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USL Championship Final Delivers Record-Breaking Viewership on CBS

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) registered the largest television audience in league history as the 2024 USL Championship Final drew 431,000 viewers on CBS. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC claimed its first title with a 3-0 victory over Rhode Island FC during the Nov. 23 noon (ET) broadcast, capping the first year of the USL’s multi-year agreement with CBS Sports and expanding the league’s national reach across the CBS Television Network, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.

“The record-breaking audience for the 2024 Championship Final on CBS highlights the growing national appeal of the USL and our commitment to making the league accessible to fans across the country,” said Paul McDonough, USL President and Chief Soccer Officer. “Our partnership with CBS has been instrumental in connecting us with a wider audience and bringing high-quality soccer to fans. The success of this broadcast, coupled with local television deals, demonstrates the positive momentum we are building as we continue to elevate the USL’s presence nationwide.”

The league’s three network broadcasts on CBS this year reached over 1 million viewers, highlighting an upward trend in the USL’s national visibility. Since 2017, the USL has expanded its broadcast footprint with agreements across ESPN, Peacock, TUDN, and local linear partnerships at the club level.

Local Television Partnerships Expand Accessibility

For the first time, all USL Championship clubs secured local television deals, significantly increasing accessibility for fans across the country and strengthening community connections. These partnerships provided fans with free over-the-air options, bringing USL action to wider audiences while creating new promotional and commercial opportunities for clubs.

Local television agreements contributed to record-breaking audience growth this season. Average match audiences for the USL Championship and League One rose by 20%, with total viewership climbing 18%. Local linear broadcasts saw over 15% more viewers, including a 25% increase in home markets.

In 2024, the USL delivered over 1,200 hours of live soccer programming across 613 matches. 

For Oakland Roots assistant coach Joseph Nane, moving forward means giving back

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Joseph Nane never wanted to become a coach.

Throughout a career that spanned two continents and saw the Cameroon native compete at the top of the club game in North America in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the idea of stepping onto the sidelines wasn’t the post-career pathway the central midfielder envisioned.

And then, last year, as he played his final season with Oakland Roots SC in the USL Championship and started working with players in the club’s Academy, he gained a new perspective.

“My first week, I realized, actually, I wanted to give,” Nane told USLChampionship.com this week. “I was slowly falling in love with it, in terms of telling a player what’s wrong, what’s right, and seeing them apply it and it working. The joy I saw from the players applying [my advice] boosted my love for the game.”

In the 11 months since he last saw action for Roots, the 37-year-old has jumped fully into his new vocation. Following his retirement from playing at the end of the season, he was appointed as second assistant on Oakland’s coaching staff.

Since April, after the club’s decision to part ways with Noah Delgado after two wins from its opening nine games, Nane has effectively become the No. 2 to current interim Head Coach Gavin Glinton. During Glinton’s tenure, the club has seen a resurgence in form to put it in second place entering Sunday’s network television showdown with NorCal rival Sacramento Republic FC (4 p.m. ET | CBS).

It’s been a quick adaptation period for Nane, who has had to learn how to be prepared to dig into the details on the training ground and transmit the right message at the right time to players – many of whom are former teammates – front and center.

“As a player, you know how to talk to your teammates in a lot of ways,” said Nane. “When you become a coach, it’s a little bit different. That’s the biggest part, along with learning the tactics. So that’s what I’ve been doing, trying to learn how to deliver the message and plan training according to what we’re trying to see.”

“It’s obviously trial by fire,” added Glinton, himself a Head Coach for the first time in the professional ranks. “It’s been good. You always step out and have a process from being a player and seeing the game through that lens to seeing through the lens of a coach. JoJo was just able to finish his ‘B’ License throughout that and kind of see some of the things we’ve talked about in terms of leadership and managing training sessions, coaching training sessions and managing your performance environment.”

In addition to earning his USSF “B” Coaching License, this preseason Nane was selected as one of the five inaugural participants in the USL Forward program. Established in January, USL Forward is aimed at addressing the lack of diversity among technical staff and executive positions. In addition to Roots, the Championship’s Sacramento Republic FC and League One’s Greenville Triumph SC, Forward Madison FC and Richmond Kickers welcomed local and traveling residents as part of the Pro Preseason Residency initiative with the aim of accelerating the participants’ coaching experience and progression.

As part of the PPR, Nane was not only immersed in his new duties as an assistant coach for Roots, but part of a broader program that included seminars from individuals including U.S. Soccer Federation Vice President of Sporting and former Men’s National Team player Oguchi Onyewu.

“Listening to them talk and giving you feedback was the breakthrough,” said Nane. “Me personally, I was trying to deal with the ego, and when Onyewu is telling me ‘you already played, so why the ego as of late?’ [What’s important is] just come do your work and be open ears, basically.

“Some of the big takeaways were the opportunity we’re receiving, the assets we have, but most of all learning about the experience of everybody that came before us – that had a bigger career – telling us the how hard it was to manage going from retirement to where they are right now, and that it wasn’t easy. The fact that some of the biggest names in the U.S. National Team experienced that, and they’re telling us to keep going because there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, that’s a good experience.”

It is fitting Roots was among the five clubs to participate in USL Forward’s first program. Since its launch in 2018, the club’s purpose beyond the playing field and within the Oakland community – and emphasis on diversity within its staff – has been a defining trait for one of the most culturally important sporting organizations in North America.

That culture is reflected in the work Roots has done locally in creating new pathways into the sport. In March, the organization – which also includes the USL W League’s Oakland Soul SC – introduced the Oakland Coach Academy, a new program aimed at breaking down barriers that prevent young boys and girls the chance to play soccer.

“The club itself has always made a commitment to the city and the community and people who don’t necessarily always get the chance,” said Glinton. “I think their focus on being a force for social good has been huge, and you can see that, obviously in the Roots Recognize initiative and 51O, but also in terms of the coaching courses that the club is developing in order for coaches who wouldn’t normally get that exposure and experience to come and develop and hopefully have a pathway on to bigger jobs.”

As someone whose coaching path began early in his professional career as an assistant at alma mater Bradley University after early injury setbacks, Glinton believes in the potential of USL Forward as well. The former Turks and Caicos international returned to play in both Major League Soccer and the USL following his recovery from two separate broken ankles. In his post-playing career, Glinton navigated the youth ranks – including a stint at Sacramento Republic FC’s Academy – before his first opportunity to be part of a pro staff came in 2020 as an assistant to Troy Lesesne at New Mexico United.

“I think it’s important,” said Glinton. “I think there’s a lot of players, ex-players who want to go into the coaching ranks or coaches who want to be able to develop and be able to get some of the experiences that haven’t been normally available. A concerted effort to up the numbers in terms of opportunity has been big. It’s very locked in with how our club has based itself and positioned itself in the community.”

For Nane, the step beyond USL Forward will be for clubs in the USL Championship and League One to become more open in their selection processes for coaching candidates. Currently, Glinton is one of only three Black Head Coaches across 36 teams in the two leagues alongside Rhode Island FC’s Khano Smith and Central Valley Fuego FC’s Jermaine Jones.

“They’ve got to want to open the door and give chances to everybody else,” said Nane of the clubs. “It’s up to the teams. You can make it as an incentive for the team, but how will that look if it fails? I think they have to be willing themselves to open the doors for every race to be able to take the lead.”

And make no mistake, a head coaching position is where Nane is aiming.

Given the Championship’s history of providing opportunities for young coaches to take the helm – and the success current coaches such as Louisville City FC’s Danny Cruz, the Charleston Battery’s Ben Pirmann and Sacramento Republic FC’s Mark Briggs have achieved – it’s a goal that should be within reach sooner rather than later when you look at his overall resume and the trend within the league.

“You’ve seen the level of quality of the coaches that have come through here,” said Glinton. “Coaches have had their first opportunities and done really well. I think the USL has done a good job in finding those coaches and being able to scout them, promote them and give them a platform.”

As he builds his new pathway, Nane believes he’ll be ready when opportunity knocks.

“My vision, the next five years, I want to be a Head Coach somewhere,” said Nane. “Is it in the Championship, is it in MLS, or something else, I don’t know. But I’m gunning for the top.”

USL Summer of Soccer Kicks Off July 3, Featuring 15 National Broadcasts Across CBS Sports and ESPN Platforms

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United States is overflowing with soccer right now, and the USL is joining the party in July and August with the inaugural USL Summer of Soccer.

Kicking off July 3, the USL Summer of Soccer will showcase the best of the USL Championship and USL League One, featuring 15 national TV broadcasts in July and August across the CBS Television Network, CBS Sports Network, and ESPN2. Soccer fans across the country will have more opportunities than ever to experience the excitement, the energy, and the top-tier talent on the field that makes the USL the heartbeat of American soccer.

The USL Summer of Soccer series of matches begins with the USL League One rivalry between the Richmond Kickers and Forward Madison FC on CBS Sports Network on Wednesday, July 3. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET. Nicknamed “The Henny Derby,” the Richmond-Madison rivalry kicked off in 2019, when both clubs were founding members of USL League One.

On July 21, the USL Championship will see its second national broadcast on “big” CBS this season, when Oakland Roots SC hosts its Northern California rival Sacramento Republic FC. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. The rivalry, which dates to 2021, has been fiercely contested over 10 prior league meetings, with Sacramento taking three victories and Oakland two. The two sides clashed a few weeks ago, when Roots pulled off a thrilling 3-2 win in Sacramento.

On August 3, Detroit City FC will welcome expansion side Rhode Island FC to Keyworth Stadium for the third CBS Television Network broadcast of the season. Kickoff is 4 p.m. ET. Detroit City matches have a well-earned reputation for being one of the most energetic and colorful atmospheres in American soccer – an intimidating environment for first-year club RIFC. Both clubs are working on ambitious and exciting stadium projects.

In addition to the USL Summer of Soccer slate of national TV games, the USL Championship and League One will see 22 games streamed on CBS Sports Golazo Network and 115 on ESPN+ in July and August. Also, the USL Super League, the USL’s new Division One professional women’s league, will kick off its inaugural season on August 17, with all matches streaming live on Peacock.

Full USL Summer of Soccer Schedule

Wednesday, July 3

  • Richmond Kickers vs. Forward Madison FC | 8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

  • Sacramento Republic FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC | 10:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Thursday, July 4

  • Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. FC Tulsa | 9 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Friday, July 5

  • Charleston Battery vs. Birmingham Legion FC | 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2 

Wednesday, July 17

  • Birmingham Legion FC vs. Rhode Island FC | 8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Friday, July 19

  • Phoenix Rising FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC | 11 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Saturday, July 20

  • Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Hartford Athletic | 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Sunday, July 21

  • Oakland Roots SC vs. Sacramento Republic FC | 4 p.m. ET, CBS

Friday, July 26

  • Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC | 9 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Wednesday, July 31

  • Hartford Athletic vs. Detroit City FC | 7:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Saturday, August 3

  • Detroit City FC vs. Rhode Island FC | 4 p.m. ET, CBS

  • Sacramento Republic FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC | 10 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Wednesday, August 7

  • Detroit City FC vs. Pittsburgh RIverhounds SC | 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Saturday, August 10

  • Louisville City FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC | 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Wednesday, August 14

  • Sacramento Republic FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC | 10:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

United Soccer League and TelevisaUnivision announce landmark multiyear media partnership

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) and TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish-language media and content company, announced today a media partnership that will bring more thrilling soccer to Spanish-speaking fans across the country with select matches from the USL Championship to air on TUDN throughout the remainder of the 2024 season.

As part of the announcement, TelevisaUnivision unveiled the first 11 regular season matches will air on TUDN, the nation’s leading Spanish-language sports network, kicking off with a doubleheader this Saturday, June 15, featuring heavyweight clashes Indy Eleven-San Antonio FC (7:00pm ET) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC-Orange County SC (9:00pm ET). The season will conclude with the USL Championship Final on Sunday, November 23.

“TelevisaUnivision has a direct line to passionate soccer fans in our country,” said Court Jeske, USL Chief Commercial Officer. “The USL Championship is growing every year, and we are thrilled to partner with TelevisaUnivision to continue that growth by bringing the excitement of our top league to a whole new audience – one that loves the game and respects an authentic soccer experience. Alongside CBS Sports, ESPN, and 24 local linear partners, TelevisaUnivision is the final, important piece of our strategic plan to be the most widely accessible domestic soccer league in the United States.”

TelevisaUnivision is the soccer leader in the U.S. regardless of language, accounting for more than 50% of soccer viewing on all of television. The company’s robust sports portfolio includes rights to Liga MX, Liga MX Femenil, CONMEBOL Copa America, UEFA Euro 2024, UEFA Champions League and Concacaf Nations League, among others.

“We are happy to partner with the United Soccer League and its clubs, providing coverage of the growing league and exciting matches to our passionate audience across the country,” said Marco Liceaga, Senior Vice President of Sports Rights Acquisitions and Commercial Partnerships at TelevisaUnivision. “Adding United Soccer League to our unrivaled soccer rights portfolio furthers our mission of serving fanáticos, solidifying TelevisaUnivision as the home of the beautiful game in America.”

View the full initial schedule of matches selected to air on TelevisaUnivision networks below:

June 15 – Indy Eleven vs. San Antonio FC, 7 p.m. ET, TUDN
June 15 – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Orange County SC, 9 p.m. ET, TUDN
August 10 – Charleston Battery vs. Memphis 901 FC, 7:30 p.m. ET, TUDN
August 11 – Indy Eleven vs. New Mexico United, 5 p.m. ET, TUDN
August 28 – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Memphis 901 FC, 9 p.m. ET, TUDN
September 6 – Louisville City FC vs. Loudoun United FC, 7:30 p.m. ET, TUDN
September 25 – Orange County SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC, 10 p.m. ET, TUDN
October 2 – Louisville City FC vs. Miami FC, 7:30 p.m. ET, TUDN
October 5 – Charleston Battery vs. Detroit City FC, 4 p.m. ET, TUDN
October 9 – North Carolina FC vs. FC Tulsa, 7 p.m. ET, TUDN
October 19 – Detroit City FC vs. Miami FC, 4 p.m. ET, TUDN
November 23 – USL Championship Final

How the soccer community can support the LGBTQIA+ community

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Throughout June Pride Month, we are showcasing organizations that the USL, its clubs, and its fans work with and endorse to provide support for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

We encourage everyone to learn more about these organizations’ efforts to support the LGBTQIA+ community and how you can get involved.

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SPOTLIGHT ORGANIZATIONS

You Can Play Project

The USL and its clubs work closely with You Can Play to drive inclusivity throughout the ecosystem, including advising on creating an inclusive culture for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, policy formation, and Pride-related activations. In a challenging socio-political environment, this non-profit founded in 2012 continues to work “to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQIA+ athletes, coaches and fans.” 

WEBSITE

 

Play Proud

Designed by Common Goal to create safe sporting spaces for LGBTQIA+ communities across the world, Play Proud is a grassroots-driven program that works with all stakeholders in soccer to make communities and stadiums a safer space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Eight USL clubs and league staff have participated in the program, receiving more than 100 hours of training on the skills and knowledge to be mentors to LGBTQIA+ youth, allies in their workplaces, and champions of inclusion in their communities. 

WEBSITE

 

Prideraiser

Founded and organized by fans, Prideraiser is “a coalition of independent soccer supporters that raise money for LGBTQIA+ charities in their local communities every June.” How it works: supporters pledge money for each goal scored by their club during the month of June. The money is earmarked for a local charity, determined by the supporter group. Go to the Prideraiser website to see if your club’s supporters group is participating in 2024 and to make a pledge.    

WEBSITE

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ADDITIONAL LGBTQIA+ SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

Athlete Ally – Founded by a college wrestler, Athlete Ally works to end homophobia and transphobia in sport and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQIA+ equality. Partners with the “Playing for Pride” initiative, the player-focused fundraising platform founded by former USL player Austin da Luz. Learn more: www.athleteally.org

Equality Foundation – Nonprofit working on issues—from advancing workplace fairness and family recognition to defeating anti-transgender bills and HIV criminalization laws—that affect how LGBTQIA+ people experience the world. Learn more: equalityfederation.org

GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) – Long-standing organization that works to ensure that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media. GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. Learn more: glaad.org

GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) Sports Project – An education and advocacy program focused on addressing LGBTQIA+ issues in K-12 school-based athletic and physical education programs. Learn more: glsen.org

It Gets Better Project – Communicating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. Learn more: itgetsbetter.org

The Knights and Orchids Society – Focused on communities in the south, the Knights and Orchids Society builds the power of transgender, lesbian, bisexual, and gay Black people by providing a spectrum of health and wellness services. Learn more: tkosociety.com

PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) – Founded in 1973, this venerable nonprofit is a powerful resource for parents and families. Learn more: pflag.org

USL and CBS Sports Announce Additional Game to Air on the CBS Television Network

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League is bringing more top-tier USL Championship action to fans across the nation.

The USL and CBS Sports announced today that another regular season match has been added to the CBS Television Network schedule. Oakland Roots SC vs. Sacramento Republic FC – previously scheduled for Saturday, July 20 – will now air on CBS on Sunday, July 21 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

The USL also announced that the match between Detroit City FC and Rhode Island FC on Saturday, August 3 at 4:00 p.m. ET, will air on the CBS Television Network. The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC match previously announced will now be broadcast on ESPN+.

“Building on the success of the USL’s first network TV match on April 6, we are thrilled that CBS came to us with another network television window for the USL Championship,” said Court Jeske, USL Chief Commercial Officer. “This opportunity reflects our strategy to be the most widely accessible professional soccer league in America. The work being done in the community by both the Oakland Roots and Sacramento Republic is worthy of the national spotlight on July 21, and the tremendous atmosphere in Detroit will thrill viewers when expansion side Rhode Island FC visits on August 3.”

With the added broadcast, the USL Championship and USL League One will see a total of thirty-six national broadcasts across the CBS Television Network, CBS Sports Network and ESPN2. All other matches appear nationally on CBS Sports Golazo Network or ESPN+ or and can be simulcast on local television partners as well. In 2024, for the first time ever, all Championship clubs have a local network partner.

TOP NORCAL RIVALRY TAKES CENTERSTAGE

Oakland Roots SC will host Sacramento Republic FC on July 21 in the latest edition of the top soccer rivalry in Northern California. The rivalry, which began in 2021 when the Roots joined the USL Championship, has quietly become one of the most underrated in American soccer.

To date, the Republic have dominated their neighbors, posting 3 wins, 1 loss, and 5 draws. But Oakland has made progress on the field recently and will be looking to get their first derby victory since June 2021.

The national broadcast will put a spotlight on the deep connections the Roots have made in their local community. The club has become one to watch in the soccer scene, with an internationally renowned brand, an ambitious stadium plan, and a star-studded investor group including NFL legend Marshawn Lynch, NBA legend Jason Kidd, rapper G-Eazy, and rock star Billie Joe Armstrong.

The Republic, meanwhile, continue to make waves on the field. They recently upset yet another MLS team, the San Jose Earthquakes, in the U.S. Open Cup to advance to the Quarterfinals for the second time in three years. The team currently sits towards the top of the USL Championship Western Conference with an unbeaten record through the first 11 games of the season.

KICKING OUT THE JAMS IN DETROIT

Detroit City FC matches have a reputation for having one of the most exciting and energetic atmospheres in American soccer. Nonstop chants, colorful smoke, and a vastly improved team on the field make visiting historic Keyworth Stadium a thrill for fans and a challenge for opponents.

Like Oakland, Detroit City have recently accelerated their ambitions, including hiring former Premier League and MLS player Danny Dichio as head coach this offseason and beginning the development process for a new soccer-specific stadium in the city. On the field, the club is having its best season since joining the USL Championship in 2022, with only one loss in their first eight matches.  

In the club’s inaugural season, Rhode Island FC is still finding its feet on the field, but they have quickly become an integral part of the New England soccer scene. Coached by former MLS star Khano Smith, RIFC features a high-powered offense led by former USL Championship Player of the Year Albert Dikwa. They are coming off a strong performance against Players’ Shield leader Sacramento Republic this past weekend. 

Off the field, RIFC has started construction on the club’s new soccer-specific venue in Pawtucket, the Stadium at Tidewater Landing, with the team due to open the new stadium next season.

United Soccer League and Prinx Tires Announce Multi-Year Partnership

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced a multi-year partnership with California-based Prinx Chengshan Tire North America (Prinx) a global tire manufacturing leader, as the league’s first Official Tire Partner.

The wide-ranging partnership officially begins this Saturday, April 6, in conjunction with the first match in USL history to be broadcast on network television: Louisville City FC vs. Indy Eleven, 4 p.m. ET on CBS. Reflecting Prinx’s dedication to high-level performance, the partnership will focus thematically on celebrating teams and players that are performing at the highest level.

“The USL is honored to work alongside Prinx – a longtime global leader and now our first Official Tire Partner – during a time of tremendous growth for both organizations,” said USL Chief Commercial Officer Court Jeske. “Prinx recognizes that the USL is vital and authentic to American soccer and has committed to supporting our full pathways from youth to professional for women and men.”

The partnership with the USL will come to life most vividly through popular content initiatives that celebrate high-level performance, including:

  • Prinx Performance Standings: Prinx will be the presenting partner of the regular-season standings in all three of the USL’s professional leagues: the women’s USL Super League; the men’s USL Championship and USL League One. Each league’s standings page will bear the brand “Prinx Tires Performance Standings.”

  • Prinx Tires Most Valuable Performer (“MVP”): At the conclusion of each nationally televised USL Super League, USL Championship and USL League One match, a “Prinx Tires Most Valuable Performer,” or “MVP,” will be selected and featured on air and through USL social media channels. Prinx Tires also will be the presenting partner of the end-of-season “Player of the Year” award in each of USL’s three professional leagues.

  • Prinx Tires Power Rankings: Prinx branding and the story of performance will be integrated with the popular weekly Power Rankings features on the league websites.

The partnership includes additional custom content activations, integrated media, in-stadium branding, marquee event dealer activations and a national fan sweepstakes, details of which will be announced later. 

Prinx Chengshan is a leading global tire manufacturer with a steadfast commitment to producing high-quality tires for a wide range of vehicles. With a focus on research, innovation, and sustainable practices, Prinx Chengshan continues to set new standards in the industry, providing reliable and high-performance solutions to customers worldwide.  

“We are very proud to become the Official Tire Partner of the United Soccer League, a true watershed milestone for the Prinx Tires brand in North America,” said Samuel Felberbaum, President of Prinx Chengshan Tire North America. “As the sport of soccer continues its massive surge in popularity across the United States, this breakthrough partnership will allow Prinx to build brand awareness among the legions of passionate soccer fans across the country, as well as drive engagement with our extensive network of dealers coast-to-coast.”

Buffalo Pro Soccer Unveils Plans to Bring Highest Levels of USL Professional Soccer to Buffalo

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – Western New York native and experienced sports executive Peter Marlette, Jr., today announced the formation of Buffalo Pro Soccer – a group that plans to bring a USL Championship club to Buffalo by 2026 through an exclusive partnership with United Soccer League (USL).

As President of Buffalo Pro Soccer, Marlette will work alongside club ownership, elected officials, community leaders, business partners, strategic advisors, and the USL to bring the highest levels of USL professional soccer to Western New York. Over the past several months, Marlette has been actively meeting and engaging with local officials and sports leaders to gain insights that will shape the professional soccer club in his hometown.

“Given soccer’s incredible growth trajectory in the United States, it’s time that Buffalo — one of America’s most passionate sports cities — joins the movement with its own professional club,” said Peter Marlette, Jr., President of Buffalo Pro Soccer. “This club will represent the hard work, resilience, innovation, and pride that our community is known for. I’m committed to building a winning USL Championship club and I look forward to collaborating with everyone who believes in Buffalo. Together, we’ll write a new chapter in our city’s vibrant civic and sports history.”

Marlette is a Buffalo native who played five seasons with FC Buffalo. He served the past three years as General Manager of Union Omaha, the 2021 USL League One champions and winners of two regular season titles. He previously worked in business development for FC Dallas of Major League Soccer.

The United Soccer League (USL) is shaping the future of soccer in America as the first to build complete youth-to-pro pathways for men and women in one ecosystem. With teams in more than 200 communities across the country, the USL has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing and most respected sports organizations.

“Buffalo is home to some of the most fervent and proud sports fans in the world, and we know they will embrace and support a professional soccer club of their own,” USL Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis said. “Peter Marlette is a Buffalo soccer product with experience at all levels of the game and a deep commitment to the community he calls home. With his leadership, a growing, diverse population of young professionals, and a pent-up demand for the global game, Buffalo is poised to create a flagship club during this transformative moment in American soccer.”  

In 2024, the USL Championship features 24 men’s professional teams each playing a 34-game regular season from March to October and is the only league with U.S. Soccer’s Division II sanctioning. USL Championship teams average nearly 6,000 fans per game with teams such as Louisville City SC, New Mexico United, Sacramento Republic, and Indy Eleven regularly drawing more than 10,000. When Buffalo Pro Soccer kicks off its first season in the USL Championship, a Great Lakes rivalry may emerge as it faces established clubs like the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Detroit City FC.

In addition to bringing professional soccer to Western New York, Buffalo Pro Soccer is focused on developing an authentic soccer stadium that also offers opportunities for a variety of community and entertainment events. Buffalo Pro Soccer’s vision for the stadium project underlines its broader goal of providing a long-term, holistic community asset. As a city well known for pre-game celebrations of its other pro sports teams, Buffalo Pro Soccer is determined to provide an exciting and unique matchday experience. Buffalo Pro Soccer will explore all viable options for a stadium site before one is selected.

While the club’s initial focus is on launching its USL Championship men’s team, Buffalo Pro Soccer also intends to pursue a professional women’s soccer team in the USL Super League, which launches in August with Division I sanctioning. This phased approach will help accelerate the club’s path to kicking off its first season in the USL Championship as it continues to galvanize local support for the eventual launch of the women’s team. 

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and his staff have expressed support for Buffalo Pro Soccer, as they consult with Marlette on potential stadium sites.

“This is an exciting time for sports in Buffalo. I commend Peter Marlette, the president of Buffalo Pro Soccer, for his plans to bring United Soccer League professional soccer to our city,” said City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. “Buffalo is known worldwide as a great city for sports, and this will add to our reputation. I wish Buffalo Pro Soccer the best of luck.”

FC Buffalo Owner and President Nick Mendola also backs the initiative. The FC Buffalo men’s team currently plays in USL League Two, a national amateur league sanctioned as Division IV by U.S. Soccer.

“For nearly 15 years, FC Buffalo has worked collaboratively with Western New York’s soccer fans to build a community where the sport can thrive,” said Nick Mendola, President of FC Buffalo. “Seeing the powerful growth of the USL Championship from our vantage point at the highest level of amateur soccer in USL League Two, we seek to work closely with Buffalo Pro Soccer to create pathways from the youth fields of Western New York to the grandest stages of global soccer. This is an important and exciting step forward that builds on the foundation we’ve laid in growing Buffalo’s passion for the game.”

Buffalo Pro Soccer is actively recruiting supporters, partners, and potential investors. In the months ahead, an extensive listening campaign will gather perspectives throughout the community to help inform and define the club’s brand, name, and colors.

To get involved and join the movement, visit buffaloprosoccer.com and sign up to stay updated on the latest club developments. Buffalo Pro Soccer will launch its social media presence in the coming weeks and continue sharing updates and engaging with the community.

“I’ve had a goal of bringing a professional soccer team to Buffalo for as long as I can remember. I moved back to Buffalo to dedicate my full time and effort to realizing that goal for the city, and I am so proud to see this vision finally taking shape,” added Marlette. “Soccer’s surge in popularity is undeniable, and Buffalo is an ideal market for a professional soccer team. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be better. I urge all of Buffalo to be a part of the club – sign up on our website for the latest updates and to help us build the future of professional soccer in our city.”

How LouCity’s Wilson Harris made USL Championship history in El Paso | News & Notes

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Last season, current Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Cal Jennings reached 50 regular season goals in the USL Championship faster than any player in league history, taking just 90 games to reach the landmark.

This past weekend, Louisville City FC’s Wilson Harris achieved an equally impressive feat as he reached his half-century of goals in the league’s regular season, sending LouCity to an opening day victory against El Paso Locomotive FC.

In this week’s edition of USL Championship News & Notes we’ll look at that, and where Harris stands among the league’s all-time greatest marksmen, and also at a career day for New Mexico United goalkeeper Alex Tambakis as he approaches the summit of one of the league’s all-time records.

We’ve also got our regular look at upcoming potential player milestones across the league, and the Week 3 Discipline Report.

Let’s dig in.

NEWS & NOTES

LOUISVILLE’S WILSON HARRIS HITS THE HALF-CENTURY MARK

Louisville City FC’s Wilson Harris became the youngest player to reach 50 regular season goals in the USL Championship’s history on Saturday afternoon, reaching the mark aged 24 years, 3 months and 17 days old with his game-winning finish against El Paso Locomotive FC. The 2020 USL Championship Young Player of the Year surpassed the mark previously held by 2020 USL Championship Golden Boot winner Junior Flemmings, who was 24 years, 8 months, 3 days old when he reached the half-century mark.

Harris has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in the USL Championship’s history since his debut for Sporting Kansas City II in the 2018 season. The California native currently ranks seventh in the league’s history in strike rate among players with at least 50 regular season goals, averaging a goal every 160.1 minutes so far in his career.

Best Strike Rate Among 50-Goal Scorers in USL Championship Regular Season
1. Cameron Lancaster – 166 appearances, 80 goals, 113.9 mins/goal
2. Cal Jennings – 91 appearances, 51 goals, 127.7 mins/goal*
3. Romario Williams – 124 appearances, 57 goals, 139.7 mins/goal*
4. Dane Kelly – 251 appearances, 106 goals, 150.3 mins/goal
5. Chandler Hoffman – 148 appearances, 66 goals, 156.2 mins/goal
6. Hadji Barry – 152 appearances, 79 goals, 157.7 mins/goal
7. Wilson Harris – 125 appearances, 50 goals, 160.1 mins/goal*
8. Jose Angulo – 132 appearances, 53 goals, 167.2 mins/goal
9. Junior Flemmings – 141 appearances, 57 goals, 171 mins/goal
10. Neco Brett – 201 appearances, 81 goals, 172.1 mins/goal*

* – Currently Active in USL Championship

NEW MEXICO’S ALEX TAMBAKIS SETS SINGLE-GAME CAREER BEST

New Mexico United’s Alex Tambakis set a single-game career-high with his nine-save performance in the club’s 1-1 draw against Rhode Island FC on Saturday afternoon. The performance continued the Greek shot-stopper’s ascent towards having recorded the most regular season saves in the USL Championship’s history, and surpassed his eight-save outing for the Charleston Battery against the Richmond Kickers on September 17, 2016.

Tambakis ranks second in the Championship’s history in both saves (548) and shutouts (45) to Evan Newton (573 saves / 58 shutouts), sitting 25 saves shy of the equaling Newton for the most saves in the USL Championship’s regular season entering Week 3. This weekend, he could become the second player to surpass 550 saves as he faces one of his former clubs when New Mexico visits the Battery at Patriots Point.

Most Saves in USL Championship Regular Season History
1. Evan Newton – 573
2. Alex Tambakis – 548*
3. Brandon Miller – 414
4. Matt VanOekel – 401*
5. Carl Woszczynski – 393

* – Currently Active in USL Championship

USL CHAMPIONSHIP, LEAGUE ONE PLAYERS SELECTED FOR INTERNATIONAL DUTY

Players from the USL Championship and USL League One are set to compete in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League Finals, the final stage of 2024 Copa America qualifying, and the opening round of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying after earning selection to their senior national teams this week.

The Concacaf Nations League Finals will see El Paso Locomotive FC’s Jahmali Waite and Hartford Athletic’s Romario Williams represent Jamaica as the Reggae Boyz square off with the United States on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET in Arlington, Texas in the tournament’s Semifinals.

The final knockout stage of 2024 Copa America qualifying will see Indy Eleven’s Douglas Martinez Jr. represent Honduras as it faces Costa Rica for one of the final two berths, while Oakland Roots SC’s Neveal Hackshaw, San Antonio FC’s Shannon Gomez and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC’s Noah Powder and Real Gill are part of Trinidad and Tobago’s squad to face Canada in the other playoff game set for Saturday in Frisco, Texas.

Finally, South Georgia Tormenta FC’s Joshua Ramos has been named in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ squad that will play a home-and-home series with the British Virgin Islands in the opening round of Concacaf’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

USL Championship & League One National Team Call-Ups – March, 2024
Burundi (2) – Irakoze Donasiyano (Oakland Roots SC), Pacifique Niyongabire (Tampa Bay Rowdies)

Cuba (1) – Raiko Arozarena (Las Vegas Lights FC)

Dominican Republic (1) – Riki Alba (Las Vegas Lights FC)

El Salvador (5) – Bryan Tamacas (Oakland Roots SC), Jairo Henriquez (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC), Amando Moreno (El Paso Locomotive FC), Nelson Flores Blanco (North Carolina FC), Jeremy Garay (El Paso Locomotive FC)

Guinea-Bissau (1) – Bura Nogueira (San Antonio FC)

Honduras (1) – Douglas Martinez Jr. (Indy Eleven)

Jamaica (2) – Jahmali Waite (El Paso Locomotive FC), Romario Williams (Hartford Athletic)

Lebanon (1) – Jackson Khoury (South Georgia Tormenta FC)

Malta (1) – Yannick Yankam (Lexington SC)

Puerto Rico (1) – Callum Stretch (South Georgia Tormenta FC)

Rwanda (1) – Nshuti Innocent (One Knoxville SC)

Somalia (1) – Hassan Gabo (Greenville Triumph SC)

Trinidad and Tobago (4) – Neveal Hackshaw (Oakland Roots SC), Real Gill (Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC), Noah Powder (Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC), Shannon Gomez (San Antonio FC)

U.S. Virgin Islands (1) – Joshua Ramos (South Georgia Tormenta FC)

Quick Hits

– FC Tulsa’s Phillip Goodrum has scored in four consecutive regular season appearances after his game-winning goal against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday evening. That has matched his individual best in the USL Championship – Goodrum scored in four consecutive appearances for Memphis 901 FC between July 9 and August 3 in 2022 – and took him to 40 regular season goals in 97 appearances overall.

– Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC’s Kenardo Forbes moved into a tie with Josh Suggs for second place in regular season appearances in the USL Championship with his 264th appearance on Saturday night as the Hounds hosted Orange County SC. Forbes also moved into third place in the league’s regular season minutes list, where he currently sits at 20,946 minutes, just 291 minutes behind current leader Hugh Roberts.

– Oakland Roots SC’s Ilya Alekseev became the youngest player to record a goal for the Roots since the club joined the USL Championship for the 2021 season as he made his league debut, scoring the equalizer against the Charleston Battery in a 1-1 draw at Pioneer Stadium at the age of 18 years, 164 days old.

– Rhode Island FC’s 1-1 draw with New Mexico United on Saturday marked the 12th consecutive inaugural game in which a newcomer to the league was unable to take victory. The last two teams to win their inaugural contests in the USL Championship remain Las Vegas Lights FC and Atlanta United 2, each of which won their debuts in the 2018 season.

– Monterey Bay F.C. has won its first three home openers in club history at Cardinale Stadium after defeating Phoenix Rising FC 1-0 on Saturday night. The victory marked Monterey Bay’s first against Rising in club history.

– Sacramento Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs recorded his 50th regular season win at the club on Saturday night with a 1-0 victory against Miami FC. Briggs is the 19th Head Coach to reach a half-century of regular season wins with a single club in the USL Championship era, with the current record held by former Charleston Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser with 130.

Upcoming Player Milestones

Appearances
Approaching 200 regular-season appearances
Seth Casiple (OC) – 198

Approaching 150 regular-season appearances
Matt Sheldon (DET) – 149
Will Seymore (NM) – 149
Albert Dikwa (RI) – 149
Kevon Lambert (SA) – 149
Tyler Pasher (BHM) – 147
Tyler Gibson (IND) – 146  

Approaching 100 regular-season appearances
Yuma (ELP) – 99
Younes Boudadi (IND) – 99
Conor McGlynn (RI) – 99
Prince Saydee (RI) – 99
Harry Swartz (NM) – 99
Tommy McCabe (LDN) – 99
Maxi Rodriguez (DET) – 98
Enoch Mushagalusa (HFD) – 97
Deshane Beckford (HFD) – 97
Bruno Lapa (MEM) – 97
Taylor Davila (LOU) – 97
Phillip Goodrum (TUL) – 97
Memo Diaz (OAK) – 97
Mobi Fehr (MB) – 97

Minutes
Approaching 10,000 regular season minutes
Thomas Vancaeyezeele (HFD) – 9,995
Robbie Mertz (PIT) – 9,824
Prosper Kasim (BHM) – 9,777
Albert Dikwa (RI) – 9,703
Danny Griffin (PIT) – 9,619

Goals
Approaching 70 regular season goals
Enzo Martinez (BHM) – 69
Augustine Williams (IND) – 66

Approaching 60 regular season goals
Romario Williams (HFD) – 57
Russell Cicerone (SAC) – 56

Approaching 50 regular season goals
Rodrigo Da Costa (NC) – 47

Assists
Approaching 50 regular season assists
Brian Ownby (LOU) – 46
Rodrigo Lopez (SAC) – 46

Approaching 40 regular season assists
Christiano Francois (LDN) – 38

Approaching 30 regular season assists
Niall McCabe (LOU) – 28
Rodrigo Da Costa (NC) – 28
Cam Lindley (IND) – 27

Saves
Approaching 300 regular season saves
Paul Blanchette (OAK) – 289
Kendall McIntosh (SA) – 278

Approaching 200 regular season saves
Rocco Rios Novo (PHX) – 190
Nathan Steinwascher (DET) – 182

Discipline Report – Week 3

TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the USL Championship’s discipline report for Week 3 of the 2024 USL Championship season:

Memphis 901 FC’s Akeem Ward has been suspended for three games following his red card for abusive language against Indy Eleven on March 16. Ward will be unavailable for selection in Memphis’ contests against Sacramento Republic FC on March 30, Orange County SC on April 6, and Loudoun United FC on April 13.

Memphis 901 FC’s Oscar Jimenez has been suspended for one game following his red card for two cautionable offenses against Indy Eleven on March 16. Jimenez will be unavailable for selection in Memphis’ contest against Sacramento Republic FC on March 30.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s Koa Santos has been suspended for one game following his red card for two cautionable offenses against Detroit City FC on March 16. Santos will be unavailable for selection in Colorado Springs’ contest against San Antonio FC this Saturday.