2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
USL Championship Alignment ................................................................................................................................. 4
Season Structure............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Atlanta United 2.............................................................................................................................................................6
Austin Bold FC ..............................................................................................................................................................8
Birmingham Legion FC............................................................................................................................................. 10
Charleston Battery..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Charlotte Independence........................................................................................................................................ 14
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC..................................................................................................................... 16
El Paso Locomotive FC............................................................................................................................................ 18
Hartford Athletic........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Indy Eleven................................................................................................................................................................... 22
LA Galaxy II................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Las Vegas Lights FC.................................................................................................................................................. 26
Loudoun United FC.................................................................................................................................................. 28
Louisville City FC........................................................................................................................................................30
Memphis 901 FC......................................................................................................................................................... 32
Miami FC........................................................................................................................................................................34
New Mexico United.................................................................................................................................................. 36
New York Red Bulls II ............................................................................................................................................. 38
Oakland Roots SC.....................................................................................................................................................40
OKC Energy FC.......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Orange County SC...................................................................................................................................................44
Phoenix Rising FC......................................................................................................................................................46
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC...................................................................................................................................48
Real Monarchs SLC...................................................................................................................................................50
Rio Grande Valley FC............................................................................................................................................... 52
Sacramento Republic FC.......................................................................................................................................54
San Antonio FC........................................................................................................................................................... 56
San Diego Loyal SC.................................................................................................................................................. 58
Sporting Kansas City II........................................................................................................................................... 60
Tacoma Defiance....................................................................................................................................................... 62
Tampa Bay Rowdies..................................................................................................................................................64
FC Tulsa..........................................................................................................................................................................66
USL Executive Staff......................................................................................................................................................... 69
Championship Rules...................................................................................................................................................... 70

Special Thanks: U.S. Soccer Federation, Major League Soccer, Canadian Soccer Association
2021 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved.
*ALL SCHEDULES ET & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 2021 ALIGNMENT
The USL Championship’s 10th anniversary season will see the league’s 35 teams divided into two conferences, 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 of March 6-8, 2021.

There is one new arrival in each conference, with Miami FC joining the Eastern Conference and San Diego Loyal SC joining the Western Conference.

2021 CONFERENCE ALIGNMENT

WESTERN CONFERENCE EASTERN CONFERENCE

MOUNTAIN DIVISION ATLANTIC DIVISION

Austin Bold FC Charleston Battery
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Charlotte Independence
El Paso Locomotive FC Hartford Athletic
New Mexico United Loudoun United FC
Real Monarchs SLC Miami FC
Rio Grande Valley FC New York Red Bulls II
San Antonio FC Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Tampa Bay Rowdies

PACIFIC DIVISION CENTRAL DIVISION

LA Galaxy II Atlanta United 2
Las Vegas Lights FC Birmingham Legion FC
Oakland Roots SC Indy Eleven
Orange County SC Louisville City FC
Phoenix Rising FC Memphis 901 FC
Sacramento Republic FC OKC Energy FC
San Diego Loyal SC Sporting Kansas City II
Tacoma Defiance FC Tulsa

KEY DATES
April 24 – 2021 Season Kickoff
July 10-Aug. 1 – 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup
September 24 – USL Championship Roster Freeze
October 30 – Final day of regular season

4 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

 SEASON STRUCTURE
Regular Season Structure
The 2021 USL Championship season will see every team play 32 regular season contests, facing every team in its division four times, twice at home and twice
away. The remaining games will be made up of non-division contests against teams from the remaining three divisions.

2021 USL Championship Playoffs

The top four teams from each division in the regular season will advance into a regionalized single-elimination bracket. The top two clubs in each of the Atlantic,
Central, Mountain and Pacific Divisions will earn hosting rights in the Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals, regardless of total points.

Division winners will be matched with the fourth-place team, while second-placed teams will meet third-placed teams from the opposing division in the
Conference Quarterfinals, matching up teams from the Atlantic Division and Central Division in the Eastern Conference and the Mountain and Pacific Division in
the Western Conference.

Following the Conference Quarterfinals round, home advantage will be determined by total points earned, regardless of division rank, for the remainder of the
postseason.

The Championship season will conclude with the USL Championship Final on Sunday, November 28 with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN or ESPN 2 and ESPN
Deportes.

2021 PLAYOFF STRUCTURE

MOUNTAIN 1 ATLANTIC 1

PACIFIC 4 CENTRAL 4

PACIFIC 2 CENTRAL 2

MOUNTAIN 3 ATLANTIC 3
WESTERN CONFERENCE EASTERN CONFERENCE
MOUNTAIN 2 ATLANTIC 2

PACIFIC 3 CENTRAL 3

PACIFIC 1 CENTRAL 1

MOUNTAIN 4 ATLANTIC 4
2021 USL
Conf. Conf. Conf. Conf. Conf. Conf.
Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals Championship Final Finals Semifinals Quarterfinals

©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 5
 1 AMB Dr NW,

ATLANTA UNITED 2
Atlanta, GA 30313
www.atlutd.com/2
P: (470) 341-1500

TEAM OUTLOOK
There were some memorable games and moments
for Atlanta United 2 during the 2020 Championship
season, including the emergence of Jackson Conway
as a young forward to watch for the future, but in a
group featuring the eventual Eastern Conference Title
winner Tampa Bay Rowdies and perennial playoff side
the Charleston Battery, the side wasn’t able to string
together enough results to seriously challenge for the
postseason.

There are changes for 2021, first on the sideline where

former Head Coach Stephen Glass accepted the same
position at the Scottish Premiership’s Aberdeen FC, but
interestingly in the club’s recruitment of new arrivals.
Incoming are loanees including goalkeeper Rocco
Rios Novo from Argentine club Lanus, and Manchester
United prospect Connor Stanley, which offers some
intriguing potential to the side.

Another new arrival is midfielder Robbie Mertz, who

performed well for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC for
the past two seasons and will be hoping to grasp
his opportunity in Atlanta’s system. The challenge as
always will be to find a consistent level, but there is
talent here to take in as the season progresses.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH OWNER
Arthur Blank
PRESIDENT
Darren Eales

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

BUSINESS OPERATIONS Chris Winkler
Catie Griggs

COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANGER COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Marissa Ahrens Johannes Schneider

PRIMARY CONTACT
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Chris Raimondi
[email protected]
(678) 491-6321
Tony Annan

6 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/24/2021 LOU V ATL
05/01/2021 OKC V ATL
05/16/2021 OKC V ATL
05/19/2021 ATL V TUL
05/23/2021 ATL V MEM
05/30/2021 ATL V BHM
06/06/2021 ATL V LOU
06/09/2021 ATL V SKC
06/16/2021 MEM V ATL
06/27/2021 ATL V OKC
06/30/2021 BHM V ATL
Rocco Rios Novo 07/03/2021 ATL V MEM
Goalkeeper 07/07/2021 ATL V IND
07/10/2021 ATL V SKC
Atlanta fans have already had the chance to see Argentine
U-20 international Rocco Rios Novo in action, with the 18-year- 07/17/2021 LOU V ATL
old having been called on as an emergency call-up to the 07/28/2021 ATL V TUL
club’s First Team in the Concacaf Champions League where
he rose to the occasion in helping the side advance against 07/31/2021 BHM V ATL
Costa Rica’s Alajuelense. If Rios Novo lives up to the potential
he flashed there, he could be one of the high-profile young
08/08/2021 ATL V IND
players in the Championship this season. 08/11/2021 ATL V OKC
08/14/2021 SKC V ATL
08/22/2021 PIT V ATL
08/28/2021 TUL V ATL
09/04/2021 IND V ATL
09/15/2021 ATL V CHS
09/18/2021 ATL V TBR
09/22/2021 ATL V BHM
09/25/2021 RGV V ATL
09/29/2021 ATL V LOU
10/02/2021 IND V ATL
10/13/2021 SKC V ATL
10/16/2021 MEM V ATL
10/20/2021 TUL V ATL
Robbie Mertz
Midfielder

The Pittsburgh native bid adieu to his hometown Riverhounds

SC this offseason after a second pro campaign that saw him
record five goals and four assists while appearing in all 17 A
/ TLUTD2
games. Mertz should be a central piece for Atlanta this year
and will be hoping for similar productivity that could put him
on the radar for a First Team contract with United. @ATLUTD2
@ATLUTD2
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 7
 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd,

AUSTIN BOLD FC
Austin, TX 78617
www.austinboldfc.com
P: (512) 872-8700

TEAM OUTLOOK
Austin Bold FC was in the middle of the race for the
postseason with three games to go, but came up short
as it could only muster four points from its remaining
outings while FC Tulsa swept to three consecutive
victories to earn the upper hand and second place in
Group D. Now the third-year club will be looking to
rebound and has reloaded with some notable new
arrivals in its bid for a return to the playoffs.

Leading the way is a substantial emphasis on attack

with 2016 Championship Golden Boot-winner and
MVP Sean Okoli arriving from Orange County SC. He’s
joined by Stefano Pinho, whose record includes 38
goals in 79 appearances previously in the American
lower divisions, and the Jamaican duo of Jason Johnson
and Omar Gordon. The club has also looked to add
experience defensively with Kofi Sarkodie returning to
action in addition to the re-signing of Jermaine Taylor
and Amobi Okugo.

That experience, which also includes influential

midfielder Xavier Baez, is added to by some interesting
young talent including New York City FC loanee Juan
Torres and local product Beto Avila. If it all comes
together as planned, Head Coach Marcelo Serrano’s
side should be entertaining, and competitive.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH CHAIRMAN
Bobby Epstein
ACTING GENERAL MANAGER
Rick Abbot

DIRECTOR OF GAME DAY OPERATIONS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF GAME DAY

Ric Granryd OPERATIONS
Catalina Berry

SALES & TICKETING CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS AND SALES

Quinn Branson Ane McPike

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Julien Llerena
[email protected]
(352) 346-3920
Marcelo Serrano

8 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/15/2021 NM V ATX
05/21/2021 SLC V ATX
05/26/2021 ATX V SLC
05/30/2021 ATX V TAC
06/03/2021 ATX V ELP
06/06/2021 PIT V ATX
06/12/2021 NM V ATX
06/16/2021 RGV V ATX
06/19/2021 BHM V ATX
06/22/2021 ATX V COS
06/26/2021 OAK V ATX
Amobi Okugo 07/03/2021 SA V ATX
Defender 07/10/2021 ATX V RGV
07/18/2021 ATX V SLC
With 50 appearances across Bold FC’s first two seasons, Amobi
Okugo has been one of the mainstays that has helped guide its 07/24/2021 RGV V ATX
success. The 30-year-old continued to be consistent in either 07/31/2021 ATX V SA
the center of defense or midfield during the 2020 season,
completing 82.8 percent of his passes overall and winning 08/04/2021 ATX V COS
71.4 percent of tackles, in addition to 26 interceptions in 16
games. Maintaining that level while helping raise the game of
08/07/2021 ELP V ATX
others around him should help keep Austin in the think of the 08/14/2021 ATX V MIA
postseason race once again.
08/17/2021 ATX V RGV
08/22/2021 ATX V NM
08/28/2021 COS V ATX
09/07/2021 ATX V SA
09/10/2021 ATX V NM
09/18/2021 TUL V ATX
09/22/2021 ATX V ELP
09/25/2021 COS V ATX
10/10/2021 ATX V OKC
10/16/2021 SLC V ATX
10/20/2021 ELP V ATX
10/23/2021 SA V ATX
10/30/2021 ATX V CLT
Sean Okoli
Forward

Returning from a stint overseas with Orange County last

season, Sean Okoli put together a solid season with seven
goals in 15 games, averaging a goal just over every other game A
/ ustinBoldFC
(191 Mins/Goal). He’ll be hoping to improve on that scoring
rate as he lands in Austin, and with the other attacking pieces
around him there could be not only opportunities, but space
to work in the final third for the powerful striker to work.
@AustinBoldFC
@AustinBoldFC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 9
 BIRMINGHAM 2213 1st Ave. S,

LEGION FC
Birmingham, AL 35233
www.bhmlegion.com
P: (205) 600-4696

TEAM OUTLOOK
Birmingham Legion FC was cruising to first place
in Group G and the first home playoff game in the
club’s short history in 2020, but a late-season dip in
form that saw it win only once in its final six regular
season games sent the side on the road and a
second consecutive exit in the Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals.

To have earned back-to-back postseason

appearances in the club’s first two years in the
professional ranks is no mean feat, though, and
Legion FC appears set for more success this year
after retaining much of its key talent and adding some
notable names for the new season. At the top of the
incoming list is 2020 Championship Golden Boot-
winner Junior Flemmings, and he’s joined by J.J. Williams
– now signed to a permanent deal after spending time
on loan with Legion FC on loan previously.

That duo joins Neco Brett, who has notched 41

goals over the past three seasons across the regular
season and playoffs, while Legion FC also has 2020
Championship All-League selection Bruno Lapa back
in the fold after his outstanding rookie season. Add in
the defensive pedigree brought by Phanuel Kavita and
Ryan James, and there should be reason for optimism
at BBVA Field once again.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER
Jay Heaps
VP OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Morgan Copes

VP OF SALES & SERVICE DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Michael Emert Massimo Nuzzo

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE FRONT OFFICE OPERATIONS

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR
Brandon Conner Molly Olsofka

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING &
COMMUNICATIONS
Clayton Humphries
[email protected]
Tom Soehn (334) 740-9986

10 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 BHM V IND
05/08/2021 LOU V BHM
05/15/2021 BHM V MEM
05/22/2021 SA V BHM
05/26/2021 BHM V OKC
05/30/2021 ATL V BHM
06/06/2021 BHM V TUL
06/12/2021 OKC V BHM
06/16/2021 LOU V BHM
06/19/2021 BHM V ATX
06/23/2021 MIA V BHM
Bruno Lapa 06/30/2021 BHM V ATL
Midfielder 07/03/2021 IND V BHM
Bruno Lapa’s rookie season started with a bang, and barely
07/10/2021 BHM V MEM
slowed down the rest of the way. His eight goals and five 07/18/2021 SKC V BHM
assists earned the Brazilian Championship All-League honors
as he proved one of the best newcomer stories in the league 07/24/2021 IND V BHM
throughout 2020. With a new multi-year contract extension 07/31/2021 BHM V ATL
in hand, there will be plenty of eyes on the Wake Forest
University product – who also featured in USL League Two for 08/07/2021 TUL V BHM
the North Carolina Fusion – as he enters his second campaign.
08/11/2021 BHM V SKC
08/14/2021 MEM V BHM
08/22/2021 BHM V TUL
08/28/2021 BHM V LOU
09/04/2021 MEM V BHM
09/11/2021 TUL V BHM
09/18/2021 BHM V OKC
09/22/2021 ATL V BHM
09/26/2021 BHM V CLT
10/01/2021 SKC V BHM
10/10/2021 BHM V IND
10/17/2021 OKC V BHM
10/24/2021 BHM V SKC
10/30/2021 BHM V LOU
Neco Brett
Forward
The abbreviated season meant Neco Brett couldn’t return his
third consecutive season of double-digit goals as he arrived /bhmlegion
at Legion FC, but a team-high nine goals at a strike rate of
125.8 minutes per goal were exactly the return Birmingham
was hoping for when they brought the Jamaican aboard
last offseason. Now Brett will have more attacking weapons
@bhmlegion
around him, which could see his creativity around the penalty
area get a bigger chance to shine. In addition to his 41 goals,
the 29-year-old has also notched 16 assists in the past three
seasons, making him a valuable contributor.
@bhmlegion
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 11
 CHARLESTON 85 Patriots Point Rd,

BATTERY
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
www.charlestonbattery.com
P: (843) 971-4625

TEAM OUTLOOK
If you’re a USL Championship fan – and if you’re
reading this, you definitely count – the three reliable
things you can count on are death, taxes, and the
Charleston Battery in the USL Championship Playoffs.
Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser’s side put together
another stellar regular season in 2020 to maintain its
record as the lone side to reach the postseason in
every year of the Championship’s history, and almost
pipped the Rowdies for first place in Group H before
being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
in a 1-0 defeat at Al Lang Stadium.

The Battery should be right back there again this

season with the majority of their key players returning.
The club boasts a strong spine up the middle of
the field, with goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky, defenders
Leland Archer and AJ Paterson, midfielders Robbie
Crawford and Zeiko Lewis and forward Nicque Daley.
New arrivals have been more limited this offseason,
but Houston Dynamo loanee Erik McCue could be
one to watch on the back line, as could 21-year-old
Geobel Perez as he looks to continue the line of
Cuban success stories in Charleston’s colors.

Charleston’s returning core, however, will give this

side continued stability as it looks to make another
postseason trip and challenge for its first title since
2012.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Mike Kelleher
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
Scott Krenitski

OPERATIONS MANAGER MARKETING MANAGER

Wade Crutchfield Ben Clemens

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TICKET SALES AND BOX OFFICE

Ryan Knapp DIRECTOR
Amanda Gorman

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING &
COMMUNICATIONS
Peter Boggeman
[email protected]
Mike Anhaeuser (314) 809-6568

12 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/07/2021 NY V CHS
05/14/2021 CHS V CLT
05/23/2021 CHS V NY
06/04/2021 CHS V LA
06/08/2021 LDN V CHS
06/12/2021 CHS V NY
06/18/2021 CHS V MIA
06/23/2021 CLT V CHS
06/26/2021 CHS V LDN
07/02/2021 TBR V CHS
07/07/2021 CHS V PIT
Zeiko Lewis 07/12/2021 NM V CHS
Forward 07/17/2020 CHS V HFD
The impact made by Zeiko Lewis on the Battery’s fortunes over 07/23/2021 CHS V CLT
the past two seasons has been arguably the most significant to 07/27/2021 LDN V CHS
the club’s sustained success. The Bermuda international leads
the club in both goals (13) and assists (7) in the regular season 08/01/2021 MIA V CHS
over that span and has produced some magical moments
08/06/2021 CHS V PIT
among them to keep Charleston’s attack ticking over. Re-
signing the 26-year-old this offseason was an important piece 08/13/2021 CHS V LDN
of business for the club and stands to keep the Battery in good
stead in the attacking third. 08/17/2021 HFD V CHS
08/20/2021 NY V CHS
08/28/2021 CHS V OC
09/01/2021 HFD V CHS
09/07/2021 CHS V TBR
09/15/2021 ATL V CHS
09/18/2021 MIA V CHS
09/25/2021 PIT V CHS
10/02/2021 CHS V TBR
10/07/2021 TBR V CHS
10/10/2021 CHS V HFD
10/16/2021 CLT V CHS
10/23/2021 PIT V CHS
10/30/2021 CHS V MIA
Leland Archer
Defender

The path for Leland Archer is one that’s been well trod before.
The 25-year-old came to the Battery from the College of
Charleston three seasons ago and was gradually worked c/ harlestonbattery
into the lineup over his first two years. As it had in previous
instances – see for example, Forrest Lasso – Year 3 proved
the breakthrough for Archer at the club level as he became a
staple in the Battery’s lineup and earned his first Championship
@Chas_Battery
All-League selection. Now a regular part of Trinidad &
Tobago’s National Team, the upcoming year could see Archer
take another big step forward. @Chas_Battery
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 13
 CHARLOTTE 1523 Elizabeth Ave. Suite 120,

INDEPENDENCE
Charlotte, NC 28204
www.charlotteindependence.com
P: (704) 206-1515

TEAM OUTLOOK
The Charlotte Independence’s return to the USL
Championship Playoffs after a two-season absence
– and earning their first home playoff game in the
process – saw a welcome return to form for numerous
players at the club. Now, as the side moves into its new
10,000-seat home at Memorial Stadium, finding a way
to build on that to bigger and better things, like for
example that elusive first playoff win, is going to be the
goal in 2021.

The Independence will have a good number of familiar

faces back. Most notably, goalkeeper Brandon Miller is
set for his fourth season with his hometown club after
a stellar campaign that saw him earn Championship
All-League honors for the second time in 2020. Also
back are defender Hugh Roberts, who played every
minute of the season, and playmaker Enzo Martinez,
both of whom will be looked at for major minutes and
contributions at their respective ends of the field.

Martinez’s production in particular could need to

increase following the departure of 2020 leading
scorer – and Championship all-time leading scorer
– Dane Kelly overseas, but the reinforcements the
Independence have added have some interesting
pedigrees. To aid the attack, there’s Irvin Parra, most
recently of San Diego Loyal SC, and in defense
Colombian defender Kevin Riascos could make a great
partner for Roberts. If it all comes together, something
good could be brewing here.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH CEO & MANAGING PARTNER
Jim McPhilliamy
COO & PRESIDNT
Tim Schuldt

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DEVELOPMENT AMBASSADOR

Rich Posipanko Matt Spear

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIGITAL MARKETING &
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Ashley Osiecki
[email protected]
(252) 675-2291

Mike Jeffries

14 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 TBR V CLT
05/14/2021 CHS V CLT
05/22/2021 PIT V CLT
05/29/2021 MIA V CLT
06/05/2021 CLT V TBR
06/13/2021 CLT V HFD
06/16/2021 NY V CLT
06/23/2021 CLT V CHS
06/26/2021 MIA V CLT
07/03/2021 PIT V CLT
07/07/2021 CLT V NY
Brandon Miller 07/10/2021 CLT V PHX
Goalkeeper 07/17/2021 CLT V NY
07/23/2021 CHS V CLT
The road had been an interesting one for Brandon Miller
after he was awarded the 2015 Championship Goalkeeper 07/31/2021 CLT V TBR
of the Year crown for the Rochester Rhinos, but last season
the veteran showed he was back among the best in the
08/06/2021 LDN V CLT
Championship with a 73.5 save percentage on 61 saves, the 08/14/2021 CLT V PIT
most of any goalkeeper in the regular season. If Miller can
maintain that level, the Independence will be in the middle of 08/21/2021 CLT V COS
the playoff race once again. 08/28/2021 TBR V CLT
09/04/2021 CLT V MIA
09/08/2021 LDN V CLT
09/11/2021 CLT V HFD
09/18/2021 CLT V PIT
09/22/2021 CLT V MIA
09/26/2021 BHM V CLT
09/30/2021 HFD V CLT
10/03/2021 CLT V LDN
10/08/2021 NY V CLT
10/16/2021 CLT V CHS
10/22/2021 HFD V CLT
10/27/2021 CLT V LDN
10/30/2021 ATX V CLT
Irvin Parra
Forward
It’s no small thing to try and fill the shoes of the
Championship’s all-time leading scorer, but that’s going to
be the task for Irvin Parra as he joins the Independence this
c/ ltindependence
season. The California native brings a different style of game
than Dane Kelly did to Charlotte, but there’s no refuting Parra’s
effectiveness with two of his three seasons in the league @Independence
having seen him record double-digit goals. The Independence
will be hoping for more of that this season.
@cltindependence
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 15
 COLORADO SPRINGS 234 N. Tejon St.,

SWITCHBACKS FC
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
www.switchbacksfc.com
P: (719) 368-8480

TEAM OUTLOOK
It’s the start of a new era at Colorado Springs
Switchbacks FC, which this year moves into its new
8,000-seat stadium in the city’s downtown. Part of
the City for Champions project in Colorado Springs,
the $35-million venue will be home to a side looking
to turn the corner under new Head Coach Brendan
Burke, who has brought with him plenty of new faces
to the club.

Burke has achieved success in the Championship

before with the Philadelphia Union II, and will now get
the chance to see how far he can take a Switchbacks
side that is ready to make its first postseason
appearance since the 2016 season. He’ll have veteran
help, too, with former U.S. Men’s National Team
player Jose Francisco Torres among the Switchbacks’
offseason arrivals along with players Burke is
previously familiar like former Union II forward Michee
Ngalina and defender Jimmy Ockford, who played for
Burke prior to joining the professional ranks in USL
League Two.

There are still familiar faces as well. Jordan Burt returns

as the longest-tenured member of the organization on
the field, while Jamaican midfielder Andre Lewis is also
set for the new campaign. There are some intriguing
prospects arriving on loan from the Colorado Rapids,
too, with Abraham Rodriguez set to battle veteran
Sean Melvin for the starting position in goal. It might
be asking a quick turnaround to reach the playoffs, but

CONTACTS
the Switchbacks are certainly ready for what 2021 is
going to bring.

HEAD COACH OWNER

Martin Ragain
PRESIDENT
Nick Ragain

EXECUTIVE VP PROMOTIONS & MEDIA CONTENT

Nick Ragain MANAGER
Dilland Wavra

DIRECTOR OF TICKETING DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS

Josh Middleton Derek Hanson

PRIMARY CONTACT
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Cody Costra
[email protected]
(719) 244-6965
Brendan Burke

16 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 SA V COS
05/14/2021 SKC V COS
05/21/2021 COS V NM
06/05/2021 COS V SA
06/12/2021 ELP V COS
06/16/2021 COS V TAC
06/22/2021 ATX V COS
06/25/2021 COS V NM
07/01/2021 COS V OC
07/04/2021 COS V SLC
07/09/2021 NM V COS
Michee Ngalina 07/17/2021 COS V SA
Forward 07/23/2021 COS V LOU
07/31/2021 LDN V COS
It’s been three seasons since Kevaughn Frater recorded just the
third double-digit goal season in Switchbacks history, a signifier of 08/04/2021 ATX V COS
the problems Colorado Springs has had in finding the back of the
net consistently in its history. 21-year-old Michee Ngalina could
08/07/2021 COS V HFD
be the person to make that breakthrough this season, with the DR 08/10/2021 MEM V COS
Congo forward having notched 13 goals in 46 prior appearances
as a teenager with the Philadelphia Union II. If Ngalina can take 08/14/2021 RGV V COS
the next step forward in his progression, the Switchbacks will have
a central scorer it can build its attack around.
08/21/2021 CLT V COS
08/28/2021 COS V ATX
09/04/2021 NM V COS
09/08/2021 COS V SLC
09/11/2021 COS V RGV
09/15/2021 COS V ELP
09/18/2021 RGV V COS
09/25/2021 COS V ATX
10/02/2021 COS V ELP
10/08/2021 SLC V COS
10/13/2021 ELP V COS
10/16/2021 COS V RGV
10/22/2021 SLC V COS
10/30/2021 SA V COS
Jose Francisco Torres
Midfielder

One of the more eyebrow-raising signings of the offseason,

Jose Francisco Torres’ arrival in Colorado Springs after
sitting out the 2020 season was a statement of where the S
/ witchbacksFC
Switchbacks are hoping to go in their new home. Torres made
26 appearances for the United States between 2008 and 2013,
and has made more than 250 appearances in Liga MX as well.
The question will be how much the 33-year-old has in his tank
@SwitchbacksFC
at this point of his career.

@SwitchbacksFC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 17
 EL PASO 123 W Mills, Suite 550,

LOCOMOTIVES FC
El Paso, TX 79901
www.eplocomotivefc.com
P: (915) 235-4625

TEAM OUTLOOK
With back-to-back Western Conference Final
appearances in the club’s first two seasons, there
has been plenty to admire about the way El Paso
Locomotive FC has performed under Head Coach
Mark Lowry, where the team’s ability to produce results
when it needs them most has quickly vaulted it into the
top tier of the Championship’s title contenders.

What’s arguably as notable about Locomotive FC as its

success is the feeling that the team is very much bigger
than the sum of its parts. Despite the club’s impressive
results, no El Paso player has been selected to the
Championship’s All-League Team so far in its short
history, but the quality that permeates the side has
been visible in players like goalkeeper Logan Ketterer,
defender Mechack Jerome, midfielders Yuma and Nick
Ross, utility player Bryam Rebellon, and playmaker
Dylan Mares, who caught the eye in his first season at
the club.

That group has been supplemented by some intriguing

attacking options this offseason, including the arrival
of Argentine forward Luis Solignac, who notched eight
goals in the Championship last season for San Antonio
FC. Aidan Apodaca and Jose Aguinaga will also be
new arrivals to watch as Locomotive FC tries to claim
its first silverware in club history this season.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH PRESIDENT
Alan Ledford
GENERAL MANAGER,
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Andrew Forrest

DIRECTOR, CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS SENIOR DIRECTOR, TICKET SALES &

& SUITES SERVICE
Becky Lee Nick Seckerson

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER SENIOR DIRECTOR, FINANCE &

Derick Fox ADMINISTRATION
Pamela De La O

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR, MARKETING
& COMMUNICATIONS
Sarah Nollner
[email protected]
Mark Lowry (502) 741-9549

18 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/08/2021 ELP V NM
05/22/2021 ELP V RGV
05/30/2021 SKC V ELP
06/03/2021 ATX V ELP
06/09/2021 ELP V IND
06/12/2021 ELP V COS
06/18/2021 SLC V ELP
06/30/2021 RGV V ELP
07/03/2021 ELP V NM
07/09/2021 SLC V ELP
07/17/2021 ELP V LV
Dylan Mares 07/24/2021 NM V ELP
Midfielder 07/28/2021 SA V ELP
07/31/2021 ELP V SLC
Reunited with Head Coach Mark Lowry at Locomotive FC,
Dylan Mares became the focal point of El Paso’s attack as his 08/04/2021 ELP V SA
creativity in the final third helped drive the club’s attack. Mares
ranked seventh in the Championship with 2.45 Expected Assists
08/07/2021 ELP V ATX
according to American Soccer Analysis, ranked third in the 08/14/2021 NM V ELP
regular season with 38 Key Passes and tied for first with league
MVP Solomon Asante with nine Big Chances Created. Maintaining 08/21/2021 ELP V RGV
that standard could bring bigger numbers than the four goals and
four assists Mares notched in 16 games last campaign.
08/28/2021 SA V ELP
09/03/2021 OC V ELP
09/11/2021 ELP V SAC
09/15/2021 COS V ELP
09/22/2021 ATX V ELP
09/29/2021 ELP V SLC
10/02/2021 COS V ELP
10/06/2021 ELP V SA
10/09/2021 TUL V ELP
10/13/2021 ELP V COS
10/17/2021 LA V ELP
10/20/2021 ELP V ATX
10/24/2021 ELP V OKC
10/30/2021 RGV V ELP
Luis Solignac
Forward

There was a question of how quickly Luis Solignac would be

able to get back up to speed, leading San Antonio FC’s attack
after taking 2019 to recover from injuries. Those concerns e
/ plocomotivefc
proved unfounded as the Argentine recorded eight goals in
the regular season – including tying the Championship’s record
for the fastest goal in league history – as he helped SAFC
finish top of Group D. El Paso will be hoping for more of the
@eplocomotivefc
same this season, which could help lift the club’s attack to new
heights after finishing below league average with a 14.8 shot
conversion rate in 2020. @eplocomotivefc
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 19
 HARTFORD 1010 Day Hill Road,

ATHLETIC
Windsor, CT 06095
www.hartfordathletic.com
P: (860) 298-9233

TEAM OUTLOOK
Season 2 produced a major step forward for Hartford
Athletic as it not only reached the USL Championship
Playoffs for the first time, but also hosted its first
postseason game at Dillon Stadium. Movement this
offseason, however, could mean a serious challenge to
repeat that success after departures – most notable on
the sideline with the return to England of former Head
Coach Radhi Jaidi – left some big shoes to fill.

Jaidi has been replaced by former Chelsea and West

Ham Academy Head Coach Harry Watling, who
takes the reins with a professional First Team for the
first time in his career. He has some key players from
the success of 2020 back to work with, including
playmaker Danny Barrera, and there are some
interesting new arrivals including former Reno 1868
FC defender Thomas Janjigian, forwards Sebastian
Elney and Bradford Jamieson IV, and Puerto Rico
international Nicolas Cardona.

Those new arrivals – particularly Elney and Jamieson –

will need to click given the departure of Ever Guzman
– who led Hartford in goals a season ago – and Alex
Dixon from the attack and midfielder Mads Jorgensen.
How the new-look Athletic fare is going to be one of
the big questions going into the new season.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH CHAIRMAN
Bruce Mandell
CEO
Jim Burda

DIRECTOR, INTEGRATED SALES VP, REVENUE & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

James Warner Jordan Charlupski

VP, MARKETING & STRATEGIC MANAGER, OPERATIONS AND

INITIATIVES MERCHANDISE
Joe Calafiore Morgan Kuehnle
[email protected]

PRIMARY CONTACT
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
MANAGER
John Ponziani
[email protected]
Harry Watling (860) 707-0087

20 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/30/2021 NY V HFD
05/08/2021 MIA V HFD
05/15/2021 HFD V PIT
05/29/2021 HFD V SLC
06/05/2021 HFD V NY
06/13/2021 CLT V HFD
06/19/2021 HFD V LDN
06/26/2021 HFD V TBR
07/04/2021 LDN V HFD
07/10/2021 HFD V NY
07/13/2021 TBR V HFD
Danny Barrera 07/17/2020 CHS V HFD
Midfielder 07/24/2021 HFD V MIA
07/31/2021 PIT V HFD
Scorer of one of 2020’s most ridiculous goals (which earned
more than 2.5 million views on Twitter alone), Danny Barrera’s 08/04/2021 HFD V MIA
influence for the Athletic was a major factor in the club’s 08/07/2021 COS V HFD
success under Head Coach Radhi Jaidi. As one of the team’s
veterans, the 31-year-old is going to have to maintain that 08/13/2021 TBR V HFD
standard while getting used to his new surrounding cast in the
attacking third. It’s a big load to carry, but the 5-foot-6 Barrera
08/17/2021 HFD V CHS
is used to being the center of attention. 08/22/2021 MIA V HFD
08/28/2021 HFD V PIT
09/01/2021 HFD V CHS
09/04/2021 NY V HFD
09/07/2021 HFD V LOU
09/11/2021 CLT V HFD
09/18/2021 LDN V HFD
09/25/2021 HFD V TBR
09/30/2021 HFD V CLT
10/06/2021 NM V HFD
10/10/2021 CHS V HFD
10/15/2021 HFD V LDN
10/22/2021 HFD V CLT
10/30/2021 PIT V HFD
Bradford Jamieson IV
Forward

During six seasons with the LA Galaxy after signing as a

Homegrown Player, Bradford Jamieson IV consistently showed
glimpses of what he could bring to the field, but injuries – most /hartfordathletic
notably concussion problems – waylaid his promising career
that had seen him compete for the United States at the FIFA
U-20 World Cup in 2015. Still only 24, Jamieson returns to
the U.S. after spending 2020 with Danish club Vendsyssel FF
@hfdathletic
looking to fire his new club to success.

@hfdathletic
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 21
 47 S. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 611,

INDY ELEVEN
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.indyeleven.com
P: (317) 685-1100

TEAM OUTLOOK
Having advanced to the Eastern Conference Final
in 2019, Indy Eleven’s flying start to the 2020 season
that saw it win four consecutive games and five of its
first six supplied the belief that the side could go one
better last year. Instead, a second-half swoon that
included three consecutive defeats to rival Louisville
City FC and two to Sporting Kansas City II helped the
postseason slide away after a final-game defeat to
Saint Louis FC.

It’s hard to figure where things went wrong, but

regardless the Boys in Blue are going to have plenty
of new faces for the 2021 season after a busy offseason
in the transfer market. Both leading scorer Tyler Pasher
(Houston Dynamo FC) and goalkeeper Evan Newton
(Vancouver Whitecaps FC) were sold to Major League
Soccer clubs, while potential newcomer Cal Jennings
was sold to Los Angeles FC before playing a game
for Indy after signing as a free agent earlier in the
offseason.

That said, there’s plenty of new talent coming on

board, especially to replace Pasher’s absence
in attack. Fellow Canadian Jordan Hamilton has
produced impressively in previous stints on loan in
the Championship from Toronto FC, while Gordon
Wild and Manuel Arteaga also look like solid options
to join the returning Nick Moon. Another new arrival
is defender AJ Cochran, who could team with Karl
Ouimette and Neveal Hackshaw to make a solid back

CONTACTS
three. After last year’s disappointment, things are set
up for a positive rebound for Head Coach Martin
Rennie’s squad.

HEAD COACH OWNER

Ersal Ozdemir
PRESIDENT
Greg Stremlaw

VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY & SENIOR DIRECTOR, FINANCE

MARKETING Erin Weesner
Josh Mason

MANAGER, CONTENT COMMUNICATIONS SENIOR DIRECTOR, CORPORATE

Trey Higdon PARTNERSHIPS & BROADCASTING
Larry Linde

PRIMARY CONTACT
SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
& MARKETING
John Koluder
[email protected]
Martin Rennie (463) 212-5244

22 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 BHM V IND
05/08/2021 IND V TUL
05/22/2021 IND V SKC
05/29/2021 LOU V IND
06/02/2021 IND V OKC
06/05/2021 IND V MEM
06/09/2021 ELP V IND
06/15/2021 IND V PIT
06/20/2021 SKC V IND
06/26/2021 LOU V IND
07/03/2021 IND V BHM
Jordan Hamilton 07/07/2021 ATL V IND
Forward 07/10/2021 OKC V IND
07/17/2021 IND V MEM
Looking to replace Tyler Pasher – who notched 21 goals over the
past two seasons – Indy brought in another forward from north of 07/24/2021 IND V BHM
the border who could have just as large an impact on their attacking
fortunes. Jordan Hamilton never quite found a breakthrough in Major 08/04/2021 TUL V IND
League Soccer, although he did notch 11 goals in more than 50 08/08/2021 ATL V IND
appearances between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew SC. While
on loan in the Championship, though, he proved he’s capable at this 08/14/2021 IND V OKC
level. Hamilton recorded eight goals in 10 games in the 2019 season,
averaging a tally every 92.4 minutes. Indy will be hoping their new 08/18/2021 LDN V IND
arrival is up there with the Golden Boot contenders.
08/22/2021 SKC V IND
08/28/2021 IND V SLC
09/04/2021 IND V ATL
09/08/2021 TUL V IND
09/11/2021 IND V SKC
09/18/2021 IND V LOU
09/22/2021 MEM V IND
09/26/2021 OKC V IND
10/02/2021 IND V ATL
10/10/2021 BHM V IND
10/16/2021 IND V LOU
10/23/2021 IND V TUL
10/30/2021 MEM V IND
Ayoze
Defender

The Spaniard may now be 35 years old, but his ageless ability
to create and defend makes him an ideal fit as the left-sided /IndyEleven
wing back for Head Coach Martin Rennie’s system. Ayoze
has notched 16 assists over Indy’s first three seasons in the
Championship and has continued to shine so far in preseason
ahead of the new campaign. Ayoze’s ability to create will
@IndyEleven
certainly be welcome for Hamilton, Gordon Wild and Manuel
Arteaga as they look to make their mark on Indy’s attack.
@IndyEleven
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 23
 18400 Avalon Blvd. Suite 200,

LA GALAXY II
Carson, CA 90746
www.lagalaxy.com/2
P: (877) 342-5299

TEAM OUTLOOK
It may have flown under the radar at the time, but the
LA Galaxy II’s progression to the USL Championship
Playoffs for a second consecutive season showed the
progression and nerve of the club’s squad to hold off
its more experienced counterparts in California over
the course of the season. Clutch goals in matchups
against San Diego Loyal SC and Orange County SC
in the final month of the season saw Los Dos finish
second in the group, and while their postseason
journey wasn’t long, it did show the promise many in
the club have.

Leading the way in that category is defender Mauricio

Cuevas, who having just turned 18 might be on the
verge of making a big step forward in his career in
the coming year. The full back posted impressive
numbers on the back line, and while Los Dos’ defense
wasn’t always reliable, it did also feature other notable
youngsters like Jalen Neal – now signed to a Galaxy
First Team contract this offseason.

The other breakthrough performer was in attack, with

Augustine Williams scoring a career-best 13 goals
to take Championship All-League First Team honors.
More could come from the forward, who earned his
first call-up to the Sierra Leone National Team this
offseason, but there will also be a spotlight shining
bright on two players in Alex Alcala and Miguel Avalos
whom both currently are part of Mexico’s Youth
National Team program.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH OWNER
Philip F. Anschutz
PRESIDENT
Chris Klein

SENIOR MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, DIGITAL MEDIA

Vicky Mercado Christina Archer

SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARKETING & DIRECTOR, TICKET OPERATIONS

DIGITAL MEDIA Hillary Hodding
Chris Thomas

PRIMARY CONTACT
SENIOR MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS
Chris Glidden
[email protected]

Junior Gonzalez (561) 459-0025

24 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/30/2021 LA V SAC
05/05/2021 LA V LV
05/09/2021 LA V TAC
05/14/2021 SLC V LA
05/19/2021 LA V SKC
05/23/2021 LA V OAK
05/29/2021 OC V LA
06/04/2021 CHS V LA
06/12/2021 SD V LA
06/16/2021 LA V LV
06/23/2021 LA V OC
Augustine Williams 06/27/2021 TAC V LA
Forward 07/03/2021 PHX V LA
Augustine Williams produced a breakout campaign with 13 07/11/2021 LA V TAC
goals to lead the Galaxy II to the postseason, claiming the 07/17/2021 PHX V LA
Championship’s Player of the Month award for the final month
of the season after a torrid stretch in front of goal powered the 07/25/2021 LA V OAK
side’s success. That was also rewarded with Championship All- 08/01/2021 LA V SD
League First Team honors, and a first call-up by Sierra Leone,
both achievements the 23-year-old will be eager to build on in 08/07/2021 OC V LA
his third season with Los Dos.
08/14/2021 OAK V LA
08/27/2021 LV V LA
09/01/2021 LA V SAC
09/05/2021 SD V LA
09/11/2021 LA V PHX
09/18/2021 OAK V LA
09/26/2021 SAC V LA
09/29/2021 LA V PHX
10/02/2021 LA V SD
10/08/2021 LV V LA
10/13/2021 SAC V LA
10/17/2021 LA V ELP
10/24/2021 TAC V LA
10/30/2021 LA V OC
Alex Alcala
Midfielder
When you’ve trained at both La Masia with FC Barcelona’s
Academy and with Manchester City, your first professional
contract is going to turn heads both nationally and
/LAGalaxyII
internationally. That’s the resume that 15-year-old Alex Alcala
brings with him to the Galaxy II, and the expectations that
come with it. If Europe is in the Mexico Youth International’s @lagalaxyII
future, there could be plenty of excitement to come in the
upcoming season for Los Dos.
@lagalaxyII
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 25
 LAS VEGAS 850 N. Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV, 89101

LIGHTS FC
www.lasvegaslightsfc.com
P: (702) 728-4625

TEAM OUTLOOK
The biggest news of Las Vegas Lights FC’s offseason
was the club’s partnership with Major League Soccer’s
Los Angeles FC, which saw LAFC install United States
Men’s National Team legend Steve Cherundolo as the
club’s new Head Coach and begin to build a roster
that includes some intriguing names at Cashman Field
this season.

Most attention, however, may be trained on

Cherundolo, who since the end of his playing career
has moved into the coaching ranks both at Hannover
96 – where he spent the duration of his playing career
in Germany – and VfB Stuttgart. Working alongside
LAFC’s coaching staff, led by his former National Team
Coach Bob Bradley, Cherundolo’s approach to try and
bring success to a Lights FC side that has struggled for
consistency will be fascinating to watch.

The acumen LAFC has shown in acquiring players

from the lower divisions in their short history is a
major reason for optimism for Lights FC. From former
Louisville City FC standout Mark-Anthony Kaye – now
a stalwart in LAFC’s midfield since joining the club for
its expansion season – to more recent arrivals such as
Danny Musovski, LA’s staff has identified talent well,
which could make Lights FC a surprise package in the
Pacific.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH CEO & OWNER
Brett Lashbrook
SOCCER OPERATIONS
Stephen Campos

MANAGER OF PARTERSHIP MARKETING CONTROLLER & OFFICE MANAGER

Christian Garcia Jeramy Kinkaid

DIRECTOR, TICKET OPERATIONS VICE PRESIDENT, REVENUE

Aaron Mason Paul Mendes

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Peter Russo

Steve Cherundolo

26 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/05/2021 LA V LV
05/12/2021 SAC V LV
05/22/2021 PHX V LV
05/29/2021 SD V LV
06/05/2021 LV V TAC
06/11/2021 LV V SA
06/16/2021 LA V LV
06/19/2021 LV V OC
06/25/2021 LV V SD
07/03/2021 LV V TAC
07/10/2021 OAK V LV
Michael Yeboah 07/14/2021 LV V SAC
Midfielder 07/17/2021 ELP V LV
Arriving on loan from his native Ghana’s Accra Great Olympics,
07/23/2021 SLC V LV
Michael Yeboah has already seen top-flight action and will be 07/27/2021 LV V OC
hoping to work his way up the professional ranks with Lights
FC. The 19-year-old recorded four goals in 16 appearances for 08/07/2021 LV V PHX
the Great Olympics, including a pair of tallies in February that 08/14/2021 SAC V LV
helped him earn nomination for the Player of the Month award
in the Ghana Premier League. 08/18/2021 SD V LV
08/21/2021 LV V OAK
08/27/2021 LV V LA
09/02/2021 TAC V LV
09/05/2021 LV V SAC
09/08/2021 LV V OAK
09/11/2021 OC V LV
09/15/2021 PHX V LV
09/25/2021 LV V SD
09/29/2021 TAC V LV
10/02/2021 OAK V LV
10/08/2021 LV V LA
10/16/2021 LV V PHX
10/23/2021 OC V LV
10/30/2021 LV V TBR
Daniel Crisostomo
Midfielder
One of the players with USL Championship experience arriving
at Lights FC for the new season, Daniel Crisostomo joins the
club from Orange County SC, where he spent the first two
/LVLightsFC
seasons of his professional career. A former college player at
UC Irvine, Crisostomo has notched more than 40 appearances
in the Championship, split between starts and appearances
@lvlightsfc
off the bench. His prior experience could be very useful to his
new teammates as they get acclimated to their new club and
league. @lvlightsfc
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 27
 2400 East Capitol Street, S.E.,

LOUDON UNITED FC
Washington, D.C. 20003
www.loudoununitedfc.com
P: (520) 600-3095

TEAM OUTLOOK
Nothing seemed to go right for Loudoun United
FC in the 2020 season, from a lack of results to the
premature conclusion of the club’s abridged season.
Finding a way to rebound from that disappointment
is going to be the biggest test for Head Coach Ryan
Martin’s squad this year, and some new, veteran faces
could help turn things around.

One of those is former Sacramento Republic FC

midfielder Drew Skundrich, who made 42 appearances
in the center of midfield over the past two seasons.
Another is Wahab Ackwei, who spent the past two
seasons in USL League One with the Richmond
Kickers. Both players have logged close to 5,000
minutes of action in their careers, experience that
should prove invaluable for the lineup around them.

United will be without its most experienced figure

from 2020 with defender Peabo Doue calling time on
his career. As you’d expect, though, the major spotlight
is going to be on youngsters like Ted Ku-Dipietro as
Loudoun looks to find a way up the standings.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH FINANCE AND SPECIAL PROJECTS
DIRECTOR
Sam Zweifach
BUSINESS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Adam Fremd

PARTNERSHIP SALES COORDINATOR

Chase Leighton

PRIMARY CONTACT
VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS &
CONTENT
Zach Abaie
[email protected]
(540) 207-7931

Ryan Martin

28 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/02/2021 MIA V LDN
05/18/2021 LDN V NY
05/29/2021 NM V LDN
06/02/2021 LDN V PIT
06/08/2021 LDN V CHS
06/11/2021 TBR V LDN
06/19/2021 HFD V LDN
06/26/2021 CHS V LDN
06/30/2021 LDN V PIT
07/04/2021 LDN V HFD
07/11/2021 LDN V MIA
Kairou Amoustapha 07/17/2021 PIT V LDN
Forward 07/24/2021 TBR V LDN
If there was a slight bright-spot in Loudoun’s 2020 season, it 07/27/2021 LDN V CHS
was the performance in limited action of Niger U-20 National 07/31/2021 LDN V COS
Team member Kairou Amoustapha. He notched three goals,
one assist. eight shots on goal and 16 key passes for United in 08/06/2021 LDN V CLT
nine appearances and returns this season looking to add to
those numbers. If he does, bigger things could quickly arrive
08/13/2021 CHS V LDN
for the 20-year-old. 08/18/2021 LDN V IND
08/23/2021 LDN V TBR
09/04/2021 RGV V LDN
09/08/2021 LDN V CLT
09/11/2021 PIT V LDN
09/18/2021 LDN V HFD
09/25/2021 MIA V LDN
09/30/2021 NY V LDN
10/03/2021 CLT V LDN
10/10/2021 LDN V MIA
10/15/2021 HFD V LDN
10/20/2021 NY V LDN
10/23/2021 LDN V TBR
10/27/2021 CLT V LDN
10/30/2021 LDN V NY
Drew Skundrich
Midfielder

When Drew Skundrich first broke into the Championship with

the Philadelphia Union II after a successful college career at
Stanford University, he had by his side the veteran presence of /LoudounUnitedFC
James Chambers in the lineup. Now Skundrich may be needed
to fulfill a similar role for this young Loudoun lineup. He should
be capable of doing so – last season in Sacramento he posted
an 85.2 passing accuracy rate and made 13 interceptions while
@LoudounUnitedFC
scoring a pair of goals – but it’s going to likely be an uphill
battle for the 25-year-old.
@LoudounUnitedFC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 29
 LOUSIVILLE 110 W. Main St, Second Floor,

CITY FC
Louisville, KY, 40202
www.louisvillecityfc.com
P: (502) 384-8799

TEAM OUTLOOK
For a sixth consecutive season – every year of the
club’s history – Louisville City FC advanced to the
Eastern Conference Final in the USL Championship
Playoffs. There would be no celebration to cap a
successful first campaign at Lynn Family Stadium, as
the Tampa Bay Rowdies spoiled the party for the hosts
and leave LouCity without silverware for the first time
in a season since 2016.

There’s no reason to believe Louisville won’t be

back for more this year, however. Head Coach John
Hackworth’s squad has retained almost all of its key
players, including a permanent deal for standout
striker Cameron Lancaster after his year on loan from
Nashville SC in 2020. Also back are frontrunning allies
Antoine Hoppenot and Brian Ownby, a midfield group
including Paolo DelPiccolo and Corben Bone and
defender Sean Totsch, whose career season earned
his first Championship All-League honors.

There are notable departures, though, maybe most

importantly that of midfielder Speedy Williams to
Miami FC. Also gone – albeit more expectedly – is
goalkeeper Ben Lundt, who claimed Championship
Goalkeeper of the Year honors while on loan from FC
Cincinnati a year ago. The arrival of Tyler Gibson from
Indy Eleven should help mitigate Williams’ departure,
and we may see some of the youngsters in the squad
– most notably defender Jonathan Gomez – take a big
step up in minutes.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH CHAIRMAN & CEO
John Neace
TEAM PRESIDENT
Brad Estes

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF SR. VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND

DEVELOPMENT MARKETING
James O’Connor Mitch Ried

SR. VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF TICKET SALES

Davena Vowels David Walkovic

PRIMARY CONTACT
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Jonathan Lintner
[email protected]
(502) 930-7271
Danny Cruz

30 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/24/2021 LOU V ATL
05/08/2021 LOU V BHM
05/22/2021 LOU V SD
05/29/2021 LOU V IND
06/06/2021 ATL V LOU
06/12/2021 LOU V MEM
06/16/2021 LOU V BHM
06/19/2021 TUL V LOU
06/26/2021 LOU V IND
07/02/2021 SKC V LOU
07/10/2021 TUL V LOU
Cameron Lancaster 07/14/2021 LOU V OKC
Forward 07/17/2021 LOU V ATL
07/23/2021 COS V LOU
Over the past three seasons in the Championship, no-one has
scored with the prolificacy of Cameron Lancaster. The 2018 07/28/2021 SKC V LOU
Golden Boot winner – during which he set a single-season 07/31/2021 LOU V OKC
record of 25 regular season goals – has averaged a goal
every 97.6 minutes of action in the league, the only player to 08/07/2021 LOU V SKC
sit below the 100-minute mark among players with at least 10
goals. That efficiency in front of net makes Lancaster one of the
08/14/2021 LOU V TUL
best forwards the league has seen, and promises plenty more 08/22/2021 OKC V LOU
to come this year.
08/28/2021 BHM V LOU
09/03/2021 LOU V TUL
09/07/2021 HFD V LOU
09/12/2021 OKC V LOU
09/18/2021 IND V LOU
09/25/2021 MEM V LOU
09/29/2021 ATL V LOU
10/03/2021 LOU V NM
10/09/2021 LOU V SKC
10/13/2021 MEM V LOU
10/16/2021 IND V LOU
10/23/2021 LOU V MEM
10/30/2021 BHM V LOU
Sean Totsch
Defender

Previously a three-time winner of the USL Championship Final,

Sean Totsch’s progression as a player hit new heights in 2020
as he put in the most noteworthy individual season of his /louisvillecityfc
career. The 29-year-old played 17 games, sat above 62 percent
in success rates for tackles, duels and aerial duels, while
helping Louisville post a league-best nine clean sheets. With
a new contract signed this offseason, it appears Totsch will be
@loucityfc
holding it down on LouCity’s back line well into the future.

@loucityfc
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 31
 200 Union Ave,

MEMPHIS 901 FC
Memphis, TN 38103
www.memphis901fc.com
P: (901) 722-6000

TEAM OUTLOOK
It might have been a small sample size, but the final
three games of Memphis 901 FC’s 2020 season –
overseen by then interim and now permanent Head
Coach Ben Pirmann – offered a glimpse of hope for
what might come in the future for the Bluff City’s
club. Taking the first wins in club history against
both Birmingham Legion FC and the Charlotte
Independence – the two clubs that would go on to
represent Group G in the postseason – provided a
major boost for a side that had struggled previously.

Those performances had a bit of a dampener placed

on them during the offseason, during which time
some key players departed – most notably forward
Cal Jennings, who was signed by Indy Eleven and
then sold to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
After a delayed start to the club’s offseason business,
though, there are some interesting names set to arrive
at AutoZone Park this season.

Among that group are forwards Michael Salazar and

Kyle Murphy. Salazar brings experience both from
Major League Soccer with Houston Dynamo FC and
the Belize National Team as well as a solid pedigree
from his time with Rio Grande Valley FC, while Murphy
notched 13 goals for Loudoun United FC two seasons
ago before spending 2020 with Eastern Conference
Title-winner the Tampa Bay Rowdies. With a core of
defensive stalwarts returning including Zach Carroll
and Mark Segbers, Memphis is going to be a project

CONTACTS
this year, but one that could be building toward a
brighter future under Pirmann.

HEAD COACH PRINCIPAL OWNER

Peter Freund
PRESIDENT / OWNER
Craig Unger

DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR DIRECTOR, TICKET SALES & SERVICE

Kayla Hezel Aaron Johnson

MANAGER, GUEST SERVICES & MATCH VICE PRESIDENT, STADIUM OPERATIONS

OPERATIONS Mike voutsinas
Marissa Zvolanek

PRIMARY CONTACT
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
Ethan Triebsch
[email protected]
(404) 987-5969
Ben Pirmann

32 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/15/2021 BHM V MEM
05/23/2021 ATL V MEM
05/29/2021 OKC V MEM
06/05/2021 IND V MEM
06/12/2021 LOU V MEM
06/16/2021 MEM V ATL
06/19/2021 MEM V OKC
06/26/2021 MEM V SKC
07/03/2021 ATL V MEM
07/10/2021 BHM V MEM
07/17/2021 IND V MEM
Zach Carroll 07/24/2021 MEM V TUL
Defender 08/01/2021 SKC V MEM
08/07/2021 OKC V MEM
Memphis had its struggles defensively as a side in 2020, but
individually Zach Carroll put up some impressive numbers that 08/10/2021 MEM V COS
he’ll be hoping correlate to improvement as a side in the new 08/14/2021 MEM V BHM
season. A former Championship All-League selection in 2016
with the New York Red Bulls II, Carroll sat above 63 percent 08/25/2021 TUL V MEM
success rates in tackles, duels and aerial duels individually
while making 51 clearances and 28 interceptions. As 901 FC
08/29/2021 SKC V MEM
looks to build, the 27-year-old could be a foundational stone. 09/01/2021 MEM V OKC
09/04/2021 MEM V BHM
09/11/2021 MEM V MIA
09/19/2021 NY V MEM
09/22/2021 MEM V IND
09/25/2021 MEM V LOU
10/02/2021 TUL V MEM
10/06/2021 MEM V SKC
10/10/2021 SA V MEM
10/13/2021 MEM V LOU
10/16/2021 MEM V ATL
10/23/2021 LOU V MEM
10/27/2021 MEM V TUL
10/30/2021 MEM V IND
Michael Salazar
Forward

When he last saw action in the USL Championship, Michael

Salazar averaged better than a goal every other game for Rio
Grande Valley FC in the 2019 season as he notched 10 goals /Memphis901FC
at a rate of a finish every 169.3 minutes. That drew the attention
of Houston Dynamo FC, which signed him to an MLS deal, but
after eight appearances he returned to the free agency market
and now lands in Memphis. If Salazar can recreate his form
Memphis901FC
with the Toros, he could provide the attacking punch Memphis
will be missing from the departed Cal Jennings.
@Memphis901FC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 33
 11200 Southwest 8th Street,

MIAMI FC
Miami, FL 33199
www.miamifc.com
P: (305) 371-9760

TEAM OUTLOOK
Expectations were high for Miami FC as it joined the
Championship for the 2020 season, but the newcomers
were unable to match up with the Tampa Bay Rowdies
or Charleston Battery in Group H consistently, which
meant the side dropped well off the playoff pace
before the end of the season.

So, what’s a side with a big budget and desire to be a

title contender to do? Assemble a collection of new
faces that could have Miami rubbing shoulders with
the Championship’s elite by the end of the season,
is what. The offseason signings of free agents Paco
Craig and Speedy Williams – both two-time USL
Championship Final winners at Louisville City FC – as
well as the arrival of former Italy international Luca
Antonelli and the transfer of Bolu Akinyode from
Birmingham Legion FC were among the eye-opening
new arrivals at Riccardo Silva Stadium this winter.

Head Coach Paul Dalglish will look to mold the new

pieces into a cohesive unit, but there should be
plenty of flash and style on display with players like
Christiano Francois, another newcomer, as well as
a return trip for his second stint at the club for Ariel
Martinez. The expectations are going to be high, once
again. This time, Miami is going to want to deliver.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Michael Williamson
HEAD OF REVENUE
Carlo Castilla

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS SR. MANAGER OF COMMUNITY AND

Daniel Metrie CORPORTE RELATIONS
Patricia Cabrera

SR. MANAGER OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGERS

DEVELOPMENT Vanessa Ramos
Gonzalo De Mujica

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Nico Castillo
[email protected]
(813) 527-1376
Paul Dalglish

34 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/02/2021 MIA V LDN
05/08/2021 MIA V HFD
05/14/2021 NY V MIA
05/22/2021 TBR V MIA
05/29/2021 MIA V CLT
06/06/2021 MIA V RGV
06/12/2021 PIT V MIA
06/18/2021 CHS V MIA
06/23/2021 MIA V BHM
06/26/2021 MIA V CLT
07/02/2021 NY V MIA
Speedy Williams 07/07/2021 MIA V TBR
Midfielder 07/11/2021 LDN V MIA
Speedy Williams has been successful consistently in the 07/17/2021 MIA V TBR
Championship, but his 2020 season might have been his best 07/24/2021 HFD V MIA
all-around season individually as he proved the catalyst
in the center of Louisville City FC’s midfield. The Jamaican 08/01/2021 MIA V CHS
international arrives in Miami with expectations of a similar
level of performance, and with the goal to aim for of selection
08/04/2021 HFD V MIA
for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup in his sights, Williams should 08/11/2021 PIT V MIA
be at the top of his game once again.
08/14/2021 ATX V MIA
08/22/2021 MIA V HFD
08/29/2021 MIA V NY
09/04/2021 CLT V MIA
09/11/2021 MEM V MIA
09/18/2021 MIA V CHS
09/22/2021 CLT V MIA
09/25/2021 MIA V LDN
10/02/2021 MIA V PIT
10/10/2021 LDN V MIA
10/17/2021 MIA V PIT
10/20/2021 TBR V MIA
10/24/2021 MIA V NY
10/30/2021 CHS V MIA
Christiano Francois
Forward

If you’re looking for a player who could become an immediate

fan favorite in Miami, look no further than Haitian international
Christiano Francois. A dynamic winger, Francois has recorded /TheMiamiFC
19 goals and 24 assists over the past four seasons in 88 regular
season contests, including a stellar campaign with six goals
and seven assists for Reno 1868 FC in 2020. Joining an attack
that appears set to be built for speed with Adonijah Reid and
@TheMiamiFC
Billy Forbes also in tow, Francois could be the main attraction
for Miami’s new-look attack.
@TheMiamiFC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 35
 NEW MEXICO 3500 Central Avenue SE, Suite 2
Albuquerque, NM 87106

UNITED
www.newmexicoutd.com
P: (505) 209-7529

TEAM OUTLOOK
After reaching the postseason in the club’s inaugural
season, New Mexico United took the next step by
earning its first victory in the USL Championship
Playoffs last season, a remarkable feat given the
circumstances it was achieved under. Due to local
health and safety restrictions in place across New
Mexico, United played its full 2020 campaign on the
road, and will be looking forward to returning home to
Isotopes Park this year.

A notable contingent of players from the club’s first

two seasons will return, too, led by talisman forward
Devon Sandoval and fellow New Mexico native Josh
Suggs, who enters the 2020 season sitting second
in the Championship all-time in minutes played.
Also back for another season is attacking midfielder
Amando Moreno, who made an impressive impact in
his first season, and center back Kalen Ryden, whose
stabilizing presence in the back line saw a major
improvement in United’s defensive play, and earned
Ryden Championship All-League honors.

There are some notable shoes to fill, however, with

attacking midfielder Chris Wehan having joined
Orange County SC and goalkeeper Cody Mizell
making the move to Major League Soccer with New
York City FC. There appears to be a contest for the
starting goalkeeping position between the returning
Philip Beigl and newcomer Alex Tambakis, while new
arrivals Brian Brown, Harry Swartz, Ilija Ilic and Isidro

CONTACTS
Martinez offer a variety of options to fill the gap in
production left by Wehan.

HEAD COACH OWNER & PRESIDENT

Peter Trevisani
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Desiree Kim

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION

Josh Lane Lukas Cash

SPANISH MEDIA SPECIALIST CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Menny Esquivel Dustin McCorkle

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & FAN
EXPERIENCE
David Carl
[email protected]
Troy Lesesne (856) 361-4323

36 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 RGV V NM
05/08/2021 ELP V NM
05/15/2021 NM V ATX
05/21/2021 COS V NM
05/29/2021 NM V LDN
06/04/2021 SLC V NM
06/12/2021 NM V ATX
06/16/2021 NM V SA
06/25/2021 COS V NM
06/30/2021 SLC V NM
07/03/2021 ELP V NM
Amando Moreno 07/09/2021 NM V COS
Midfielder 07/12/2021 NM V CHS
Making the move to New Mexico from the New York Red Bulls
07/21/2021 SA V NM
organization, Amando Moreno proved an ideal fit for United’s 07/24/2021 NM V ELP
attacking philosophy, finishing second on the team in both
goals (6) and assists (4) in 17 appearances. Moreno’s ability 08/01/2021 TAC V NM
to find space and then make the right decision on the ball is 08/14/2021 NM V ELP
going to be key for United to maintain its upward trajectory
this season, but from all appearances he’s already beginning to 08/18/2021 NM V OAK
develop a good understanding with some of the newcomers
to the squad this preseason.
08/22/2021 ATX V NM
08/28/2021 PHX V NM
09/04/2021 NM V COS
09/10/2021 ATX V NM
09/18/2021 NM V SLC
09/22/2021 NM V RGV
09/25/2021 SA V NM
10/03/2021 LOU V NM
10/06/2021 NM V HFD
10/09/2021 NM V RGV
10/17/2021 SD V NM
10/20/2021 NM V SA
10/23/2021 RGV V NM
10/30/2021 NM V SLC
Micheal Azira
Midfielder

A former Championship Final-winner in 2012 with the

Charleston Battery, Micheal Azira used that start to his career
to propel him to the next level. With 130 regular-season /NewMexicoUTD
appearances in Major League Soccer, he now joins New
Mexico United for what could be the final move of his career.
At 33 years old, Azira will bring a veteran presence to United’s
midfield alongside Juan Pablo Guzman that will help protect
@NewMexicoUTD
the back line, but the former Ugandan international will also
move possession effectively to get New Mexico on the attack.
@NewMexicoUTD
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 37
 NEW YORK One Harmon Plaza,

RED BULLS II
Harrison, NJ 07094
www.newyorkredbulls.com/2
P: (201) 583-7000

TEAM OUTLOOK
For the first time in their history, the New York Red
Bulls II failed to reach the USL Championship Playoffs
in 2020 as defensive issues couldn’t be overcome by
an attack that still maintained its usual prolificacy. That’s
meant changes for Head Coach John Wolyniec’s squad
as the club’s emphasis on understanding how to win as
part of its development model saw only three players
retained for the new season.

Two of those are attacking pieces, with Omar Sowe

having notched a team-best seven goals in 14
appearances last season and Jake LaCava putting
away five goals in 15 games. Also back is midfielder
Kyle Zajec, who was limited to four appearances but
averaged 61.6 passes per 90 minutes – the highest rate
on the team – and had one assist and 10 Key Passes
and will likely play a big role in the center of the field.

The Red Bulls II also added to their squad with former

Indy Eleven forward Jeremy Rafanello coming aboard.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Curtis Ofori also signed his
first professional deal with the club, becoming the
youngest player in Red Bulls II history. Given New
York’s past success with talented teenagers, Ofori
should be a player to keep an eye on in the upcoming
year.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH GENERAL MANAGER
Jamie Ponce
SR. MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS
Gordon Stevenson
[email protected]
(973) 432-2583

BUSINESS OPERATIONS SPECIALIST SENIOR MANAGER, MATCH

Christopher Schenck PRESENTATION
Richard Kaufmann

SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING SALES ACADEMY REPRESENTATIVE

PARTNERSHIPS Michelle Neto
Jamie Sussman

PRIMARY CONTACT
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
Zach Lahey
[email protected]
(908) 763-7421
John Wolyniec

38 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/30/2021 NY V HFD
05/07/2021 NY V CHS
05/14/2021 NY V MIA
05/18/2021 LDN V NY
05/23/2021 CHS V NY
05/28/2021 NY V PIT
06/02/2021 NY V TBR
06/05/2021 HFD V NY
06/12/2021 CHS V NY
06/16/2021 NY V CLT
06/25/2021 PIT V NY
Omar Sowe 07/02/2021 NY V MIA
Forward 07/07/2021 CLT V NY
07/10/2021 HFD V NY
The Red Bulls II have produced a pipeline for attacking players
to reach the next level, with players such as current Red Bulls 07/17/2021 CLT V NY
strikers Tom Barlow and Brian White having made their start 07/23/2021 NY V PIT
in the Championship with the club. Sowe could be the next to
join them after impressing in his first – albeit abbreviated – full 07/31/2021 SAC V NY
season of action, notching seven goals at a strike rate of a goal
every 107 minutes. If he keeps that pace up for 30-plus games
08/06/2021 NY V TBR
this season, New York could be back in a big way. 08/14/2021 NY V SA
08/20/2021 NY V CHS
08/29/2021 MIA V NY
09/01/2021 PIT V NY
09/04/2021 NY V HFD
09/11/2021 TBR V NY
09/19/2021 NY V MEM
09/26/2021 SLC V NY
09/30/2021 NY V LDN
10/08/2021 NY V CLT
10/15/2021 TBR V NY
10/20/2021 NY V LDN
10/24/2021 MIA V NY
10/30/2021 LDN V NY
Curtis Ofori
Defender

Just 15 years old, Curtis Ofori was signed to the Red Bulls II
roster a season ago but didn’t see action during the campaign.
Now signed to his first pro deal, that’s almost certain to /NYRBII
change this year with the Red Bulls Academy product.
According to Head Coach John Wolyniec, his experience
training with the squad last season led Ofori to up his game
impressively this offseason, and that means there could be
@NYRBII
plenty of opportunity ahead.

@NYRBII
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 39
 900 Fallon St,

OAKLAND ROOTS SC
Oakland, CA 94607
www.oaklandrootssc.com
P: (510) 488-1144

TEAM OUTLOOK
Founded in 2018, Oakland Roots SC makes its debut
in the USL Championship in the 2021 season and
has been busy building what looks on paper to be
a solid roster with some notable names as it enters
the campaign. Based at Laney Stadium in the heart of
Oakland, the newcomers will be hoping to find quick
success as they enter new rivalries regionally with
Sacramento Republic FC and the rest of California’s
clubs.

Oakland made a major splash to begin its offseason,

acquiring Oakland native Saalih Muhammad from
New Mexico United, but the biggest signing for the
club may have been Wal Fall, who is likely to join
Muhammad in the center of Roots’ midfield. Fall has
impressed throughout his time in the Championship,
last season leading Saint Louis FC to the postseason,
and could be the dynamo that makes Oakland tick.

Other newcomers include Curacao National Team

goalkeeper Zeus De La Paz, who brings experience
from the Netherlands – his home country – and
England in his career. He’ll likely back a defense that
includes former USL Championship Final-winner Tarek
Morad and Akeem Ward, while another former Saint
Louis player in Tyler Blackwood will look to provide
the goals in attack.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH VP OF SOCCER
Eric Yamamoto
CHAIR
Steven Aldrich

CO-FOUNDER & CMO CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Edreece Arghandiwal Steven Powell

DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR OF MEDIA

Taylor Beggs Alfonso Bui

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Tommy Hodul
[email protected]
(510) 708-1797
Jordan Ferrell

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/08/2021 PHX V OAK
05/23/2021 LA V OAK
06/02/2021 SAC V OAK
06/12/2021 OC V OAK
06/19/2021 OAK V SAC
06/26/2021 OAK V ATX
06/29/2021 SD V OAK
07/07/2021 SAC V OAK
07/10/2021 OAK V LV
07/14/2021 OAK V PHX
07/17/2021 OAK V TAC
Wal Fall 07/25/2021 LA V OAK
Midfielder 07/31/2021 OAK V OC
One of the best two-way midfielders in the Championship 08/04/2021 OAK V PHX
in recent seasons, Wal Fall arrives in Oakland as a potential 08/08/2021 TAC V OAK
centerpiece for the club’s lineup as it arrives in the league. The
6-foot-3 German has recorded 28 goals and 11 assists in more 08/14/2021 OAK V LA
than 100 appearances in the Championship’s regular season
08/18/2021 NM V OAK
since arriving in the league before the 2016 season, and has an
impressive record of having been part of playoff teams every 08/21/2021 LV V OAK
season. If Fall remains at the top of his game, Oakland could
be a dangerous side. 08/28/2021 OAK V TAC
09/03/2021 TBR V OAK
09/08/2021 LV V OAK
09/11/2021 OAK V SD
09/18/2021 OAK V LA
09/22/2021 OAK V SD
09/25/2021 OC V OAK
10/02/2021 OAK V LV
10/06/2021 OAK V SAC
10/09/2021 PHX V OAK
10/16/2021 OAK V OC
10/20/2021 TAC V OAK
10/24/2021 SD V OAK
10/30/2021 OAK V SKC
Saalih Muhammad
Midfielder

A native of Richmond, Calif. just outside Oakland, Saalih

Muhammad made history as the first signing in Roots’
Championship history as he arrived from New Mexico United. /oaklandroots
The central midfielder had one of the great moments of the

@oaklandrootssc
2020 Championship season with an outstanding strike from
long distance against Colorado Springs, but its his ball-winning
and distribution that will be most important for Roots in a
tough Pacific Division.

@oaklandroots
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE
 1001 N. Broadway Ave,

OKC ENERGY FC
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
www.energyfc.com
P: (405) 235-5425

TEAM OUTLOOK
It’s probably fair to say little went to plan for OKC
Energy FC in John Pascarella’s first season as Head
Coach. Struggles in front of goal resulted in a lack of
wins at Taft Stadium for the Greens all season, and not
much to celebrate otherwise for the club’s devoted
fans.

There are some familiar faces back with the side this
season, and in some ways it’s difficult to imagine a
player like Frank Lopez – who shone in stints for the
LA Galaxy II and San Antonio FC – struggling to find
the net as he did in 2020. The arrival of players like
attacking midfielder/forward Villyan Bijev and Canada
U-23 international Aidan Daniels – acquired via transfer
from Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC with Hiroki
Kurimoto – should also help the side’s creativity in the
final third.

OKC has also looked to re-tool defensively, bringing

in former Rio Grande Valley FC center back Robert
Coronado and former Indy Eleven man Mitch Osmond
to try and offer help to CJ Cochran in goal. There’s
going to be plenty of work ahead for OKC to make a
bid for the postseason, but realistically the only way is
up from last season’s difficulties.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH PARTNER
Bob Funk Jr.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Jeff Kretchmar

SVP, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING &

Mindy Lummus COMMUNICATIONS
Billy Walton
[email protected]
(405) 593-2017

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS VP, TICKET SALES & SERVICE

Lee Cohenour Sam Bays

PRIMARY CONTACT
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC
RELATIONS MANAGER
Tyler Vaughn
[email protected]
John Pascarella (405) 620-7661

42 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/24/2021 OKC V TUL
05/01/2021 OKC V ATL
05/07/2021 SKC V OKC
05/16/2021 OKC V ATL
05/26/2021 BHM V OKC
05/29/2021 OKC V MEM
06/02/2021 IND V OKC
06/12/2021 OKC V BHM
06/19/2021 MEM V OKC
06/23/2021 OKC V SKC
06/27/2021 ATL V OKC
Villyan Bijev 07/02/2021 OKC V TUL
Forward 07/10/2021 OKC V IND
07/14/2021 LOU V OKC
After four seasons with Sacramento Republic FC, Villyan
Bijev joins Energy FC looking to find a return to the form 07/17/2021 TUL V OKC
that marked his first two seasons in the Championship. The 07/24/2021 OKC V SKC
28-year-old recorded 17 goals and 12 assists between the 2016
and 2017 seasons, but since then has notched 11 goals and 10 07/31/2021 LOU V OKC
assists in the three subsequent years. He certainly should get
the opportunity for an OKC side whose attack struggled last
08/07/2021 OKC V MEM
season, the question will be whether he can take advantage. 08/11/2021 ATL V OKC
08/14/2021 IND V OKC
08/22/2021 OKC V LOU
08/29/2021 OKC V RGV
09/01/2021 MEM V OKC
09/04/2021 SKC V OKC
09/12/2021 OKC V LOU
09/18/2021 BHM V OKC
09/26/2021 OKC V IND
10/03/2021 OKC V SA
10/10/2021 ATX V OKC
10/17/2021 OKC V BHM
10/24/2021 ELP V OKC
10/30/2021 TUL V OKC
Aidan Daniels
Midfielder

Coming off the opportunity to represent Canada’s U-23s at

Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying – where the side reached
the Semifinals before falling to Mexico – Aidan Daniels will be /EnergyFC
looking to make a positive impact at his new club. Acquired
via an offseason transfer from Colorado Springs Switchbacks
FC, the 22-year-old had 27 Key Passes in the 2020 season and
three goals on an 18.8 percent conversion rate. Daniels should
@energyfc
be a pivotal figure for OKC’s midfield this season and will need
to come through with some big performances.
@energyfc
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 43
 ORANGE 20 Fairbanks, Suite 181,

COUNTY SC
Irvine, CA 92618
www.orangecountysoccer.com
P: (949) 647-4625

TEAM OUTLOOK
Orange County SC entered 2020 with high expectations,
but a lackluster attack and defeats in five of their final
seven games of the regular season left the side on the
outside of the playoff field, a defeat to the LA Galaxy II
closing the door on the season with a game to play. The
expectation will be for a bounce-back this season, and
the side has been aggressive in retooling its attack to try
and contest for top spot.

One of those will be a familiar face as Thomas

Enevoldsen returns after spending the COVID-19
pandemic in his native Denmark on loan with Hobro
IK. A finalist for the Championship’s MVP award in 2018,
Enevoldsen will be joined by Adam Jahn, who is set to
spend the season with Orange County on loan from
Major League Soccer after his release by Atlanta United
FC during the offseason. Also arriving is 2019 USL League
One Golden Boot-winner Ronaldo Damus, and Finnish
forward Eero Markkanen, who at 6-foot-5 could be a
serious handful for opposing defenses.

One key piece Orange County will have to replace is the

departed Aodhan Quinn, now with division rival Phoenix
Rising FC. His creativity could be replaced by former
New Mexico United attacking midfielder Chris Wehan,
who alongside former Reno 1868 FC defender Brent
Richards make for two major additions to their respective
parts of the field. Expectations, then, remain high, and
this time OCSC will be aiming to come through.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH OWNER & CEO
James Keston
ASST. GM & SVP OF PLAYER
RECRUITMENT & SOCCER OPERATIONS
Peter Nugent

CFO & VP OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS, PRESIDENT OF SOCCER OPERTAIONS &

OCSC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GENERAL MANAGER
Lisa Keston Oliver Wyss

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Mark Entner Jeff Garner

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Chad Romiti
[email protected]
(949) 293-7781
Braeden Cloutier

44 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/16/2021 TAC V OC
05/22/2021 OC V SAC
05/29/2021 OC V LA
06/05/2021 SAC V OC
06/09/2021 OC V SD
06/12/2021 OC V OAK
06/19/2021 LV V OC
06/23/2021 LA V OC
07/01/2021 COS V OC
07/06/2021 OC V TAC
07/10/2021 SAC V OC
Thomas Enevoldsen 07/14/2021 SD V OC
Forward 07/17/2021 OC V RGV
Orange County’s struggles in front of goal – which saw them 07/24/2021 OC V SAC
score only 18 goals in 16 games – did leave the thought of
how their season might have gone had Thomas Enevoldsen 07/27/2021 LV V OC
been available upon the resumption of the season. The 07/31/2021 OAK V OC
Danish veteran scored 33 goals in his first two seasons in the
Championship, posting a 21.3 percent shot conversion rate – 08/07/2021 OC V LA
well above OCSC’s 11.8 percent mark in 2020. His return along 08/14/2021 PHX V OC
with more attacking pedigree could propel Orange County to
big things. 08/18/2021 OC V TAC
08/21/2021 SD V OC
08/28/2021 CHS V OC
09/03/2021 OC V ELP
09/11/2021 OC V LV
09/18/2021 PHX V OC
09/25/2021 OC V OAK
10/02/2021 OC V PHX
10/09/2021 TAC V OC
10/13/2021 OC V PHX
10/16/2021 OAK V OC
10/20/2021 OC V SD
10/23/2021 OC V LV
10/30/2021 LA V OC

Chris Wehan
Midfielder

A native of Orange, Calif., Chris Wehan returns home for his

fifth season in the professional ranks after making his case to
O
/ rangeCountySoccer
be considered among the best attacking midfielders in the
Championship. The 2017 Championship Rookie of the Year with
Reno 1868 FC, Wehan has recorded 28 goals and 25 assists in @OrangeCountySC
83 regular-season appearances, and led New Mexico United
to back-to-back postseason berths in its first two years. OCSC
fans will be hoping their native son can deliver the same for
them.
@OrangeCountySoccer
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 45
 PHOENIX 8010 E. McDowell Road Suite 103,

RISING FC
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
www.phxrisingfc.com
P: (623) 594-9606

TEAM OUTLOOK
Phoenix Rising FC claimed the Western Conference
Title for the second time in three seasons, and while
they were made to work hard for their success – being
taken to penalty shootouts twice and extra time in all
three postseason contests – on paper the club will
enter the new season as the favorites to reach the USL
Championship Final from the conference.

There have been changes, however, with 2020 Golden

Boot-winner Junior Flemmings now with Birmingham
Legion FC. Also departed is standout young defender
Corey Whelan, who joined Wigan Athletic, as well as
AJ Cochran, who moved to Indy Eleven, and Damion
Lowe, now competing for Al Ittihad Alexandria Club
in Egypt. Phoenix’s back line will take a different form
this season, then, with Noah Billingsley (Minnesota
United FC) and Jeremy Kelly (Colorado Rapids)
arriving on loan from Major League Soccer clubs, and
new signings Deklan Wynne and Tobi Adewole both
bringing solid professional experience.

What will remain consistent, though, is the likely

output of Phoenix’s attack. Led by now two-time
Championship Most Valuable Player Solomon Asante,
Rising FC also got strong production from newcomer
Rufat Dadashov in his first year at the club, while Santi
Moar will have the chance to build on what was an
excellent second half of the campaign that saw him
end with eight assists across the regular season and
playoffs. Add in the arrival of Aodhan Quinn from

CONTACTS
Orange County SC and the club’s new home at Wild
Horse Pass should be one of the toughest places to
visit once again this season.

HEAD COACH GENERAL MANAGER

Bobby Dulle
DIRECTOR OF TICKET SALES
Eric Barrera

PARTNERSHIP SALES MANAGER DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

Joey Castor H. Jose Bosch

OPERATIONS MANAGER DIRECTOR OF BOX OFFICE OPERATIONS

Annie Marum Judy Kirk

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING &
COMMUNICATIONS
Jason Minnick
[email protected]
Rick Schantz (570) 764-0294

46 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/30/2021 PHX V SD
05/08/2021 PHX V OAK
05/15/2021 TBR V PHX
05/22/2021 PHX V LV
05/29/2021 SAC V PHX
06/05/2021 PHX V SD
06/12/2021 PHX V TAC
06/19/2021 SD V PHX
06/26/2021 SAC V PHX
07/03/2021 PHX V LA
07/10/2021 CLT V PHX
Solomon Asante 07/14/2021 OAK V PHX
Forward 07/17/2021 PHX V LA
07/24/2021 SD V PHX
There have been several notable contributors to Phoenix
Rising FC’s success over the past three seasons, but none 07/31/2021 PHX V RGV
more consistent than Solomon Asante. The Ghanaian forward 08/04/2021 OAK V PHX
has recorded 41 goals and 34 assists in 78 regular-season
games over the past three seasons, and last year came 08/07/2021 LV V PHX
through in the postseason with two crucial goals on the side’s
run to the Western Conference Title. Voted the Championship’s
08/14/2021 PHX V OC
Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive year, Asante 08/21/2021 PHX V SAC
will be front and center once again in 2021.
08/28/2021 PHX V NM
09/05/2021 TAC V PHX
09/11/2021 LA V PHX
09/15/2021 PHX V LV
09/18/2021 PHX V OC
09/25/2021 TAC V PHX
09/29/2021 LA V PHX
10/02/2021 OC V PHX
10/09/2021 PHX V OAK
10/13/2021 OC V PHX
10/16/2021 LV V PHX
10/23/2021 PHX V SAC
10/30/2021 PHX V TAC
Aodhan Quinn
Midfielder
The arrival of Aodhan Quinn at Phoenix Rising FC could feel
like an example of the rich getting richer in the Western
Conference with the former Championship MVP Finalist
/PHXRisingFC
bringing a tremendous resume to the desert. A centerpiece
for Orange County SC over the past three seasons, Quinn’s
ability to create from midfield – both in open play and from @PHXRisingFC
set pieces – has put him among the best in the Championship.
Working in Phoenix’s attacking system could produce more
big numbers – and success – for the California native. @PHXRisingFC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 47
 PITTSBURGH
RIVERHOUNDS SC
510 W Station Square Drive,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
www.riverhounds.com
P: (412) 224-4900

TEAM OUTLOOK
For the first time in Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC history,
the club earned its third consecutive trip to the
postseason in 2020, but the enthusiasm around that
achievement was somewhat dimmed as a late-season
home loss to Hartford Athletic cost the Hounds first
place in Group F and ended up with an early playoff
elimination at the hands of Louisville City FC in the
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

The early part of the offseason wasn’t that kind,

either, with established center back Thomas
Vancaeyezeele (San Diego Loyal SC), wing back Ryan
James (Birmingham Legion FC), midfielder Robbie
Mertz (Atlanta United 2) and forward Steevan Dos
Santos (Tampa Bay Rowdies) among the free agency
departures.

But, as always, it would be foolish to write off a side

coached by Bob Lilley, who has consistently shown the
ability to re-tool and attract established and potential
talent throughout his career. Two former members of
Saint Louis FC in Todd Wharton and Russell Cicerone
have made the move to Highmark Stadium, while
Alex Dixon has reunited with Lilley from their days
in Rochester after spending the past two seasons
with Hartford Athletic. Most importantly, though, the
Hounds re-signed midfield talisman Kenardo Forbes.
Teamed up with Wharton, Pittsburgh could have one
of the best midfield tandems in the middle of the
park this season, and that could help secure a fourth

CONTACTS
consecutive trip to the postseason.

HEAD COACH OWNER & PRESIDENT

Tuffy Shallenberger
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
John Rotz

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF TICKET SALES SOCIAL VIDEO PRODUCER / IN-GAME

AND SERVICE HOST
Jim Pappas Justin McCauley

GAME DAY OPERATIONS MANAGER MANAGER OF NEW BUSINESS

Chris DeVivo DEVELOPMENT
Michael Panish

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Matt Grubba
[email protected]
(412) 325-7229
Bob Lilley

48 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/08/2021 TBR V PIT
05/15/2021 HFD V PIT
05/22/2021 PIT V CLT
05/28/2021 NY V PIT
06/02/2021 LDN V PIT
06/06/2021 PIT V ATX
06/12/2021 PIT V MIA
06/15/2021 IND V PIT
06/19/2021 TBR V PIT
06/25/2021 PIT V NY
06/30/2021 LDN V PIT
Kenardo Forbes 07/03/2021 PIT V CLT
Midfielder 07/07/2021 CHS V PIT
It might have taken a while, but most people around the 07/17/2021 PIT V LDN
Championship have been fully aware of what Kenardo Forbes brings
to the table for a while now. That’s resulted in three consecutive
07/23/2021 NY V PIT
Championship All-League selections in the past three years, and four 07/31/2021 PIT V HFD
overall for the Jamaican veteran’s career. The 32-year-old is going to
be a central figure again for the Hounds after signing a new contract 08/06/2021 CHS V PIT
this offseason as he looks to add to his 39 career regular-season
assists, the most in the Championship’s history. 08/11/2021 PIT V MIA
08/14/2021 CLT V PIT
08/18/2021 PIT V TBR
08/22/2021 PIT V ATL
08/28/2021 HFD V PIT
09/01/2021 PIT V NY
09/04/2021 SA V PIT
09/11/2021 PIT V LDN
09/18/2021 CLT V PIT
09/25/2021 PIT V CHS
10/02/2021 MIA V PIT
10/10/2021 PIT V TBR
10/17/2021 MIA V PIT
10/23/2021 PIT V CHS
10/30/2021 PIT V HFD
Danny Vitiello
Goalkeeper

/RiverhoundsSC
Coming in midway through the regular season as starter, Danny
Vitiello made the most of his opportunity to narrowly claim the
Championship’s Golden Glove with a 0.50 mark as he conceded only
four goals in eight games. The former Nashville SC shot-stopper’s
underlying numbers were also impressive – he outperformed his
Expected Goals Against total by 1.82 xG. Now it’s a question of
whether the 25-year-old can perform at the same level for a full
@RiverhoundsSC
season.

@RiverhoundsSC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 49
 REAL 9256 S. State St.,

MONARCHS SLC
Sandy, UT 84070
www.realmonarchs.com
P: (801) 727-2700

TEAM OUTLOOK
After reaching the mountaintop in 2019 by becoming
only the second MLS-operated club to win the USL
Championship Final, changes in personnel and squad
restrictions on player movement saw Real Monarchs
SLC return to earth with a bump last year. The first
defending title-winner to fail to reach the playoffs will
be hoping a new injection of talent can spur it back
toward postseason contention.

The Monarchs will have to do so without former

captain Jack Blake, who made the move to San Diego
Loyal SC this past offseason, while Joe Gallardo
departed for Liga MX side Queretaro FC. The side did
retain a notable veteran presence in defender James
Moberg, but it’s the incoming crop of young talent that
may grab most of the attention this season.

The Monarchs have looked from within the

Championship and overseas to rebuild their squad,
adding former Tampa Bay Rowdies winger Malik
Johnson and former Rio Grande Valley FC defender
Kyle Adams in domestically, while also adding
20-year-old Colombians Juan Vidal and Brayan Gomez
to try and help boost their attack. Finding the spark
that fueled the club’s title run could be a challenge in
what looks like a tough division, but Real should be up
for the challenge.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH INTERIM PRESIDENT
John Kimball
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Tara Cupello

GENERAL MANAGER DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS &

Elliot Fall CONTENT
Matt Gaschk

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF BROADCAST AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

DIGITAL Meg Van Dyk
Tyler Gibbons

PRIMARY CONTACT
SENIOR MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS
Taran Meyer
[email protected]
(801) 657-2161
Jamison Olave

50 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/08/2021 SA V SLC
05/14/2021 SLC V LA
05/21/2021 SLC V ATX
05/26/2021 ATX V SLC
05/29/2021 HFD V SLC
06/04/2021 SLC V NM
06/09/2021 SLC V SAC
06/12/2021 RGV V SLC
06/18/2021 SLC V ELP
06/23/2021 TAC V SLC
06/26/2021 SLC V SA
Malik Johnson 06/30/2021 SLC V NM
Winger 07/04/2021 COS V SLC
Possessing a great combination of speed and footskills, there 07/09/2021 SLC V ELP
were plenty of highlight-reel moments for Malik Johnson 07/18/2021 ATX V SLC
with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. During the 2020 season, he
completed 34 dribbles in 10 appearances at a 64.2 success 07/23/2021 SLC V LV
rate as opposing defenders had to be wary of the danger
he posed, typically coming of the right flank. As he arrives at
07/31/2021 ELP V SLC
the Monarchs, the 22-year-old Canadian should have more 08/04/2021 SLC V RGV
opportunities for starters minutes, which could mean a whole
lot more excitement in the upcoming year. 08/07/2021 SD V SLC
08/21/2021 SA V SLC
08/28/2021 IND V SLC
09/08/2021 COS V SLC
09/11/2021 SLC V SA
09/18/2021 NM V SLC
09/26/2021 SLC V NY
09/29/2021 ELP V SLC
10/02/2021 RGV V SLC
10/08/2021 SLC V COS
10/16/2021 SLC V ATX
10/22/2021 SLC V COS
10/27/2021 SLC V RGV
10/30/2021 NM V SLC
Sam Brown
Midfielder

One of the Monarchs’ returnees, Sam Brown appeared in

every game of the 2020 season for the side and was named
its team MVP at the end of the season. A 25-year-old native /RealMonarchs
of Michigan, Brown will have to serve as the experienced
head in the middle of what appears set to be a young lineup
once again, taking over the role that Jack Blake held as captain
during his time in Salt Lake City.
@realmonarchs
@realmonarchs
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 51
 RIO GRANDE 1616 S Raul Longoria Rd,

VALLEY FC
Edinburg, TX 78542
www.rgvfc.com
P: (956) 562-7362

TEAM OUTLOOK
As new club President Ron Patel took charge of Rio
Grande Valley FC last year, the new direction the club
was heading in began to take shape. This offseason, it
entered an exciting new stage as the Toros assumed
technical control of the club’s on-field product while
retaining their partnership with Major League Soccer’s
Houston Dynamo FC. The aim is now to produce a
team that can compete for a title as well as offer young
talented players the opportunity to build their careers
in the Rio Grande Valley.

Leading that new on-field build is Wilmer Cabrera,

who was the Toros’ first Head Coach in 2016 when
he led the side to a second-place finish in its
expansion season. Since then Cabrera has led both
the Dynamo and Club de Foot Montreal, and won
silverware at both in the U.S. Open Cup and Canadian
Championship. Cabrera has begun to bring together
a combination of experience and potential, including
the notable signing of former Sporting Kansas City
midfielder Wan Kuzain, who in 2018 was a Finalist for
the Championship’s Young Player of the Year award.

Joining Kuzain in the new-look Toros midfield are set to

be experienced veterans such as Juan David Cabezas
– whom Cabrera worked with at the Dynamo – and
former Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo
Lopez. Pulling together a fresh group of players
to contend in one season is always a tall order, but
Cabrera’s track record says it’s a possibility.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH PRESIDENT
Ron Patel
VICE PRESIDENT
Hondo Candelaria

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS CORPORATE SALES & GAME DAY

Karla Davis OPERATOR
Colby Fayyad

SALES REPRESENTATIVE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

John Wermling Savannah McCoy

PRIMARY CONTACT
MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER
Amairani Ramirez
[email protected]
(956) 225-7028
Wilmer Cabrera

52 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 RGV V NM
05/06/2021 RGV V SD
05/15/2021 RGV V SA
05/22/2021 ELP V RGV
05/29/2021 SA V RGV
06/06/2021 MIA V RGV
06/12/2021 RGV V SLC
06/16/2021 RGV V ATX
06/19/2021 SA V RGV
06/25/2021 RGV V TUL
06/30/2021 RGV V ELP
Wan Kuzain 07/10/2021 ATX V RGV
Midfielder 07/17/2021 OC V RGV
Still only 22 years of age, Wan Kuzain brings a tremendous 07/24/2021 RGV V ATX
skillset to the middle of the park for the Toros in what might 07/31/2021 PHX V RGV
prove one of the landmark signings for the club’s new
era. Kuzain brings more than 50 games of Championship 08/04/2021 SLC V RGV
experience with Sporting Kansas City II, and also saw limited
action in the top flight, and his ability to link play and deliver
08/07/2021 RGV V SA
from set pieces should make him a key cog in the midfielder 08/14/2021 RGV V COS
for Wilmer Cabrera’s side.
08/17/2021 ATX V RGV
08/21/2021 ELP V RGV
08/29/2021 OKC V RGV
09/04/2021 RGV V LDN
09/11/2021 COS V RGV
09/18/2021 RGV V COS
09/22/2021 NM V RGV
09/25/2021 RGV V ATL
10/02/2021 RGV V SLC
10/09/2021 NM V RGV
10/16/2021 COS V RGV
10/23/2021 RGV V NM
10/27/2021 SLC V RGV
10/30/2021 RGV V ELP
Tyler Deric
Goalkeeper
With more than 100 appearances for the Houston Dynamo
under his belt, including in the Concacaf Champions League /RGVFC
and U.S. Open Cup in addition to Major League Soccer,
Tyler Deric’s experience should lend itself to helping form a
cohesive defensive unit. There’s going to be competition for
the No. 1 jersey with Colin Miller having arrived from Loudoun
@RGVFC
United FC, but Deric would seem to be the pick to start the
season at least given his past experience.
@RGVFC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 53
 SACRAMENTO 1040 20th St., Suite 200,
Sacramento, CA 95811

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

TEAM OUTLOOK
Sacramento Republic FC reached the postseason
for the seventh consecutive season in 2020, but
the club’s search for silverware remained elusive
as it was eliminated at the first hurdle in somewhat
controversial circumstances by Phoenix Rising FC in
the Western Conference Quarterfinals. After an influx
of experienced talent this offseason, though, Head
Coach Mark Briggs’ side could prove the biggest in-
division challenger to end Phoenix’s reign at the top.

Leading the new arrivals are a pair of strong central

midfielders, with Fatai Alashe and Luis Felipe
Fernandes both arriving after most recently competing
in Major League Soccer. Also new is Tucker Bone,
who impressed last season with Reno 1868 FC, and
Finnish attacking midfielder Petteri Pennanen. They’ll
join experienced veteran Jaime Villarreal and Andrew
Wheeler-Omiunu in the center of the park.

There’s a familiar returnee on Sacramento’s back

line for the new season, too, with Mitchell Taintor
back in the fold after a season at San Antonio FC.
The defense also added Duke Lacroix from the
Charlotte Independence, who has developed into
one of the better two-way full backs in the league.
With the returning Jordan McCrary and Hayden
Sargis – who last year was nominated as a Finalist for
the Championship’s Young Player of the Year award
– and the familiar trio of Kharlton Belmar, Cameron
Iwasa and Darisuz Formella up front, this should be a

CONTACTS
contending side once again.

HEAD COACH CHAIRMAN & CEO

Kevin Nagle
PRESDENT & GENERAL MANAGER
Todd Dunivant

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

Dustin Vicari Allison Yee-Garcia

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER VICE PRESIDENT, TICKET SALES &

Will Strome SERVICE
[email protected] Ted Glick
(412) 720-6912

PRIMARY CONTACT
COMMUNICATIONS/MEDIA
John Jacobs
[email protected]
(916) 548-8154
Mark Briggs

54 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/30/2021 LA V SAC
05/12/2021 SAC V LV
05/22/2021 OC V SAC
05/29/2021 SAC V PHX
06/02/2021 SAC V OAK
06/05/2021 SAC V OC
06/09/2021 SLC V SAC
06/19/2021 OAK V SAC
06/26/2021 SAC V PHX
07/03/2021 SD V SAC
07/07/2021 SAC V OAK
Fatai Alashe 07/10/2021 SAC V OC
Midfielder 07/14/2021 LV V SAC
Most recently part of Columbus Crew SC’s 2020 MLS Cup- 07/24/2021 OC V SAC
winning squad, Fatai Alashe brings a depth of experience to 07/31/2021 SAC V NY
Sacramento’s midfield that should help the side win and retain
possession throughout this season. The 27-year-old Michigan 08/05/2021 TAC V SAC
native is no stranger to Northern California’s soccer scene, 08/14/2021 SAC V LV
having begun his MLS career with the San Jose Earthquakes,
and his performance could be a major indicator of how 08/21/2021 PHX V SAC
Sacramento’s season as a whole is going.
08/28/2021 SAC V SD
09/01/2021 LA V SAC
09/05/2021 LV V SAC
09/11/2021 ELP V SAC
09/18/2021 SAC V SA
09/22/2021 TAC V SAC
09/26/2021 SAC V LA
10/02/2021 SAC V TAC
10/06/2021 OAK V SAC
10/09/2021 SD V SAC
10/13/2021 SAC V LA
10/17/2021 SAC V TAC
10/23/2021 PHX V SAC
10/30/2021 SAC V SD
Dariusz Formella
Forward
After a quiet first season in Old Glory Red, Polish forward
Dariusz Formella broke out in his second campaign to lead the
team with eight goals in 14 appearances last year. Maintaining s/ acrepublicfc
that pace for a full season should now be the objective for the
25-year-old, who will have ample support from Sacramento’s
all-time leading scorer Cameron Iwasa and newly-minted
Grenada international Kharlton Belmar this season.
@SacRepublicFC
@SacRepublicFC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 55
 5106 David Edwards Drive,

SAN ANTONIO FC
San Antonio, TX 78233
www.sanantoniofc.com
P: (210) 444-5657

TEAM OUTLOOK
San Antonio FC’s 2020 regular season was an
unequivocal success, which saw the club return to
the USL Championship Playoffs in impressive fashion
while finishing tied for the best defensive record in the
Western Conference. Now the task for Head Coach
Alen Marcina’s side will be to build on that success
with a good collection of reinforcement having arrived
at Toyota Field to replace some key departures.

The biggest gaps SAFC may have to fill will be in

attack, where Luis Solignac led the side with eight
goals last season before ending up with El Paso
Locomotive FC for the new season after a brief
sojourn in Chile. 2019 Championship Young Player of
the Year Cristian Parano has also moved on, signing
with Portuguese top-flight club F C Paços de Ferreira.

The club’s other young starlet, homegrown produce

Jose Gallegos, is set to be back for the new season,
although the potential of a move to Europe beckons
after his two-week training stint with Bundesliga
powerhouse Bayern Munich in March. There is plenty
of new talent to move into the starting lineup should
Gallegos depart midseason, though, with midfielders
Chris Lema, Cam Lindley and Marcus Epps being
joined by forward Justin Dhillon and Santiago Patino as
part of the club’s new recruits.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH SAFC MANAGING DIRECTOR AND SS&E
VICE PRESIDENT
Tim Holt
SR. COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Luis Leyva

SAFC SERVICE AND RETENTION DIRECTOR OF TOYOTA FIELD & STAR

MANAGER COMPLEX
Miguel Hopkins Jose Lizardo

DIRECTOR OF FRANCHISE SALES & SAFC GAME OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

DEVELOPMENT Sarah Castro
Frank Torres

PRIMARY CONTACT
SOCCER COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Preston Petri
[email protected]
(210) 365-9439
Alen Marcina

56 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 SA V COS
05/08/2021 SA V SLC
05/15/2021 RGV V SA
05/22/2021 SA V BHM
05/29/2021 SA V RGV
06/05/2021 COS V SA
06/11/2021 LV V SA
06/16/2021 NM V SA
06/19/2021 SA V RGV
06/26/2021 SLC V SA
07/03/2021 SA V ATX
Jose Gallegos 07/17/2021 COS V SA
Midfielder 07/21/2021 SA V NM
One of the finalists for the Championship’s Young Player of the 07/28/2021 SA V ELP
Year in 2020, the question for Jose Gallegos now is not if he’ll 07/31/2021 ATX V SA
have the chance to move to a European club, but when. The
19-year-old showed massive potential in the Championship a 08/04/2021 ELP V SA
season ago, enough that Bayern Munich brought him in for a 08/07/2021 RGV V SA
two-week training stint in March. With that kind of spotlight on
him, if Gallegos starts the season strongly, both he and SAFC 08/14/2021 NY V SA
are going to have a big decision to make.
08/21/2021 SA V SLC
08/28/2021 SA V ELP
09/04/2021 SA V PIT
09/07/2021 ATX V SA
09/11/2021 SLC V SA
09/18/2021 SAC V SA
09/25/2021 SA V NM
10/03/2021 OKC V SA
10/06/2021 ELP V SA
10/10/2021 SA V MEM
10/16/2021 SA V TUL
10/20/2021 NM V SA
10/23/2021 SA V ATX
10/30/2021 SA V COS
Santiago Patino
Forward

Given what we’ve seen from Daryl Dike in the past 12 months,
it’s no surprise that Santiago Patino got the short end of the
minutes with Orlando City SC in his first professional season. S
/ AFCUSL
That said, there was a reason why the Colombian was the
third pick of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and could be a really
sharp acquisition for San Antonio. Finding the same groove
that saw him score 37 goals for Florida International University
@SanAntonioFC
collegiately would be a big plus as SAFC looks to replace Luis
Solignac’s production up front.
@SanAntonioFC
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 57
 SAN DIEGO 5998 Alcala Park,

LOYAL SC
San Diego, CA, 92110
www.sdloyal.com
P: (858) 465-4625

TEAM OUTLOOK
Spurred by a late-season attacking surge on the field,
San Diego Loyal SC produced an impressive inaugural
campaign that came up just short of the postseason.
While there have been some key departures from
Head Coach Landon Donovan’s lineup that was
buzzing at the end of 2020, the new arrivals should
keep SD Loyal on course for a first postseason
appearance this year.

Maybe the most notable departure is that of former

U.S. Men’s National Team forward Rubio Rubin,
who notched five goals in the final stretch of the
season, now at Real Salt Lake in Major League
Soccer. To replace him, San Diego has brought in
the Championship’s third-leading goalscorer all time
in Corey Hertzog, whose 67 goals rank only five
back of second-placed Jorge Herrera. Also new to
the attacking corps are Niki Jackson, formerly of the
Colorado Rapids, and Ben Spencer.

The club has made notable additions in midfield, too,

with Jack Blake arriving from Real Monarchs SLC to
join key returning players Collin Martin, Charlie Adams
and Alejandro Guido – now signed to a permanent
deal after his time on loan from Los Angeles FC in
2020. If the defense continues its solid performances
from a year ago – and with the addition of two-
time Championship All-League selection Thomas
Vancaeyezeele, it should – SD Loyal could be a serious
threat when the postseason arrives.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH CHAIRMAN
Andrew Vassiliadis
PRESIDENT & CEO
Warren Smith

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Pete Thuresson Ivan Orozco

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS & VICE PRESIDENT OF PARTNERSHIPS

GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE Nick Maranda
Ricardo Campos

PRIMARY CONTACT
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Jesse Beltran
[email protected]
(559) 352-4613
Landon Donovan

58 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/30/2021 PHX V SD
05/06/2021 RGV V SD
05/13/2021 TAC V SD
05/22/2021 LOU V SD
05/29/2021 SD V LV
06/05/2021 PHX V SD
06/09/2021 OC V SD
06/12/2021 SD V LA
06/19/2021 SD V PHX
06/25/2021 LV V SD
06/29/2021 SD V OAK
Thomas Vancaeyezeele 07/03/2021 SD V SAC
Defender 07/14/2021 SD V OC
07/24/2021 SD V PHX
In three seasons with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Thomas
Vancaeyezeele produced consistency on the back line that 07/29/2021 TAC V SD
quickly vaulted him into the company of the league’s elite 08/01/2021 LA V SD
defenders. Selected to the Championship’s All-League Team
in each of the past two seasons, SD Loyal will be hoping for 08/07/2021 SD V SLC
more of the same from the 26-year-old, who has also seen
international duty for French Guiana since turning pro. If
08/14/2021 SD V TAC
Vancaeyezeele delivers, he’ll once again be in the picture for 08/18/2021 SD V LV
end-of-season honors.
08/21/2021 SD V OC
08/28/2021 SAC V SD
09/05/2021 SD V LA
09/11/2021 OAK V SD
09/19/2021 SD V TAC
09/22/2021 OAK V SD
09/25/2021 LV V SD
10/02/2021 LA V SD
10/09/2021 SD V SAC
10/17/2021 SD V NM
10/20/2021 OC V SD
10/24/2021 SD V OAK
10/30/2021 SAC V SD
Alejandro Guido
Midfielder

While Rubio Rubin may have grabbed the spotlight for his
late-season performance with San Diego Loyal SC last year,
flying slightly under the radar was the work put in by Alejandro s/ andiegoloyal
Guido. The San Diego native, whose professional career began
just across the Mexican border with Xolos de Tijuana, recorded
two goals, two assists and four Key Passes in five appearances
for SD Loyal in 2020. That pace will be hard to replicate, but
@sandiegoloyal
the playmaking potential Guido brings could be huge over a
full season in his hometown club’s colors.
@sandiegoloyal
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 59
 SPORTING KANSAS 2021 Baltimore Ave.,

CITY II
Kansas City, MO 64108
www.sportingkc.com/sportingkcii
P: (913) 387-3400

TEAM OUTLOOK
Sporting Kansas City II missed out on a playoff spot
for the second consecutive season since joining the
Eastern Conference in 2019, but did have an important
say in the outcome of Group G with its late-season
victories against Indy Eleven proving a key spoiler in
the postseason race.

That may be the level that SKC II rises to again this

season, with an interesting collection of talent that
includes new arrival Ropapa Mensah – who notched
six goals in 14 games for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
last season – and the return of experienced veterans
Christian Duke and Danny Barbir.

There will be hopes for more, of course, and the

success SKC II found against new Division-mates
OKC Energy FC and FC Tulsa in 2020 – defeating both
in back-to-back contests midseason – could offer
hope for a rise back up the standings. How quickly
Head Coach Paulo Nagamura’s younger charges
can find their level may be the key to that, meaning a
strong start could bode well for the remainder of the
campaign.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH EXEC. VP OF COMMUNICATIONS &
DIGITAL
Rob Thomson
COMMUNICATIONS & DIGITAL
COORDINATOR
Sam Kovzan

SENIOR MANAGER, SKC II OPERATIONS

Matt Fucaloro

PRIMARY CONTACT
PRESS OFFICER
Patrik Bergabo
[email protected]
(203) 300-9927

Paulo Nagamura

60 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 TUL V SKC
05/07/2021 SKC V OKC
05/14/2021 SKC V COS
05/19/2021 LA V SKC
05/22/2021 SKC V SKC
05/30/2021 SKC V ELP
06/02/2021 SKC V TUL
06/09/2021 ATL V SKC
06/16/2021 TUL V SKC
06/20/2021 SKC V SKC
06/23/2021 OKC V SKC
Ropapa Mensah 06/26/2021 MEM V SKC
Forward 07/02/2021 SKC V LOU
07/10/2021 ATL V SKC
For four seasons, there’s been a certain level of production
from Ropapa Mensah in the Championship, notching at least 07/18/2021 SKC V BHM
five goals each campaign without quite finding the next level. 07/24/2021 OKC V SKC
That’s what he and Sporting KC II will be hoping to unlock this
year, with the Ghanaian forward possessing plenty to like in 07/28/2021 SKC V LOU
terms of attacking attributes, including speed and a powerful
shot. At 23 years old, the time is now for Mensah to make the
08/01/2021 SKC V MEM
breakthrough. 08/07/2021 LOU V SKC
08/11/2021 BHM V SKC
08/14/2021 SKC V ATL
08/22/2021 SKC V SKC
08/29/2021 SKC V MEM
09/04/2021 SKC V OKC
09/11/2021 SKC V SKC
09/24/2021 SKC V TUL
10/01/2021 SKC V BHM
10/06/2021 MEM V SKC
10/09/2021 LOU V SKC
10/13/2021 SKC V ATL
10/24/2021 BHM V SKC
10/30/2021 OAK V SKC
Christian Duke
Midfielder

A Kansas native and the first signing in Sporting Kansas City

II’s history when it launched in 2016, Christian Duke returned
to the club last season to provide a veteran presence in the S
/ portingKCII
club’s midfield. Now 29 years old, Duke should continue that
role this season in the middle of the field and has a chance to
break a landmark individually by the end of the regular season.
With 171 regular-season appearances in the Championship for
@SportingKCII
his career, Duke needs only 29 more to add to the select list of
five players to have made 200 appearances in the league.
@SportingKCII
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 61
 2502 S. Tyler St.,

TACOMA DEFIANCE
Tacoma, WA 98405
www.tacdefiance.com
P: (253) 752-7707

TEAM OUTLOOK
An impressive run following the resumption of
the 2020 season briefly left Tacoma Defiance with
the possibility it could remain in contention for
a postseason berth, but a run of six consecutive
defeats that followed quickly put a pin in those ideas,
even though there were morale-boosting victories
against Reno 1868 FC and Sacramento Republic FC to
highlight the season.

Finding a higher level of consistency, then, is going

to be the aim under new Head Coach Wade Webber,
who replaces the departed Chris Little on the sideline.
There is still some veteran experience to build
around, most notably center back Taylor Mueller,
who having claimed top spot in the Championship’s
all-time leaders in regular season minutes could do
the same this year in games played as he enters two
behind Louisville City FC’s George Davis IV on 231
appearances.

As always, however, the main focus for the Defiance

will be the young talent in its lineup. Among those
are Puerto Rico international Alec Diaz, who has
recorded eight goals and five assists for the club in 34
appearances, while two more players to watch will be
Carlos Anguiano, who made the offseason move from
the Portland Timbers 2, and Issa Rayyan, previously of
the Philadelphia Union II.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH GENERAL MANAGER AND PRESIDENT OF
SOCCER
Garth Lagerwey
DIRECTOR OF TEAM COMMUNICATIONS
Matt Winter
[email protected]

PRIMARY CONTACT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF
COMMUNICATIONS
Alex Caulfield
[email protected]
(216) 978-7212

Wade Webber

62 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/09/2021 LA V TAC
05/13/2021 TAC V SD
05/16/2021 TAC V OC
05/30/2021 ATX V TAC
06/05/2021 LV V TAC
06/12/2021 PHX V TAC
06/16/2021 COS V TAC
06/23/2021 TAC V SLC
06/27/2021 TAC V LA
07/03/2021 LV V TAC
07/06/2021 OC V TAC
Alec Diaz 07/11/2021 LA V TAC
Forward 07/17/2021 OAK V TAC
07/29/2021 TAC V SD
Leading Tacoma Defiance with six goals a season ago, Alec
Diaz put his name forward as the next potential player to make 08/01/2021 TAC V NM
the step up to the top flight – either in Seattle or elsewhere – 08/05/2021 TAC V SAC
as his progression in the Championship continued. The 19-year-
old produced a strike rate of a goal every 142.3 minutes in 08/08/2021 TAC V OAK
2020 and will look to try and sustain that pace. Now appearing
set to be a regular part of the Puerto Rico National Team set-
08/14/2021 SD V TAC
up, this could be a big year for both club and country in Diaz’s 08/18/2021 OC V TAC
career.
08/28/2021 OAK V TAC
09/02/2021 TAC V LV
09/05/2021 TAC V PHX
09/19/2021 SD V TAC
09/22/2021 TAC V SAC
09/25/2021 TAC V PHX
09/29/2021 TAC V LV
10/02/2021 SAC V TAC
10/09/2021 TAC V OC
10/17/2021 SAC V TAC
10/20/2021 TAC V OAK
10/24/2021 TAC V LA
10/30/2021 PHX V TAC
Danny Robles
Midfielder

A former U.S. U-17 international, Danny Robles had a solid

second campaign with the Defiance in 2020 as he led the side /TacDefiance
in both Key Passes (12) and assists (4) in the center of midfield.

@TacDefiance
Where the 19-year-old is now going to look to improve is in his
overall passing range and accuracy. Robles’ passing accuracy
rate of 71.4 percent was below average on the team, but the
potential the club believes is there was reflected in his 12 starts
in 14 appearances, tied for third-most on the team. Robles’
progression this year will be a key to Tacoma finding success. @TacDefiance
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 63
 230 1st St. SE,

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES

St. Petersburg, FL 33701
www.rowdiessoccer.com
P: (727) 825-3253

TEAM OUTLOOK
Coming off the club’s first silverware since the 2012
season, the defending Eastern Conference Title
winning Tampa Bay Rowdies have a strong core set to
return to Al Lang Stadium and the confidence that will
come from the breakthroughs the club achieved last
season. As such, they should enter the new year as
favorites in the Atlantic Division and to be one of the
serious contenders for the USL Championship Final.

That’s in part thanks to the returning pieces that made

Tampa Bay one of the best defensive sides in the
league last season. Now a two-time Championship
Defender of the Year, Forrest Lasso is joined on the
back line by fellow returnees Aaron Guillen and Jordan
Scarlett. The club also inked goalkeeper Evan Louro to
a new contract after his career-best season in his first
campaign as a Rowdie.

There are plenty of familiar faces elsewhere around

the field as well. Captain Sebastian Guenzatti had
another sterling campaign with 10 goals across the
regular season and playoffs, while Leo Fernandes
is set for his fifth season at the club. Newcomers
include Steevan Dos Santos, former Atlanta United
FC midfielder Laurence Wyke, and 2019 League One
Defender of the Year Conner Antley, who should
add more quality to that already at Head Coach Neill
Collins’ disposal.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH VICE CHAIRMAN
Matt Silverman
PRESIDENT
Lee Cohen

SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, SALES AND DIRECTOR, SALES AND CORPORATE

SERVICE PARTNERSHIPS
Joseph Grossman Ryan Helfrick

MANAGER, MARKETING MANAGER, OPERATIONS

Elisia Plunkett Kyle Schackne

PRIMARY CONTACT
MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS
Jake Nutting
[email protected]
(727) 457-2320
Neill Collins

64 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
05/01/2021 TBR V CLT
05/08/2021 TBR V PIT
05/15/2021 TBR V PHX
05/22/2021 TBR V MIA
06/02/2021 NY V TBR
06/05/2021 CLT V TBR
06/11/2021 TBR V LDN
06/19/2021 TBR V PIT
06/26/2021 HFD V TBR
07/02/2021 TBR V CHS
07/07/2021 MIA V TBR
Forrest Lasso 07/13/2021 TBR V HFD
Defender 07/17/2021 MIA V TBR
07/24/2021 TBR V LDN
Forrest Lasso made history in 2020 as the first player to
earn the Championship’s Defender of the Year award for a 07/31/2021 CLT V TBR
second time. The 6-foot-5 center back has built an impressive 08/06/2021 NY V TBR
reputation around the league – he also became only the
second person to record four consecutive All-League First 08/13/2021 TBR V HFD
Team selection – and despite that his game has continued to
grow. Another big year for the Rowdies will be expected.
08/18/2021 PIT V TBR
08/23/2021 LDN V TBR
08/28/2021 TBR V CLT
09/03/2021 TBR V OAK
09/07/2021 CHS V TBR
09/11/2021 TBR V NY
09/18/2021 ATL V TBR
09/25/2021 HFD V TBR
10/02/2021 CHS V TBR
10/07/2021 TBR V CHS
10/10/2021 PIT V TBR
10/15/2021 TBR V NY
10/20/2021 TBR V MIA
10/23/2021 LDN V TBR
10/30/2021 LV V TBR
Sebastian Guenzatti
Forward

You can look at the numbers over Sebastian Guenzatti’s last

three seasons for the Rowdies – which have seen him score 31
goals in 74 games – and come away impressed. What is more /TampaBayRowdies
striking, though, is the way the Uruguayan approaches every
game as you watch him work around the field. The 29-year-old
is a hard opponent to handle with his physicality and energy,
and the Rowdies have fed off that influence well.
@TampaBayRowdies
@TampaBayRowdies
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 65
 1155 South Elgin Ave,

FC TULSA
Tulsa, OK 74120
www.fctulsa.com
P: (918) 297-6808

TEAM OUTLOOK
After the ownership change that saw the Craft Brothers
take control of the club, everything FC Tulsa put into
place was geared toward creating changes, both in
the club’s perception in its community, its performance
on the field, and establishing itself as an essential part
of city life.

In no short order, President James Cannon, Head

Coach Michael Nsien and the club succeeded. Earning
the first trip to the playoffs since 2017, and second
overall in the club’s history, Tulsa became a must-see
team with a collection of talent that came through
down the stretch to earn runner-up spot to San
Antonio FC in Group D.

With that baseline set, the club has set about moving
to the next level on the field in 2021. Tulsa added
former U.S. Men’s National Team forward Jerome
Kiesewetter, El Salvador international Joaquin Rivas
and Cuban international Jorge Corrales while retaining
2020 leading scorer Dario Suarez and midfielder Eric
Bird. The goal now is to claim the first postseason
victory in club history, and challenge for silverware at
the end of 2021.

CONTACTS
HEAD COACH PRESIDENT
James Cannon
CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER
Michael Schetzel

VP, TICKETING & CUSTOMER SERVICE HEAD OF OPERATIONS & FAN

Jake Shaw ENGAGEMENT
Wayne Farmer

HEAD OF MARKETING & BRAND HEAD OF CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Lucy Gonzalez Richard McCutchen

PRIMARY CONTACT
HEAD OF DIGITAL & COMMUNICATIONS
Austin Gwin
[email protected]
(325) 370-3304
Michael Nsien

66 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE

KEY PLAYERS 2021 SCHEDULE
DATE HOME AWAY
04/24/2021 OKC V TUL
05/01/2021 TUL V SKC
05/08/2021 IND V TUL
05/19/2021 ATL V TUL
06/02/2021 SKC V TUL
06/06/2021 BHM V TUL
06/16/2021 TUL V SKC
06/19/2021 TUL V LOU
06/25/2021 RGV V TUL
07/02/2021 OKC V TUL
07/10/2021 TUL V LOU
Jerome Kiesewetter 07/17/2021 TUL V OKC
Forward 07/24/2021 MEM V TUL
07/28/2021 ATL V TUL
Tulsa was one of the better teams from long-range in the 2020
Championship season, finishing third in the league with five of 08/04/2021 TUL V IND
its 21 goals coming from outside the penalty area. That lack 08/07/2021 TUL V BHM
of a consistent threat in the box, however, means Kiesewetter
could have a major impact on his arrival from Inter Miami CF. 08/14/2021 LOU V TUL
All 12 of the former U.S. Men’s National Team player’s goals for
El Paso Locomotive FC came from inside the box, and if he
08/22/2021 BHM V TUL
can clean up in a similar manner at his new club, Tulsa could 08/25/2021 TUL V MEM
push up the scoring charts, as well as the standings.
08/28/2021 TUL V ATL
09/03/2021 LOU V TUL
09/08/2021 TUL V IND
09/11/2021 TUL V BHM
09/18/2021 TUL V ATX
09/24/2021 SKC V TUL
10/02/2021 TUL V MEM
10/09/2021 TUL V ELP
10/16/2021 SA V TUL
10/20/2021 TUL V ATL
10/23/2021 IND V TUL
10/27/2021 MEM V TUL
10/30/2021 TUL V OKC
Lebo Moloto
Midfielder

Acting as the central hub for the side’s midfield, the impact
Lebo Moloto made for FC Tulsa might not have registered as
strongly in terms of goals and assists in his first season at the /fctulsa
club, but instead set the tempo for where the club was going.
Moloto led Tulsa averaging 54.4 passes per 90 minutes playing
a more withdrawn midfield role, but he still created chances
consistently, leading the team with 28 Key Passes. If the South
@fctulsa
African veteran regains his scoring touch in his new role, it
would be a major boost to Tulsa as a whole.
@fctulsa
©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 67
 USL EXECUTIVE STAFF

USL EXECUTIVE STAFF

Alec Papadakis Justin Papadakis
USL Chief Executive Officer USL COO & USL Chief Operating Officer
Papadakis has served as the USL’s top executive since 2009. A former franchise attorney Papadakis joined the USL in 2014 when he was named President of Commercial Ven-
with four decades’ worth of domestic and international experience, Papadakis is the tures in Decem¬ber of 2014. In May of 2016, he began his role as the league’s Chief
CEO and Managing Partner of NuRock Soccer Holdings and a Pro Council representa- Operating Officer before in the past year adding the title of Chief Real Estate Officer as
tive on the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors. he oversees one of the key area of the league’s growth in future years.

A former player for the Atlanta Chiefs and Boston Minutemen, Papadakis had a long, Arriving by way of DDR Corp, now called SITE Centers, Papadakis served as the real
successful career in the U.S. at both the professional and collegiate level. He helped estate company’s leasing director for three years before advancing as the company’s
Atlanta to a 1971 regular-season championship and Boston to a 1974 regular-season business development director. Papadakis holds a Juris Doctorate from Cleveland-Mar-
crown. Papadakis was a three-time, First Team All-American at Hartwick College (New shall College of Law and earned a dual degree in Public Policy and Economics at Duke
York) and he also attended Ibero-American University in Mexico City before receiving University, where he also played four seasons for the Blue Devils’ Men’s Soccer pro-
his law degree at the University of Akron in 1976. gram. Papadakis is also a member of YPO, New York Metro Chapter.

Papadakis’ legal focus has been U.S. and European franchise transactions. He also has Since joining the organization, Papadakis has led USL’s expansion efforts across the USL
practiced in the area of commercial real estate, acquisitions, devel¬opment, financing Championship and League One. Over the past four years he has facilitated an unprece-
and leasing. He was the founder and first president of the Hellenic Franchise Associ- dented surge in soccer-specific and mixed-use stadium developments anchoring eco-
ation and holds affiliations with the Board of Advisors of International Quarterly, the nomic live, work and play projects across the country, extending far beyond the pitch
International Franchise Association, the State Bar of Georgia, the American Hellenic while amplifying the fan experience for current and future USL communities.
Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors for the Hellenic American Institute
in Washington, D.C. In 2019, through Papadakis’ leadership, the USL teamed with the Court Jeske
Economist to host the Sports Business Summit for Southeast Europe in Athens, Greece. USL Executive Vice President
During Papadakis’ tenure as the USL’s CEO, the organization has expanded its profes- Jeske joined the USL as Executive Vice President in January of 2019, bringing his ex-
sional membership by almost 400 percent and produced growth in league attendance tensive experience in the North American soccer industry to the organization’s senior
over the past decade of 1,125 percent as the USL Championship and League One wel- management team.
comed more than 3,000,000 fans during the 2019 campaign before last year’s pandem-
ic-affected season. Jeske previously served as both the Vice President of International Business for Major
League Soccer & Soccer United Marketing, where for eight years he was a key figure
Jake Edwards in the organization’s strategic orchestration of international events for CONCACAF, the
USL President Mexican National Team, the United States Men’s and Women’s National Teams and elite
Edwards has served as USL President since March 2, 2015. Since his arrival at the USL, clubs throughout Europe.
he has played an integral role in creating and implementing the league’s long-term
strategic plan, Destination 2020, which focused on expansion, the launch of media and Jeske then served as the founding Chief Executive Officer and a minority owner of
commercial properties, the league’s partnership with Major League Soccer and stadium Nashville SC as it launched its professional era in the USL Championship, during which
development. Edwards oversees a significant portion of the 60-plus staff at the USL HQ time the club set Championship records for season ticket sales in an inaugural season
in Tampa, Fla., as well as the daily servicing of its 40-plus professional clubs. and corporate partnership revenue.

Edwards, who joined the USL as the league’s Vice President in 2013, is a Manchester Since joining the USL, Jeske has played a key role in positioning the organization for
native and former professional soccer player whose career spanned 11 years, mostly for the new decade, including leading the completion of a new United States media rights
England-based clubs as well as USL Championship side the Charleston Battery. Ed- agreement with ESPN and new agreements with Premier Partners to lead the organiza-
wards played collegiately for James Madison University in Virginia. tion’s commercial representation.

After completing his MBA from Warwick Business School in 2009, while also serving as Selected to the Sports Business Journal’s prestigious Forty Under 40 list of leading
commercial manager for Solihull Moors Football Club, Edwards was hired by Octagon, young sports executives in 2018, Jeske is also currently a member of the Soccerex USA
the global sports sponsorship agency. Based in Octagon’s London office, Edwards Advisory Board. He graduated with a degree in Business Management from the Univer-
served as a business strategy consultant in the company’s rights holder side of the sity of Oklahoma before earning the FIFA Master-M.A. in International Sports Business
business. from the International Center for Sports Studies.

Robert Hoskins, Chairman Scott Stewart, Director, Communications & Public Relations
Alec Papadakis, Chief Executive Officer Matthew Calvo, Director, Creative Services
Jake Edwards, President Sam Schuler, Director, Digital Solutions
Justin Papadakis, COO & Chief Real Estate Officer Nicholas Murray, Director, Editorial
Court Jeske, Executive Vice President Nick Papadakis, Director, Merchandising
Brett Luy, Executive Vice President Matthew Fischer, Senior Media Coordinator
Karen Gittens, Chief Financial Officer Michael Cohen, Media Consultant
Garrison Mason, Vice President, General Counsel Marcus Myrick, Senior Director, Club Services
Robert Fountain, Associate General Counsel Shannon Amely, Ticketing & Club Services Manager
Lizzie Seedhouse, Senior Vice President, Digital, Emerging Technology Kelsi Steele, Senior Manager, Social Media & Content
& Strategy Cameron Koubek, Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Steven Short, Senior Vice President, USL League One Nina Cusmano, Specialist, Social Media
Josh Keller, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Partnerships Tyler Tetzlaff, Coordinator, Social Media
Ryan Madden, Senior Vice President, Communications & Community Sonjai Persaud, Graphic Artist
John Cochol, Vice President, Club Services TJ Grier, Graphic Artist
Domenic Notarfrancesco, Vice President, Consumer Products David Wright, Motion Graphic Designer & Video Editor
Rachel Bukszar, Vice President, People Clay Benjamin, Creative Services Coordinator
Dan Holman, Vice President, Club Expansion & Real Estate Natalie Longroy, Junior Video Producer/Editor
Matt Reda, Vice President, Corporate Development Sophia Carbone, Manager, Digital Services
Liam O’Connell, Technical Director Lianna Riley, Coordinator, Digital Services
Cory Bernstine, Senior Director, Strategy Julie Fogarty, Coordinator, Digital Services
Curtis Walker, Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships Tania Kerr, Director, Administration
Adam Satz, Vice President, Digital Solutions Clare Glenn, Senior Manager, Contracts
Dan Lohrs, Senior Director, Operations, USL Championship William Gillette, Manager, Finance & Accounting
Casey Mills, Director, Operations, USL League One Samantha Killilea, Human Resources Generalist
Eric Centner, Director, Compliance Brittany Stolzenberg, Senior Manager, Events
Kelly Kearney, Director, Business Development

©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 69
 CHAMPIONSHIP RULES
DISCIPLINE & CONDUCT

League Disciplinary Power

The League shall have the authority to suspend, fine, disqualify, or otherwise discipline players, team officials, or competing Teams for On-Field Misconduct and
for off-field misconduct deemed by the League to be detrimental to the League, any Team, or the sport of soccer (“Detrimental Off-Field Misconduct”).
“On-Field Misconduct” shall include misconduct that occurs in any stadium or playing facility, in and/or around the stadium or playing facility (involving any
person(s) or property in or around the stadium or playing facility), including, but not limited to: the playing field, locker rooms, parking lots, spectator stands or
other spectator facilities, and other back-of-house and underground areas, including those used by television production and other media), and which occurs at,
during or in connection with any match or tournament in which the player competes.

The League Disciplinary Committee

The League Disciplinary Committee is a panel of League Directors covering the competition, operations, and compliance departments. As delegates of the
President, this committee makes decisions about discipline for Detrimental Off-Field Misconduct and On-Field Misconduct, subject to the review of the President.
The League Disciplinary Committee makes decisions with a view towards allowing for a competitive, but fair, environment for all Teams to compete against each
other.

Independent Disciplinary Panel

The Independent Disciplinary Panel is comprised of three outside members, consisting of a former professional coach, a former professional referee, and a
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.

Disciplinary Process
The League Disciplinary Committee reviews disciplinary issues (including all send-offs) reported by the Referee, in addition to other incidents of On-Field
Misconduct or Detrimental Off-Field Misconduct. The Disciplinary Committee conducts this review using match videos, official reports, individual accounts, and
other pertinent information. Depending on the timeliness of the reports and match videos, the Disciplinary Committee will make every effort to issue rulings on
cases in advance of the Team’s next League Game.

Player Caution Accumulation

Players exceeding the caution accumulation plateau(s) will begin serving their suspension in their next match. If a player receives two cautions in 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 for player
eligibility rulings, including playoffs, with the reserved power to postpone suspensions to the following season.

Players and staff accumulating the following number of caution/yellow cards throughout the season will be sanctioned as follows:

- Five total cautions - Fine

- Eight total cautions - one game suspension and fine
- 11 total cautions - two game suspension and fine
- 14 total cautions - three game suspension and fine
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
playerexceeds 14 cautions in a season, the league reserves the right to fine and suspend the player at its discretion.

Good Behavior Incentive

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
zero-card total. This incentive will be automatically applied a maximum of three times through the course of the USL season.

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-
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
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.

Serving Suspensions During the Regular Season

Any player and/or coach sent off/dismissed during a regular season game will be fined 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 served. For the purposes of determining
accumulations and game suspensions, any games that count as part of a team’s official League schedule shall be utilized.

Final Regular Season Game Send-off

Any player or coach 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 be served in the team’s first League game the following season.

Suspension during the Playoffs

Any player and/or coach that is sent off or dismissed during the playoffs will be suspended from, at minimum, the next playoff game, unless the season is over, in
which case the suspension will be served, at minimum, in the team’s first League game the following season.

©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 70
Major Game Misconduct
The League Disciplinary Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may impose discipline (including fines and suspensions) against players, coaches or other
team staff for Major Game Misconduct, regardless of whether the misconduct in question resulted in a card being awarded by the Match Official or was included
in the Referee Game Report. “Major Game Misconduct” is defined by the League and may include, without limitation, fighting, provoking a fight, criticizing Match
Officials with words or gestures, entering the Match Officials’ locker room, physical contact with Match Officials separate from Referee Assault, using excessive
force, deliberate attempts to injure, spitting, provoking crowd disorders, profane language that can be heard by the crowd or broadcast audience, obscene
gestures, racist, homophobic, or derogatory comments, improper conduct during the national anthem, taunting, abuse of spectators and others, failure to leave
the field when instructed by the Match Official to do so, improper conduct following the award of a card, excessive delay tactics, excessive and obvious feigning
of injuries, or other unsportsmanlike conduct detrimental to the League and the sport of soccer in general.

Red Card and Second Yellow Card Appeal

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 or staff member receives two
yellow cards in a match, to rectify a case where a serious and obvious error has occurred.

Suspension and Fine Appeal

Within 24 hours after the USL Championship distributes its Weekly Discipline Report, a team may appeal a suspension and/or fine that is greater than the
established minimum fine and suspension amounts. The USL Championship must receive the appeal in writing via email.

Cross League and Competition Suspensions

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
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
suspension has expired.

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
automatically suspended in the USL. The USL will independently review the action and suspension and have the right to implement supplemental discipline in the
USL Disciplinary Committee, if it determines the player’s behavior was deemed to be egregious.

CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER REGULATIONS

Player Classifications
A. Professional Player
A professional player is a player who signs a professional registration form with the team’s applicable Federation, a professional player contract with the USL
Championship and receives, or has received, payment beyond actual and necessary expenses for playing soccer. Players on loan are not deemed professional
players unless there is not a right to recall. A professional player may only be registered with one team and may play only for the team to which he is registered,
except in the following two instances:

1. Team has filed a completed loan agreement and supplement with the League Office.

2. Player competes for another team in an exhibition, all-star, benefit or some other non-League game with the consent of the team holding his contract.

B. Academy Players
In addition to the 30 Active Players allowed on the Master Roster, a team may register up to five (5) active Academy Players, which do not count against the 30
players 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 Master Roster.

To be considered an Academy Player, all of the following must be in place: a) player is under the age of 21 as of the official start date of the current season, b)
player cannot compete (or have ever previously have competed) in any NCAA or NAIA university or college soccer program, and c) player has never been
signed or registered as a professional soccer player as recognized by FIFA. The Academy Player must play for a club which conducts its activities (home games
and/or training) within the team’s franchise territory or play for a club which has 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 Championship 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. Additionally, teams with MLS affiliations can use the Academy Players of their
MLS affiliate.

No Academy Player may register or participate as an Academy Player with more than one Championship club during a season. Academy players may not be
loaned.

Academy Players that are classified as international count against a team’s maximum of seven international players. Academy Players must be registered as an
amateur with the USL Championship team or its formally-recognized MLS affiliate. Teams may make Academy Players active or inactive on the Master Roster.
Inactive Academy Players do not count towards the roster maximum or the international player maximum.
There cannot be more than five (5) Academy Players listed on the Game Day Lineup.

©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 71
 CHAMPIONSHIP RULES
Master Roster
A. Master Roster Guidelines
The Master Roster consists of up to 30 Active Players and is the official player roster of the team, as set by the USL Championship. Inactive Players do not count
towards a team’s Master Roster.

A maximum of seven (7) 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. Each club is allowed two Permanent Loan Assignment spots that count
toward this minimum. These slots can be filled by players from any league, and these players cannot be recalled for any reason to meet the standard. Any
violation of this standard will result in a fine being assessed at the League’s discretion. Players loaned from leagues other than MLS with no right to recall also
count toward this minimum.

Active Players consist of properly registered players on USL Championship contracts, players in on loan, and active Academy Players. Players who are signed to
a USL Championship Standard Professional Player Contract and are not in on loan can only be active on the roster.

The only players that can be made inactive are players out on loan, in on-loan, or Academy Players. Inactive Players do not count against a team’s International
Player limit. In the interest of clarity, players on USL Championship Professional contracts cannot be made inactive.

B. Master Roster Changes

Whenever a team makes a change to its Master Roster, notification must be sent to USL Registration. Changes are not approved until the USL Championship
confirms via e-mail.

C. Master Roster Freeze

No incoming transaction or player movement is allowed after the Roster Freeze date, including but not limited to: signing a player, receiving a player on loan,
changing a player’s active/inactive status, and/or replacing players. All trades, transfers and/or loans between teams must be finalized and approved by the USL
Championship prior to this time. The USL Championship will not allow “deals in progress” or “extensions” to go beyond the deadline for any reason.

For purposes of visas and other pending documentation for incoming players, ALL documents must be approved by the USL Championship, and if warranted,
by Major League Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation, prior to the Roster Freeze deadline. All players must be completely active on the Master Roster to
compete in the USL Championship for the remainder of the season.

The date of the Roster Freeze is September 24th, 2021 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Any MLS player legitimately on the final Master Roster of a USL Championship team at the time of the Roster Freeze date will be permitted to compete for the
Championship 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, a
newly executed loan agreement is required by the USL Championship. However, if a player is sold or released from his contract with MLS, this will terminate the
player’s loan with the USL Championship team.

Any field player on loan from any other team (including intra-League loans) must play a minimum of five (5) games during the regular season to be eligible to
play in the playoffs. One of these games must occur prior to the roster freeze date. This standard does not apply to goalkeepers.

Any Championship player who is sold to an MLS team after the Roster Freeze deadline may rejoin the Championship team on loan for the remainder of the
season, as long as he assumes the spot on the roster he vacated when he was sold by the club. As long as the player played in a minimum of five (5) games
during the season, either prior or after being sold, he is eligible to play in the playoffs.

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 or medically-verifiable injury, the team may petition the USL Championship in writing to be permitted to add a backup goalkeeper to its Master Roster. This
may only be done in the event that at least two eligible and healthy goalkeepers are active with the club, participating in regular team activities, not on loan with
another 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 roster until such time that one or more of the originally rostered goalkeepers becomes available and is able to compete. The USL Championship 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.

Player Loans
Loans may not extend beyond the length of the guaranteed contract or option term, provided the option has been exercised. Loan cancellation terms are
outlined in the Loan Agreement. Academy Players may not be loaned.

Loan Guidelines
Championship > Championship: Each team is permitted to receive or loan a maximum of two players under contract from/to each Championship team in any
given season. An individual player may not be intra-league loaned more than one time per season.

Championship > MLS: There is no restriction on the number of Championship players a team may send to compete in MLS. All loaned players shall remain on
the Championship team’s Master Roster. Additionally, for players to move freely between the two clubs throughout the season, the Championship and MLS clubs
must have a documented affiliation with one another.

MLS > Championship: There is no restriction on the number of players on loan a Championship team may have from an MLS team at any given time. The team
must have space on its Master Roster to add any player on loan. There is restriction on the total number of MLS players which compete on a given Championship
team during the season. Additionally, for players to move freely between the two clubs throughout the season, the Championship and MLS clubs must have a

©2021 UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA GUIDE 72
documented affiliation with one another.

Championship > League One: There is no restriction on the number of Championship players a team may send to compete in League One. All loaned players
shall remain on the Championship Team’s Master Roster. Additionally, for players to move freely between the two clubs throughout the season, the Championship
and League One clubs have a documented affiliation with one another.

League One > Championship: There is no restriction on the number of players on loan a Championship team may have from a League One team at any
given time. The team must have space on its Master Roster to add any player on loan. There is no restriction on the total number of League One players
which compete on a given Championship team during the season. Additionally, for players to move freely between the two clubs throughout the season, the
Championship and League One clubs must have a documented affiliation with one another.

Loan Players in the Playoffs

A loan player must compete (play in a match, not just be rostered) in at least five regular season matches for a specific Championship team to be eligible for the
playoffs with that team. One of those games must occur prior to the Roster Freeze.

23-Man Game Day Player Pool

All players must be rostered (i.e. registered with the League and Federation) and active prior to their inclusion in a Team’s 23-Man Game Day Player Pool.
Suspended players cannot be included in the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool. Should a player be successfully rostered (provided all registration 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 Game Day Player Pool;
however, the change will be subject to the opposing team’s approval in accordance with Master Roster Guidelines.

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 the 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. Failure to submit the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool in alphabetical order will result in a minimum fine of $50. All
appropriate parties must be included on the correspondence for the standard to be met. All 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 Championship 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
Championship registration system to participate 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.

If a player not included on the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool participates in the match in any capacity, including being available on the bench for selection, it
will result in a minimum fine of $1,000. On the day of the game, during the roster exchange, game day lineups must be cross-referenced with the 23-Man Game
Day Player Pools from each club to ensure all players included on the lineup have also been included on the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool. In the event that
any of the parties involved with the exchange identify that a player included on the lineup was not previously listed on the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool, the
designated League contact listed on the match preview must be notified and the player will not be able to compete in the match. If this occurs, the team is
permitted to replace the lineup spot with a player who has been included on the 23-Man Game Day Player Pool provided the opposing team has the same
opportunity based on the number of available players at the match (i.e. the opposing team has 19 or more players available for selection). The home team and
visiting team must also submit a copy of their Official Game Day Lineup to the League 60 minutes prior to the start of the match via the Teamworks platform to
meet the standard.

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