACH President - Alan Ledford
[email protected]
GM, Business Operations - Andrew Forrest
[email protected]
915-283-3413
9/7
9/14
LV
OC
v
v
ELP
ELP
10:30pm
10:00pm
9/21 ELP v COS 9:30pm
Head Coach and Technical Director Director, Marketing & Communications 9/28 SAC v ELP 10:30pm
Mark Lowry Sarah Nollner
[email protected] [email protected] 10/2 ELP v FRS 9:00pm
(915) 283-3414
10/5 RNO v ELP 9:00pm
Coordinator, Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator, Game Operations Mechack Jérôme 10/10 ELP v AUS 9:00pm
Defender
Taylor Hines & Community Services - Taylor Miller
[email protected] [email protected] 10/19 LA v ELP 10:00pm
(915) 283-3417 (915) 283-3436

A former USL Championship All-League honoree, Mechack Jérôme


Graphic Designer, Marketing
& Communications - Itzel Zambrano
will bring both extensive experience on the club and international
level to Locomotive FC, but also a familiarity with Head Coach Mark
/EPLocomotiveFC
[email protected] Lowry after previously competing for him with Jacksonville Armada
(915) 283-3428 FC. A Haitian international, Jérôme was named to the Championship’s
All-League Second Team in 2015 after a standout season with the @eplocomotivefc
Mark Lowry Charlotte Independence. With more than 200 games of experience
across his professional and international career, the 28-year-old is

@eplocomotivefc
going to be a key figure for his new club as he also looks to lead
Haiti to the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer.

20 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 21
1800 Tulare Street

FRESNO FC
Fresno, CA 93721
www.fresnofc.com
P: (559) 320-2525 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 NM v FRS 9:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
RGV
FRS
v
v
FRS
RNO
8:30pm
10:30pm
There was no playoff place waiting for Fresno FC at
the end of its inaugural season last year as it claimed
4/6 PHX v FRS 10:30pm
only nine victories on its way to an 11th-place finish in 4/13 FRS v TUL 10:30pm
the Western Conference, but the Foxes went into the
offseason with what looked like a good foundation
4/26 FRS v OC 10:30pm
in place for the coming year with numerous notable 5/4 SLC v FRS 3:00pm
returnees set to suit up for Head Coach Adam Smith.
5/8 FRS v SAC 10:30pm
Fresno’s win total was the second-lowest among the 5/12 LA v FRS 10:00pm
top 14 teams in the West, and while the side proved
difficult to defeat with only 13 losses, its 12 draws were
5/22 FRS v AUS 10:30pm
tied for second behind only Rio Grande Valley FC (14). 5/26 TAC v FRS 4:30pm
The side’s performance away from home, where it
claimed only two victories, was the biggest obstacle Juan Pablo Caffa 6/1 COS v FRS 8:00pm
between the Foxes and the postseason as they posted
a relatively respectable 7-4-6 record at Chukchanski
Forward 6/8 FRS v OKC 10:30pm
Park. 6/16 POR v FRS 10:00pm
Argentine playmaker Juan Pablo Caffa put up positive numbers in Fresno
FC’s inaugural season as he finished tied for the team-lead in both goals (9) 6/21 FRS v SA 10:30pm
Getting more secondary production in front of goal and assists (5), but unlike his first season in the USL Championship at Tulsa
should help the Foxes’ cause, and to that end they’ve Roughnecks FC there was no playoff place waiting for the Foxes at the end 6/29 FRS v ELP 10:30pm
brought in former Miami FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies of the campaign. Caffa was again among the leading chance creators in the
league, however, and sits third in the Championship over the past two sea- 7/3 SAC v FRS 11:00pm
forward Jaime Chavez to add to the returning trio of
Juan Pablo Caffa, Christian Chaney and Jemal Johnson
sons with 155 key passes. With new arrivals joining the Foxes’ attack in 2019,
the 34-year-old will be looking to dish out more opportunities and help 7/13 FRS v NM 10:30pm
that finished with a combined 25 goals a season ago. Fresnofind more consistency in the club’s second season.Fresno’s attack find
more consistency in the club’s second season.
7/20 FRS v POR 10:30pm
Qudus Lawal could also be one to watch, as will for-
mer FC Dallas and Montreal Impact forward Jackson. If 7/27 AUS v FRS 8:30pm
Fresno’s efforts to boost its firepower pay off, it should 8/3 FRS v LV 10:30pm
mean a first visit to the postseason in the club’s second
year. 8/10 OKC v FRS 9:00pm
8/16 FRS v SLC 10:30pm

CONTACTS 8/24
8/31
FRS
TUL
v
v
COS
FRS
10:30pm
8:30pm
9/7 RNO v FRS 10:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner & President – Ray Beshoff
[email protected]
General Manager – Frank Yallop
[email protected]
(559) 320-2525
9/14
9/18
LV
FRS
v
v
FRS
RGV
10:30pm
10:30pm
9/21 FRS v PHX 10:30pm
Vice President of Operations Head Coach – Adam Smith 9/28 SA v FRS 8:30pm
Chris Wilson [email protected]
[email protected] 10/2 ELP v FRS 9:00pm
(559) 283-7261
10/5 FRS v TAC 10:30pm
Team Administrator - Efrain Rojas Director of Communications Jemal Johnson 10/12 FRS v LA 10:30pm
Midfielder
[email protected] Angel Moreno
(831) 240-9976 [email protected] 10/19 OC v FRS 10:00pm
(559-284-7028)

While the Foxes missed out on the postseason in their first year, the club
got its fair share of highlight moments. Leading the way was Jemal John-
son, whose ability to strike from long-range twice landed him on ESPN’s
/FFCFoxes
SportsCenter Top 10 over the course of the campaign. The New Jersey native
also notched nine goals a season ago to finish tied with Caffa for the team
lead. If he can improve on that figure and get into double digits this season,
it would provide a significant boost to Fresno’s postseason chances. @FFCFoxes
Adam Smith
@ffcfoxes
22 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 23
250 Huyshope Ave

HARTFORD ATHLETIC
Hartford, CT 06106
www.hartfordathletic.com
P: 860-216-0816 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 ATL v HFD 7:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
CHS
LOU
v
v
HFD
HFD
7:30pm
7:00pm
There’s a familiar look to Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen’s
squad at Hartford Athletic, which saw the former OKC
3/30 IND v HFD 7:00pm
Energy FC sideline boss bring a number of his former 4/6 TBR v HFD 7:30pm
players in to lead the way for the expansion side as it
prepares to enter the league at historic Dillon Stadium.
4/13 PIT v HFD 7:00pm
The attacking duo of Jose Angulo – who sits only three 4/17 NY v HFD 7:00pm
goals away from 50 for his USL Championship career –
and Alex Dixon is joined by Sebastian Dalgaard, Jon-
4/27 NC v HFD 7:00pm
athan Brown, Philip Rasmussen and Wojciech Wojcik 5/4 HFD v CLT 7:00pm
in joining Nielsen with the Athletic, a foundation that
could mean early success for the side.
5/10 HFD v MEM 7:00pm
5/19 LDN v HFD 7:30pm
What will be a challenge is eight consecutive road
games to start the season, including matchups against Jose Angulo 5/25 HFD v OTT 7:00pm
presumptive playoff contenders the Charleston Bat-
tery, Louisville City FC, Indy Eleven, Tampa Bay Row-
Forward 6/1 HFD v NC 7:00pm
dies and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC coming in consec- 6/8 HFD v STL 7:00pm
The 2013 USL Championship Most Valuable Player, Angulo endured a
utive games within the span of a month (March 16-April frustrating 2018 campaign before departing OKC Energy FC midsea- 6/16 HFD v NSH 3:00pm
13). Weathering that stretch will be key as Hartford
looks to enter its home opener on May 4 against the
son. The 30-year-old will now look to rebound with Hartford Athletic,
where his former Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen is leading
6/22 BHM v HFD 8:00pm
Charlotte Independence with some positive vibes. the way. Three goals shy of reaching 50 regular-season goals in the 6/29 HFD v BST 7:00pm
Championship, Angulo has twice reached the 15-goal mark in a single
In a tough Eastern Conference, though, there will be season in the league. If he can reach those heights again, then the 7/6 MEM v HFD 8:30pm
Athletic could have a chance at a place in the postseason in its inau-
some questions as to how quickly this will come to-
gural season. 7/13 HFD v IND 7:00pm
gether. Nielsen fell short of the postseason in his first
year at Energy FC before the side took a jump forward 7/17 SPR v HFD 8:00pm
to the Western Conference Final in Year 2. There could 7/20 HFD v CHS 7:00pm
be a similar learning curve here, familiarity or not.
7/27 HFD v PIT 7:00pm
7/30 BST v HFD 7:00pm

CONTACTS 8/7
8/10
NSH
HFD
v
v
HFD
NY
8:00pm
7:00pm
8/24 HFD v ATL 7:00pm
HEAD COACH Chief Operating Officer - Donovan Powell
[email protected]
267-455-8252
Head Coach - Jimmy Nielsen
[email protected]
9/1
9/7
STL
HFD
v
v
HFD
LDN
8:30pm
7:00pm
9/14 HFD v LOU 7:00pm
Team Administrator Director, Operations - Kevin Mellon; 9/22 OTT v HFD 2:00pm
Aaron McMillan-Gordon [email protected]
[email protected] 845-401-5923 9/28 CLT v HFD 7:00pm
925-818-1010
10/5 HFD v SPR 7:00pm
Vice President, Marketing Vice President, Corporate Partnership Sem de Wit 10/9 HFD v BHM 8:00pm
Defender
Joe Calafiore Jordan Charlupski;
[email protected] 860-335- [email protected] 10/19 HFD v TBR 7:00pm
8536 248-259-6604

/hartfordathletic
After two strong campaigns with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, Sem
Manager, Marketing and Communications de Wit got lost in the shuffle with FC Cincinnati a season ago as he
John Ponziani recorded only 10 appearances for the side after falling behind other
[email protected] defenders in Alan Koch’s pecking order. The 23-year-old Dutch cen-

@hartfordathletic
860-707-0087 ter back has shown his quality in the league before, however, having
helped lead WFC2 to the Western Conference Final in 2016. A strong
Jimmy Nielsen bounce-back season in Hartford is definitely a possibility as he looks
to get things back on track in 2019.
@hartfordathletic
24 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 25
47 S. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 611

INDY ELEVEN
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.indyeleven.com
P: (317) 685-1100 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 STL v IND 2:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/15


3/30
CLT
IND
v
v
IND
HFD
7:00pm
7:00pm
Indy Eleven did well to reach the USL Cup Playoffs in
its first season in the league a year ago all things con-
4/15 SPR v IND 8:00pm
sidered, with Head Coach Martin Rennie assembling a 4/20 BST v IND 7:00pm
squad in double-quick time that proved competitive, if
not elite. Indy’s limits were best indicated in its longest
4/28 NY v IND 1:00pm
winning streak of the season, which ran for only three 5/1 IND v TBR 7:00pm
games, but a nine-game undefeated run that helped
cement a place in the postseason showed the positive
5/4 IND v NC 7:00pm
direction the team was headed before it ran into Lou- 5/18 IND v CHS TBC
isville City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
and saw its season come to an end.
5/25 IND v NSH TBC
6/1 IND v PIT 7:00pm
This offseason the club has been one of the splashi-
est in the player market, bringing on board additional Thomas Enevoldsen 6/8 MEM v IND 8:30pm
talent that projects to make Indy a strong contender to
upend the back-to-back USL Cup champion and its ri-
Forward 6/15 LDN v IND 7:30pm
val in the Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association 6/22 IND v ATL 7:00pm
One of the leading newcomers to the USL Championship in 2018 with Or-
Football Contest (LIPAFC). The arrival of the Champi- ange County SC, Thomas Enevoldsen helped a turnaround that saw OCSC 6/26 IND v BHM 7:00pm
onship’s all-time leading scorer in Dane Kelly and 2018 finish top of the conference standings and reach the Western Conference Fi-
All-League selection Thomas Enevoldsen will bolster nal of the USL Cup Playoffs. While Enevoldsen’s 20 goals caught the biggest 6/29 IND v LOU 7:00pm
the Eleven’s attack, while 2018 Championship Golden headlines, his ability to create was also impressive. The 31-year-old was one
of three players to record double-digit goals and assists and 70 key pass- 7/13 HFD v IND 7:00pm
Glove Evan Newton arrives to take over between the
sticks after featuring for FC Cincinnati a season ago.
es in the regular season alongside fellow All-League First Team selections
Emmanuel Ledesma (FC Cincinnati) and OCSC teammate Aodhan Quinn. 7/20 IND v LDN 7:00pm
Enevoldsen will now look for an encore with Indy Eleven as one of the club’s
big offseason arrivals that could put the side into the picture for the USL Cup
7/27 NSH v IND 8:00pm
The club’s returning talent is also plentiful with All-
League Second Team selection Ayoze Garcia back in
at the end of the season.
8/3 NC v IND 7:00pm
defense alongside Karl Ouimette and Tyler Pasher, 8/17 IND v STL 7:00pm
while midfielder Matt Watson is also back in the fold.
But it’s the newcomers like Newton’s former FCC 8/24 IND v CLT 7:00pm
teammates Tyler Gibson, Kenney Walker and Paddy 8/30 LOU v IND 7:00pm

CONTACTS
Barrett that appear set to make a big difference for the
Eleven this year as they go in pursuit of silverware. 9/4 IND v NY 7:00pm
9/7 CHS v IND 7:30pm
9/11 IND v OTT 7:00pm
HEAD COACH Head Coach & General Manager
Martin Rennie
Director of Corporate Partnerships &
Broadcasting
Larry Linde
9/14
9/20
IND
BHM
v
v
BST
IND
7:00pm
8:00pm
[email protected]
317-514-0366 9/25 ATL v IND 7:30pm
Director of Operations – Andy Piggush
[email protected]
Vice President of Marketing & Sales
Joshua Mason
9/28 PIT v IND 7:00pm
317-685-1100 ext. 167 [email protected] 10/2 OTT v IND 7:00pm
317-371-6149
10/5 IND v MEM 7:00pm
Content Communications Manager Dane Kelly 10/12 TBR v IND 7:30pm
Forward
Trey Higdon,
[email protected] 10/19 IND v SPR 7:00pm
(317) 828-4337

/IndyEleven
Dane Kelly returns to the league with the Eleven after spending the 2018
campaign at D.C. United, and the USL Championship’s all-time leading scorer
will be looking to regain the form that saw him claim the league’s Golden
Boot with 18 goals for Reno 1868 FC two season ago. With 67 regular-season
goals since his league debut in 2011 and another five in the USL Cup Playoffs,
the 27-year-old parlayed his performances in Reno into a first call-up to
the Jamaican national team. With Enevoldsen and former Louisville City FC
@IndyEleven
Martin Rennie forward Ilija Ilic joining him in the Eleven’s attack, there should be plenty of
chances for Kelly to add to his tally.

@indyeleven
26 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 27
18400 Avalon Blvd. Suite 200

LA GALAXY II
Carson, CA 90746
www.lagalaxy.com/2
P: (310) 630-2200 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 LA v COS 10:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
TAC
SLC
v
v
LA
LA
10:00pm
3:00pm
For neutrals, there might have been no better team to
tune into for entertainment in 2018 than the LA Galaxy
3/30 LA v POR 10:00pm
II, whose games averaged 3.7 goals per game. The 4/6 LA v TUL 10:00pm
Galaxy II scored the third-most goals in the Western
Conference as one of four teams to have at least three
4/13 SA v LA 8:30pm
double-digit goalscorers in the regular season with 4/24 LA v RGV 10:30pm
Frankie Lopez, Ethan Zubak and 2018 USL Champion-
ship 20 Under 20 No. 1 selection Efrain Alvarez leading
4/29 LA v LV 10:30pm
a potent attack. 5/4 LA v AUS 10:00pm
Where it fell apart for Los Dos was defensively, as the
5/12 LA v FRS 10:00pm
side also conceded the fourth-most goals in the West- 5/18 RGV v LA 8:30pm
ern Conference to end with a -7 goal differential as it
ended the year in 14th place in the standings. The side Ethan Zubak 5/25 LA v OC 10:00pm
was able to string together back-to-back victories on
four different occasions throughout the year, but too
Forward 5/29 LA v TAC 10:30pm
often slid backwards each time to leave it 16 points out 6/1 OKC v LA 9:00pm
Reaching double-digit goals for the first time in his young career
of the playoff positions. in 2018, Ethan Zubak took a big step forward for the Galaxy II and 6/8 ELP v LA 9:30pm
helped the side become one of the most entertaining sides in the
Finding a way to maintain the side’s prodigious attack Championship a season ago. Zubak has been a mainstay for Los Dos 6/15 RNO v LA 10:30pm
while solidifying the defense is going to be the biggest since making his debut for the club in 2015, and currently sits with
the second-most appearances in the club’s history with 83. After his
6/22 LA v NM 10:00pm
challenge facing Head Coach Mike Munoz as he looks
to break a two-year absence from the playoffs, and the
11-goal campaign a season ago – and being selected as the No. 2 6/29 OC v LA 10:00pm
player in the 2018 USL Championship 20 Under 20 – finding a way to
side has made some interesting additions this offsea- get among the league’s leading scorers this season would continue 7/4 LV v LA 10:30pm
son with that in mind. At the top of the list is goalkeep- his promising trajectory.
er Abraham Romero, a former Galaxy Academy player 7/20 LA v RNO 10:00pm
who turned professional with Xolos in 2016 before join- 7/24 TUL v LA 8:30pm
ing the Galaxy II this offseason. Experienced defender
Michael Gallagher should also add to the side after 7/28 POR v LA 10:30pm
success with Real Monarchs SLC. 8/3 LA v PHX 10:00pm

CONTACTS 8/10
8/17
AUS
NM
v
v
LA
LA
8:30pm
9:30pm
8/31 LA v SAC 10:00pm
HEAD COACH President – Chris Klein Head Coach – Mike Muñoz
9/7
9/14
LA
PHX
v
v
SLC
LA
10:00pm
10:30pm
9/20 LA v SAC 10:00pm
VP of Marketing, Communications Digital and Communications Associate 9/28 LA v OKC 10:00pm
& Digital – Brendan Hannan, Chloe Piepho
[email protected] [email protected] 10/2 SAC v LA 10:30pm
(310) 630-2245 (507) 254-5756
10/5 COS v LA 7:00pm
Director of Digital and Marketing Digital and Communications Specialist Abraham Romero 10/12 FRS v LA 10:30pm
Goalkeeper
Chris Thomas Chris Hybl
[email protected] [email protected] 10/19 LA v ELP 10:00pm
(310) 630-2243 (316) 558-2459

/LAGalaxyII
There’s a feeling of the story of the prodigal son in Romero’s signing
Supervisor, Game Presentation & Events with the Galaxy II, with the goalkeeper having left the Galaxy’s Acad-
Nicolas Gilbert emy in 2016 to join Liga MX’s Pachuca before joining the professional
[email protected] ranks with the same side the following year. Romero isn’t guaranteed

@lagalaxyII
(310) 630-2284 of the starting place with fellow young standout Eric Lopez return-
ing, making that one of the more interesting positional competitions
Mike Munoz in the league. Romero’s experience with the Mexico U-20 National
Team is a plus, though, and after his return to the Galaxy fold, he’ll be
one to watch this year.
@lagalaxyII
28 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 29
231 S. 3rd Street, Suite 110

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC


Las Vegas, NV, 89101
www.lasvegaslights.com
P: (702) 728-4625 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 LV v AUS 10:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
OKC
POR
v
v
LV
LV
8:30pm
10:00pm
They promised it wouldn’t be boring, and it rarely was,
but Las Vegas Lights FC’s first season in the USL Cham-
3/30 LV v SLC 10:30pm
pionship ended up with the side losing more games 4/6 SA v LV 8:30pm
than it won and drew combined, which led to a rapid
regime change before the end of the offseason. The
4/13 LV v TAC 10:30pm
appointment of former United States international Eric 4/20 RGV v LV 8:30pm
Wynalda as Head Coach, though, means there should
be no shortage of entertainment this year as Cashman
4/29 LA v LV 10:30pm
Field becomes a fully soccer-specific venue after the 5/4 LV v SAC 10:30pm
departure of the Las Vegas Aviators to its new venue in
Summerlin, Nev.
5/11 LV v COS 10:30pm
5/18 PHX v LV 10:30pm
While the appointment of Wynalda might look to be
from the same playbook as when Lights FC launched, Irvin Parra 5/25 LV v TUL 10:30pm
there’s reason to believe this is going to be an im-
proved Vegas side. Wynalda has been looking for an
Midfielder 6/1 RNO v LV 10:30pm
opportunity like this to lead a side his way for a while, 6/8 LV v OC 10:30pm
In 2017, Irvin Parra became the first player in the USL Championship’s
and he’s bringing in some names that have had suc- history to record double-digit goals and assists in the same season 6/15 LV v NM 10:30pm
cess in the Championship before. Among them is Cris-
thian Hernandez, who helped Penn FC reach USL Cup
by scoring 11 goals and recording 10 assists in 30 matches between
his time with Seattle and Orange County SC. After spending a season
6/22 ELP v LV 9:30pm
in 2014 on loan from the Philadelphia Union, while Irvin overseas, Parra returns as part of Las Vegas Lights FC’s roster over- 6/29 LV v OKC 10:30pm
Parra was the first player to register double-digit goals haul under new Head Coach Eric Wynalda, where his ability to create
and assists in the same season in 2017. as well as finish chances will be critical if Las Vegas is to improve its 7/4 LV v LA 10:30pm
prospects of reaching the USL Cup Playoffs for the first time.
7/24 TAC v LV 10:00pm
There are also some intriguing prospects in the side,
led by former U.S. youth internationals Bryan de la 7/27 LV v RGV 10:30pm
Fuente and Javan Torre, while returning goalkeepers 8/3 FRS v LV 10:30pm
Thomas Olsen and Angel Alvarez will battle for the
starting position. Lights FC should rarely be boring 8/7 SAC v LV 11:00pm
again, but this time there’s a chance it’s going to end 8/17 OC v LV 10:00pm

CONTACTS
up with a playoff place waiting for them at the end.
8/24 LV v POR 10:30pm
8/28 TUL v LV 8:30pm
9/4 SLC v LV 9:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner & CEO – Brett Lashbrook
[email protected]
Vice President, Corporate Partnerships
Steve Pastorino
[email protected]
9/7
9/11
LV
LV
v
v
ELP
PHX
10:30pm
10:30pm
9/14 LV v FRS 10:30pm
President Marketing & Communications Director of Communications - Harry Ruiz 9/22 AUS v LV 7:00pm
Jim Lambright [email protected]
[email protected] 323-218-6659 9/28 COS v LV 8:00pm
702-339-6260
10/5 LV v SA 10:30pm
Director of Operations – Justin Roper Javan Torre 9/12 LV v RNO 10:30pm
Defender
[email protected]
9/19 NM v LV 9:30pm

A former United States U-20 international, Javan Torre joins Lights FC


looking to return to the spotlight that saw him star for UCLA col-
legiately and be selected by the Colorado Rapids in the 2016 MLS
/LVLightsFC
SuperDraft. The 25-year-old most recently played for FSV Frankfurt
in Germany’s Regionalliga Südwest, where he made 24 appearanc-
es, and will be looked at as one of the keys to Lights FC making the @lvlightsfc
Eric Wynalda necessary improvements to contend for the postseason after giving
up 74 goals in 34 games in its inaugural season.

@lvlightsfc
30 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 31
100 Potomac Ave SW

LOUDOUN UNITED FC
Washington, DC 20024
www.loudoununitedfc.com
P: (571) 385-1140 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 NSH v LDN 8:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/30
MEM
TBR
v
v
LDN
LDN
8:00pm
7:30pm
The quietest of the seven expansion clubs joining the
USL Championship in 2019, there is much more un-
4/13 OTT v LDN 2:00pm
known about Loudoun United FC than is known as the 4/20 NY v LDN 1:00pm
club moves into its inaugural season. That said, that
which is known appears on the face of it to be very
4/27 BHM v LDN 8:00pm
positive for the long-term success of the side owned 5/3 LDN v BST 7:30pm
and operated by Major League Soccer’s D.C. United.
The club is preparing to open a 5,000-seat soccer
5/11 CLT v LDN 7:00pm
specific venue in Leesburg, Va. later this year and ap- 5/19 LDN v HFD 7:30pm
pointed a well-known name as its first Head Coach.
6/5 SPR v LDN 8:00pm
Former United States Men’s National Team assistant 6/8 LOU v LDN 7:00pm
Richie Williams will lead Loudoun United into its first
season, bringing with him the understanding of D.C.’s Donovan Pines 6/15 LDN v IND 7:30pm
history and the potential to pull young talent like
Donovan Pines and Antonio Bustamante into his line-
Defender 6/28 LDN v ATL 7:30pm
up after both signed as Homegrown Players this off- 7/6 STL v LDN 8:30pm
A Homegrown signing by D.C. United this offseason, Pines played three
season. There will be experience in goal with former collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland and is expected to be one 7/17 NC v LDN 7:00pm
Houston Dynamo shot-stopper Calle Brown returning of the cornerstones for the expansion side this season. The 6-foot-5 center
to his home state, where he previously won a College back made 56 appearances for the Terrapins and notched three goals and 7/20 IND v LDN 7:00pm
Cup with the University of Virginia in 2014, and the club three assists, whilehelping lead the Terrapins to the NCAA Division I Champi-
onship last fall. He was also named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Amer- 7/28 LDN v LOU 7:30pm
has also turned its recruiting eye overseas as it looks
to bring in quality young Concacaf talent.
ica Second Team and brings experience as a former member of the United
States U-19 National Team. 8/2 ATL v LDN 7:30pm
8/9 LDN v CLT 7:30pm
On the other side, the number of questions that are
still to be answered mean there’s going to be a lot 8/14 LDN v CHS 7:30pm
that Loudoun United has to figure out on the fly in its 8/17 LDN v OTT 7:30pm
first year. In a loaded Eastern Conference, that means
the chances of a playoff place are probably slim, with 8/23 PIT v LDN 7:00pm
the hope bing the side will fly under the radar before 8/28 LDN v BHM 7:30pm

CONTACTS
jumping up and surprising some of its more experi-
enced counterparts. 8/31 LDN v NC 7:30pm
9/7 HFD v LDN 7:00pm
9/13 LDN v MEM 7:30pm
HEAD COACH Chief Operating Officer - Adam Behnke
[email protected]
571-385-1498
Marketing and Media Manager
Emma Carlin
[email protected]
9/18
9/25
BST
LDN
v
v
LDN
SPR
7:30pm
7:30pm
571-385-1334
9/28 LDN v NSH 7:30pm
Sales and Operations Manager 10/1 LDN v PIT 7:30pm
Perez Moodley
[email protected] 10/4 LDN v TBR 7:30pm
571-399-6340
10/13 CHS v LDN 2:00pm
Calle Brown 10/19 LDN v NY 7:30pm
Goalkeeper
The first official signing in Loudoun United FC history, Virginia native Cal-
le Brown returns home after featuring in the USL Championship for three
different clubs in the past four seasons. Brown’s career began with Pittsburgh
/LoudounUnitedFC
Riverhounds SC in 2015, where his performances saw him make the move to
Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo the following offseason. After two
seasons that saw him feature regularly on loan with Rio Grande Valley FC,
Brown headed to Seattle Sounders FC last year and made 21 appearances @LoudounUnitedFC
Richie Williams on loan with the Tacoma Defiance. With almost 5,000 minutes of experience
at the Championship level, the 26-year-old former NCAA Division I Cham-

@LoudounUnitedFC
pionship winner’s experience will prove invaluable to Head Coach Richie
Williams’ squad in its inaugural season.

32 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 33
110 W. Main St, Second Floor

LOUISVILLE CITY FC
Louisville, KY, 40202
www.louisvillecityfc.com
P: (502) 384-8799 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 NC v LOU 3:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/15


3/23
ATL
LOU
v
v
LOU
HFD
7:30pm
7:00pm
As the first back-to-back USL Cup champion in the
league’s history, Louisville City FC enters unprecedent-
3/30 LOU v BHM 7:00pm
ed territory in 2019. After ending 2018 on a 10-game 4/6 LOU v PIT 7:00pm
winning streak that covered the final six games of the
regular season and the USL Cup Playoffs, LouCity will
4/13 TBR v LOU 7:30pm
enter the new season as the team everyone else is 4/20 LOU v OTT 7:00pm
looking to take down after a remarkable run of success
over its first four seasons. 4/30 LOU v MEM 7:00pm
5/6 SPR v LOU 8:00pm
Head Coach John Hackworth will have some gaps to
fill in his starting lineup, however, with goalkeeper Greg 5/11 BHM v LOU 8:00pm
Ranjitsingh and defender Kyle Smith both having joined 5/18 LOU v STL 7:00pm
former LouCity Head Coach James O’Connor at Orlan-
do City SC in Major League Soccer. Also departed is Paco Craig 5/26 BST v LOU 7:00pm
forward Ilija Ilic to Indy Eleven after his breakout cam-
paign, and then there’s the move of 2018 Championship
Defender 6/1 LOU v CHS 7:00pm
Golden Boot-winner Cameron Lancaster to Nashville 6/8 LOU v LDN 7:00pm
SC, with the English forward signing an MLS contract in A second consecutive selection to the USL Championship All-League
the Music City a year before NSC joins the top flight. First Team cemented Paco Craig as one of the league’s top defend- 6/16 NY v LOU 3:00pm
ers. As he returns for his fourth season at the club, that quality will
again be key as LouCity looks to add to its unprecedented run of
6/22 LOU v CLT 7:00pm
That being said, there remains more than enough
quality within the squad to think that Louisville will be
consecutive USL Cup victories. Craig missed only two games across 6/29 IND v LOU 7:00pm
the regular season and playoffs a season ago, while recording 208
right there again in the postseason. Defender Paco clearances and 72 interceptions as his partnership with newcomer 7/6 LOU v NSH 7:00pm
Craig earned All-League First Team honors for a sec- Alexis Souahy grew throughout the season. With both players back in
ond consecutive season, while captain Paolo DelPic- 2019, Louisville’s defense should remain one of the best in the league. 7/14 OTT v LOU 2:00pm
colo and Jamaican international Speedy Williams are 7/20 LOU v BST 7:00pm
a formidable tandem in the center of midfield. There
are also interesting new additions with Lucky Mkosana 7/28 LDN v LOU 7:30pm
and Sunny Jane among the arrivals this offseason, while 8/3 CLT v LOU 7:00pm
Luke Spencer will have a chance to regain his 2017 form
when he was the club’s leading scorer after an injury-hit 8/11 LOU v ATL 3:00pm

CONTACTS 8/17 CHS v LOU 7:30pm


2018. LouCity has finished in the top two in the Eastern
Conference in every season of its history and there’s a
strong case it will at least emulate that feat once again. 8/24 LOU v NC 3:00pm
8/30 LOU v IND 7:00pm
HEAD COACH Chairman – John Neace Executive Vice President – Brad Estes
9/7
9/14
PIT
HFD
v
v
LOU
LOU
7:00pm
7:00pm
9/21 LOU v NY 7:00pm
Director of Soccer Operations Director of Public and Media Relations 9/28 LOU v TBR 7:00pm
Andrew DiLallo Howie Lindsey
[email protected] [email protected] 10/5 STL v LOU 8:30pm
561-202-7420 502-727-8702
10/8 NSH v LOU 8:00pm
Graphic Designer - Rachel Regenauer Brian Ownby 10/12 LOU v SPR 7:00pm
Midfielder
[email protected]
502-303-3914 10/19 MEM v LOU 8:00pm

A standout in each of Louisville City FC’s runs to USL Cup victo-


ries over the past two years, Brian Ownby will be hoping for bet-
ter fortune with injuries in the 2019 campaign after making only 11
/louisvillecityfc
regular-season starts in 2018. The consistent presence of Ownby’s
creativity in the attacking third would be a major boost for Louisville
after the departures of Cameron Lancaster and Ilija Ilic this offseason, @loucityfc
John Hackworth as would his eye for goal. Now tied for the all-time lead in USL Cup
Playoffs history with six goals, the 28-year-old is due for a year where
it all comes together throughout the season, and this could be the
year it arrives. @louisvillecityfc
34 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 35
198 Union Avenue

MEMPHIS 901 FC
Memphis, TN 38103
www.memphis901fc.com
P: (901) 721-6000 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 MEM v TBR 7:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/24
MEM
BST
v
v
LDN
MEM
8:00pm
6:00pm
Memphis 901 FC hasn’t made the big splash of a
signing that some of its counterparts have, with cap-
3/29 NY v MEM 7:00pm
tain Marc Burch maybe the most recognizable name 4/6 NC v MEM 7:00pm
on the club’s roster as it enters its first season in the
Championship. What Head Coach Tim Mulqueen does
4/10 MEM v ATL 8:00pm
have at his disposal, however, is a side that brings a 4/13 NSH v MEM 8:00pm
wealth of experience in the league, which should allow
it to turn into a cohesive unit as the year unfolds.
4/27 MEM v CHS 8:00pm
4/30 LOU v MEM 7:00pm
What’s certain is that Memphis is ready for 901 FC’s
arrival. The club’s brand launch was a massive success
5/4 MEM v BHM 4:00pm
as a sellout crowd of 8,957 packed AutoZone Park last 5/10 HFD v MEM 7:00pm
September for an exhibition between Major League
Soccer’s Colorado Rapids and the Championship’s Marc Burch 5/18 MEM v PIT 8:00pm
Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The connection to the communi-
ty that has already been established is going to stand
Defender 5/22 SPR v MEM 8:00pm
the side in good stead, with the experience of former 6/1 STL v MEM 8:30pm
Joining a USL Championship club for the first time as Memphis 901
Charleston Battery executive Andrew Bell providing a FC’s captain for its inaugural season, Burch spent his first 13 seasons 6/8 MEM v IND 8:30pm
steady hand at the helm as 901 FC’s Sporting Director. as a professional in Major League Soccer as he suited up for six dif-
ferent clubs, including most recently Minnesota United FC. The veter-
6/15 OTT v MEM 7:00pm
On the field, players like former USL Cup-winner Dan an defender accumulated 234 appearances in the top flight and won 6/29 CLT v MEM 7:00pm
Metzger and Caribbean internationals like Ewan Gran- both the MLS Supporters Shield and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with
dison (Jamaica) and Duane Muckette (Trinidad & Toba- D.C. United. His experience will be a major plus for Head Coach Tim 7/6 MEM v HFD 8:30pm
Mulqueen’s side as it looks to find a path to success in its first year.
go) are going to be counted on to bring their qualities 7/13 CHS v MEM 7:30pm
to the fire, with Bell also bringing aboard former Bat-
tery and Richmond Kickers forward Heviel Cordoves 7/17 MEM v NSH 8:30pm
to lead the club’s attacking line. It may be a challenge 7/20 MEM v NY 8:30pm
to reach the postseason in the club’s first season, but
there’s enough experience here to make life difficult 7/27 MEM v OTT 8:30pm
for opponents across the Eastern Conference. 8/3 PIT v MEM 7:00pm

CONTACTS 8/10
8/17
MEM
BHM
v
v
NC
MEM
8:30pm
8:00pm
8/24 TBR v MEM 7:30pm
HEAD COACH Sporting Director - Andrew Bell
[email protected]
901-722-0261
Head Coach - Tim Mulqueen
[email protected]
901-722-2222
8/28
9/7
ATL
MEM
v
v
MEM
SPR
7:30pm
8:00pm
9/13 LDN v MEM 7:30pm
Soccer Operations Coordinator Director of Operations - Mike Voustinas 9/21 MEM v STL 8:00pm
Lauren Magdefrau [email protected]
[email protected] 901-722-0236 9/28 MEM v BST 8:00pm
919-235-2878
10/5 IND v MEM 7:00pm
Director of Marketing Director of Media & Public Relations Luca Uccello 10/12 MEM v CTL 8:00pm
Midfielder
Travis Lamprecht, Michael Schroeder
[email protected] [email protected] 10/19 MEM v LOU 8:00pm
901-722-0296 901-722-0293
A recent member of the Canada U-20 National Team, Luca Uccello
joins 901 FC after spending the past four seasons in the Champion-
ship with Toronto FC II. The 21-year-old made 77 appearances for
/Memphis901FC
TFC II in that span but was unable to find a breakthrough season as
he recorded just 10 goals over those four seasons. Finding a fresh
start in Memphis could be the move that helps Uccello regain his
footing, and he can certainly look to a former TFC II colleague for
@Memphis901FC
Tim Mulqueen inspiration in the form of Mark-Anthony Kaye, who came into his own
over two seasons with Louisville City FC before joining Major League
Soccer’s Los Angeles FC for the 2018 campaign. There’s a long way
to go for Uccello on that road, but there’s still time for the Markham,
@Memphis901FC
Ontario native to live up to his potential.
36 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 37
650 Rundle Ave

NASHVILLE SC
Nashville, TN 37210
www.nashvillesc.com
P: (615) 457-8200 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 NSH v LDN 8:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/24
NSH
NY
v
v
STL
NSH
8:00pm
1:00pm
Nashville SC’s inaugural professional season had some
major highs and some perplexing lows that resulted in
4/6 OTT v NSH 2:00pm
its first USL Cup Playoffs appearance and a remarkable 4/13 NSH v MEM 8:00pm
contest against regular-season champion FC Cincinna-
ti, which saw NSC take its hosts to a penalty shootout
4/20 CHS v NSH 7:30pm
before falling in sudden death. The performance at 4/27 PIT v NSH 7:00pm
Nippert Stadium was in some ways the epitome of
Nashville’s season, where it competed strongly with the 5/4 ATL v NSH 7:30pm
conference’s top clubs as it had throughout the year, 5/8 NSH v TBR 8:00pm
but also at times played down to lesser opposition to
finish in the middle of the pack and face a trip to Cincin- 5/11 NSH v SPR 8:00pm
nati in the first place. 5/18 NSH v CLT 8:00pm
That inconsistency should be a thing of the past this Cameron Lancaster 5/22 BHM v NSH 8:00pm
season, though. Making its first moves on the path to
joining Major League Soccer in 2020, NSC added 2018
Forward 5/25 IND v NSH TBC
Championship Golden Boot Cameron Lancaster and 6/9 BST v NSH 7:00pm
fellow All-League First Team selection Daniel Rios as its The defending USL Championship Golden Boot-winner signed an MLS deal
first MLS signings, and supplemented those arrivals with
with Nashville SC this offseason after four seasons with Louisville City FC and 6/16 HFD v NSH 3:00pm
will be hoping to mark NSC’s last season in the league with a similar level of
defenders Ken Tribbett and Darnell King, goalkeeper success as he found in 2018. After scoring a single-season record 25 goals at 6/22 NSH v OTT 8:00pm
Connor Sparrow and forward Kharlton Belmar, all of
whom bring excellent Championship pedigree.
a rate of a goal every 81 minutes, it could be a lot to ask for a repeat perfor-
mance from the former Tottenham Hotspur forward, but Lancaster’s instinc- 6/26 NSH v NY 8:00pm
tive finishing and ability to produce from set pieces should put him back in
contention for league awards at the end of the year and help Nashville live 6/29 NC v NSH 7:00pm
Add in a lengthy list of returnees that includes goal-
keeper Matt Pickens, defenders Liam Doyle and Justin
up to its billing as one of the leading contenders for USL Cup.
7/6 LOU v NSH 7:00pm
Davis, midfielders Michael Reed, Matt LaGrassa and 7/17 MEM v NSH 8:30pm
Bolu Akinyode and forwards Lebo Moloto, Ropapa
Mensah and Tucker Hume, and Nashville is one of the 7/27 NSH v IND 8:00pm
clear favorites to end Louisville’s reign as USL Cup 8/3 SPR v NSH 8:00pm
holder. If it does, it will become the first side to claim a
championship in the lower divisions before a move to 8/7 NSH v HFD 8:00pm

CONTACTS 8/10 NSH v BST 8:00pm


MLS the following year, a feat that predecessors like
Seattle Sounders FC, the Portland Timbers, Orlando
City SC and FC Cincinnati were unable to accomplish. 8/17 CLT v NSH 7:00pm
8/24 NSH v CHS 8:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner – John Ingram Head Coach/GM – Gary Smith
[email protected]
(615) 649-6468
8/31
9/7
TBR
STL
v
v
NSH
NSH
7:30pm
8:30pm
9/17 NSH v BHM 8:00pm
Director of Communications – Austin Gwin Director of Operations – Ron Deal 9/21 NSH v PIT 8:00pm
[email protected] [email protected]
(325) 370-3304 (615) 649-6466 9/28 LDN v NSH 7:30pm
10/8 NSH v LOU 8:00pm
Coordinator of Digital Media General Manager, Broadcast & Daniel Ríos 10/12 NSH v NC 8:00pm
Forward
Andrew Fair Fan Experience - Chris Jones
[email protected] [email protected] 10/19 NSH v ATL 8:00pm
(847) 400-7371 (615) 566-5434

/NashvilleSC
After producing a stellar season on loan with North Carolina FC from Chi-
vas de Guadalajara last season, Daniel Rios became the first MLS signing
in Nashville SC’s history this offseason. The 24-year-old notched 20 goals
for NCFC to finish tied for second in the Golden Boot race behind his new
teammate Cameron Lancaster, and while that wasn’t enough to propel North
Carolina to a playoff berth it certainly caught the attention of all that were
watching. Teaming up with Lancaster and fellow new arrival Kharlton Belmar,
@NashvilleSC
Gary Smith Rios could have another big year ahead before making the move with Nash-
ville to the top flight, though, it will be worth watching how the club looks
to incorporate all three – and returnees Tucker Hume, Ropapa Mensah and
Alan Winn – over the course of the season to ensure attacking success. @nashvillesc
38 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 39
317 Commercial St. NE

NEW MEXICO UNITED


Albuquerque, NM 87102
www.newmexicounited.com
P: (505) 209-7529 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 NM v FRS 9:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/20
PHX
NM
v
v
NM
TUL
10:30pm
9:00pm
New Mexico United arrives in the USL Championship
with innovative branding, what on paper looks like a
3/23 OC v NM 10:00pm
good squad and a young head coach in Troy Lesesne 3/29 TAC v NM 10:00pm
who is looking to make his mark after serving as an
assistant elsewhere in the league. What it adds up to
4/6 RGV v NM 8:30pm
in the end remains to be seen, but there’s a feeling 4/13 NM v SLC 9:30pm
that New Mexico has the highest ceiling of any of the
seven expansion clubs entering the Championship this
4/20 RNO v NM 10:00pm
year, and that has raised expectations for as successful 4/26 NM v POR 9:30pm
a launch on the field as the club has experienced in its
community.
5/5 NM v SA 7:00pm
5/12 ELP v NM 8:00pm
With more than 2,000 season-ticket holders and
counting, New Mexico’s mission of becoming a team Cody Mizell 5/18 COS v NM 8:00pm
not just for its home city of Albuquerque is starting to
take hold. It grabbed attention thanks to its partner-
Goalkeeper 5/25 AUS v NM 8:30pm
ship with art collective Meow Wolf for its home uni- 6/5 NM v OKC 9:00pm
One of the early additions to New Mexico United’s first squad, goal-
forms, and strong visual branding that has resonated keeper Cody Mizell will look for a bounce-back season after falling out 6/8 NM v SAC 9:30pm
with the state’s soccer fans. of favor with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 2018 campaign. A former
standout at Clemson University where he earned ACC All-Freshman
6/15 LV v NM 10:30pm
Now it will be up to Lesesne to make sure the product Team and ACC All-Conference honors in 2010 and 2011 respectively,
Mizell posted a 70.2 save percentage over two seasons with the Char-
6/22 LA v NM 10:00pm
on the field lives up to expectations. There’s a strong
New Mexico flavor to the squad with players like
lotte Independence prior to his arrival in Tampa Bay. Reunited with 7/6 SLC v NM 10:00pm
former Independence and new NMU Head Coach Troy Lesesne, the
Devon Sandoval (ATL UTD 2) and Josh Suggs (Colora- 27-year-old will be key at the back for the expansion side. 7/13 FRS v NM 10:30pm
do Springs Switchbacks FC) returning to play in their
home state, while 2017 Championship Rookie of the 7/24 SAC v NM 11:00pm
Year Chris Wehan – an alum of the University of New 7/31 NM v ELP 9:00pm
Mexico’s men’s soccer program – is also on board to
help lead the side. If everything falls into place, there 8/3 NM v AUS 9:30pm
should be a playoff place waiting for NMU at the end 8/11 POR v NM 10:30pm

CONTACTS
of the season, and potentially more.
8/17 NM v LA 9:30pm
8/24 SA v NM 8:30pm
9/1 NM v OC 6:00pm
HEAD COACH CEO & Owner - Peter Trevisani
[email protected]
Head Coach & Technical Director
Troy Lesesne
[email protected]
9/8
9/14
OKC
NM
v
v
NM
COS
7:00pm
9:30pm
9/20 NM v RNO 9:30pm
Director of Soccer Operations COO - Amanda Powers 9/28 NM v PHX 9:30pm
& Assistant Technical Director [email protected]
Brandon Morris 505-907-6052” 10/5 NM v RGV 9:30pm
[email protected]
10/12 TUL v NM 8:00pm
Josh Suggs
270-227-3817

Vice President of Sales & Partnerships Director of Marketing & Communications 10/16 NM v TAC 9:00pm
Defender
Ron Patel Liz Davis
[email protected][email protected] 10/19 NM v LV 9:30pm

/NewMexicoUTD
A native New Mexican, Josh Suggs brings more than 150 appearances
Digital Media Manager - Lukas Cash in the USL Championship to his new club. The veteran defender most
[email protected] recently played for fellow Championship side Colorado Springs Switch-
backs FC, where he earned selection to the 2016 All-League Second

@NewMexicoUTD
Team and helped the Switchbacks reach the USL Cup Playoffs that year.
Prior to joining the Switchbacks, Suggs played for two seasons with
Orange County SC, where he helped the side finish top of the Western
Troy Lesesne Conference in 2015. He has recorded eight goals and 19 assists in his USL
Championship career, which has seen him log more than 13,000 minutes
of action and sit in the Top 10 in the league in both appearances and
minutes played over his career.
@NewMexicoUTD
40 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 41
NEW YORK 600 Cape May St.

RED BULLS II
Harrison, NJ, 07029
www.newyorkredbulls.com/2
P: (973) 268-8420 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 NY v SPR 1:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/24


3/29
NY
NY
v
v
NSH
MEM
1:00pm
7:00pm
As much as things change at the New York Red Bulls II
each offseason, so much stays the same. That’s in part
4/6 BHM v NY 8:00pm
why the side, led by Head Coach John Wolyniec, has 4/13 CLT v NY 7:00pm
reached the Eastern Conference Final of the USL Cup
Playoffs each of the past three seasons. Last year’s
4/17 NY v HFD 7:00pm
remarkable late-season run, which included ending FC 4/20 NY v LDN 1:00pm
Cincinnati’s hopes of a championship before it depart-
ed to Major League Soccer, illustrated this point once
4/28 NY v IND 1:00pm
again as the side peaked at the right time before fall- 5/1 NY v BHM 7:00pm
ing to eventual USL Cup champions Louisville City FC.
5/8 OTT v NY 10:30am
One of the best attacking teams in the league in 2018, 5/18 TBR v NY 7:30pm
as it racked up 71 goals in the regular season, the Red
Bulls II put things into place defensively late in the Jared Stroud 5/24 NY v NC 7:00pm
season and finished the campaign on a six-game un-
defeated streak. Building on that defensive structure in
Midfielder 5/31 NY v BST 7:00pm
2019 could see the side get back into the top four this 6/7 ATL v NY 7:30pm
Making the transition from the New York Red Bulls U-23s in USL League
season, with returning defenders Jordan Scarlett and Two to the Red Bulls II last season, Jared Stroud showed no drop-off in 6/16 NY v LOU 3:00pm
Allan Yanes and new Red Bulls signings Sean Nealis
and Kyle Duncan potentially mitigating the departure
productivity as he placed himself among the top young players in the
league with seven goals and 11 assists to help New York reach the post-
6/22 PIT v NY 7:00pm
of Hassan Ndam in the MLS expansion draft. season once again. The 22-year-old former Colgate University standout
will look to build on the success of his rookie year in 2019 with one eye
6/26 NSH v NY 8:00pm
The Red Bulls II attack figures to be as potent as be-
on leading the Red Bulls II back to the USL Cup Playoffs and another 6/29 CHS v NY 7:30pm
on potentially following the footsteps of the likes of Florian Valot and
fore, even with the departure of Andrew Tinari to the Vincent Bezecourt to the Red Bulls’ MLS squad. 7/5 NY v OTT 7:00pm
Tampa Bay Rowdies and Amando Moreno to the Chi-
cago Fire. The duo of Jared Stroud and Tom Barlow are 7/10 BHM v NY 7:30pm
both back to lead the side up front, and they could be 7/13 NY v ATL 5:00pm
joined by Brian White on loan. As much as New York’s
lineup may differ from its final game of 2018, it would 7/20 MEM v NY 8:30pm
be foolish to believe there will be a drop in perfor- 7/26 NY v TBR 7:00pm

CONTACTS
mance around the corner.
8/2 NY v STL 7:00pm
8/10 HFD v NY 7:00pm
8/14 NY v PIT 7:00pm
HEAD COACH Chief Executive Officer
Marc de Grandpre
General Manager - Jamie Ponce
[email protected]
973.776.8956
8/24
9/4
SPR
IND
v
v
NY
NY
8:00pm
7:00pm
9/13 NY v CTL 7:00pm
Head Coach – John Wolyniec Director of Communications 9/18 STL v NY 8:00pm
& Social Media – Zach Lahey,
[email protected] 9/21 LOU v NY 7:00pm
9/27 NY v CTL 7:30pm
Director of Operations – D.J. McCaffery Tom Barlow 10/5 NC v NY 7:00pm
Forward
[email protected]
10/19 LDN v NY 7:30pm

/NYRBII
The former University of Wisconsin forward began his rookie season
serving as understudy to Brian White for the New York Red Bulls II, but
by the end of the year Tom Barlow had carved out a place as another
promising SuperDraft selection by the organization as he notched 10

@NYRBII
goals at a rate of a goal every 120 minutes of action. At 6-foot-2, Barlow
has both the ability to serve as a central target man while exhibiting a
great instinct for being the right place at the right time. With the creativ-
John Wolyniec ity his teammates bring, another double-digit season of goals could be
on the cards for the 23-year-old.
@nyrb2
42 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 43
5501 Dillard Drive

NORTH CAROLINA FC
Cary, NC  27518
www.northcarolinafc.com
P: (919) 459-8144 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 NC v LOU 3:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/30
BST
NC
v
v
NC
CLT
7:00pm
8:00pm
North Carolina FC came up short of a place in the USL
Cup Playoffs in its inaugural season, with inconsistency
4/6 NC v MEM 7:00pm
proving the biggest issue as the side fell three times 4/13 ATL v NC 7:30pm
in its final five games to miss out on a postseason spot
by two points. That resulted in a change on the club’s
4/20 CLT v NC 7:00pm
sideline, and maybe the biggest coaching coup in the 4/27 NC v HFD 7:00pm
league’s history, as former United States Men’s Nation-
al Team interim Manager Dave Sarachan takes the reins
5/4 IND v NC 7:00pm
at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for the 5/12 OTT v NC 2:00pm
2019 season.
5/18 NC v BHM 7:00pm
Sarachan has some good returning pieces to work 5/24 NY v NC 7:00pm
with, including veteran midfielder Austin da Luz, for-
ward Marios Lomis and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, Austin da Luz 6/1 HFD v NC 7:00pm
who regularly produced spectacular saves for the
side in his first year at the club. NCFC also made some
Midfielder 6/8 TBR v NC 7:30pm
intriguing additions, with 2014 All-America First Team 6/15 NC v SPR 7:00pm
The longest-serving current member of the club, Austin da Luz will enter his
selection Robbie Kristo returning to the United States eighth season for North Carolina FC looking to play a key role in the middle 6/22 STL v NC 8:30pm
after spending the past four years in Europe. The club of the park for new Head Coach Dave Sarachan. Last season, the former
also picked up Indiana University midfielder Austin Wake Forest standout became the sixth player in club history to reach the 6/29 NC v NSH 7:00pm
Panchot and brought in former Academy product 10,000-minute milestone for NCFC. But despite posting five goals and two
assists in 31 appearances, he was unable to lead the side into the postseason 7/4 NC v CLT 7:00pm
and U.S. U-20 international Manny Perez on loan from
Scotland’s Celtic FC.
as North Carolina slid to crucial defeats against Southern Derby rival the
Charleston Battery and eventual playoff side the New York Red Bulls II in its 7/13 BHM v NC 8:00pm
final five games. Helping the side find more consistency in 2019 is going to
be paramount for the 31-year-old veteran.
7/17 NC v LDN 7:00pm
But all eyes will be focused on how Sarachan fares
in his first season. Having led the Chicago Fire to an 7/20 PIT v NC 7:00pm
MLS Supporters’ Shield earlier in his coaching career 7/27 NC v ATL 7:00pm
before claiming numerous accolades as an assistant
coach in the top flight, the 64-year-old will be expect- 8/3 NC v IND 7:00pm
ed to put NCFC in a position to contend in the Eastern 8/10 MEM v NC 8:30pm

CONTACTS
Conference this season.
8/17 NC v PIT 7:00pm
8/21 NC v TBR 7:00pm
8/24 LOU v NC 3:00pm
HEAD COACH Chairman & Owner – Steve Malik President & General Manager
Curt Johnson
[email protected]
8/31
9/7
LDN
NC
v
v
NC
BST
7:30pm
7:00pm
(919) 459-8144
9/14 SPR v NC 5:00pm
Head Coach - Dave Sarachan VP Operations - Bobby Hammond 9/22 CHS v NC 2:00pm
[email protected] [email protected]
9/28 NC v OTT 7:00pm
10/5 NC v NY 7:00pm
Director of Communications – Marco Rosa Manager of Communications Manny Perez 10/12 NSH v NC 8:00pm
Defender
[email protected] Daniel Neal
(919) 349-0491 [email protected] 10/19 NC v STL 7:00pm
(252) 373-5144

United States U-20 international Manny Perez begins his professional career
Director of Creative Services
Luis Trinh Nava
with eyes from either side of the Atlantic Ocean paying close attention, with
his loan to North Carolina FC from legendary Scottish club Celtic FC ensur-
/NorthCarolinaFC
[email protected] ing a close following of his progress this year. Perez should be in an ideal
environment to grow, having come through the NCFC Academy and having
former United States Men’s National Team Manager Dave Sarachan as his
Head Coach. Solid production early in the year could also lead to a place in @NorthCarolinaFC
Dave Sarachan the squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland this May and a chance to
shine on the international stage.

@NorthCarolinaFC
44 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 45
615 N Hudson Ave., Suite 100

OKC ENERGY FC
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
www.energyfc.com
P: (405) 235-5425 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 ELP v OKC 9:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/24
OKC
SAC
v
v
LV
OKC
8:30pm
5:00pm
For a second consecutive year, OKC Energy FC’s start
to the season was among the slowest in the league,
3/30 RNO v OKC 9:01pm
but unlike the 2017 campaign it proved too big a hole 4/6 OKC v POR 8:30pm
to emerge from, ending the club’s postseason streak
at three seasons. Finding a way to build on a good run
4/13 RGV v OKC 8:30pm
of results later in the campaign is going to be imper- 4/20 OKC v OC 8:30pm
ative for Head Coach Steve Cooke’s squad this year,
and with numerous changes to the team there will be
4/27 TUL v OKC 8:00pm
added pressure to get on track early in the season. 5/4 OKC v TAC 8:30pm
With four players heading to join ex-Energy FC Head
5/10 AUS v OKC 8:30pm
Coach Jimmy Nielsen at expansion side Hartford 5/18 OKC v SLC 8:30pm
Athletic, though, there has been a bigger chance for
Cooke to put his imprint on the squad. Among the Deshorn Brown 5/25 OKC v COS 8:30pm
new arrivals are the French duo of Nicolas Taravel
and Alexy Bosetti, whose Ligue 1 experience makes
Forward 6/1 OKC v LA 9:00pm
him one of the most interesting new arrivals to the 6/5 NM v OKC 9:00pm
Deshorn Brown joined OKC Energy FC late last season, linking up with the
Championship this season. There are some other bright club’s Head Coach Steve Cooke for a second time after the two worked 6/8 FRS v OKC 10:30pm
attacking options on board as well, including Trinidad together at the Colorado Rapids early in the Jamaican’s career. Brown scored
& Tobago international Cordell Cato and Jamaican 20 goals in 62 appearances for the Rapids across the 2013 and 2014 seasons 6/15 OKC v SA 9:00pm
international Omar Gordon joining his fellow country- after starring in USL League Two for the Des Moines Menace and Reading
United SC, but since then he has struggled to find consistent form, or a con- 6/22 OKC v PHX 9:00pm
man Deshorn Brown in the attacking corps. sistent home. After competing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, D.C. United and
Spanish club Lorca since the start of 2017, the hope is Brown can regain his 6/29 LV v OKC 10:30pm
With goalkeeper Cody Laurendi and defender Atiba form from the Rapids in Oklahoma City, help lead Energy FC back to the USL
Cup Playoffs and maybe even put himself back in the picture for the Jamaica
7/6 OKC v ELP 9:00pm
Harris – both nominated for Concacaf awards this
offseason for their national team performances – back
National Team.
7/17 OKC v RNO 9:00pm
defensively alongside Drew Beckie, Christian Ibeagha 7/20 COS v OKC 8:00pm
and Kyle Hyland, there is a measure of consistency
that should help as the side moves forward. Energy FC 7/27 TAC v OKC 10:00pm
may not enter the regular season as one of the favor- 8/3 OKC v TUL 9:00pm

CONTACTS
ites in the Western Conference, but they have the look
of a side that can work itself into that conversation by 8/10 OKC v FRS 9:00pm
the time the USL Cup Playoffs arrive. 8/16 POR v OKC 10:30pm
8/24 OKC v AUS 9:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner – Bob Funk Jr.
[email protected]
Owner – Tim McLaughlin
[email protected]
8/30
9/8
SLC
OKC
v
v
OKC
NM
10:00pm
7:00pm
9/14 SA v OKC 8:30pm
General Manager – Jason Hawkins Head Coach – Steve Cooke 9/22 OKC v SAC 7:00pm
[email protected] [email protected]
(405) 235-5425, ext. 1401 9/28 LA v OKC 10:00pm
10/5 OC v OKC 10:00pm
Director of Team Operations VP of Marketing and Communications Alexy Bosetti 10/13 OKC v RGV 7:00pm
Forward
Padraic Farrell Jen McAbee
[email protected] [email protected] 10/18 PHX v OKC 10:30pm
(610) 393-6727 (972) 904-0464

The 25-year-old French forward was one of the most intriguing signings
Social Media Manager - Tyler Vaughn
[email protected]
of the Championship this offseason, bringing with him to Oklahoma City
experience in France’s top flight and at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where
/EnergyFC
(405) 620-7661 he was part of the tournament-winning squad alongside Paul Pogba and
Samuel Umtiti. Joined by fellow countryman Nicolas Taravel in joining Energy
FC this offseason, Bosetti will be hoping to have a major impact at his new
club and looking to turn the page after an uneven period of his career over @energyfc
Steve Cooke the past couple of years.

@energyfc
46 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 47
20 Fairbanks, Suite 181

ORANGE COUNTY SC
Irvine, CA 92618
www.orangecountysc.com
P: (949) 647-4625 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 ATL V HFD 7:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/15


3/23
ATL
CLT
V
V
LOU
ATL
7:30pm
7:00pm
Orange County SC produced one of the best turn-
arounds in the Championship’s history in 2018, going
4/6 ATL V STL 7:30pm
from a 10th-place finish the year before to finishing 4/10 MEM V ATL 8:00pm
top of the Western Conference standings under first-
year Head Coach Braeden Cloutier. OCSC’s USL Cup
4/13 ATL V NC 7:30pm
Playoffs run may have come to an end at the hands of 4/24 ATL V TBR 7:30pm
Phoenix Rising FC in the Western Conference Final,
but the season overall was a resounding success that
4/28 OTT V ATL 2:00pm
helped reset expectations for the club moving for- 5/4 ATL V NSH 7:30pm
ward.
5/12 BST V ATL 6:00pm
The club got to work before the conclusion of its 5/19 SPR V ATL 5:00pm
playoff run to make sure some key figures would be
back for the 2019 campaign, with Championship MVP Aodhan Quinn 5/25 CHS V ATL 7:30pm
finalist Aodhan Quinn and forward Michael Seaton
both signed to new contracts. The club did see the de-
Midfielder 6/7 ATL V NY 7:30pm
parture of leading scorer Thomas Enevoldsen to Indy 6/15 ATL V PIT 7:30pm
One of Orange County SC’s big offseason arrivals prior to the 2018 season,
Eleven, but went out and signed former Rangers FC Aodhan Quinn more than lived up to expectations in his return to California 6/22 IND V ATL 7:00pm
forward Harry Forrester as his presumptive replace- as he put up career-best numbers to earn nomination as a finalist for the USL
ment while also bringing Jerry van Ewijk back to the Championship’s Most Valuable Player award. The San Diego native played 6/28 LDN V ATL 7:30pm
club after his 2018 season with Reno 1868 FC. in every minute of the regular season and notched 12 goals and 15 assists
to help Orange County top the Western Conference before reaching the 7/5 ATL V CHS 7:30pm
Another new arrival is Charlie Adams, who makes the
Western Conference Final of the USL Cup Playoffs for the first time. Maintain-
ing that level in the new season alongside returning forward Michael Seaton 7/13 NY V ATL 5:00pm
move from Real Monarchs SLC to add another creative and new midfield arrival Charlie Adams – who was teammates with Quinn in
Louisville City FC’s inaugural season – could help OCSC go one step further
7/20 BHM V ATL 8:00pm
piece to the midfield, but the best indicator of Orange
County’s new direction is the number of key players
and claim the first silverware in club history.
7/24 ATL V CLT 7:30pm
that will be back. Experienced players like midfielder 7/27 NC V ATL 7:00pm
Christian Duke – who is approaching 150 regular-sea-
son appearances in the Championship – and defender 8/2 ATL V LDN 7:30pm
Kevin Alston will help the side remain a strong playoff 8/11 LOU V ATL 3:00pm

CONTACTS
contender with hopes of going one step further than a
season ago. 8/16 ATL V SPR 7:30pm
8/24 HFD V ATL 7:00pm
8/28 ATL V MEM 7:30pm
HEAD COACH Owner & Team President – James Keston General Manager & Executive
Vice President – Oliver Wyss
[email protected]
9/4
9/7
ATL
ATL
V
V
BHM
OTT
7:30pm
7:30pm
(949) 647-4625
9/14 TBR V ATL 7:30pm
Assistant GM & Senior VP Player Head Coach – Braeden Cloutier 9/25 ATL V IND 7:30pm
Recruitment, Soccer Operations [email protected]
Peter Nugent (949) 647-4625 9/28 STL V ATL 8:30pm
[email protected]
10/5 PIT V ATL 7:00pm
Harry Forrester
(949) 647-4625

Director of Public Relations Director of Operations 10/9 ATL V BST 7:30pm


Forward
Chad Romiti Katrina Carlson
[email protected] [email protected], 10/19 NSH V ATL 8:00pm
(949) 293-7781 (562) 631-8273

Orange County struck it big with the signing of Thomas Enevoldsen last
Senior VP, Sales & Marketing
Robert Alvarado
offseason and will be hoping for similar returns from former Rangers FC
forward Harry Forrester as he joins the club after Enevoldsen’s departure
/OrangeCountySoccer
[email protected] to Indy Eleven. Forrester came up through the youth teams of Watford and
(949) 433-2947 Aston Villa, but achieved his most notable success in Glasgow with Rangers
before leaving the historic Scottish club after disagreements with then Man-
ager Pedro Caixinha. Forrester’s arrival at Orange County offers an effective @OrangeCountySC
Braeden Cloutier reset for the 28-year-old’s career and could pay big dividends for Orange
County if he can mesh with his new teammates.

@OrangeCountySoccer
48 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 49
1015 Bank St.

OTTAWA FURY FC
Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3W7
www.ottawafuryfc.com
P: (613) 232-6767 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 CHS v OTT 7:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


4/6
BHM
OTT
v
v
OTT
NSH
8:00pm
2:00pm
Ottawa Fury FC saw its first entry written into the USL
Championship’s record book in 2018, as goalkeeper
4/13 OTT v LDN 2:00pm
Maxime Crepeau set a regular-season record with 15 4/20 LOU v OTT 7:00pm
shutouts. Unfortunately for the club from Canada’s
capital, that defensive work was undone by an at-
4/28 OTT v ATL 2:00pm
tack that scored only 31 goals in 34 games, the sec- 5/4 SLT v OTT 8:30pm
ond-fewest in the league. That lack of firepower saw
the side finish 10th in the Eastern Conference and out
5/8 OTT v NY 10:30am
of the USL Cup Playoffs for a second consecutive sea- 5/12 OTT v NC 2:00pm
son.
5/19 BST v OTT 7:00pm
Addressing those attacking issues has been the main 5/25 HFD v OTT 7:00pm
focus this offseason, with Fury FC acquiring Christia-
no Francois from Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC to add Carl Haworth 6/2 OTT v CLT 2:00pm
the former Maryland standout’s speed to its front line.
Ottawa has also bolstered its midfield with the acqui-
Defender 6/8 PIT v OTT 7:00pm
sition of Charlie Ward (San Antonio FC) and former 6/15 OTT v MEM 7:00pm
Part of the club since it was a member of USL League Two at the start
All-League selection Wal Fall (Saint Louis FC) to shore of the decade, Carl Haworth opens his sixth professional season with 6/22 NSH v OTT 8:00pm
up the middle of the field. General Manager Julian de
Guzman has also continued the club’s pursuit of top
Ottawa Fury FC aiming to lead the side to the USL Cup Playoffs for the
first time. The club’s captain had an interesting 2018 season, which saw
6/26 OTT v CLT 7:00pm
young Canadians with Luca Ricci and Jordan Tisseur him utilized as a full back for the first time instead of his previous attack-
ing role. Whether that continues into 2019 – with Haworth having provid-
6/29 TBR v OTT 7:30pm
joining the club from the Montreal Impact’s Academy
and midfielder Chris Manella re-signing with the club.
ed good attacking support in addition to his defensive duties after the 7/5 NY v OTT 7:00pm
switch was made – will be something to monitor. If the 29-year-old can
master his new role, it could open up national team possibilities again. 7/14 OTT v LOU 2:00pm
The biggest challenge for Head Coach Nikola Popo-
vic will be to improve the club’s attack, where much 7/20 OTT v SPR 7:00pm
more will be expected from returning playmaker Kevin 7/27 MEM v OTT 8:30pm
Oliveira. The 22-year-old Cape Verde international
had only four goals and two assists a season ago while 8/2 OTT v BHM 7:00pm
producing less than one key pass per game. Raising 8/17 LDN v OTT 7:30pm

CONTACTS
his chance creation level is going to be a big factor
in whether Ottawa’s third season in the Championship 8/24 OTT v STL 2:00pm
results in its first postseason appearance. 8/30 OTT v PIT 7:00pm
9/7 ATL v OTT 7:30pm
HEAD COACH President – John Pugh
[email protected]
(613) 232-6767 ext. 8320
General Manager – Julian de Guzman
[email protected]
(613) 232-6767 ext. 8329
9/11
9/18
IND
OTT
v
v
OTT
TBR
7:00pm
7:00pm
9/22 OTT v HFD 2:00pm
Head Coach – Nikola Popovic Director of Communications 9/28 NC v OTT 7:00pm
[email protected] Michele Dion
(613) 232-6767 [email protected] 10/2 OTT v IND 7:00pm
613) 857-0827
10/8 SPR v OTT 8:00pm
Assistant General Manager Social Media Coordinator - Michael Reid Kevin Oliveira 10/12 OTT v BST 2:00pm
Midfielder
Carrie McKay [email protected]
[email protected] 613-232-6767 x8271 10/19 CLT v OTT 7:00pm
(613) 818-8156

The Cape Verde international had a slightly underwhelming first year in


Ottawa after following Head Coach Nikola Popovic north of the border
from fellow Championship side the Swope Park Rangers. The 22-year-
/OttawaFuryFC
old had only four goals and two assists despite making a career-high 31
appearances for Fury FC in the regular season. Finding a way to return
to the form he showed in two seasons with Swope Park – where he was
named the No. 2 player in the 2016 USL Championship 20 Under 20
@OttawaFuryFC
Nikola Popovic – would be a massive boon for Ottawa as it looks to improve the sec-
ond-worst attacking record from a year ago.
@FuryFC
50 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 51
7135 E Camelback Rd., Suite 360

PHOENIX RISING FC
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
www.phxrisingfc.com
P: (623) 594-9606 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 SA v PHX 8:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/30
PHX
PHX
v
v
NM
COS
10:30pm
10:30pm
The most successful season in Phoenix Rising FC’s
history saw the club lift its first silverware in the form
4/6 PHX v FRS 10:30pm
of the Western Conference Championship, and while 4/13 ELP v PHX 9:30pm
the side was unable to wrestle the USL Cup away from
Louisville City FC in a tense final, the continued upward
4/17 AUS v PHX 8:30pm
trajectory of the club since the arrival of its new own- 4/20 PHX v TAC 10:30pm
ership group – led by Berke Bakay – has put Rising FC
into the league’s elite in just two seasons.
4/27 SAC v PHX 10:30pm
5/4 OC v PHX 10:00pm
After a busy offseason, the goal for Phoenix this year is
now to maintain its position at the top of the Western 5/10 PHX v RGV 10:30pm
Conference and again put itself in contention for silver- 5/18 PHX v LV 10:30pm
ware. It will have to do so without now-retired legend
Didier Drogba and fellow forward Chris Cortez, whose Solomon Asante 5/25 SLC v PHX 10:00pm
career season helped carry Rising FC’s attack before
an offseason move to Chonburi F.C. in Thailand. The
Midfielder 6/7 PHX v TUL 10:30pm
arrival of strikers Adam Jahn (Columbus Crew SC) and 6/15 PHX v OC 10:30pm
After signing with Phoenix Rising FC ahead of the 2018 season, Solomon
Ben Spencer (Toronto FC) will certainly help mitigate
Asante proved one of the league’s top newcomers as he led the side to 6/18 RNO v PHX 10:30pm
those departures, though, with Jahn in particular hav-
ing had success at Sacramento Republic FC and OKC
both its first postseason victory and the Western Conference Champi-
onship. Asante led Rising FC with 36 appearances and posted the best
6/22 OKC v PHX 9:00pm
Energy FC in previous loan stints in the Championship. single-season offensive performance in Rising FC history, having had a
hand in 23 combined goals with 14 tallies and nine assists. The Ghanaian
6/29 PHX v POR 10:30pm
What’s more important, however, is the core of players earned Championship All-League First Team honors in the process and 7/13 RGV v PHX 8:30pm
could be among the players vying for the league’s Most Valuable Player
that will return under Head Coach Rick Schantz, whose award at the end of this season as Phoenix takes aim at the USL Cup. 7/19 PHX v AUS 10:30pm
leadership over the second half of the 2018 season saw
the club remove his interim tag in the offseason. All- 7/27 TUL v PHX 8:30pm
League First Team selection Solomon Asante was one
of the best newcomers to the Championship in 2018,
8/3 LA v PHX 10:00pm
and the spine of the side that includes goalkeeper Carl 8/10 PHX v ELP 10:30pm
Woszczynski, defenders Joe Farrell and Amadou Dia,
midfielders Kevon Lambert and James Musa and for-
8/16 PHX v RNO 10:30pm
ward Jason Johnson is likely to put Rising FC among the
contenders for both the regular season title and USL
Cup.
CONTACTS 8/23
8/27
PHX
TAC
v
v
SAC
PHX
10:30pm
10:00pm
8/31 COS v PHX 8:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner – Berke Bakay
[email protected]
(623) 594-9606
Chief Operating Officer
Bobby Dulle
[email protected]
9/7
9/11
PHX
LV
v
v
SA
PHX
10:30pm
10:30pm
(480) 266-9144
9/14 PHX v LA 10:30pm
VP of Marketing & Sales VP of Operations – Mike Jenkins,  9/21 FRS v PHX 10:30pm
Sam Doerr [email protected]
[email protected] (602) 770-5398 9/28 NM v PHX 9:30pm
(712) 490-8110
10/5 POR v PHX 10:00pm
Head Coach - Rick Schantz Digital Media and Broadcast Relations Adam Jahn 10/12 PHX v SLC 10:30pm
Forward
[email protected] Manager – H. Jose Bosch
(520) 390-8852 [email protected] 10/18 PHX v OKC 10:30pm
(540) 435-6097

A former USL Cup-winner while on loan with Sacramento Republic FC,


Sales Manager – Joey Castor
[email protected]
Adam Jahn joined Rising FC this offseason from Major League Soccer’s
Columbus Crew SC with a good record of success during his prior stints
/PHXRisingFC
(602) 900-0083 on loan in the Championship. Jahn has scored 12 goals in 41 appearances
all time in the league, including three goals in 10 appearances with OKC
Energy FC a season ago. Likely the man tasked with replacing the de-
parted Chris Cortez – who led Phoenix with 19 goals a season ago – the
@PHXRisingFC
Rick Schantz 6-foot-3 Jahn should get plenty of opportunity to finish with the creative
talent around him in Arizona.
@PHXRisingFC
52 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 53
PITTSBURGH 510 W Station Square Drive

RIVERHOUNDS SC
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
www.riverhounds.com
P: (412) 224-4900 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/16 TBR v PIT 7:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/23


3/30
SPR
BST
v
v
PIT
PIT
5:00pm
7:30pm
Sporting a new look for the 2018 season after a refresh
of the club’s logo and official colors, Pittsburgh River-
4/6 LOU v PIT 7:00pm
hounds SC also took a quantum leap forward on the 4/13 PIT v HFD 7:00pm
field as the arrival of Bob Lilley as Head Coach turned
the side into a serious Eastern Conference contender
4/20 PIT v STL 7:00pm
in just one year. The Hounds made a 10-place improve- 4/27 PIT v NHS 7:00pm
ment in the standings to finish the year in third place,
and while the first USL Cup Playoffs game at Highmark
5/4 CHS v PIT 7:30pm
Stadium ended in heartbreak in a penalty shootout 5/18 MEM v PIT 8:00pm
at the hands of Bethlehem Steel FC, it felt like a new
dawn had broken for one of the league’s longest-ten-
5/25 PIT v CLT 7:00pm
ured clubs. 6/1 IND v PIT 7:00pm
The new season marks the 20th for the Hounds orga- Joe Greenspan 6/8 PIT v OTT 7:00pm
nization, and with Lilley and many of the team’s key
figures back for the new year, there are now expec-
Defender 6/15 ATL v PIT 7:30pm
tations the Hounds will look to live up to. Most of the 6/22 PIT v NY 7:00pm
After a good loan stint at Highmark Stadium in 2017, Joe Greenspan’s first
club’s key players are back to try and accomplish that, full year with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC was a great one for both the big 6/29 PIT v BHM 7:00pm
with All-League defender Joe Greenspan and midfield-
er Kenardo Forbes leading the way alongside mainstay
center back and the Hounds, as he led the side to the postseason for the
first time since 2015 and garnered Championship All-League First Team
7/4 PIT v BTS 7:00pm
midfielder Kevin Kerr and 2018 leading scorer Neco honors in the process. Greenspan marshaled the best defense in the
Eastern Conference to a third-place finish as he posted 175 clearances in
7/7 CLT v PIT 7:00pm
Brett.
24 appearances while also registering 59 interceptions and 13 blocked 7/13 PIT v TBR 7:00pm
shots. The Hounds are expected to be among the best defensive sides in
One notable departure to the club’s attacking corps the Championship again this season, and Greenspan’s presence is a big 7/20 PIT v NC 7:00pm
saw the side sell winger Christiano Francois to fellow reason why.
Championship side Ottawa Fury FC, but Lilley has 7/27 HFD v PIT 7:00pm
reinforced his attacking options by bringing in two 8/3 PIT v MEM 7:00pm
more players from his USL Cup-winning side at the
Rochester Rhinos with Steevan Dos Santos and Chris- 8/10 PIT v SPR 7:00pm
tian Volesky both arriving in Pittsburgh. Upgraded Director of Operations – John Rotz, [email protected] | 412-325-7239 8/14 NY v PIT 7:00pm

CONTACTS
squads elsewhere in the East may grab the preseason
spotlight, but it would be surprising if the Hounds are 8/17 NC v PIT 7:00pm
unable to go toe-to-toe with anyone over the course 8/23 PIT v LDN 7:00pm
of this campaign.
8/30 OTT v PIT 7:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner & President – Tuffy Shallenberger General Manager – Kevin Johnston,
[email protected]
412-325-7240
9/7
9/14
PIT
PIT
v
v
LOU
CLT
7:00pm
7:00pm
9/21 NHS v PIT 8:00pm
Head Coach – Bob Lilley Director of Communications – Tony Picardi 9/28 PIT v IND 7:00pm
[email protected] [email protected]
(412) 325-7229 10/1 LDN v PIT 7:30pm
10/5 PIT v ATL 7:00pm
Director of Operations – John Rotz, Kenardo Forbes 10/12 STL v PIT 8:30pm
Midfielder
[email protected]
412-325-7239 10/20 BHM v PIT 4:30pm

/RiverhoundsSC
Heading to Pittsburgh alongside the club’s first-year Head Coach Bob
Lilley, Kenardo Forbes brought his calm ability on the ball and creativity
to the Hounds’ midfield and continued to put himself among the better
playmakers to have ever played in the league. Forbes notched eight

@riverhoundssc
assists for the Hounds in the 2018 campaign, giving him 22 over the past
four seasons as he earned a second All-League selection in the past
three years. A former USL Cup-winner with Lilley at the Rochester Rhinos,
Bob Lilley the 30-year-old Jamaican shows no signs of slowing and will continue to
be a key figure for Pittsburgh this year.
@riverhoundssc
54 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 55
1844 Southwest Morrison St.

PORTLAND TIMBERS 2
Portland, OR 97205
www.timbers.com/T2
P: (503) 553-5400 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 TUL v POR 8:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
SA
POR
v
v
POR
LV
8:30pm
10:00pm
After being denied on goal differential two years
earlier, the Portland Timbers 2 earned their first trip to
3/30 LA v POR 10:00pm
the USL Cup Playoffs in 2018 after recording a massive 4/6 OKC v POR 8:30pm
turnaround that saw the side more than quintuple its
win total and post a club-record 55 points in the regu-
4/13 POR v SAC 10:00pm
lar season. The club’s postseason trip came to an early 4/20 POR v COS 10:00pm
end at the hands of the eventual Western Conference
champion Phoenix Rising FC, but there were clear les-
4/26 NM v POR 9:30pm
sons learned from the disappointment of 2017. 4/30 POR v RGV 10:00pm
Building on that progression in Head Coach Cameron 5/12 TAC v POR 4:30pm
Knowles’ second season will be the goal this season, 5/25 POR v ELP 10:00pm
but the side will have to deal with the regular roster
turnover the offseason brings. Gone are players like Todd Wharton 5/29 POR v SLC 10:00pm
Jack Barmby (San Antonio FC) and Andre Lewis, both
of whom logged major minutes in helping the club’s
Midfielder 6/8 AUS v POR 8:30pm
success. Both Renzo Zambrano and Marvin Loria could 6/16 POR v FRS 10:00pm
After three seasons in the Championship with Rio Grande Valley FC to start
still be available to T2 after moving up to the Timbers’
his career, Todd Wharton moved to the Portland Timbers 2 for the upcoming 6/22 OC v POR 10:00pm
MLS squad, but it could be incumbent on the newcom- campaign with some familiarity with his new surroundings. A former mem-
ers to the side to help provide that extra momentum. ber of the Timbers FC U-23s in USL League Two when he was a collegiate 6/26 POR v RNO 10:00pm
standout at the University of Virginia, Wharton was named to League Two’s
All-League Team in the 2015 season and will be hopeful of similar success 6/29 PHX v POR 10:30pm
One of the positives brought by the new faces in the
squad is their prior experience with the Timbers orga-
with T2 after performing well for the Toros over the past three years. Whar-
ton’s 2018 output of five goals and five assists would be welcome secondary 7/6 POR v TUL 10:30pm
nization. Both former Rio Grande Valley FC midfielder scoring for Portland, but it’s the 25-year-old’s passing ability in the middle of
7/13 SAC v POR 11:00pm
Todd Wharton and New York Red Bulls II defender the field that will make him most valuable for his new club.
Niko De Vera played for the Timbers U-23s in USL 7/20 FRS v POR 10:30pm
League Two prior to their professional careers, and
both have a solid track record in the Championship.
7/28 POR v LA 9:00pm
The side has also added two intriguing young talents in 8/3 ELP v POR 9:30pm
Venezuela U-20 international Brayan Hurtado and Ar-
gentine U-20 international Cristian Ojeda on loan, both
8/7 COS v POR 9:00pm
of whom should be worth keeping a close eye on.
CONTACTS 8/11
8/16
POR
POR
v
v
NM
OKC
10:30pm
10:30pm
8/24 LV v POR 10:30pm
HEAD COACH Owner – Merritt Paulson General Manager/President of Soccer
Gavin Wilkinson
8/31
9/8
RNO
POR
v
v
POR
OC
10:00pm
8:00pm
Assistant General Manager Head Coach – Cameron Knowles
Nick Mansueto [email protected] 9/14 SLC v POR 3:00pm
[email protected]
(503) 555-5428 9/20 POR v TAC 10:30pm
9/29 POR v AUS 4:00pm
Player Relations Manager Senior Vice President of Operations
10/5 POR v PHX 10:00pm
Niko De Vera
Tomas Acosta Ken Puckett
[email protected] [email protected]
(503) 553-5457
10/11 POR v SA 10:00pm
Media Relations Manager - Kevin Acevedo Media Relations Manager Defender 10/18 RGV v POR 8:30pm
[email protected] Mauricio Villarreal
(503) 555-5512 [email protected]
/PortlandTimbers2
Another player that featured for the Timbers U-23s in League Two during his
(503) 555-5529
college career, Niko De Vera arrives back in Portland after a rookie season
in the Championship with the New York Red Bulls II that saw him log more
Director of Social Media – Marc Kostic than 2,000 minutes of action in 27 appearances for the side. A native of
[email protected] Washington state, De Vera played for three seasons with the Timbers U-23s
(503) 553-5415 while attending the University of Akron and earned All-Western Conference
honors in the 2016 League Two season. Heading back to the west coast, De
@TimbersFC2
Cameron Knowles Vera should be a good addition to T2’s back line for the upcoming campaign.

@timbersfc2
56 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 57
9256 S. State St.

REAL MONARCHS SLC


Sandy, UT 84070
www.rsl.com/monarchs
P: (801) 727-2700 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 RNO v OC 5:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
RNO
FRS
v
v
AUS
RNO
5:00pm
10:30pm
Real Monarchs SLC earned a home contest in the USL
Cup Playoffs for a second consecutive season, but
3/30 RNO v OKC 9:01pm
for a second straight year the club’s successful year 4/6 SLC v RNO 3:00pm
ended abruptly when Reno 1868 FC scored a stop-
page-time winner to eliminate the Monarchs in the
4/13 COS v RNO 8:00pm
Western Conference Quarterfinals. That loss marked 4/20 RNO v NM 10:00pm
the end of the line at the club for numerous key play-
ers that led the way in its upswing over the past two
4/27 ELP v RNO 9:30pm
seasons, and how the club deals with those changes 5/4 RNO v TUL 10:00pm
will hold the key to how it fares in 2019.
5/11 SAC v RNO 10:30pm
At the top of the departures list was forward Chandler 5/18 TAC v RNO 10:00pm
Hoffman, whose return to his native Alabama and ex-
pansion club Birmingham Legion FC was known mid- Maikel Chang 6/1 RNO v LV 10:30pm
way through the year. The offseason also saw attacking
midfielder Sebastian Velasquez and Charlie Adams
Midfielder 6/8 SA v RNO 8:30pm
(Orange County SC) move on, while the moves of 6/15 RNO v LA 10:30pm
Cuban playmaker Maikel Chang moved into second place all-time on
goalkeepers Connor Sparrow (Nashville SC) and Jake the league’s assists charts with a strong first season in Utah, record- 6/18 RNO v PHX 10:30pm
Leeker (Portland Timbers 2) left the side without two ing nine helpers as well as four goals to lead Real Monarchs SLC to
players who shone well between the sticks over the a second consecutive trip to the postseason. Chang has recorded
6/26 POR v RNO 10:00pm
past two years. 31 assists since joining the Charleston Battery before the 2014 Cham- 6/29 RNO v SAC 10:30pm
pionship season, one behind Charlotte Independence legend Jorge
Charged with navigating the new season is a new Herrera. With numerous departures from the club this offseason, 7/3 RNO v RGV 10:30pm
there will be added burden on Chang to keep the Monarchs among
figure on the sidelines, with former U.S. Men’s National the conference’s top clubs, but it’s one that he’s more than prepared 7/17 OKC v RNO 9:00pm
Team assistant Martin Vasquez taking the reins after to take on as he looks to put his name at the top of the record book.
Jamison Olave served as interim Head Coach to con- 7/20 LA v RNO 10:00pm
clude 2018. He’ll have some good returning pieces 7/24 OC v RNO 4:00pm
to work with led by Cuban playmaker Maikel Chang,
defender Kalen Ryden and midfielders Jack Blake and 7/27 RNO v COS 10:30pm
Andrew Brody. How new arrivals to the club’s attack 8/3 RGV v RNO 8:30pm

CONTACTS
like Douglas Martinez and Lionel Etoundi fit in with
their new teammates is going to be crucial for Real to 8/10 RNO v SA 10:30pm
remain among the West’s leading contenders. 8/16 PHX v RNO 10:30pm
8/31 RNO v POR 10:00pm
HEAD COACH Owner – Dell Loy Hansen General Manager – Dan Egner
[email protected]
(707) 344-5762
9/7
9/10
RNO
RNO
v
v
FRS
TAC
10:00pm
10:00pm
9/15 AUS v RNO 7:00pm
Head Coach - Martin Vasquez Director of Social Media 9/20 NM v RNO 9:30pm
[email protected] & Communications - Taran Meyer
626-422-9761” [email protected] 9/28 RNO v SLC 9:00pm
(801) 657-2161
10/5 RNO v ELP 9:00pm
Director of Operations – Justin Nelson, Director of Social Media – Derick Fox Noah Powder 10/12 LV v RNO 10:30pm
Defender
[email protected] [email protected]
(385) 434-3095 10/19 TUL v RNO 8:00pm

It seems strange to say about a 20-year-old, but Noah Powder


Matchday Communications
Derick Fox
seemed to get back into gear in the 2018 Championship season with
Orange County SC as he recorded three goals and two assists in 22
/RealMonarchs
appearances to help the side finish top of the Western Conference.
The Trinidad & Tobago youngster, who helped the New York Red
Bulls II win the 2016 USL Cup, parlayed his bright performances with @realmonarchs
Martin Vasquez OCSC into a move to the Monarchs, where his continued growth will
be monitored by both club and country.

@realmonarchs
58 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 59
250 Evans Ave.

RENO 1868 FC
Reno, NV 89501
www.reno1868fc.com
P: (775) 334-7001 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 ATL v HFD 7:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/15


3/23
ATL
CLT
V
V
LOU
ATL
7:30pm
7:00pm
A second consecutive trip to the USL Cup Playoffs and
a first victory in the postseason meant another strong
4/6 ATL V STL 7:30pm
year for Reno 1868 FC, which still matched its point 4/10 MEM V ATL 8:00pm
total from 2017 despite finishing two positions lower
in the Western Conference standings. 1868 FC’s 16-
4/13 ATL V NC 7:30pm
game undefeated streak, which righted the ship after a 4/24 ATL V TBR 7:30pm
winless four-game start to the season, put the team in
prime position as Head Coach Ian Russell again maxi-
4/28 OTT V ATL 2:00pm
mized his players’ strengths to earn success. 5/4 ATL V NSH 7:30pm
There will be changes at Greater Nevada Field this sea- 5/12 BST V ATL 6:00pm
son, though, as Antoine Hoppenot found a new home 5/19 SPR V ATL 5:00pm
with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. That may be the only ma-
jor absence that Russell has to deal with, however, as Brian Brown 5/25 CHS V ATL 7:30pm
the club returned leading scorer Brian Brown, key de-
fensive pieces in Zach Carroll and Brent Richards and
Forward 6/7 ATL V NY 7:30pm
two important midfielders in Seth Casiple and Lindo 6/15 ATL V PIT 7:30pm
Going into the 2018 Championship season, the biggest question for
Mfeka. That core, which will likely be supplemented by
Reno 1868 FC was who would replace Dane Kelly, who had been the 6/22 IND V ATL 7:00pm
San Jose Earthquakes goalkeepers Matt Bersano and JT
Marcinkowski for a second season, will place Reno in
previous year’s Golden Boot-winner and Most Valuable Player. Fel-
low Jamaican Brian Brown proved the answer as he posted 17 goals
6/28 LDN V ATL 7:30pm
good standing for another postseason trip. and four assists to lead 1868 FC back to the postseason for a second 7/5 ATL V CHS 7:30pm
consecutive year. Some of the names around Brown have changed,
What could push the side over the top to challenge most notably the departure of Antoine Hoppenot to the Tampa Bay 7/13 NY V ATL 5:00pm
for a Western Conference title are the newcomers that Rowdies, but the 26-year-old forward should be in a position again
to be part of the league’s Golden Boot conversation. 7/20 BHM V ATL 8:00pm
have come on board this offseason. Corey Hertzog will
be highly motivated to rebound from a down season 7/24 ATL V CLT 7:30pm
with Saint Louis FC as he closes in on 50 career Cham-
pionship goals, while Raul Mendiola’s arrival from Silver
7/27 NC V ATL 7:00pm
State rivals Las Vegas Lights FC gives Reno a playmak- 8/2 ATL V LDN 7:30pm
er that could fill Hoppenot’s shoes. As 1868 FC enters
Year 3, there’s little reason to expect a letdown from
8/11 LOU V ATL 3:00pm
Russell’s well-drilled squad.
CONTACTS 8/16
8/24
ATL
HFD
V
V
SPR
ATL
7:30pm
7:00pm
8/28 ATL V MEM 7:30pm
HEAD COACH Owner – Herb Simon President – Eric Edelstein
[email protected]
9/4
9/7
ATL
ATL
V
V
BHM
OTT
7:30pm
7:30pm
9/14 TBR V ATL 7:30pm
Head Coach - Ian Russell Chief Operations Officer 9/25 ATL V IND 7:30pm
Chris Holland
[email protected] 9/28 STL V ATL 8:30pm
775-334-7010
10/5 PIT V ATL 7:00pm
Team Operations Manager PR & Communications Manager Raul Mendiola 10/9 ATL V BST 7:30pm
Midfielder
Robert Ritchie Kiley Diesner
[email protected] [email protected] 10/19 NSH V ATL 8:00pm
775-334-7078 775-334-7070

A former Homegrown signing with the LA Galaxy, Mendiola made


Director of Operations – Brett Karleen
[email protected]
the move to Reno after starring for 1868 FC’s Silver State Cup rival
Las Vegas Lights FC a season ago. A USL Championship Western
/reno1868fc
Conference champion with the LA Galaxy II in 2015, Mendiola’s 10
goals and three assists were a bright spot for Las Vegas in its inaugu-
ral campaign, but it’s the playmaking ability the Los Angeles native @reno1868fc
Ian Russell brings that should have Reno fans excited for his arrival. Mendiola
has notched 22 assists in his Championship career and will have some
serious weapons in Brian Brown, Danny Musovski and Corey Hertzog
to work with this season. @reno1868fc
60 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 61
RIO GRANDE 1616 S Raul Longoria Rd

VALLEY FC
Edinburg, TX 78542
www.rgvfc.com
P: (956) 972-1144 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/8 TAC v RGV 10:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
RGV
ELP
v
v
FRS
RGV
8:30pm
9:30pm
It’s been a difficult two seasons for Rio Grande Valley
FC since the high of finishing second in the Western
3/29 TUL v RGV 8:00pm
Conference as an expansion side in 2016, but the club’s 4/6 RGV v NM 8:30pm
first year under Gerson Echeverry showed the side be-
come a tougher proposition – especially on home turf
4/13 RGV v OKC 8:30pm
at H-E-B Park – as the 2018 campaign progressed. The 4/20 RGV v LV 8:30pm
Toros lost only three times at home last season, but
their inability to string together wins ended up leaving
4/24 LA v RGV 10:30pm
the side in 13th place, well off the playoff pace. 4/30 POR v RGV 10:00pm
No team in the league played to a draw more often
5/10 PHX v RGV 10:30pm
than the Toros, whose 14 single-point outcomes tied 5/18 RGV v LA 8:30pm
the Championship’s regular-season record. In Echever-
ry’s second season in charge, turning more of those Conor Donovan 5/25 RGV v SA 8:30pm
results into victories – of which RGVFC had only eight
– is going to be the biggest key to making a second
Defender 6/1 OC v RGV 10:00pm
postseason trip. The player who might be the biggest 6/8 SLC v RGV 10:00pm
A former United States U-20 international, Conor Donovan’s experience earned
key in that regard is Panamanian forward Carlos Small, him a mid-season promotion to the Houston Dynamo’s squad in 2018, but the 6/15 RGV v COS 8:30pm
who averaged a goal every other game after arriving center back returns to the Toros for the 2019 season looking to be the center-
midseason on loan. The Toros other two leading scor- piece for a defense that conceded 42 goals in 34 regular-season contests a year 6/22 RGV v AUS 8:30pm
ago. That figure equaled the defensive units of both first-place Orange County
ers from a season ago are also back with Jesus En- SC and third-place Phoenix Rising FC, and if the Toros can make minor improve- 7/3 RNO v RGV 10:30pm
riquez and Aldo Quintanilla remaining under contract ments to their defensive record it could go a long way to securing a second trip
as they look to find more consistency in front of goal. to the USL Cup Playoffs at the end of the regular season. 7/6 RGV v TAC 8:30pm
7/13 RGV v PHX 8:30pm
There are two major departures the side will need to
account for, though, with defender Kai Greene (San 7/20 RGV v SAC 8:30pm
Antonio FC) and midfielder Todd Wharton (Portland 7/27 LV v RGV 10:30pm
Timbers 2) both moving on this offseason. The addition
of Jamaican Maalique Foster on loan from Costa Rican 8/3 RGV v RNO 8:30pm
powerhouse Alajualense could provide a nice boost to 8/10 COS v RGV 8:00pm

CONTACTS
the side, as youngsters like Wilmer Cabrera Jr. look to
come into their own. 8/17 SA v RGV 8:30pm
8/24 RGV v ELO 8:30pm
9/1 AUS v RGV 8:30pm
HEAD COACH CEO of Sports - Rene Borrego
[email protected]
956.279.6992
General Manager – Nick Kowba
[email protected] 
9/7
9/15
RGV
SAC
v
v
TUL
RGV
8:30pm
5:00pm
9/18 FRS v RGV 10:30pm
Head Coach – Gerson Echeverry Media Relations Manager 9/21 RGV v SLC 8:30pm
[email protected] Amairani Ramirez
[email protected] 9/28 RGV v OC 8:30pm
(956) 225-7028
10/5 NM v RGV 9:30pm
Digital Media Manager Carlos Small 10/13 OKC v RGV 7:00pm
Forward
Julie Vasquez
[email protected] 10/18 RGV v POR 8:30pm
(956) 984-9018

A Panamanian international, Carlos Small provided a nice boost to Rio


Grande Valley FC’s attack after arriving on loan from Arabe Unido last
July as he recorded five goals in 15 appearances for the side. Back with
/RGVFC
the Toros for a full season in 2019, Small will be maybe the biggest key to
RGVFC improving its attack after finishing tied for 29th in the league with
only 36 regular-season goals last year. Small averaged a goal every 182
minutes last season, the equivalent of a goal every other game. If he can
@RGVFC
Gerson Echeverry stay healthy throughout the campaign and maintain the same strike rate,
it would provide a major return for the Toros’ attack.
@rgvfc
62 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 63
SACRAMENTO 1050 20th St., Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95811

REPUBLIC FC KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE


www.sacrepublicfc.com
P: (916) 307-6100

Date Home Away Time (ET)


3/9 SAC v SLC 10:30pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/24
COS
SAC
v
v
SAC
OKC
8:00pm
5:00pm
The timing of Head Coach Simon Elliott’s appointment
at the start of preseason might have caught some by
4/1 TAC v SAC 10:00pm
surprise, but the former New Zealand international 4/6 SAC v AUS 10:30pm
quietly restored Sacramento Republic FC to the ranks
of the Western Conference’s elite in 2018. The club’s
4/13 POR v SAC 10:00pm
defense proved the best in the West and forward 4/27 SAC v PHX 10:30pm
Cameron Iwasa came to the fore in his return from a
season in Kansas City to lead the side into the top half
5/4 LV v SAC 10:30pm
of the conference. 5/8 FRS v SAC 10:30pm
Now the leading scorer in Republic FC’s history, Sac-
5/11 SAC v RNO 10:30pm
ramento native Iwasa earned All-League honors for his 5/18 ELP v SAC 9:30pm
strong season, and in 2019 he’s going to have added
help up front as the club looks to boost its attacking Josh Cohen 6/1 SAC v SA 11:00pm
potency. Among the newcomers are former USL Cup
champion Stefano Bonomo, who returns to northern
Goalkeeper 6/8 NM v SAC 9:30pm
California looking to replicate his collegiate exploits 6/22 SAC v TUL 11:00pm
Making the move to Sacramento Republic FC last offseason, Josh Cohen
at Cal-Berkeley, while Tyler Blackwood starts his sec- was one of the busiest goalkeepers in the USL Championship in 2018 as 6/29 RNO v SAC 10:30pm
ond stint with the club after a good campaign with the
Swope Park Rangers.
he finished second to only Tulsa Roughnecks FC’s Fabian Cerda with 120
saves as he appeared in every minute of the regular season for the side.
7/3 SAC v FRS 11:00pm
That shot-stopping ability helped keep Sacramento’s defense among
the best in the league as it conceded only 32 goals in 34 regular-season
7/13 SAC v POR 11:00pm
Republic FC also bolstered its defense with Israeli
veteran Dekel Keinan making the move from FC Cin-
contests, and saw Cohen earn Championship All-League Second Team 7/20 RGV v SAC 8:30pm
honors. Returning for his second season with the club, Cohen will be key
cinnati and Matt Mahoney from fellow playoff side in Sacramento’s bid for a second USL Cup. 7/24 SAC v NM 11:00pm
Bethlehem Steel FC. Mahoney’s Steel FC teammate
Drew Skundrich also made the move west to add to 7/27 OC v SAC 10:00pm
Sacramento’s midfield contingent. The continuity within 8/3 SA v SAC 8:30pm
Elliott’s squad from the 2018 season could be its big-
gest strength, however, with goalkeeper Josh Cohen, 8/7 SAC v LV 11:00pm
defenders Mitchell Taintor and Elliott Hord, midfielders 8/17 SAC v COS 11:00pm

CONTACTS
Villyan Bijev and Jaime Villarreal and Iwasa providing
a strong foundation for Sacramento’s run at a second 8/23 PHX v SAC 10:30pm
USL Cup. 8/31 LA v SAC 10:00pm
9/7 SAC v TAC 10:30pm
HEAD COACH Chairman & CEO – Kevin Nagle Executive Vice President – Joe Wagoner
[email protected]
9/11
9/15
AUS
SAC
v
v
SAC
RGV
8:30pm
5:00pm
President & Chief Operating Officer Head Coach – Simon Elliott 9/22 OC v SAC 7:00pm
Ben Gumpert
9/28 SAC v ELP 10:30pm
General Manager – Todd Dunivant Communications Manager
Omar Gonzalez 10/2 SAC v LA 10:30pm
[email protected]
10/5 TUL v SAC 8:00pm
Cameron Iwasa
(530) 601-6287
10/12 SAC v OC 10:30pm
Vice President of Operations – Brian May,
[email protected]
Content Specialist - Eira Castillo
[email protected] Midfielder 10/19 SLC v SAC 3:00pm
(916) 416-1125 916.540.8256
Sacramento Republic FC’s Cameron Iwasa had a career season

Vice President of Marketing


Allison Yee-Garcia
with 17 goals in 2018, but his Republic FC teammates were unable to
provide much support as the side finished with only 47 goals in the /sacrepublicfc
regular season. Enter offseason acquisition Stefano Bonomo, who
[email protected]
has scored 27 goals in 72 career appearances for the New York Red
Bulls II and Tampa Bay Rowdies and should help take some of the
weight of carrying Sacramento’s attack off Iwasa’s shoulders. Joined @SacRepublicFC
Simon Elliott by returning Republic FC striker Tyler Blackwood after his season
with the Swope Park Rangers, Bonomo should help liven up an attack
that posted the fewest goals of any side in the Western Conference
playoff field a season ago.
@SacRepublicFC
64 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 65
1 Soccer Park Road

SAINT LOUIS FC
Fenton, MO 63026
www.saintlouisfc.com
P: (636) 680-0999 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 STL v IND 2:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
NSH
STL
v
v
STL
TBR
8:00pm
2:00pm
It’s an odd year, 2019, so that means Saint Louis FC is
in the Eastern Conference again, but this year it enters
3/30 STL v CLT 2:00pm
having advanced to the USL Cup Playoffs for the first 4/6 ATL v STL 7:30pm
time in its history and seemingly on a positive up-
ward path to contention in its new surroundings. Led 4/13 STL v BHM 8:30pm
by Head Coach Anthony Pulis, STLFC was one of the 4/20 PIT v STL 7:00pm
tougher teams to beat in the Western Conference a
season ago, falling just nine times in the regular season 4/27 STL v SPR 8:30pm
as it clinched a playoff spot before the final game of 5/4 STL v OTT 8:30pm
the season.
5/11 CHS v STL 7:30pm
If Saint Louis is to take the next step and contend in 5/18 LOU v STL 7:00pm
the East this season, though, it will likely need to be-
come more prolific in front of goal. Only one team to Kyle Greig 6/1 STL v MEM 8:30pm
reach the postseason – Nashville SC – scored fewer
goals than STLFC’s 44 tallies, with Kyle Greig carrying
Forward 6/8 HFD v STL 7:00pm
the attack for much of the season as he neared 50 reg- 6/15 BST v STL 7:30pm
The Kansas native provided the boost that Saint Louis FC’s attack
ular-season goals for his career. The side has looked
had been looking for in previous seasons as Kyle Greig equaled his 6/22 STL v NC 8:30pm
to address that with another batch of newcomers
that includes former Colorado Rapids forward Caleb
career-high with 13 goals in 2018 to carry STLFC to its first trip to the
USL Cup Playoffs. Now three goals away from 50 regular-season
6/30 SPR v STL 5:00pm
Calvert and Tulsa Roughnecks FC attacking midfielder goals in the Championship for his career, Greig will be looking to 7/6 STL v LDN 8:30pm
Joaquin Rivas. Should youngster Albert Dikwa take an- record back-to-back seasons of double-digit goals for the first time
other step forward and Kadeem Dacres produce more as he continues to lead the line for Head Coach Anthony Pulis’ side 7/13 CLT v STL 7:00pm
on its return to the Eastern Conference.
consistently, Saint Louis could be far more dangerous 7/20 TBR v STL 7:30pm
in 2019.
7/27 STL v BTS 8:30pm
On the flipside, the side looks set to be as solid defen- 8/2 NY v STL 7:00pm
sively as it was a season ago with goalkeepers Tomas
Gomez and Jake Fenlason both returning behind a 8/10 STL v CHS 8:30pm
back line that was led effectively by Sam Fink and Sean 8/17 IND v STL 7:00pm
Reynolds. New arrivals Paris Gee and Bradley Kamdem
Fewo should be solid additions, as should defensive
midfielder Guy Abend as he joins Lewis Hilton in the
middle of the park.
CONTACTS 8/24
9/1
OTT
STL
v
v
STL
HFD
2:00pm
8:30pm
9/7 STL v NSH 8:30pm
HEAD COACH Owner — Jim Kavanaugh President — Patrick Barry
[email protected]
(636) 680-0997
9/13
9/18
BHM
STL
v
v
STL
NY
8:00pm
8:00pm
9/21 MEM v STL 8:00pm
General Manager — Jeremy Alumbaugh Head Coach — Anthony Pulis 9/28 STL v ATL 8:30pm
[email protected] [email protected]
(636) 680-0997 (636) 680-0997 10/5 STL v LOU 8:30pm
10/8 LDN v STL 7:30pm
Communications Manager — Tyler Tetzlaff Marketing & Graphic Design — Nick Dawes Caleb Calvert 10/12 STL v PIT 8:30pm
Forward
[email protected]  [email protected]
(574) 344-0366 (317) 345-3632 10/19 NC v STL 7:00pm

The promise shown by Caleb Calvert while on loan with the Char-
Videography & Media Relations
John Venneman
lotte Independence in the 2016 Championship season saw him land
on the inaugural edition of the Championship 20 Under 20 list, but
/STLFC1
[email protected]  since then the former Chivas USA Homegrown signing hasn’t yet tak-
(314) 440-4836 en the next step in his career. The 22-year-old arrives at Saint Louis
FC looking to change that after scoring one goal and adding two @saintlouisfc
Anthony Pulis assists in 18 appearances on loan with the Independence last season.
If he can, it would add a second key scorer to Greig for STLFC’s front
line and put the side in line for a second consecutive postseason
berth. @saintlouisfc
66 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 67
5106 David Edwards Drive

SAN ANTONIO FC
San Antonio, TX 78233
www.sanantoniofc.com
P: (210) 444-5657 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 SA v PHX 8:30pm
TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16
3/23
SA
COS
v
v
POR
SA
8:30pm
8:00pm
After standing as the best defensive side in the league
in 2017, San Antonio FC slid back to the middle of the 3/30 AUS v SA 10:30pm
pack a season ago in a year that saw a rollercoaster
ride end with the side sitting on the wrong side of the
4/6 SA v LV 8:30pm
postseason line. San Antonio put together winning 4/13 SA v LA 8:30pm
streaks of four and three games in the second half of
the season as it pushed to reach the USL Cup Playoffs 4/20 SLC v SA 7:00pm
for a second consecutive year, but followed each with
a losing streak to match that put paid to the club’s
4/26 SA v TAC 8:30pm
postseason aspirations. 5/5 NM v SA 7:00pm
That inconsistency resulted in a major turnover of 5/11 SA v OC 8:30pm
SAFC’s squad this offseason, with only six players that
ended the 2018 campaign back with the side this year. Amer Didic 5/18 SA v TUL 8:30pm
Among those is attacking midfielder Lance Laing, who Defender 5/25 RGV v SA 8:30pm
joined the club on a permanent deal after impressing
on loan from FC Cincinnati last year, while goalkeeper
6/1 SAC v SA 11:00pm
A 2016 Championship All-League First Team selection for the Swope Park
Matt Cardone and midfielders Pecka and Rafa Castillo Rangers in the club’s inaugural season, Amer Didic arrives in San Antonio 6/8 SA v RNO 8:30pm
also returned to the club after signing new contracts. as an experienced defensive piece that will be charged with improving
the club’s defensive record from a season ago. The Canadian U-23 inter- 6/15 OKC v SA 9:00pm
national couldn’t quite find a breakthrough into Sporting Kansas City’s
Cardone will have a retooled defensive line in front of
him this year, with former All-League selection Amer lineup after signing an MLS deal with the club after his standout displays 6/21 FRS v SA 10:30pm
Didic (Sporting Kansas City) and fellow defenders
for the Rangers. But the experience Didic brings from two Western
Conference championships with Swope Park will bring a lot to SAFC’s 6/26 SA v ELP 8:30pm
Joshua Yaro (Philadelphia Union) and Kai Greene (Rio
Grande Valley FC) heading to the Alamo City. Other
overhauled squad, as will his ability to distribute out of the back as well
as win possession defensively. 7/3 SA v AUS 8:30pm
newcomers include midfielders Michael Lahoud (FC
Cincinnati) and Jack Barmby (Portland Timbers), while
7/17 ELP v SA 9:00pm
Bradford Jamieson IV arrives on loan from the LA Gal- 7/20 OC v SA 10:00pm
axy. The cherry on top is the return of Billy Forbes after
a season with Phoenix Rising FC, with the San Antonio 7/27 SA v SLC 8:30pm
8/3 SA v SAC 8:30pm
CONTACTS
icon aiming to repeat his previous successes at Toyota
Field.
8/10 RNO v SA 10:30pm
8/17 SA v RGV 8:30pm
HEAD COACH Chairman & CEO – Julianna Hawn Holt Managing Director – Tim Holt
[email protected]
(210) 552-7808
8/24
8/30
SA
TAC
v
v
NM
SA
8:30pm
10:00pm
9/7 PHX v SA 10:30pm
Head Coach – Darren Powell Communications Manager – Preston Petri
[email protected]
9/14 SA v OKC 8:30pm
(210) 444-5738
9/20 LA v SA 10:00pm
9/25 TUL v SA 8:00pm
Communications Coordinator – Luis Leyva Operations Manager – Jose Lizardo Lance Laing 9/28 SA v FRS 8:30pm
Midfielder
[email protected] [email protected]
(830) 370-4369 (210) 444-5195
10/5 LV v SA 10:30pm
Struggling for minutes with FC Cincinnati a season ago, Lance Laing
found a new lease on life after arriving on loan with San Antonio FC
midway through the 2018 campaign as he recorded five goals and six
/SAFCUSL
assists to end the season. Now signed to a permanent deal, the Jamaican
winger will have a chance to add to those numbers and contribute to a
resurgence for San Antonio after it missed out on the postseason a year
ago. Joined by SAFC returnee Billy Forbes and new loan arrival Brad-
@SanAntonioFC
Darren Powell ford Jamieson IV, Laing could be a serious contributor to an attack that
should be far more explosive than a season ago.
@SanAntonioFC
68 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 69
SWOPE PARK 2020 Baltimore Ave.

RANGERS
Kansas City, MO 64108
www.sportingkc.com/rangers
P: (913) 387-3400 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 NY v SPR 1:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/23


4/6
SPR
SPR
v
v
PIT
BST
5:00pm
5:00pm
The Swope Park Rangers couldn’t pull off a third con-
secutive Western Conference championship in 2018
4/15 SPR v IND 8:00pm
as its postseason run ended at the hands of Phoe- 4/20 BHM v SPR 5:00pm
nix Rising FC in the conference semifinals, but Paulo
Nagamura’s first season in charge of the season was
4/27 STL v SPR 8:30pm
another positive one overall. The big question facing 5/6 SPR v LOU 8:00pm
the Rangers now as they move to the Eastern Con-
ference is how they will cope with the loss of a trio of
5/11 NSH v SPR 8:00pm
key attacking pieces in the face of some seriously stiff 5/19 SPR v ATL 5:00pm
opposition.
5/22 SPR v MEM 8:00pm
Hadji Barry, Tyler Blackwood and Kharlton Belmar 5/25 TBR v SPR 730pm
accounted for 37 goals a season ago, but all three are
now elsewhere, with Blackwood returning to Sacra- Felipe Hernandez 6/5 SPR v LDN 8:00pm
mento Republic FC, Belmar joining Nashville SC and
Badji heading overseas. The club’s top scorer after that
Midfielder 6/8 SPR v CTL 5:00pm
trio was standout young midfielder Wan Kuzain with 6/15 NC v SPR 7:00pm
One of four Swope Park Rangers selected to the 2018 Championship 20
four tallies, meaning players like Wilson Harris and Under 20, Felipe Hernandez has become one of the central cogs in the 6/22 CHS v SPR 7:30pm
new arrival Killian Colombie could be under pressure
to perform from the off if Swope Park is to maintain its
Rangers’ success over the past two seasons. After making 61 appear-
ances during that span, Hernandez will likely be looked upon for more
6/30 SPR v STL 5:00pm
perfect record of reaching the postseason. leadership this season after a number of veteran departures for the club.
But the 20-year-old will have his own motivation for success this year
7/7 SPR v TBR 5:00pm
While those concerns are real, the depth of Sporting
after seeing his Swope Park midfield colleague Wan Kuzain move to 7/17 SPR v HFD 8:00pm
the Sporting Kansas City roster. Another positive season for Hernandez
Kansas City’s squad should again provide plenty of could result in a similar move sooner rather than later. 7/20 OTT v SPR 7:00pm
talent to the Rangers over the course of the season.
There are also reliable returnees in both the defensive 7/27 SPR v CHS 8:00pm
and midfield corps with defender Justin Bilyeu signing 8/3 SPR v NSH 8:00pm
a new contract and midfielders Felipe Hernandez – a
2018 USL Championship 20 Under 20 selection – and 8/10 PIT v SPR 7:00pm
Will Little both back for 2019. Nagamura’s side will 8/16 ATL v SPR 7:30pm

CONTACTS
likely be challenged strongly this year, but it would
be unwise to underestimate what the Rangers will be 8/24 SPR v NY 8:00pm
capable of. 9/1 BST v SPR 7:00pm
9/7 MEM v SPR 8:00pm
HEAD COACH President – Jake Reid
[email protected]
(913) 951-3552
Manager – Peter Vermes
[email protected]
(913) 387-3826
9/14
9/21
SPR
CLT
v
v
NC
SPR
5:00pm
7:00pm
9/25 LDN v SPR 7:30pm
Head Coach – Paulo Nagamura Chief Communications Officer 9/30 SPR v BHM 8:00pm
[email protected] Rob Thomson,
(310) 614-7843 [email protected] 10/5 HFD v SPR 7:00pm
(913) 387-3405
10/8 SPR v OTT 8:00pm
Director of Operations – Dan Lolli Communications & Digital Lead Wilson Harris 10/12 LOU v SPR 7:00pm
Forward
[email protected] Patrik Bergabo
(913) 912-7502 [email protected] 10/19 IND v SPR 7:00pm
(203) 300-9927

One of the Sporting Kansas City’s Academy standouts in the past, Wilson
Harris should command a far bigger spotlight this season after recording
three goals in 15 appearances in the 2018 campaign. With the experi-
/SwopeParkRangers
enced trio of Kharlton Belmar, Tyler Blackwood and SPR leading scorer
Hadji Barry all having moved on this offseason, Harris is likely going to
have to perform if Swope Park is to keep its streak of reaching the post-
season intact. If this preseason is any indication, the 19-year-old could
@swoperangers
Paulo Nagamura be bound for a breakout season in the Championship after featuring
regularly on the scoresheet for the side over the past month.
@swoperangers
70 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 71
2502 S. Tyler St. 

TACOMA DEFIANCE
Tacoma, WA 98405
www.tacdefiance.com
P: (253) 752-7707 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/8 TAC v RGV 10:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
TAC
TUL
v
v
LA
TAC
10:00pm
4:00pm
It’s unquestionable that Year 1 at Cheney Stadium in
Tacoma was a clear success for the club off the field
3/29 TAC v NM 10:00pm
as attendance rose more than 200 percent to average 4/1 TAC v SAC 10:00pm
more than 3,300 fans per game in 2018. Now rebrand-
ed as the Tacoma Defiance, the hope is the team’s
4/10 OC v TAC 10:00pm
performance on the field will match the improved en- 4/13 LV v TAC 10:30pm
vironment in the stands. The goal will be to make a run
at a first postseason berth since its inaugural season in
4/20 PHX v TAC 10:30pm
2015 after finishing second-from-bottom in the West- 4/26 SA v TAC 8:30pm
ern Conference last fall.
5/4 OKC v TAC 8:30pm
Tasked with leading that improvement is new Head 5/12 TAC v POR 4:30pm
Coach Chris Little, who brings with him a record of
success in the Seattle Sounders FC Academy to his Sam Rogers 5/18 TAC v RNO 10:00pm
new position. The Sounders FC U-17s claimed the U.S.
Soccer Development Academy national championship
Defender 5/26 TAC v FRS 4:30pm
last year as Little was named the USSDA U-17 Coach of 5/29 LA v TAC 10:30pm
Twice selected for the Championship 20 Under 20 in the past two
the Year for the Western Conference. With numerous years, Rogers has a big year ahead for both the Defiance and po- 6/1 TAC v ELP 10:00pm
Sounders Academy graduates within the Defiance’s
squad, the expertise Little brings should help raise the
tentially the United States U-20 National Team after helping the side
claim the Concacaf U-20 Championship this past November to qual-
6/8 COS v TAC 8:00pm
club’s six-win total of a season ago. ify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. A regular for the Defiance over the 6/12 TAC v SLC 10:00pm
past two seasons, Rogers has become a highly-regarded center back
The experience gained by the club’s young players within the Seattle Sounders FC organization. Another good year in 6/15 AUS v TAC 8:30pm
Tacoma could lead to bigger things ahead for the 6-foot-3 Washing-
should also help push the side forward this year as
ton native. 7/6 RGV v TAC 8:30pm
well, with U.S. U-20 international Sam Rogers and
fellow 2018 USL Championship 20 Under 20 selection 7/12 SLC v TAC 10:00pm
Denso Ulysse among those returning to the squad. But 7/24 TAC v LV 10:00pm
the biggest spotlight of all may fall on Danny Leyva,
with the 15-year-old drawing strong reviews in Sound- 7/27 TAC v OKC 10:00pm
ers preseason after making his professional debut late 8/9 TAC v OC 10:00pm

CONTACTS
last year in Tacoma. A U.S. U-17 international, Leyva
could be on the fast-track to the top if he can perform 8/17 ELP v TAC 9:30pm
at a high level for the Defiance this year. 8/27 TAC v PHX 10:00pm
8/30 TAC v SAC 10:00pm
HEAD COACH General Manager & President of Soccer
Garth Lagerwey
VP of Soccer & Sporting Director
Chris Henderson
9/7
9/10
SAC
RNO
v
v
TAC
TAC
10:30pm
10:00pm
9/20 POR v TAC 10:30pm
Head Coach – Chris Little VP of Business Development 9/28 TAC v TUL 10:00pm
Nick Cherniske
[email protected] 10/5 FRS v TAC 10:30pm
505.603.8052
10/12 TAC v COS 10:00pm
VP of Marketing Senior Coordinator of Communications Nick Hinds 10/16 NM v TAC 9:00pm
Defender
Megan Mead Brian Verdi
[email protected] [email protected] 10/19 TAC v AUS 10:00pm
253.761.5620 516.359.2610

Having previously appeared for the Defiance as an Academy signing


Director of Player Development
Marc Nicholls
Stadium Operations Manager
Isaiah Dowdell
before heading to the University of Akron in 2016, Hinds joined the
professional ranks in Tacoma last season and showed flashes of the
/TACdefiance
[email protected] potential he has with a goal and two assists in 26 appearances for the
808.225.3378 side. A former U.S. U-20 international, Hinds is going to be key along-
side Rogers for a young Defiance squad that conceded 71 goals a @TacDefiance
Chris Little season ago – sixth-most in the league – as it looks to buckle down at
the back and push its way back up the Western Conference this year.

@TacDefiance
72 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 73
150 2nd Ave. North, Suite 1600

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES


St. Petersburg, FL 33701
www.rowdiessoccer.com
P: (727) 222-2000 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 MEM v TBR 7:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/23
TBR
STL
v
v
PIT
TBR
7:30pm
2:00pm
Given the excitement and expectation that surrounded the
club’s preseason, it’s arguable there was no team that fell
3/30 TBR v LDN 7:30pm
flatter than the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2018. After reach- 4/6 TBR v HFD 7:30pm
ing the Eastern Conference Semifinals in its first year in
the league, the Rowdies entered the new campaign with 4/13 TBR v LOU 7:30pm
additional new recruits and the belief that they would be
among the leading candidates to lift the USL Cup. Instead,
4/24 ATL v TBR 7:30pm
the side faltered to a 12th-place finish and was eliminated 4/27 TBR v CTL 7:30pm
from postseason contention before the final weekend of
the regular season. 5/1 IND v TBR 7:00pm
Tampa Bay’s struggles resulted in a coaching change mid-
5/8 NSH v TBR 8:00pm
way through the campaign and after being appointed as 5/18 TBR v NY 7:30pm
the club’s new Head Coach, former Rowdies center back
Neill Collins will lead the side into his first full season in John McCarthy 5/25 TBR v SPR 7:30pm
charge. The offseason brought more change, with Major
League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays acquiring the club from
Goalkeeper 6/1 BHM v TBR 8:00pm
local businessman Bill Edwards to become the latest major 6/8 TBR v NC 7:30pm
league ownership group to purchase a USL Championship After four seasons with the Philadelphia Union, John McCarthy elected to
club. Former England international Joe Cole announced his move on with the goal of becoming the full-time starter elsewhere. He’ll get 6/15 TBR v CHS 7:30pm
that opportunity with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, which went through three dif-
retirement, setting off another roster overhaul for the side
ferent starting goalkeepers a season ago but now potentially have the con- 6/22 BST v TBR 7:00pm
that has brought in 16 new players in search of a bounce-
back season at Al Lang Stadium.
sistent shot-stopper they had when they reached the postseason two years
ago. McCarthy certainly has the pedigree to be among the top goalkeepers 6/29 TBR v OTT 7:30pm
Among the new faces in Tampa Bay are goalkeeper John
in the Championship, as he claimed the 2014 Championship Goalkeeper and
Rookie of the Year awards while with the Rochester Rhinos to earn his move 7/7 SPR v TBR 5:00pm
McCarthy, who claimed the Championship’s Rookie and to the Union. After the disappointment of missing the playoffs a season ago,
McCarthy and his fellow new arrivals will look to lead the turnaround of a
7/13 PIT v TBR 7:00pm
Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2014 before spending the
past four seasons with the Philadelphia Union. Also joining
side with big aspirations.
7/20 TBR v STL 7:30pm
the club are attacking midfielders Antoine Hoppenot (Reno
1868 FC), Zach Steinberger (Indy Eleven) and Andrew
7/26 NY v TBR 7:00pm
Tinari (New York Red Bulls II), who proved among the best 8/3 CHS v TBR 7:30pm
chance creators in the league last season, and forward
Brandon Allen (Nashville SC). With Leo Fernandes, Sebas- 8/10 TBR v BHM 7:30pm

CONTACTS 8/21 NC v TBR 7:00pm


tian Guenzatti and Kwadwo Poku returning to the side, the
Rowdies on paper look to be contenders again, but there
won’t be anything taken for granted this time around. 8/24 TBR v MEM 7:30pm
8/31 TBR v NSH 8:30pm
HEAD COACH Chief Operating Officer – Lee Cohen
[email protected]
Head Coach – Neill Collins
9/7
9/14
CLT
TBR
v
v
TBR
ATL
7:00pm
7:30pm
9/18 OTT v TBR 7:00pm
Director of Soccer Operations Communications Coordinator 9/21 TBR v BST 7:30pm
Nico Castillo Mike Manganello
[email protected] [email protected] 9/28 LOU v TBR 7:00pm
(813) 527-1376 (561) 632-1673
10/4 LDN v TBR 7:30pm
Director of Grounds Kwadwo Poku 10/12 TBR v IND 7:30pm
Midfielder
Jeff Parkinson
[email protected] 10/19 HFD v TBR 7:00pm
(727) 808-5931

/TampaBayRowdies
One of the midseason additions brought in by the Tampa Bay Rowdies to try
and turn their season around last June, Kwadwo Poku had some bright mo-
ments, but not enough to lead a second-half charge to the postseason at Al
Lang Stadium. Now set for his first full year with the Rowdies, a strong season
from the former New York City FC cult figure will be essential if Tampa Bay is
to put the disappointment of 2018 behind it. Having just turned 27 years old,
Poku is still in his prime and is still capable of producing big performances
@TampaBayRowdies
Neill Collins on a consistent basis. If he manages that this season, the Rowdies will make a
significant surge back up the Eastern Conference standings.

@TampaBayRowdies
74 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 75
TULSA 201 N. Elgin Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74120

ROUGHNECKS FC
www.roughnecksfc.com
(918) 744-5998 KEY PLAYERS 2019 SCHEDULE
Date Home Away Time (ET)
3/9 TUL v POR 8:00pm

TEAM OUTLOOK 3/16


3/20
OC
NM
v
v
TUL
TUL
10:00pm
9:00pm
After the euphoria of the club’s first trip to the USL Cup
Playoffs in 2017, last year provided a hangover that Tul-
3/23 TUL v TAC 4:00pm
sa Roughnecks FC simply couldn’t shake as it finished 3/29 TUL v RGV 8:00pm
with the fewest points in the league. A 15-game winless
streak to start the season saw the side move on from
4/6 LA v TUL 10:00pm
Head Coach David Vaudreuil and introduce Michael 4/13 FRS v TUL 10:30pm
Nsien as its interim manager, but despite a standout
year from Joaquin Rivas with 12 goals there was little to
4/24 TUL v COS 8:00pm
celebrate for the Roughnecks in 2018. 4/27 TUL v OC 8:00pm
Nsien is back to lead the side this season after being
5/4 RNO v TUL 10:00pm
appointed as the third Head Coach in the club’s mod- 5/18 SA v TUL 8:30pm
ern history. Tulsa also has new leadership in the front
office with local businessman Barry Williams joining the Cyprian Hedrick 5/25 LV v TUL 10:30pm
ownership group and becoming club President. While
the club was unable to retain the services of Rivas,
Defender 6/1 TUL v AUS 8:00pm
who made the move to Saint Louis FC this offseason, 6/7 PHX v TUL 10:30pm
Finishing with the worst record and most goals conceded in the West-
the Roughnecks have been aggressive in looking to ern Conference a season ago, Tulsa Roughnecks FC fans knew plenty of 6/15 TUL v ELP 8:30pm
rebound from a very disappointing season. changes were coming this offseason. While the club’s new ownership is
going to be a big factor for the side moving forward, the Roughnecks
6/22 SAC v TUL 11:00pm
Among those new arrivals are defender Cyprian are also hoping the retooled squad that includes Championship veter-
ans like Cyprian Hedrick will also help the side be far more competitive
6/29 TUL v SLC 8:30pm
Hedrick (San Antonio FC) and AJ Ajeakwa (Colorado
Springs Switchbacks FC), both of whom bring exten-
on the field in 2019. Hedrick has made 133 regular-season appearances 7/6 POR v TUL 10:30pm
in the Championship, putting him in the Top 30 all-time, and that expe-
sive Championship experience. Nsien has also brought rience is going to help try and pull the club’s back line together for the 7/13 COS v TUL 8:00pm
in Canadian defender Mallan Roberts (Richmond Kick- new season.
ers) and another former Switchback in Tobenna Uzo, 7/24 TUL v LA 8:30pm
who shone for USL League Two’s Myrtle Beach Mutiny 7/27 TUL v PHX 8:30pm
two seasons ago before joining the professional ranks.
It’s going to be a steep hill to climb for Nsien and his 8/3 OC v TUL 9:00pm
squad, but anything positive to come of this year will 8/10 SLC v TUL 10:00pm

CONTACTS
be big simply to put 2018 in the rear-view mirror.
8/17 AUS v TUL 8:30pm
8/28 TUL v LV 8:30pm
8/31 TUL v FRS 8:30pm
HEAD COACH President - Barry Williams General Manager - Wayne Farmer
[email protected]
(918) 297-6808
9/4
9/7
ELP
RGV
v
v
TUL
TUL
9:00pm
8:30pm
9/21 TUL v OC 8:00pm
VP of Team Operations - Jim Tindell VP of Revenue & Partnership - Nick Salis 9/25 TUL v SA 8:00pm
[email protected] [email protected]
(918) 297-6808 (918) 297-6808 9/28 TAC v TUL 10:00pm
10/5 TUL v SAC 8:00pm
Director of Marketing - Rick Clemons PR Social Media Coordinator AJ Ajeakwa 10/12 TUL v NM 8:00pm
Forward
[email protected] Shelbee Stilwell
(918) 297-6808 [email protected] 10/19 TUL v RNO 8:00pm

If the defense wasn’t good, the Roughnecks’ attack wasn’t much better
Stadium Manager - Marshall Schellhardt
[email protected]
as it recorded only 36 goals in 34 regular-season contests in 2018. To try
and help turn that around, the Roughnecks went out and added former
/RoughnecksFC
(918) 297-6808 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC forward AJ Ajeakwa, whose speed
should help Tulsa stretch defenses more than in the past season. Ajeak-
wa’s record in front of goal hasn’t always been stellar – he finished with
four goals and one assist in 30 appearances for the Switchbacks a sea-
@roughnecksfc
Michael Nsien son ago – but he could help provide a spark for his attacking colleagues
in Head Coach Michael Nsien’s new-look squad.
@roughnecksfc
76 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 77
USL EXECUTIVE STAFF

USL EXECUTIVE STAFF


Alec Papadakis
USL Chief Executive Officer Edwards joined the USL as the league’s Vice President in 2013. The Manchester
Papadakis has served as the USL’s top executive since 2009, and he is the CEO native is a former professional soccer player whose career spanned 11 years,
and Managing Partner of NuRock Soccer Holdings. Papadakis is a franchise mostly for England-based clubs as well as with the Charleston Battery, signing
attorney with four decades’ worth of domestic and international experience. with the USL side in July of 2002.

A former player for the Atlanta Chiefs and Boston Minutemen, Papadakis had a Edwards played collegiately for James Madison in Virginia. After completing his
long, successful career in the U.S. at both the professional and collegiate level. MBA from Warwick Business School in 2009, while also serving as commercial
He helped Atlanta to a 1971 regular-season championship and Boston to a 1974 manager for Solihull Moors Football Club, Edwards was hired by Octagon, the
regular-season crown. Papadakis was a three-time, First Team All-American at global sports sponsorship agency. Based in Octagon’s London office, Edwards
Hartwick College (New York) and he also attended Ibero-American University served as a business strategy consultant in the company’s rights holder side of
in Mexico City before receiving his law degree at the University of Akron in the business.
1976.
Justin Papadakis
Papadakis’ legal focus has been U.S. and European franchise transactions. He USL Chief Operating Officer
also has practiced in the area of commercial real estate, acquisitions, devel- Papadakis was named the USL President of Commercial Ventures in Decem-
opment, financing and leasing. He was the founder and first president of the ber of 2014 and in May of 2016 began his role as the league’s Chief Operating
Hellenic Franchise Association and holds affiliations with the Board of Advisors Officer.
of International Quarterly, the International Franchise Association, the State Bar
of Georgia, the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and the Board of A former goalkeeper, Papadakis represented Duke from 2004-07, with one of
Directors for the Hellenic American Institute in Washington, D.C. his biggest highlights being a two-save effort during a penalty shootout to lift
the Blue Devils past North Carolina to win the 2005 ACC Championship. The
Jake Edwards Roswell, Ga., native also had a strong youth career in the greater Atlanta re-
USL President gion as well as abroad with Benfica FC in Portugal during his high school years.
Edwards has served as USL President since March 2, 2015, when he succeed-
ed Tim Holt in this position. Edwards has played an integral role toward the Papadakis earned his juris doctorate in real state after attending the Cleve-
league’s long-term strategic plan, Destination 2020, which focuses on the USL’s land-Marshall College of Law from 2011-15.
expansion, the launch of media and commercial properties, partnership with
Major League Soccer and the important step for all USL teams to be situated
in soccer-specific stadiums. Edwards oversees the 40-plus staff at the league’s
headquarters in Tampa, Fla., and the daily servicing of its 30-plus clubs.

Robert Hoskins, Chairman Matthew Fischer, Broadcast Coordinator


Alec Papadakis, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Pikus, Director, Finance
Jake Edwards, President Dominic Colarusso, Associate, Business Development
Justin Papadakis, Chief Operating Officer Shannon Amely, Associate, Club Services
Court Jeske, Executive Vice President Nicholas Murray, Associate Director, Communications
Karen Gittens, Chief Financial Officer Scott Stewart, Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations
@selectsportamerica @selectsportamerica @select_america Garrison Mason, Vice President, General Counsel
Lauren T. Mehta, Associate General Counsel
Sarah Cardamone, Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Matthew Reed, Coordinator, Communications & Social Media
Brett Luy, Senior Vice President, League Operations John Arlia, National Writer
Since 1947 SELECT has been one of the world’s leading manufactures of Dan Lohrs, Director, USL Championship Operations
Justen Braddock, Director, USL Championship Operations
Kelsi Steele, Senior Manager, Social Media
A.J. Coleman, Manager, Social Media
professional match balls. From the creation of the first laceless ball to the Steven Short, Senior Vice President, USL League One
Casey Mills, Director, USL League One Operations
Nina Cusmano, Coordinator, Social Media
Tania Kerr, Administrative Director
modern 32 panel design SELECT is dedicated to quality and committed to Lizzie Seedhouse, Senior Vice President, Digital & Content
Bradley D. Baker, Vice President, Broadcasting
William Gillette, Manager, Finance & Accounting
Brittany Stolzenberg, Manager, Events
innovation. The legendary Brillant Super is the product of SELECT’s commitment Ryan Madden, Vice President, Communications & Public Relations Jaime Austin, Graphic Artist
John Cochol, Vice President, Club Services Sonjai Persaud, Graphic Artist
and dedication. Currently used as the official match ball in the top leagues of Josh Keller, Vice President, Business Development Angela Zanaglio, Graphic Artist
Kelly Dohre, Director, Business Development Augustus Rachels, Video Editor & Motion Graphic Designer
Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Germany. Matt Reda, Director, Business Development JB Allen, Jr. Video Editor
Rachel Bukszar, Director, People Clay Benjamin, Coordinator, Digital Assets
Matthew Calvo, Director, Creative Services Adam Satz, Manager, Digital Network
Vincent Wiskowski, Director, Digital Projects and Emerging Technology Mark Hite, Coordinator, Digital Network
2019 begins the second year of SELECT as the Official Ball Supplier of the USL. Nick Papadakis, Director, Merchandising Wesley Roesch, Coordinator, Digital Network

With the new season comes a new ball which showcases the branding specific to Michael Cohen, Media Consultant

the USL Championship.

The Official Ball Supplier of the USL Championship


www.select-sport.com/us ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 79
RULES & REGULATIONS

RULES & REGULATIONS


DISCIPLINARY REGULATIONS Communication: There is to be no direct or indirect communication whether written, verbal, cellular or electronic to any other coach, player or staff member on
the team bench.
Disciplinary Powers Stadium Seating: The suspended personnel must sit in the press box or in some location other than in the stands. The suspended person is not permitted to sit in
The USL shall have the authority to suspend, fine or disqualify players, team officials or competing clubs for violating league rules, or for any action or conduct the stands as a “spectator.” If it is not possible to sit in the press box, then they are prohibited from attending the match.
not in the best interest of soccer or the USL. The USL hands down any final decision on a breach of rules. Locker Room Access: The coach/staff member is not allowed to be in the locker room at any time during halftime.

The USL Disciplinary Commitee Post-Game


The USL Disciplinary Committee is charged with the responsibility to enforce the playing rules and allow for a competitive, but fair, environment for all teams to The coach/staff member may join their team in the locker room, but not on the field of play or its surrounding areas.
compete against each other. A panel of at least three USL staff members, consisting of the League Director, Operations Director and Referee Services Coordina-
tor, shall conduct the review of critical disciplinary issues. An alternate League Director may be utilized in the event any of the three members above are unable Extending a Suspension
to participate. In any case, the USL reserves the right to impose suspensions beyond any of these parameters for offenses deemed to be particularly violent and against the
spirit of the game. This can be imposed regardless of whether a send-off occurred.
Disciplinary Process
USL disciplinary issues (including all send-offs) reported by the Referee shall be reviewed by the USL Disciplinary Commitee via match videos, official reports, League Disciplinary Point System
individual accounts and other pertinent information. Depending on the timeliness of the reports and match videos, the Commitee will make every effort to rule The USL has the authority to discipline players, coaches, and/or team personnel based upon the USL disciplinary regulations in accordance with FIFA and the
on all cases from the preceding week and issue these rulings by Monday of each week. respective National Federation.

Every disciplinary incident shall be reviewed to ensure that players are not over-penalized, either by the number of matches served or fines. The USL has the Penalty Points
authority and reserves the right to levy additional suspensions or fines (above the minimum for that type of infraction), if a review of the incident warrants such All cautions/yellow cards will account for one point and send-offs/red cards will account for two points. Any player receiving two cautions in one match, which
action. results in a send-off, will receive one point for the first caution and one point for the resulting send-off for a total of two points. Any player receiving one caution
and one red card in a match, which results in a send-off, will receive one point for the caution and two points for the send-off for a total of three points. Send-
The USL Disciplinary Commitee may act in contravention of a referee’s ruling on the field when a play, or the consequences of a play, are of an egregious or ex- offs/red card suspensions must be served the following game in which the team participates.
ceptional nature. The USL Disciplinary Committee is the body that deems whether or not an incident undergoes a formal review by the Independent Disciplinary
Panel. Player Caution Accumulation
Players exceeding the caution accumulation penalty point plateau(s) will begin serving their suspension in their next match. If a player receives two cautions in
Independent Disciplinary Panel one match, these cautions will not count toward a player’s caution accumulation total. The USL also reserves the right to reevaluate player accumulation plateaus
The Independent Disciplinary Panel is comprised of three outside members, consisting of a former professional coach, a former professional referee and a for player eligibility rulings, including playoffs, with the reserved power to postpone suspensions to the following season.
former professional player. This panel is charged with the responsibility of reviewing any disciplinary matters deemed worthy of increased disciplinary measures
(i.e. escalating a yellow card to a red card). Any disciplinary decisions rendered by the Independent Disciplinary Panel will be final and cannot be appealed. A Players accumulating the following number of caution/yellow cards throughout the season will be sanctioned as follows:
unanimous decision must be reached in order for any discipline to be escalated by the panel. Five cautions: one-game suspension and $200 fine
Eight total cautions: one-game suspension and $300 fine
Disparaging Comments 11 total cautions: two-game suspension and $400 fine
Players, coaches and team officials may not disparage referees, referee decisions, league disciplinary decisions or the league in team press releases, press con- 14 total cautions: three-game suspension and $500 fine
ferences or in quotes provided to the media which includes social media platforms. Fines will be levied accordingly based on the nature, severity and context of
the comments made. Suspensions could also be levied for very serious comments. Caution accumulation suspensions can only affect regular-season games. For those players who reach a caution accumulation suspension at the end of the sea-
son that suspension will not be implemented in any potential playoff games that season. Accumulations will be wiped clean at the end of the season. If a player
Serving Suspensions During the Regular Season exceeds 14 cautions in a season, the league reserves the right to fine and suspend the player at its discretion.
Any player and/or coach sent off/dismissed during a regular-season game will be fined (min. $100 for player and min. $500 for coaches) and will be suspended
from the next league regular-season game. A person who serves as both player and coach may not return as a player or a coach until the suspension has been Good Behavior Incentive
served. The USL Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to assess further or limited penalties depending on the severity of the incident. A player will automatically reduce his yellow card accumulation total by one yellow card each time he appears in five consecutive league games without a card
or supplemental discipline. For clarity, a player cannot have a negative yellow card accumulation total; the Good Behavior Incentive reset can only reset to a
The penalties set forth shall apply to all cards awarded to a player in any USL match. For the purposes of determining accumulations and game suspensions, any zero-card total. This incentive will be automatically applied a maximum of three times through the course of the USL season.
games that count as part of a team’s official league schedule shall be utilized.
For example, a player on his third caution of the season appearing in five consecutive league matches without receiving a card or supplemental discipline re-
Exhibition Game Send-off moves one (1) caution from his cumulative total, leaving the player with a total of two. This player now has two remaining Good Behavior Incentive opportunities
Any player and/or coach sent off/dismissed in an exhibition game shall serve a suspension during the team’s next exhibition game. for the 2018 Season. If that players completes five more consecutive league matches without receiving a card or supplemental discipline, one more caution is
removed from his cumulative total leaving the player a total of one caution and one more Good Behavior Incentive opportunity.
Final Regular Season Game Send-off
Any player sent off in a final regular season match must serve the suspension in the first playoff match, unless the season is over, in which case the suspension will Staff Send-off Accumulation
be served in the team’s first league game the following season. Any coach accumulating the following number of ejections, will be suspended and fined as the following:
First Send-off: coach will serve a one game suspension and will be fined minimum of $500
Coach/Staff Cautions and Ejections Second Send-off: coach will serve a one game suspension and will be fined minimum of $1,000
Referees, at their discretion, may warn or dismiss coaches and team staff for unprofessional behavior. Any coach or other team staff member not acting in a Third Send-off: coach will serve a two game suspension and will be fined minimum of $1,500
professional manner in the opinion of the League, whether or not the incident is reported in the Referee Game Report, shall be subject to a minimum $500 fine *Note that the accumulation is an aggregation of all dismissals of the club’s staff (i.e. the first individual dismissed is punished under the “First Dismissal” guideline,
and/or suspension. Referees are instructed not to physically show a red card to non-players, although they may require the removal of coaches and team staff in the second individual dismissed is punished under the “Second Dismissal” guideline, etc., even if the first party dismissed and second party dismissed are differ-
accordance with Rule 647 for unprofessional behavior at their own discretion. ent individuals)

Suspension Parameters & Restrictions Suspension During USL Cup Playoffs


Any manager, coach, assistant coach, athletic trainer, player or other official bench personnel is prohibited from assuming any official duty at or near the team Any player and/or coach who is sent off during the USL Cup Playoffs will be suspended from the next playoff game, unless the season is over, in which case the
bench while serving a suspension. Any athletic trainer sent off during a match should remain in the locker room area through the end of the match and may only suspension will be served in the team’s first league game the following season.
return to the pitch at the request of the Referee in the event of an emergency. Any infringement of this rule or the restrictions below may result in the forfeiture
of the game and include a fine for each infraction. The following restrictions apply:

Pre-Game
Suspended personnel are allowed to communicate pre-game information to the team in the locker room prior to the match. However, they are not allowed on
the field during warm-ups and may not stand or in any way be in close proximity to the field of play.

In-Game, Including Halftime


Field Access: At no time during the game are suspended personnel allowed on or around the field of play.

©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 80 ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 81
RULES & REGULATIONS

RULES & REGULATIONS


Major Game Misconduct Inactive Players can only consist of players out on loan, in on-loan, or Academy Players who the team has indicated are to be inactive. Inactive Players do not
In addition to the penalties set forth above, major fines or suspensions, at the sole and absolute discretion of the USL Disciplinary Commitee, shall be levied count against a team’s International Player limit.
against players (whether or not they were awarded a card by the referee), coaches or other team staff for conduct including, but not limited to: fighting, provok-
ing a fight, criticizing game officials with words or gestures, entering the game officials’ locker room, physical contact with game officials separate from referee Academy Players
assault, using excessive force, deliberate attempts to injure, spitting, provoking crowd disorders, profane language that can be heard by the crowd or broadcast In addition to the 30 Active Players allowed on the Master Roster, a team may have up to five active Academy Players which do not count against the 30 play-
audience, obscene gestures, racist, homophobic, or derogatory comments, improper conduct during the national anthem, taunting, abuse of spectators and ers on the Master Roster and are allowed to participate in all competitions. After the first five Academy Players rostered, Academy Players will count against the
others, failure to leave the field when instructed by the Referee to do so, improper conduct following the award of a card, excessive delay tactics, excessive and Master Roster. To be considered an Academy Player, all of the following must be in place:
obvious feigning of injuries, or other unsportsmanlike conduct detrimental to the USL and the sport of soccer in general. The league may levy fines and/or sus- Player is under the age of 21 as of the official start date of the current season,
pensions for such behavior whether or not it is reported in the Referee Game Report. Player cannot compete (or have ever previously have competed) in any NCAA or NAIA university or college soccer program, and
Player has never been signed or registered as a professional soccer player as recognized by FIFA.
Game Official Assault or Abuse The Academy Player must play for a club that conducts its activities (home games and/or training) within the team’s franchise territory or play for a club which has
In addition to enforcing the mandatory sanctions from USSF Policy 531-9, the USL may impose additional fines and/or suspensions. a documented affiliation with the team. In the latter scenario, the affiliated club outside the territory of the team must not be in the territory of another USL team
and the team must register all documented affiliate clubs with the League Office prior to the season or upon completion of the affiliation agreement. Additional-
USSF Fine for Serious Incidents ly, teams with MLS affiliations can use the Academy Players of their MLS affiliate. Academy Players do count against a team’s maximum of seven foreign players.
The U.S. Soccer Federation has the power to impose fines for any incident bringing the game into disrepute within the league. Academy Players must be registered as an amateur with the USL team or its formally-recognized MLS affiliate. Teams may make Academy Players active or inac-
tive on the Master Roster. Inactive Academy Players do not count towards the roster maximum or the international player maximum. A player cannot sign more
Red Card and Second Yellow Card Appeal than 1 USL Academy Player contract per season. There cannot be more than five Academy Players listed in the Game Day Lineup.
Within 24 hours after the completion of a match a team may request a review of a red card or the second yellow card if a player receives two yellow cards in a
match to rectify a case where a serious and obvious error has occurred. An independent panel of three people made up of one representative from the USSF, Master Roster Changes
the CSA, and PRO will oversee the appeal. The panel must unanimously agree to overturn a red card or second yellow card for the appeal to be successful. Whenever a team makes a change to its master roster, notification must be sent via email to the USL. Changes are not approved until the USL confirms via email.

Suspension and Fine Appeal Master Roster Freeze


Within 24 hours after the USL distributes its Weekly Discipline Report, a team may appeal a suspension and/or fine that is greater than one game or $100, unless No team will be allowed to sign, receive a player on loan, change a player’s active/inactive status, and/or replace players after the Roster Freeze date. All trades,
the established minimum fine and suspension exceeds those amounts. The USL must receive the appeal in writing via email. The appeal must be state why the transfers and/or loans between teams must be finalized and approved by the USL prior to this time. The USL will not allow “deals in progress” or “extensions” to
team feels the punishment is not appropriate, and it must provide supporting evidence to support its position. go beyond the deadline for any reason.

Within 48 hours of receiving the appeal the USL shall hold a call to determine the appeal. The USL shall convene the Independent Disciplinary Panel to decide The date of the Roster Freeze is Sept. 20, 2019, at 5 p.m. ET.
the appeal. The panel will review the video of the incident prior to the appeal. $500 is due to the USL in order to conduct an appeal, but if the appeal is success-
ful, then the $500 will not be invoiced. Any MLS player legitimately on the final Master Roster of a USL team at the time of the Roster Freeze date will be permitted to compete for the USL team for the
rest of the season, regardless of whether or not that player is subsequently traded or transferred to another MLS team. In this instance, it is possible that a newly
Cross League and Competition Suspensions executed loan agreement would be required by the USL. However, if a player is sold or released from his contract with MLS, this will terminate the player’s loan
Players joining the USL (on loan or through transfer) may be subject to any suspension that has been levied by other competitions. The USL shall determine if it with the USL team.
will permit a player who receives a red card or other supplemental discipline in another competition for an egregious act to play in USL matches. As per USSF
policy, supplemental discipline issued for referee assault/abuse shall preclude the suspended individual from participating in any soccer competition until the Any outfield player on loan from another league must play a minimum of five games during the regular season to be eligible to play in the USL Cup Playoffs. One
suspension has expired. of these games must occur prior to the roster freeze date. This standard does not apply to goalkeepers.

Players who are suspended in any cup competition such as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship or CONCACAF Champions League are not Any player who is sold to an MLS team after the Roster Freeze deadline may rejoin the USL team on loan for the remainder of the season, as long as he assumes
automatically suspended in the USL. The USL will independently review the action and suspension and have the right to implement supplemental discipline in the the spot on the roster he vacated when he was sold by the USL club. As long as the player played in a minimum of five games during the season, either prior or
USL Disciplinary Commitee, if it determines the player’s behavior was deemed to be egregious. after being sold, he is eligible to play in the USL Cup Playoffs.

Master Roster SPECIAL EXEMPTION (GOALKEEPERS): In the unlikely event that a team is reduced to a single “available and healthy” goalkeeper due to National Team call-up
23-Man Game Day Player Pool – All players must be rostered (i.e., registered with the League and Federation) prior to their inclusion in a Team’s 23-Man Game or medically-verifiable injury, the team may petition the USL in writing to be permitted to add a backup goalkeeper to their Master Roster. This may only be done
Day Player Pool. Suspended players cannot be included in the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool. Should a player be successfully rostered (provided all regis- in the event that at least two eligible and healthy goalkeepers are under contract with the club, participating in regular team activities, not on loan with another
tration paperwork and ITC cleared before the applicable match registration deadline) and fall within the 48-24 hour window, they may be added to the 23-Man team, and listed on the final Master Roster submitted at the time of the Roster Freeze date. This backup goalkeeper will be permitted to remain on the team’s
Game Day Player Pool; however, the change will be subject to the opposing team’s approval in accordance with Master Roster Guidelines. roster until such time that one or more of the originally rostered goalkeepers becomes available and is able to compete. The USL will have the power to reject
the addition of a goalkeeper in this situation if it feels its primary intent is to create a competitive advantage.
The Master Roster consists of up to 30 Active Players and is the official player roster of the team as set by the USL. Inactive Players do not count toward a team’s
Master Roster.
A maximum of seven players on the Master Roster may be International Players, pending the trade or sale of international roster spots.
A professional team must carry 12 or more professional players on its Master Roster. Players loaned from leagues other than MLS with no right to recall count
toward this minimum.

Active Players consist of properly registered players on USL contracts and players in on loan and Academy Players whose the team has indicated are to be ac-
tive. Players who are signed to a USL Standard Professional Player Contract and are not in on loan can only be active on the roster.

Teams are required to submit their 23-Man Game Day Player Pool of players that are available and active for a match 48 hours prior to each match. Between 48
and 24 hours prior to the match, any change to that Game Day Player Pool must be approved by the opposing team and the league. There will be no changes
allowed to 23-Man Game Day Player Pool less than 24 hours prior to a match. Failure to submit the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool 48 hours prior to the match
will result in a minimum fine of $500. If a player not included on the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool appears on the Game Day Lineup, it will result in a minimum
fine of $1,000. All appropriate parties must be included on the correspondence for the standard to be met. All aforementioned times are subject to change in
accordance with the best interests of the game and in the spirit of the intent of this rule in the League’s absolute discretion. The League reserves the right to
override approvals or denials of the opposing team.

No player may be simultaneously active on the Master Roster of two separate teams in two different leagues. The only exception to this rule occurs if a player
has been listed as active on a USL team’s 23-Man Game Day Player Pool, which is submitted to the League no later than 48 hours prior to the match. In such an
instance, a player may remain active in both systems. Any player that does not meet this exception must be listed as inactive in the USL registration system to partic-
ipate on a separate team in a different league. No player may be listed on the active roster for two separate teams in two different leagues on the same day. Failure
to meet this standard will result in a minimum fine of $500.

©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 82 ©2019 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2019 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 83

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