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2024 USL Academy Finals kick off with action-packed first day

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BRADENTON, Fla. – The first day of the 2024 USL Academy Finals kicked off at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida as the top 16 clubs from the USL Academy League regular season faced off in the single-elimination tournament to crown the USL Academy League title winner. 

The competition started off fiercely as Indy Eleven and SSA Swarm FC battled to a 3-3 draw before Indy won 4-2 in the penalty shootout. SSA Swarm looked poised for a surprise result in the club’s first entry in the USL Academy Finals as Adrian Gallegos scored a brace and converted his penalty kick, but Indy Eleven goalkeeper Ryan Hunsucker denied two penalties to earn the shootout victory for the perennial Academy powerhouse.

On the neighboring field, defending title-holders Charlotte Independence and Ft. Lauderdale United finished level at 0-0 before the Independence converted four of their kicks while goalkeeper Nicholas Gritz denied two penalty efforts to advance to the Quarterfinals with a 4-2 shootout win.  

AC Connecticut secured a 2-1 win over El Paso Locomotive FC after Nicola Acocella opened the scoring for AC Connecticut in the 4th minute before Axel Valdivia equalized for El Paso heading into halftime. AC Connecticut midfielder Jack Ryan – the 2023 USL Academy Finals Young Player of the Tournament – then scored a stunning volley just before full time to earn the win in the club’s fourth straight appearance in the Finals. 

The Richmond Kickers won 2-0 over St. Petersburgh FC as Nicholas Simmonds and Andrew Richman found the back of the net to advance. The Kickers will play Utah Red Wolves in the Quarterfinals after they earned a 3-0 win over San Antonio FC. 

Across the other matches, Lancaster FC earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over West Coast FC, while Miami FC earned a 3-0 win over Lonestar FC.  

USL Academy Finals Quarterfinal Matches 

Miami FC vs. AC Connecticut – 12:00 p.m. ET – Field 2 

Richmond Kickers vs. Utah Red Wolves SC – 12:00 p.m. ET – Field 6 

Real Colorado vs. Lancaster FC – 2:00 p.m. ET – Field 2 

Indy Eleven vs. Charlotte Independence – 2:00 p.m. ET – Field 6 

Stars FC set to join USL League Two in 2025

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Phoenix, Az. & Tampa, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today that Stars FC will join the USL League Two starting in the 2025 season.

The Stars were founded in 2004, with the goal of providing a top-tier soccer program alongside Christian-focused spiritual leadership training. They pair this with a core philosophy of “Win, Train, Send”, referencing the club’s expectations to compete at a high level, but develop players for their future careers. The club develops with the idea that star players are composed of three pillars: character, competition, and community. 

“We are excited to be partnered with the USL League Two to provide a top level of competition for players who do not have other options in the Northwest Valley,” said Stars FC President Kenneth Laird. “The addition of this program will further enhance our engagement with our community, in addition to giving players a proven pathway to continue in their quest for top-level soccer development.

The Stars will play their home matches in Phoenix, Arizona, as a member of the Southwest Division. They’ll be connected with the CCV Stars youth club, fostering the next generation of Phoenix talent and giving them the opportunity to work toward senior team soccer.

“USL has flourished at the professional and pre-professional level in Phoenix, so we’re excited to welcome Stars FC to League Two to further expand competitive soccer in the area,” said Joel Nash, SVP of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties. “The club has shown real enthusiasm in serving the community through their youth programs, and now with a League Two team, young players have a clearer path toward realizing their dreams.”

To learn more about Stars FC, visit Facebook and Instagram.

How to watch the 2024 USL Academy League Finals

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TAMPA, Fla. – Want to tune into all the action from the 2024 USL Academy League Finals at IMG Academy this week?

Through the USL’s partnership with SportsEngine Play, every game from the 16-team knockout bracket will stream live and free through the online service, starting with Thursday’s Round of 16.

Earlier this year, the USL licensed media rights to SportsEngine Play under an expanded agreement between the two organizations that brought live USL W League and League Two action to the platform throughout the 2024 season.

Check back in each day for updated links as the tournament progresses all the way through to Sunday’s Final at 12 p.m. ET.

2024 USL Academy League Finals
Thursday, December 5
Round of 16
Charlotte Independence vs. Ft. Lauderdale United FC, 10 a.m. ET 
Indy Eleven vs. Southern Soccer Academy, 10 a.m. ET
Miami FC vs. Lonestar SC, 12 p.m. ET
El Paso Locomotive FC vs. AC Connecticut, 12 p.m. ET
Richmond Kickers vs. St. Petersburg FC, 12 p.m. ET
Real Colorado vs. FC Motown STA, 2 p.m. ET
West Coast FC vs. Lancaster FC, 2 p.m. ET
Utah Red Wolves vs. San Antonio FC, 2 p.m. ET

Five Players to Watch at the 2024 USL Academy League Finals

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The 2024 USL Academy League Finals kick off this Thursday at IMG Academy with 16 teams aiming to make their way through the bracket and lift the trophy in Sunday’s Final.

Since USL Academy’s launch in 2019, however, its platform has been a proving ground for those aiming to make the jump to the professional ranks in the USL Championship and League One.

Players such as former Louisville City FC defender Joshua Wynder – now at legendary Portuguese club Benfica after his transfer in 2023 – or Orange County SC’s Korede Osundina – who joined Eredivisie side Feyenoord this past January – have competed at USL Academy events on their road to the professional ranks, and others competing this week will be aiming to follow in their footsteps both professionally and at the international level.

Here are five players you should be keeping an eye on over the course of the action.

El Paso Locomotive FC – Kenneth Hoban

Kenneth Hoban has yet to make his First Team debut for El Paso Locomotive FC, but there’s a growing buzz around the 15-year-old center back which marks him as a name to know going into this week. Comfortably the youngest player in the Locomotive squad set to compete at USL Academy Finals, Hoban is among a strong group of young talent being developed in the Borderplex by Academy Director Ivar Militar that is aiming to make its mark and impress Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera with an eye on getting called up to the senior side in the 2025 campaign.

Indy Eleven – Maverick McCoy

Maverick McCoy has been a regular in training this year for the Boys in Blue and was selected in the matchday squad on three occasions in the USL Championship this past campaign, and while he’s yet to make his First Team debut, his presence in a veteran-loaded squad has allowed him to gain from their knowledge to push toward reaching his potential. McCoy will be among the Indy players hoping to emulate the pathway of Logan Neidlinger, who a year ago was selected to the Academy Finals All-Tournament Team, which provided a platform for a breakout campaign for the club’s First Team in 2024 which saw him move onto a professional contract late in the season.

Miami FC – Sebastian Joseph

Sebastian Joseph was the youngest player to appear for Miami FC during the 2024 campaign, logging nine appearances and 346 minutes in the USL Championship’s regular season while notching a pair of chances created. As challenging as the campaign was for Joseph and the club as a whole, the 17-year-old has a chance alongside his Academy teammates to end the year on a bright note. Miami finished top of the Southeast Division to earn a place at the Finals and will be aiming to show what it can offer as the club enters a new era through its partnership with Sports Performance Hub.

Richmond Kickers – Griffin Garnett

Griffin Garnett emerged as one of the standout teenagers in USL League One this season as his move up from the Kickers’ Academy to becoming a regular in the First Team’s back line helped Richmond reach the postseason. The 18-year-old led Richmond with 80 clearances across the regular season and playoffs as he ranked fourth on the team with 1,689 minutes of action. He also won 56.3 percent of duels and 20 tackles at a 74.1 percent success rate to earn nomination for the League One Young Player of the Year award. He will be hoping to lead the Kickers’ young squad to success this week.

San Antonio FC – Landry Walker

Landry Walker became the youngest player to appear for San Antonio in the USL Championship aged just 15 years, 24 days old when he came on as a second-half substitute for SAFC against FC Tulsa in June, but there’s been little question as to the central midfielder’s pedigree as he’s emerged from the club’s Academy. This year, Walker has been selected to the United States U-15 Men’s National Team and could become the biggest homegrown product the club has seen since 2021 USL Championship Young Player of the Year Finalist Jose Gallegos.

USL Academy Partners with Footy Access for 2024 USL Academy Finals

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TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Academy proudly announces an exciting new partnership with Footy Access, a leading soccer media brand, for the 2024 USL Academy Finals at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, from December 5-8. This collaboration promises to deliver dynamic coverage and exclusive content, offering fans an unparalleled view of the tournament’s rising stars.

Owned by founder David Rodriguez and by investor and former USMNT player Jeremiah White, Footy Access is renowned for its high-quality, original content that highlights the next generation of football talent. Footy Access will produce behind-the-scenes coverage, key moments, interviews, and match highlights, amplifying the visibility of USL Academy players and teams.

This partnership aims to engage the broader U.S. soccer market, showcasing the talents and stories of players competing at the highest youth levels. Fans can expect in-depth, immersive content that brings the tournament to life, spotlighting action on and off the field. 

Throughout the Finals, exclusive content will be available across Footy Access and USL Academy’s social platforms, including Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube. Fans can follow @footyaccess and @USL_Academy for the latest updates, interviews, and highlights.

United Soccer League Partners with English Football League, League Football Education to Host Elite English Talent at USL Academy Finals in Florida

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TAMPA, Fla. — The United Soccer League (USL) announced today a key partnership with the English Football League (EFL) and League Football Education (LFE), furthering its global outreach and creating pathways for top young talent to compete at the highest levels.

As part of the 2024 Turing Scheme, a team of 14 elite youth players from EFL academies will travel to the U.S. to compete against some of the best talent from the USL Academy system at the USL Academy League Finals, taking place Dec. 5-8 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

This marks the first time that EFL players will compete at the USL Academy Finals, where 16 top clubs from across the U.S. will play to determine the best academy talent in the country. The partnership with LFE and EFL provides these young players with a unique opportunity to test their skills in international competition, offering them valuable benchmarking opportunities as they pursue professional careers in soccer.

“Integrating a team of this caliber into our Academy Finals will be a critical opportunity for our top USL prospects to compete against some of the best youth talent from Europe,” said Liam O’Connell, USL Technical Director of the Men’s Pathway. “This is an exciting moment for the league and for these players, who will not only showcase their abilities but gain valuable exposure to U.S. soccer’s high-performance environment.”

The partnership with LFE and EFL provides unprecedented access for players, including visits to facilities like the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ training grounds, university tours, executive Q&A sessions with USL leadership, and invitation games at the Academy Finals. This exposure bridges the gap between U.S. soccer and international development, offering players invaluable experiences to further their careers.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with LFE and EFL as we expand our international presence and foster global competition,” said Oliver Wyss, USL’s Head of Global Football Development & Sporting Director. “This initiative is part of our broader commitment to providing top-level youth players with opportunities to showcase their talents on a global stage and contribute to the growth of soccer in the U.S.”

United Soccer League welcomes USL Dallas to the USL Championship

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GARLAND, Texas – The United Soccer League and the City of Garland today announced that USL Dallas, North Texas’s newest professional soccer team, will join the USL Championship for the 2027 season. The latest expansion team is set to bring high-level competition, community engagement, and exciting entertainment to Garland and the region.  

“We are thrilled to bring men’s professional soccer to the City of Garland and welcome USL Dallas to the USL Championship,” said Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Real Estate Officer. “Dallas has an incredibly passionate soccer culture, and adding a men’s professional club is a natural extension of the USL’s vision to grow the sport at all levels. We’re confident that the partnership with USL Dallas and the City of Garland will provide significant economic benefits and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant North Texas community.” 

USL Dallas is led by co-founders Matt Valentine and Sam Morton, who met on a local soccer field as children. Matt Valentine – a Dallas-based entrepreneur with over 25 years in corporate finance, capital markets, and investment strategy – will be leading the club’s strategic direction across business and sporting operations. Co-founder and long-time radio executive, Sam Morton, will serve as the Chief Commercial Officer to lead the development of the club’s business operations, including marketing, communications, sponsorship, merchandising, and ticketing. 

“This is a dream come true for us,” said Valentine, Chairman and Co-Founder of USL Dallas. “We’re committed to using this team as a platform to give back to the community, inspire young athletes, and foster a new level of excitement and unity across North Texas.” 

“Soccer is the most exciting and most-watched sport in the world,” said Morton. “My goal is to establish a lasting legacy for soccer in North Texas and I want USL Dallas to be the top choice for soccer fans in the region.”   

They are joined by fellow founders and friends Luther Ott and Dan McAlone. Together, they aim to create not only a competitive sports franchise, but a community-driven team dedicated to empowering young athletes, fostering youth development, and bringing the North Texas community together through the power of soccer. 

Home to around 250,000 residents, Garland is a vibrant and diverse community where soccer is more than a game — it’s a reflection of the city’s culture. Known for its successful manufacturing legacy, Garland is also a thriving center for business innovation, home to a dynamic mix of Fortune 500 companies, startups and small businesses. As Garland continues its exciting transformation, the city aims to become a premier entertainment and experience hub for eastern DFW, making it an ideal location for USL Dallas.  

USL Dallas has partnered with the City of Garland to establish a team that will bring new economic growth and entertainment to the city and the surrounding North Texas area. This partnership reflects a shared vision of creating a lasting impact through sport, community events and local engagement. 

“In Garland, we want to provide the best quality of life for our residents and visitors — a destination for all to live, work and play,” said Mayor Scott LeMay. “We feel confident this opportunity will not only bring unforgettable experiences but also drive future economic growth and create connections across the community and metroplex.” 

More development plans will be shared in the coming months as USL Dallas and the City of Garland engage with local fans, partners and businesses in their mission to build a community-centric club.  

United Soccer League Bolsters Executive Leadership Team with the Hiring of Experienced Soccer, Legal Experts  

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TAMPA, Fla. — The United Soccer League (USL), the largest and fastest-growing professional soccer organization in the United States, announced today the additions of two seasoned executives to its senior leadership team, reinforcing the USL’s commitment to strategic growth and operational excellence. 

Brett Luy, an experienced soccer executive with a background in both league and club management, has been named President, Competition and Administration. Luy rejoins the USL after leading the successful launch of expansion club Rhode Island FC (RIFC) in the USL Championship in 2024. RIFC has advanced to the 2024 USL Championship Conference Finals in its first season and is completing construction of a multipurpose stadium set to open in 2025.  

Andrew L. McIntosh joins the USL as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, strengthening the league’s in-house legal team with his experience in corporate governance and international business affairs. McIntosh was most recently a partner at Tampa-based law firm Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP, where he was a leading member of the firm’s international practice group. 

“Brett Luy and Andrew McIntosh bring an exceptional level of talent in soccer operations and legal affairs, respectively, that will drive and support our ongoing growth,” said USL President Paul McDonough. “With the 2026 World Cup approaching, we’re at a pivotal moment for our sport, our industry, and our organization. We are committed to investing in top-tier talent and strategic initiatives to ensure USL is well-positioned for the opportunities ahead.”  

In his new role, Luy will lead the development and oversight of the USL’s competition strategy, including competition structure, scheduling, and player relations. He will assist with the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and support USL clubs in on-field matters. Most recently, Luy served as president of Rhode Island FC (RIFC) and as a strategic advisor to Fortuitous Partners, the majority investor in RIFC. Previously, he spent nearly a decade at the USL league office in Tampa, where he was instrumental in building and managing the league’s operations and competition departments.  

“I am excited to return to the USL headquarters and bring insights from my recent experience at the club level with Rhode Island FC,” Luy said. “At this critical point in the USL’s growth, we must support our clubs by advancing the league’s competition standards, enhancing our collaboration with players, and continuously elevating the on-field experience for our fans. I look forward to collaborating across the ecosystem to develop innovative solutions that will shape the future of the league and its clubs.”  

McIntosh has a proven track record in guiding organizations through complex legal landscapes, and in his position at the USL, he will provide counsel to the league on governance, compliance, and business transactions. Reflecting USL’s commitment to building stronger community ties, McIntosh has also engaged extensively in community service, including roles with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, USF World Advisory Council, the Consular Corps as Honorary Consul for Canada, and various non-profit organizations.  

“I’m thrilled to join the USL at this critical moment for the league and the sport,” McIntosh said. “The league’s rapid growth is bringing increased interest from international investors and raised expectations for strong corporate governance, and I look forward to providing support in these crucial areas.” 

City of Sacramento clears path to build Republic FC Stadium, Wilton Rancheria Joins organization as majority owner

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacrament Republic FC and Wilton Rancheria announced on Thursday a landmark partnership, positioning the Tribal Nation as majority owners of Sacramento’s professional soccer team.

As part of the announcement, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg also introduced a proposal that will accelerate the development of a soccer-specific stadium in The Railyards for Republic FC, which will become the club’s permanent home in the years to come.

As part of the club’s new ownership structure, current Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle will remain an owner of the club and become the managing partner for the joint venture. The collaboration marks a historic first, as Wilton Rancheria becomes the first Native American Nation to hold majority ownership in men’s professional sports.

Together, Republic FC and Wilton Rancheria aim to honor the history of the Sacramento Valley while building a future that celebrates a shared pride in the region.

“Wilton Rancheria is proud to be the first Tribal Nation to hold majority ownership of a men’s professional sports team, an industry where ownership has not traditionally reflected the diversity of its fans or surrounding communities,” said Wilton Rancheria Chairman, Jesus Tarango, Jr. “This milestone not only marks a significant step for Wilton Rancheria but also reinforces Sacramento’s dedication to inclusivity and opportunity. Wilton Rancheria has always been a part of Sacramento’s history, but this partnership marks a new chapter for us, with an opportunity to help write its future.”

“It is an honor to welcome the citizens of Wilton Rancheria to join Republic FC,” said Nagle. “As we form this new partnership, it has been very clear that the future of the city, the club, and the community that includes the citizens of Wilton Rancheria are immense sources of pride and passion – with a relentless pursuit to protect and grow. Together, we’ve created a path to building a stadium downtown and we can take a massive step next week.”

The stadium proposal outlines a partnership between the City of Sacramento, Republic FC, and Downtown Railyard Ventures, the current property owners. If approved, the agreement will pave the way for Republic FC to purchase the land for the stadium. The vote on the proposed term sheet is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12.

“Our journey began eight years ago – today is a powerful testament to our commitment to creating a more vibrant and thriving Sacramento,” said Mayor Steinberg. “These developments represent more than just economic growth; it’s about building a better place for everyone, with enhanced opportunities for housing, entertainment, and commercial activity. I’m grateful to our partners and everyone who has been part of this transformative journey.”

Republic Stadium at The Railyards will anchor a 31-acre development that will nearly double the size of Downtown Sacramento, as well as create a new neighborhood to spark the next generation of economic transformation. The ancestors of Wilton Rancheria have been stewards of the Sacramento Valley region since time immemorial, including the land at the proposed stadium site. This partnership allows its citizens to continue to flourish on their ancestral lands and while building an enduring legacy for the Tribal Nation.

The Indomitable Club and Sky River Casino previously launched a partnership to enhance the guest experience at Heart Health Park and offer Sky River guests exclusive entertainment perks with Republic FC. The partnership builds on Wilton Rancheria’s success since opening Sky River Casino in 2022, which has become a premier entertainment, hospitality, and gaming destination.

The casino has created an epicenter of excitement for Sacramento County residents and established 1,600 permanent jobs in Elk Grove. With announced expansion plans for a state-of-the-art hotel, luxurious spa, outdoor pool, and a cutting-edge event space, Sky River Resort will continue to drive economic growth and regional pride.