Soccer - Developing the HK & North American Leagues

[PWC2017]

Los Angeles Aztecs (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the official return of the Aztecs to professional soccer. Operating out of their new state-of-the-art home in Anaheim, the club is built to be the most technically gifted side in the MLS Second League. With a squad featuring multiple Mexico and US internationals, the Aztecs are the clear favorites for the 2027 Promotion Title.

Club Information​

• Owner: Marcelo Claure (Claure Group)
• Sporting Director: Txiki Begiristain
• Head Coach: Gerardo "Tata" Martino
• Home Ground: Aztec Stadium (Anaheim, CA)
• League: MLS Second League

While the New York Cosmos are building a European-style "Metropolitan Powerhouse," the Los Angeles Aztecs have opted for a "Pacific Rim" jewel. By hiring Txiki Begiristain (the architect of Man City) and Tata Martino, Marcelo Claure has created a club that is tactically sophisticated and culturally resonant with the Hispanic heart of Southern California.

Starting their return journey in the MLS Second League, the Aztecs aim to mirror the "Girona Model"—using elite recruitment to achieve immediate promotion and continental disruption.

Technical Staff​

The front office and coaching staff are designed for a "SuperLeague" standard, ensuring the club is structurally ready for the top flight from Day 1.

Role	Name	Joined	Notes
Head Coach	Gerardo "Tata" Martino	Nov 2025	Former Barcelona, Argentina, & Mexico manager.
Asst. Head Coach	Jorge Theiler	Nov 2025	Long-time tactical strategist for Martino.
Asst. Head Coach	Gerardo Martino Jr.	Nov 2025	Specialized in player development and video analysis.
Sporting Director	Txiki Begiristain	Jun 2025	Former Man City & Barcelona Director of Football.
First Team Coach	Rodrigo Ríos	Nov 2025	Expert in Pan-American scouting.
GK Coach	Elliot Parish	Nov 2025	Focuses on GKs acting as the 11th outfield player.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	ESP	Rubén Blanco	30	Marseille (FRA)	FREE	2028
28	GK	PAR	Carlos Coronel	29	New Jersey MetroStars	FREE	2029
13	GK	USA	Duran Ferree	19	San Diego FC	$200K	2029

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
23	CB/DM	MEX	Edson Álvarez	28	West Ham (ENG)	$10M	2030
5	CB	CHI	Sebastián Vegas	29	Monterrey (MEX)	$500K	2029
24	RB	USA	Justin Che	22	Brøndby (DEN)	$500K	2028
2	RB	ESP	Pol Lirola	28	Marseille (FRA)	FREE	2028
13	LB/CB	ARG	Gastón Ávila	24	Ajax (NED)	LOAN	2027
16	CB	BRA	Arthur Chaves	24	Hoffenheim (GER)	LOAN	2027
4	CB	USA	Tony Leone	21	Monterrey (MEX)	LOAN	2027
3	LB	USA	Luca Bombino	19	San Diego FC	$300K	2029
33	CB	USA	Shakir Nixon	19	Youth Academy	—	2029

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
10	AM	COL	James Rodríguez	34	León (MEX)	FREE	2028
8	CM	MEX	Sebastián Córdova	28	Tigres UANL	FREE	2028
15	CM	URU	Matías Vecino	34	Lazio (ITA)	$200K	2027
6	DM	CAN	Stephen Eustáquio	29	Porto (POR)	LOAN	2027
22	DM	USA	Danny Leyva	22	Seattle Sounders	$600K	2029
18	AM/FW	PAR	Jesús Medina	27	Damac (KSA)	FREE	2028
30	CM/AM/RW	BRA	Talles Costa	23	Polissya Zhytomyr	FREE	2026

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
7	RW/LW	ESP	Raúl Moro	23	Ajax (NED)	$4M	2029
11	LW	MEX	César Huerta	25	UNAM Pumas	$3M	2030
9	ST	ARG	Julián Carranza	23	Feyenoord (NED)	$3M	2029
26	FW	MEX	Luca Martínez	24	Godoy Cruz (ARG)	$1.5M	2029
25	RW/LW	MEX	Alex Alcalá	20	Man City (ENG)	FREE	2029
12	ST	USA	Damion Downs	21	FC Köln (GER)	LOAN	2027

Infrastructure: Aztec Stadium (Anaheim)​

• Opening: June 2026
• Capacity: 42,000
• Design Philosophy: Inspired by the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (Johor, Malaysia). The stadium features a "Banana Leaf" inspired roof structure made of ETFE/PTFE membrane, allowing for a lightweight, futuristic aesthetic. Orange and White Seats.
• Atmosphere: A steep, single-tier "Supporters Forest" behind the South Goal, keeping fans inches from the pitch.
• Technology: Equipped with dynamic LED exterior lighting capable of changing color to reflect match intensity, and a hybrid grass pitch to ensure pristine conditions for the Aztecs' passing game.

Tactical Outlook: The "Tata" System​

Martino will implement a high-press 4-3-3. Edson Álvarez serves as the central "anchor," allowing James Rodríguez to dictate play in the final third. The width provided by César Huerta and Raúl Moro is designed to pull second-league defenses apart, creating direct scoring channels for Julián Carranza.

 

[PWC2017]

Detroit Express (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the highly anticipated return of the "Express" moniker to professional soccer. Re-established by Ilitch Holdings, the club is deeply rooted in Detroit’s Corktown district. With a technical core built on European defensive stability and North American grit, the Express enter the Second League as the most physically imposing side in the division.

The Detroit Express represent the rugged, industrial heart of the new American soccer pyramid. While the Aztecs chase flair and the Cosmos chase global prestige, the Ilitch-owned Express have built a club that reflects the "Motor City" spirit: resilient, hard-working, and technically precise under the guidance of Steve Cherundolo and Kevin Thelwell.

Starting their modern journey in the MLS Second League, Detroit has assembled a "blue-collar elite" roster designed to grind out a promotion campaign in the harsh climate of the Great Lakes.

Club Information​

• Owner: Ilitch Holdings (Chris Ilitch)
• Sporting Director: Kevin Thelwell
• Head Coach: Steve Cherundolo
• Home Ground: Corktown Stadium (Opening June 2026)
• League: MLS Second League

---

Technical Staff​

The Express have prioritized "modern discipline," hiring coaches known for defensive organization and high-intensity transition play.

Role	Name	Joined	Notes
Head Coach	Steve Cherundolo	Nov 2025	Former USMNT legend and LAFC championship coach.
Sporting Director	Kevin Thelwell	Aug 2025	Former Everton and Wolves Sporting Director.
Assistant Coach	Daniel Dichio	Aug 2025	Expert in North American player profiles and physicality.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	USA	Ethan Horvath	30	Sheff. Wed (ENG)	FREE	2029
27	GK	DEN	Oliver Christensen	26	Fiorentina (ITA)	LOAN	2027
13	GK	NGA	Tobi Oluwayemi	22	Celtic (SCO)	$100K	2030

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
14	CB	DEN	Andreas Maxsø	31	Colorado Rapids	FREE	2028
24	RB	JPN	Daiki Hashioka	26	Slavia Prague (CZE)	$1.5M	2029
30	CB	ECU	Jackson Porozo	25	Troyes (FRA)	$650K	2030
4	CB	NED	Xavier Mbuyamba	24	Volendam (NED)	$500K	2029
5	CB	USA	Femi Awodesu	23	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2029
2	RB	WAL	Rhys Williams	30	Stumptown AC	FREE	2027
3	LB	USA	Travian Sousa	24	Seattle Sounders	FREE	2029
21	CB	USA	Devon Amoo-Mensah	30	Michigan Stars	FREE	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
6	DM	ESP	Oriol Romeu	34	Barcelona (ESP)	FREE	2028
26	CM	MLI	Amadou Haidara	28	RB Leipzig (GER)	$3M	2029
23	DM	USA	Kellyn Acosta	30	Chicago Fire	FREE	2029
8	CM	KOR	Hong Hyun-seok	26	Mainz (GER)	$1.5M	2029
10	AM	SUI	Maxime Dominguez	30	Vasco Da Gama (BRA)	FREE	2029
12	DM	SEN	Abdoulaye Diop	26	Atlanta United	FREE	2027
16	DM	USA	Michael Bryant	30	Cal Utd Strikers	FREE	2027
22	AM	USA	Connor Rutz	28	Cincy Dutch Lions	FREE	2027

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
7	RW	NGA	Philip Otele	26	Basel (SUI)	$5M	2030
15	ST	CAN	Cyle Larin	30	Mallorca (ESP)	$2M	2029
9	ST	NGA	Emmanuel Dennis	28	Nottm Forest (ENG)	FREE	2028
11	RW	SEN	Ousmane Sow	25	Górnik Zabrze (POL)	$600K	2029
18	LW	CIV	Jaurès Assoumou	23	Troyes (FRA)	$500K	2030
13	FW	ENG	Ben Morris	26	Ipswich (ENG)	FREE	2027

Infrastructure: Corktown Stadium​

• Opening: June 2026
• Capacity: 27,500
• Design Philosophy: A modern evolution of the classic English "compact bowl" (inspired by the bet365 Stadium). The architecture utilizes a brick-and-steel facade to mirror the historic Corktown industrial aesthetic while incorporating heated concourses and high-spec modern hospitality.
• Atmosphere & Safe Standing: The stadium is built for noise and movement, featuring dedicated safe-standing sections in both end zones to foster a world-class supporter culture:
  • The Michigan Ave End: The stadium's "heartbeat." The lower section features 4,000 safe-standing places, designed for maximum acoustic impact facing the pitch.
  • The Railway End: Echoing Detroit's transit history, the lower tier provides 3,500 safe-standing places, creating a "wall of sound" behind the goal.
• Climate Engineering: Utilizing an enclosed-corner design and an aerodynamic roof profile, the "Corktown Bowl" is engineered to trap heat and shield fans from the Great Lakes' wind, ensuring the Express maintain a true home-field advantage year-round.

Tactical Outlook: The "Cherundolo Press"​

Steve Cherundolo has built this squad for a high-intensity 4-2-3-1. The double-pivot of Oriol Romeu (stability) and Amadou Haidara (engine) is arguably the strongest defensive midfield in the Second League. This allows the creative trio of Philip Otele, Maxime Dominguez, and Emmanuel Dennis to support Cyle Larin, who provides the physical focal point for the Express attack.

 

[PWC2017]

Baltimore Athletic (2026–27 Season)​

Established under the ownership of David Rubenstein (The Carlyle Group/Baltimore Orioles), Baltimore Athletic is a club designed for elite performance and community integration. The club’s philosophy—"Progress through Peace"—is reflected in its stadium design and its commitment to developing the next generation of North American stars.

The Baltimore Athletic project, spearheaded by native billionaire David Rubenstein, represents a refined, "high-IQ" approach to the MLS Second League. While other clubs are chasing raw stardom, Baltimore is utilizing Paul Mitchell’s "Red Bull-style" scouting network and Ronny Deila’s high-octane tactical identity to build a sustainable, modern powerhouse on the Chesapeake Bay.

Starting in the MLS Second League, Baltimore Athletic has positioned itself as the "Smart Capital" of the pyramid, focusing on players with high resale value and tactical flexibility.

Club Information​

• Owner: David Rubenstein (Declaration Capital)
• Sporting Director: Paul Mitchell
• Head Coach: Ronny Deila
• Home Ground: The Wing (Baltimore, MD)
• League: MLS Second League

Technical Staff​

The front office is led by one of the world's most respected recruitment specialists, ensuring the club’s $10M+ initial investment is maximized through data-driven scouting.

Role	Name	Notes
Sporting Director	Paul Mitchell	Architect of the RB Leipzig, Monaco, and Newcastle models.
Head Coach	Ronny Deila	Former Celtic and NYCFC manager; specialist in high-pressing 4-3-3.
Asst. Head Coach	Kenneth Dokken	Tactical coordinator and specialist in defensive structures.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	USA	Drake Callender	28	Charlotte FC	FREE	2029
13	GK	USA	Sean Johnson	36	Toronto FC	FREE	2028
23	GK	USA	Nate Crockford	23	FC Cincinnati	$75K	2029

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
18	CB	ENG	Ben Godfrey	28	Atalanta (ITA)	LOAN	2027
5	CB	DEN	Japhet Sery Larsen	25	SK Brann (NOR)	$750K	2029
24	CB	COL	Brayan Córdoba	26	CSKA Sofia (BUL)	FREE	2028
25	CB	GER	Colin Kleine-Bekel	23	VfL Bochum (GER)	LOAN	2027
2	RB	SEN	Houboulang Mendes	27	Fortuna Sittard (NED)	FREE	2028
15	RB/RW	CAN	J. Marshall-Rutty	21	NJ MetroStars	$150K	2030
3	LB	AUT	David Schnegg	28	DC United	$150K	2028
33	CB/LB	USA	Jamie Kabuusu	19	Academy	—	2030

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
4	CM	NED	B. van den Boomen	30	Ajax (NED)	LOAN	2027
6	DM	NOR	Morten Thorsby	29	Genoa (ITA)	$1M	2028
26	CM/AM	NED	Immanuel Pherai	24	Hamburg (GER)	LOAN	2027
14	CM	USA	Daniel Edelman	22	NJ MetroStars	$350K	2029
16	DM	USA	Justin Haak	24	NYCFC	FREE	2029
8	AM	MAR	Sofiane Boufal	32	Le Havre (FRA)	FREE	2027
12	CM	ISR	Ran Binyamin	22	Hapoel Tel Aviv	$200K	2029
20	DM	URU	Martín Suárez	21	M. Wanderers	FREE	2028

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
19	FW	CIV	Christian Kouamé	28	Fiorentina (ITA)	$1M	2029
10	RW	ISR	Manor Solomon	26	Tottenham (ENG)	$5.5M	2030
7	LW	NOR	Dennis Johnsen	28	Cremonese (ITA)	$750K	2028
9	ST	USA	Mason Toye	27	Sporting KC	FREE	2028
11	LW	HAI	Fafà Picault	31	Inter Miami	FREE	2028
22	RW/LW	USA	Kristian Fletcher	20	DC United	$250K	2030

Infrastructure: The Fallsway Wing Stadium​

• Location: Built around the historic Fallsway viaduct and Jones Falls area, integrating the city’s industrial waterways into the stadium’s footprint.
• Opening: June 2026
• Capacity: 32,500
• Design Philosophy: Directly inspired by the EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima. The stadium features the iconic "Wings of Hope" sweeping roof structure, which appears to soar over the Fallsway.
• Urban Integration: The "Fallsway Walk" serves as a public concourse that remains open on non-match days, connecting the Inner Harbor to the stadium plaza.
• Intimacy: Following the Hiroshima model, the seating is incredibly steep and close to the action, with a minimum distance of only 8 meters from the front row to the pitch.
• Acoustics: The tensioned PTFE roof is engineered to reflect sound back toward the field, creating a "cauldron" effect that amplifies the Baltimore faithful.

Tactical Outlook: The "Deila Heavy Metal"​

Ronny Deila will deploy an aggressive 4-3-3. The key to this system is the midfield engine provided by Morten Thorsby and the elite passing range of Branco van den Boomen. Manor Solomon is the primary creative spark on the wing, tasked with feeding Christian Kouamé, whose high-pressing energy is vital to Deila’s tactical identity.

 

[PWC2017]

Golden City (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the grand return of professional soccer to Golden Gate Park. Backed by the financial muscle of Farallon Capital, Golden City has focused on "Efficiency through Technology"—utilizing advanced data analytics for recruitment and building a stadium that sets a new global benchmark for the fan experience.

In the competitive landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area, Golden City has positioned itself as the "Silicon Valley" of soccer—driven by the capital of Farallon Capital and a futuristic design philosophy. Under the technical guidance of Brian McBride and Portuguese tactician Artur Jorge, the club is preparing to launch its new era in the MLS Second League.

Golden City is blending high-tech infrastructure with a "Global Latin" roster strategy, aiming for a rapid ascent to the SuperLeague.

Club Information​

• Owner: Farallon Capital Management
• Sporting Director: Brian McBride
• Head Coach: Artur Jorge
• Home Ground: New Kezar Stadium (San Francisco, CA)
• League: MLS Second League

Technical Staff​

The coaching staff is a high-level Portuguese contingent led by Artur Jorge, known for a tactical style that prioritizes "control and verticality."

Role	Name	Notes
Sporting Director	Brian McBride	Former USMNT Legend & US Soccer GM; focused on pathway development.
Head Coach	Artur Jorge	Former Braga & Botafogo manager; proponent of a flexible 4-2-3-1.
Asst. Head Coach	João Cardoso	Tactical analyst and first-team coordinator.
Asst. Head Coach	Franclim Carvalho	Specialist in transitional play and pressing structures.
Asst. Head Coach	Andre Cunha	Player performance and fitness lead.
GK Coach	Welesley	Expert in Brazilian-style explosive shot-stopping.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	USA	Gabriel Slonina	21	Chelsea (ENG)	LOAN	2027
30	GK	MEX	Fernando Tapia	24	Querétaro (MEX)	$1M	2030
13	GK	USA	Josh Cohen	33	Chicago Fire	FREE	2028

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
12	CB	BRA	Rodrigo Becão	30	Fenerbahçe (TUR)	$1.5M	2029
4	CB	CHI	Igor Lichnovsky	31	Club América (MEX)	FREE	2028
2	RB	MEX	Jorge Sánchez	28	Cruz Azul (MEX)	$2M	2029
3	LB	BRA	Lucas Esteves	25	Grêmio (BRA)	$450K	2029
5	CB	ARG	Rodrigo Schlegel	28	Orlando City	$500K	2028
17	LB	USA	Caleb Wiley	21	Chelsea (ENG)	LOAN	2027
28	RB	COL	Yeferson Paz	23	Sassuolo (ITA)	LOAN	2027
35	CB	USA	Tate Lampman	19	Youth Academy	—	2030

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
6	DM	CHI	Felipe Loyola	25	Racing Club (ARG)	$5M	2030
7	AM	ARG	Ezequiel Bullaude	24	Feyenoord (NED)	$3.5M	2030
8	CM	BRA	Hernani	31	Parma (ITA)	$1M	2028
26	CM	USA	Luca de la Torre	27	Celta Vigo (ESP)	$500K	2028
19	CM	ARG	Rodrigo Villagra	24	Spartak (RUS)	LOAN	2027
14	AM	MEX	David Rodríguez	23	Atl. San Luis (MEX)	$250K	2030
32	CM	USA	Peter Soudan	19	Youth Academy	—	2030

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
22	LW	MEX	Jorge Ruvalcaba	24	UNAM Pumas (MEX)	$5M	2030
9	LW/RW	FRA	A. Saint-Maximin	28	Club América (MEX)	$2M	2029
18	ST	MEX	Santiago Muñoz	23	Santos Laguna (MEX)	$2.5M	2030
23	ST	BRA	Danilo	26	Rangers (SCO)	LOAN	2027
11	RW	ARG	Tomás Chancalay	26	Boston Pride	$650K	2028
31	FW	USA	Michael Ramirez	19	Youth Academy	—	2030

Infrastructure: New Kezar Stadium​

• Opening: June 2026
• Capacity: 36,500
• Architectural Inspiration: A hybrid of the Santiago Bernabéu's outer shell and the flowing, structural aesthetics of the new Málaga Stadium (La Rosaleda redevelopment).
• The "Chrome Shell": The stadium is wrapped in a dynamic "skin" of stainless steel louvers that reflect the San Francisco fog. Integrated LEDs allow the entire facade to change color during night matches.
• 360° Vision: The interior features a massive "Halo Board" inspired by the Bernabéu, providing a continuous video feed that surrounds the bowl.
• Retractable Tech: While the roof is fixed, the pitch utilizes a hybrid-retractable system to allow the turf to recover while hosting year-round events in Golden Gate Park.

Tactical Outlook: The "Artur Jorge" Identity​

Artur Jorge will likely utilize a 4-2-3-1 with an emphasis on playing through the center. Felipe Loyola acts as the defensive pivot, allowing Ezequiel Bullaude and Luca de la Torre to bridge the gap to a lightning-fast attacking trio. With Allan Saint-Maximin and Jorge Ruvalcaba on the wings, Golden City will have the highest dribbling success rate in the league, creating constant chaos for Santiago Muñoz or Danilo to finish.

 

[PWC2017]

Club Deportivo Las Vegas (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the professional debut of CDLV, a club defined by the "Vegas Born" mentality and a relentless, high-pressing tactical identity. Supported by the multi-club resources of the Black Knight Group, the club has recruited heavily from Europe and South America, creating a roster that bridges international experience with high-potential youth.

In the high-stakes environment of the Nevada desert, Club Deportivo Las Vegas (CDLV) has emerged as the "Crown Jewel" of Bill Foley’s Black Knight Sports & Entertainment global network. By leveraging the sporting infrastructure of the Vegas Golden Knights and a multi-club synergy that includes Bournemouth and Lorient, the club has built a "Bundesliga-style" high-intensity machine under Ralph Hasenhüttl.

CDLV enters the MLS Second League as a tactical powerhouse, utilizing a world-class stadium to anchor its bid for immediate dominance.

Club Information​

• Owner: Black Knight Sports & Entertainment (Bill Foley)
• Sporting Director: Tim Bezbatchenko
• Head Coach: Ralph Hasenhüttl
• Home Ground: Hidden Wells Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
• League: MLS Second League

Technical Staff​

The staff is built around the "Alpine Klopp" philosophy of Ralph Hasenhüttl, emphasizing extreme fitness, verticality, and a disciplined "Red Bull" school of transition.

Role	Name	Notes
Sporting Director	Tim Bezbatchenko	Former Columbus Crew/TFC architect; master of roster mechanics.
Head Coach	Ralph Hasenhüttl	Former RB Leipzig & Southampton; 4-2-2-2 specialist.
Asst. Head Coach	Richard Kitzbichler	Hasenhüttl’s long-term tactical analyst and pressing coach.
Asst. Head Coach	Patrick Hasenhüttl	Focused on individual player development and finishing.
First Team Coach	Rainer Widmayer	Veteran Bundesliga coach; defensive structure specialist.
GK Coach	Lars Hirschfeld	Former Canadian international; expert in sweeping keepers.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	CAN	Maxime Crépeau	31	Portland Timbers	FREE	2029
30	GK	COL	Devis Vásquez	27	AS Roma	LOAN	2027
13	GK	USA	Bryan Dowd	23	Chicago Fire	FREE	2028

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
4	CB	SEN	Formose Mendy	25	Lorient (FRA)	LOAN	2027
20	RB	MEX	Julián Araujo	24	Bournemouth (ENG)	LOAN	2027
3	LB	UKR	Eduard Sobol	30	Strasbourg (FRA)	FREE	2028
32	CB	COL	Pablo Ortiz	25	DAC 1904 (SVK)	$350K	2029
14	CB	VEN	Diego Luna	26	Baltika (RUS)	FREE	2028
37	CB	MEX	B. Galindo Jr.	26	Cancún (MEX)	$200K	2028
12	RB	USA	Shawn Smart	21	Youth Academy	—	2027
23	CB	USA	Gustavo Gonzalez	18	Youth Academy	—	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
29	AM	MEX	Jordan Carrillo	24	Santos Laguna (MEX)	$2M	2030
19	CM	POR	André Horta	28	Braga (POR)	$1.5M	2029
8	CM	ARG	Lucas Vera	28	Al Wahda (UAE)	FREE	2029
6	DM	CHI	Ignacio Saavedra	26	FC Sochi (RUS)	LOAN	2027
15	DM	JPN	Daiki Matsuoka	24	Avispa Fukuoka (JPN)	$250K	2028
24	AM	ARG	Juan Gauto	21	Basel (SUI)	LOAN	2027
16	DM	MEX	Jonathan González	26	Juárez (MEX)	FREE	2028

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
18	ST	ARG	Luis Vázquez	24	Anderlecht (BEL)	$4M	2030
10	FW	BRA	Gabriel Veron	23	Palmeiras (BRA)	$3M	2030
11	LW	COL	Luis Sinisterra	26	Bournemouth (ENG)	$7.5M	2030
7	RW	NED	Javairô Dilrosun	27	Club América (MEX)	FREE	2029
22	LW	ALG	Billal Brahimi	25	Santos (BRA)	LOAN	2027
9	ST	MEX	Daniel Ríos	30	Chivas (MEX)	FREE	2029

Infrastructure: Hidden Wells Stadium​

• Location: Hidden Wells Drive, overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.
• Capacity: 33,000
• Design Philosophy: Based on the Votanikos Arena (New Panathinaikos Stadium) in Athens. It features a distinctive "V-shaped" external pillar structure and a translucent roof designed to manage the desert heat.
• The "Black Box": Unlike the flashy Allegiant Stadium, Hidden Wells is designed as an intimidating, steep-sided "football-first" cauldron. The black-on-black exterior shell absorbs the Vegas neon to create a glowing effect at night.
• Climate Tech: The stadium uses an advanced "air-curtain" system on the concourses to keep the interior 20°F cooler than the outside temperature without the need for a full dome, maintaining an outdoor atmosphere.

Tactical Outlook: The "Hasenhüttl 4-2-2-2"​

The "Alpine Press" comes to Vegas. Expect a narrow, aggressive system where Ignacio Saavedra and André Horta act as the engine room. The "Double 10" roles will be occupied by Luis Sinisterra and Jordan Carrillo, drifting inside to create numerical overloads. This allows the explosive Luis Vázquez and Gabriel Veron to spearhead a counter-pressing attack that will likely be the fastest in the division.

 

[PWC2017]

AC Miami (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the inaugural campaign for AC Miami in the MLS Third League. While playing in the third tier, the club’s infrastructure and ownership group are clearly designed for a SuperLeague trajectory. By securing a technical staff of former international icons and a roster of seasoned pros, AC Miami enters the season as favorites for the Third League title.

In the rapidly expanding Florida soccer market, AC Miami has arrived with a "Milanese flair" and a deep-rooted ambition to climb the pyramid. Spearheaded by the partnership of Riccardo Silva and Andrea Radrizzani (the former Leeds United owner), the club has utilized the massive scale of the Hard Rock Stadium to position itself as a "Third League Giant" from Day 1.

Under the management of Argentine legend Fernando Gago, the club is building a technical, ball-dominant identity that leans heavily on South American flair and experienced leadership

Club Information​

• Owners: Riccardo Silva (Silva International) & Andrea Radrizzani (Aser Ventures)
• Sporting Director: Jonathan Bornstein
• Head Coach: Fernando Gago
• Home Ground: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
• League: MLS Third League

Technical Staff​

The staff is a collection of high-level footballing intellect, combining Gago’s tactical sophistication with the legendary defensive grit of Fabricio Coloccini.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Fernando Gago	Former Real Madrid/Boca Juniors star; former Racing and Chivas manager.
Sporting Director	Jonathan Bornstein	Former USMNT veteran; tasked with domestic and international scouting.
Asst. Head Coach	Federico Insúa	Gago’s long-term tactical partner and attacking specialist.
Asst. Head Coach	Diego Cogliandro	Focuses on defensive shape and transitional discipline.
First Team Coach	Fabricio Coloccini	Former Newcastle/Argentina captain; specialist in developing the back line.
GK Coach	Eloy Room	Serving as a dual player-coach; brings elite MLS and Eredivisie experience.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
13	GK	CUW	Eloy Room	37	Cercle Brugge (BEL)	FREE	2027
24	GK	USA	Andrew Tarbell	32	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2028
1	GK	MEX	Ricardo Gutiérrez	28	Mazatlán (MEX)	FREE	2029

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
5	CB	VEN	Yordan Osorio	31	Porto (POR)	FREE	2028
12	CB	VEN	Wilker Ángel	32	Juventude (BRA)	FREE	2028
2	RB	BOL	Yomar Rocha	23	Bolívar (BOL)	$350K	2029
3	LB/LM	BOL	Roberto Fernández	26	Bolívar (BOL)	$500K	2029
21	CB	MEX	Jesús Alcántar	22	Necaxa (MEX)	LOAN	2027
32	LB	MEX	Carlos Vargas	27	Cruz Azul (MEX)	FREE	2027
14	RB	USA	Michael Halliday	22	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2028
33	CB	BRA	Tulu	29	Memphis 901	FREE	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
22	CM	USA	Joel Soñora	29	Colón (ARG)	FREE	2028
7	AM/LW	FRA	B. Domingues	25	Real Oviedo (ESP)	$300K	2029
6	DM	MEX	Javier Salas	31	Juárez (MEX)	FREE	2028
4	DM	PER	Alfonso Barco	24	Emelec (ECU)	FREE	2029
17	CM	USA	Erik Dueñas	21	LAFC	FREE	2029
15	AM	BRA	Rodrigo da Costa	32	Raleigh Railhawks	FREE	2027
16	CM	PUR	Gerald Díaz	26	Acad. Quintana	FREE	2027
26	DM/CM	USA	Daltyn Knutson	29	South GA Tormenta	FREE	2027

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
11	FW	COL	Jáder Obrian	30	Austin FC	$250K	2027
9	ST	COL	Jan Carlos Hurtado	25	Gimnasia LP (ARG)	FREE	2028
20	RW/LW	VEN	Matías Lacava	23	Ulsan HD (KOR)	FREE	2029
10	FW	BRA	Pedrinho	22	FC Dallas	FREE	2028
23	ST	BOL	Enzo Monteiro	21	Santos (BRA)	LOAN	2027
18	FW	PER	Adrián Ugarriza	30	Dep. Garcilaso	FREE	2028

Infrastructure: Hard Rock Stadium​

• Capacity (Soccer Configuration): Adjusted to approx. 35,000–40,000 for league matches to maintain a dense atmosphere, while capable of opening to 65,326 for major derbies.
• The Experience: AC Miami has utilized the venue's world-class VIP amenities (The 72 Club, Living Room Boxes) to target Miami's elite "high-society" fan base. Both Ends will have more of an Ultra option for fans to stand and sing with tickets in those areas starting from $15.
• Pitch: A pristine hybrid surface designed to withstand the humidity and frequent rain of South Florida while supporting Gago’s fast, ground-based passing game.

Tactical Outlook: "El Toque de Gago"​

Fernando Gago will implement his signature 4-3-3 (or a vertical 4-2-3-1). The focus is on a high defensive line led by the physical Yordan Osorio and a ball-circulating midfield anchored by Javier Salas. The primary creative burden falls on Brandon Domingues, who will be tasked with unlocking defenses for the explosive Jan Carlos Hurtado. With Matías Lacava and Jáder Obrian on the flanks, AC Miami will be a nightmare for Third League fullbacks to handle.

 

[PWC2017]

Cleveland City FC (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the launch of Cleveland City FC at their new canal-side fortress. Eschewing flashy "DP" signings for a cohesive, balanced squad, the club’s strategy is built on Curtin's signature defensive transition and Savarese’s cup-winning pedigree. With a stadium designed for maximum intimidation, the "Forest City" is ready to reclaim its place on the soccer map.

In the heart of the "Rust Belt" revival, Cleveland City FC has emerged as a model of efficient, high-performance club building. Owned by Michael Murphy and Nolan Gallagher, the club has secured an elite American coaching tandem in Jim Curtin and Giovanni Savarese.
By blending MLS-proven veterans with high-ceiling technical talent from the Asian and Scandinavian markets, Cleveland is looking to bring a hard-nosed, tactically superior identity to the MLS Third League.

Club Information​

• Owners: Michael Murphy & Nolan Gallagher
• Sporting Director: Giovanni Savarese
• Head Coach: Jim Curtin
• Home Ground: Canal Road Stadium (Cleveland, OH)
• League: MLS Third League

Technical Staff​

The staff represents one of the strongest "soccer-brain" trusts in the lower divisions, featuring two managers with multiple MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield appearances.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Jim Curtin	Former Philadelphia Union legend; 2x MLS Coach of the Year.
Sporting Director	Giovanni Savarese	Former Portland Timbers manager; specialist in roster construction.
Asst. Head Coach	Rob Vartughian	Former USMNT and Union assistant; elite tactical scout.
Asst. Head Coach	Brendan Burke	Expert in youth-to-pro pathways and domestic recruitment.
GK Coach	Phil Wheddon	Former USWNT/USMNT coach; world-renowned keeper specialist.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	SWE	Noel Törnqvist	24	Como (ITA)	LOAN	2027
13	GK	USA	Jacob Castro	26	Seattle Sounders	FREE	2028
35	GK	USA	Ryan Carney	19	Youth Academy	—	2027

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
5	CB	CRC	Julio Cascante	32	Austin FC	FREE	2028
14	CB	JAM	Damion Lowe	32	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2027
25	LB/CB	BEL	Hannes Delcroix	26	Burnley (ENG)	$250K	2029
3	LB	USA	Isaiah LeFlore	23	Philadelphia Union	FREE	2029
23	LB	CAN	Matteo de Brienne	23	Winnipeg Valour	FREE	2029
2	RB	JPN	Takashi Uchino	24	Al Wasl (UAE)	LOAN	2027
30	RB	USA	Wilson Eisner	19	San Jose EQ	FREE	2028
33	CB	USA	Daniel Krueger	19	Youth Academy	—	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
8	AM	KOR	Lee Hyun-ju	23	Bayern Munich (GER)	$1M	2030
4	DM	JPN	Satoshi Tanaka	23	S. Hiroshima (JPN)	$500K	2030
18	DM/CM	MLI	Rominigue Kouamé	29	Cádiz (ESP)	$250K	2028
6	CM/RB	KOR	Jo Jin-ho	22	Fenerbahçe (TUR)	FREE	2028
26	CM	CIV	Abundance Salaou	21	IFK Göteborg (SWE)	FREE	2030
32	CM	USA	Jude Wellings	19	SLC Saints	FREE	2029

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
9	ST	AUS	Kusini Yengi	27	Aberdeen (SCO)	LOAN	2027
10	FW	JPN	Taisei Miyashiro	25	Vissel Kobe (JPN)	LOAN	2027
11	LW/RW	IRL	Armstrong Oko-Flex	23	Botev Plovdiv (BUL)	$300K	2029
20	ST	CAN	Tiago Coimbra	22	Halifax Wanderers	$250K	2030
7	FW	CAN	C. Brym	27	Almere City (NED)	$250K	2028
24	FW	NGA	Stephen Odey	28	Randers (DEN)	FREE	2028

Infrastructure: Canal Road Stadium​

• Location: Canal Road, Industrial Valley, Cleveland.
• Capacity: 17,000
• Design Philosophy: Loosely based on the Kooi Stadion (SC Cambuur). The ground features four distinct, detached single-tier stands, creating a classic, industrial English-style box.
• Aesthetics: The seating is entirely stark black, contrasted against the industrial steel frame of the stadium. This "all-black" look is designed to reflect Cleveland's heavy-industry history.
• The Atmosphere: Because the four stands are detached at the corners, the stadium allows for a unique acoustic experience where sound bounces off the industrial structures of the surrounding valley.

Tactical Outlook: "The Curtin Blueprint"​

Jim Curtin will implement a disciplined 4-4-2 Diamond or 4-2-3-1. The spine is incredibly robust, with Damion Lowe and Julio Cascante providing MLS-elite physical presence. In midfield, the technical engine of Satoshi Tanaka and the creative flair of Lee Hyun-ju (on a record $1M deal) will provide service to the physical Kusini Yengi. Expect Cleveland to be a nightmare to play against—organized, physical, and lethal on the break.

 

[PWC2017]

FC NOLA (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the official debut of professional outdoor soccer in New Orleans. The club has adopted a "Crescent City Soul" identity, emphasizing community integration and a relentless, disciplined tactical style. With an ownership group known for winning championships in the NFL and NBA, the expectation for FC NOLA is nothing less than immediate promotion.

In the heart of the Crescent City, FC NOLA (Football Club New Orleans) has been meticulously crafted to mirror the organizational excellence of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. Under the ownership of Gayle Benson and the sporting vision of USMNT legend Tim Howard, the club has bypassed the typical "expansion struggle" by hiring Sandro Schwarz and a star-studded Bundesliga-influenced coaching staff.

FC NOLA enters the MLS Third League as a powerhouse of professional infrastructure, combining a deep pool of MLS veterans with high-potential European loanees.

Club Information​

• Owner: Gayle Benson (Benson Sports & Entertainment)
• Sporting Director: Tim Howard
• Head Coach: Sandro Schwarz
• Home Ground: The Crescent (New Orleans, LA)
• League: MLS Third League

Technical Staff​

A technical group with massive European pedigree, led by Schwarz and the legendary striker Vedad Ibišević, designed to implement a modern, high-intensity German coaching model.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Sandro Schwarz	Former Mainz 05, Hertha BSC, and New York Red Bulls manager.
Sporting Director	Tim Howard	Former USMNT/Everton legend; overseeing global recruitment.
Asst. Head Coach	Volkan Bulut	Long-term tactical partner to Schwarz.
Asst. Head Coach	Vedad Ibišević	Bundesliga icon; specialist in striker movement and finishing.
First Team Coach	Ibrahim Sekagya	Former New York Red Bulls II manager and Ugandan legend.
GK Coach	Jeremy Proud	Experienced domestic coach; focus on shot-stopping and aerial dominance.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
36	GK	USA	David Ochoa	25	LAFC	FREE	2028
13	GK	USA	Stefan Cleveland	31	Austin FC	FREE	2028
1	GK	CAN	Emil Gazdov	22	CF Montréal	LOAN	2027

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
28	CB	POR	Bruno Wilson	29	San Jose Earthquakes	FREE	2028
5	CB	USA	Ethan Bartlow	25	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2028
3	RB	USA	Kyle Duncan	28	NJ MetroStars	FREE	2027
2	LB	ARG	Franco Negri	31	San Diego FC	FREE	2028
17	CB	USA	Joshua Wynder	20	Benfica (POR)	LOAN	2027
38	CB	USA	Matai Akinmboni	19	Bournemouth (ENG)	LOAN	2027
12	RB/RM	USA	Derek Dodson	27	DC United	FREE	2028
27	LB/LM	ESP	Jairo Izquierdo	32	Elche (ESP)	FREE	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
10	AM	COL	Nicolás Benedetti	28	Mazatlán (MEX)	FREE	2028
8	CM/AM	MAR	Amine Bassi	28	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2028
6	CM	USA	Sebastian Lletget	33	FC Dallas	FREE	2027
25	DM	BRA	Jailson	30	LAFC	FREE	2028
33	CM	USA	Frankie Amaya	24	LAFC	$200K	2028
4	DM	COL	Nelson Palacio	24	SLC Saints	LOAN	2027
16	AM/FW	JPN	Atsushi Zaizen	26	Grazer AK (AUT)	FREE	2027
21	CM	BEL	Devon De Corte	19	Anderlecht (BEL)	LOAN	2027

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
9	ST	NGA	William Agada	28	SLC Saints	FREE	2028
11	FW	BRA	Sérgio Santos	31	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2028
7	LW/RW	FRA	Naïs Djouahra	26	Rijeka (CRO)	FREE	2028
18	ST	USA	Tom Barlow	30	Chicago Fire	FREE	2028
24	FW	USA	Keyrol Figueroa	19	Liverpool (ENG)	LOAN	2027
23	FW	USA	Herbert Endeley	24	FC Dallas	FREE	2027

Infrastructure: The Crescent (Mid-City)​

• Opening: June 2026
• Capacity: 20,000
• Design Philosophy: Based on the Sanga Stadium by Kyocera (Kyoto, Japan). It features a compact, rectangular "European-style" bowl with the roof canopy extending over every seat to provide protection from the Louisiana sun and rain.
• Aesthetics: The seating bowl is a vibrant mosaic of Imperial Purple and Gold.
• Lumière NOLA: The stadium is equipped with a state-of-the-art LED lighting system on the exterior and the roof underside, capable of shifting colors to match the "Mardi Gras" spirit or flashing gold after every FC NOLA goal.
• Atmosphere: The stadium features a "Riverfront End" designed for the NOLA supporters' groups, with acoustics engineered to amplify brass instruments and percussion.

Tactical Outlook: "Schwarz's Verticality"​

Sandro Schwarz brings a high-intensity, vertical 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 to New Orleans. The core of the team is built around the work rate of Jailson and Frankie Amaya in the engine room. This allows the creative flair of Nicolás Benedetti and Amine Bassi to feed the physical William Agada. With Vedad Ibišević working daily with the strikers, expect Keyrol Figueroa and Tom Barlow to be lethal in the box.

 

[PWC2017]

Centro Dallas (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the inaugural campaign for Centro Dallas. While FC Dallas occupies the northern suburbs, Centro has claimed the historic Fair Park district, aiming to tap into the vibrant, diverse soccer culture of the city's core. The club’s recruitment focuses on a "Triple-Thread" strategy: elite Liga MX experience, MLS stability, and high-ceiling youth from across the Americas.

In the heart of the Lone Star State, Centro Dallas (Centro de Fútbol Dallas) has been established to capture the urban soul of the city. Backed by the private equity might of TPG Inc., the club has strategically positioned itself as the "People’s Club" of Dallas, playing at the historic Cotton Bowl.

By pairing Luchi Gonzalez’s deep knowledge of the Texas talent pool with Gonzalo Pineda’s tactical fluidity, Centro Dallas enters the MLS Third League as a technically gifted side with a distinct Pan-American identity.

Club Information​

• Owner: TPG Inc.
• Sporting Director: Luchi Gonzalez
• Head Coach: Gonzalo Pineda
• Home Ground: Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX)
• League: MLS Third League

Technical Staff​

A coaching staff deeply rooted in the "Juego de Posición" philosophy, featuring multiple coaches with deep ties to the Chivas and Mexican national team systems.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Gonzalo Pineda	Former Atlanta United manager; specialist in possession-based attacking soccer.
Sporting Director	Luchi Gonzalez	Former FC Dallas/San Jose manager; elite architect of youth-to-pro pathways.
Asst. Head Coach	Eugenio Villazón	Veteran tactical mind with extensive Liga MX experience.
Asst. Head Coach	Diego de la Torre	Former Mexican midfielder; focus on midfield rotation and spacing.
First Team Coach	Arturo Ortega	Expert in player transition and technical drills.
GK Coach	Cirilo Saucedo	Former Mexican international; focuses on "sweeper-keeper" distribution.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	PER	Pedro Gallese	36	Orlando City	FREE	2028
13	GK	USA	Jacob Jackson	25	North Dallas	FREE	2028
27	GK	USA	Carlos Mercado	26	Orlando City	FREE	2027

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
5	CB	SUI	Bryan Okoh	22	Lausanne-Sport	$1.5M	2030
21	RB/RM	USA	Brooks Lennon	28	Atlanta United	FREE	2029
3	LB	MEX	Carlos Vargas	27	Cruz Azul (MEX)	FREE	2028
4	CB	MEX	Luis Olivas	26	Chivas (MEX)	LOAN	2027
24	CB	BRA	Pedro Henrique	25	L. Razgrad (BUL)	FREE	2027
2	RB	MEX	Óscar Villa	25	León (MEX)	FREE	2028
18	CB	PAN	Eduardo Anderson	25	Alianza (PAN)	LOAN	2027
30	LB	USA	Kieran Sargeant	22	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
8	AM/LW	MEX	Pável Pérez	27	Necaxa (MEX)	$2M	2030
5	DM	MEX	Roberto Meraz	26	Mazatlán (MEX)	$650K	2029
33	CM	USA	David Vazquez	20	Philadelphia Union	$500K	2030
28	CM	BRA	Gustavo Klismahn	26	Santa Clara (POR)	$200K	2028
6	CM	VEN	J.A. Martínez	31	Corinthians (BRA)	FREE	2028
22	DM	MEX	Eugenio Pizzuto	23	Tigres UANL (MEX)	FREE	2027
17	CM	COL	M. Carreazo	26	Apollon (CYP)	FREE	2027
37	CM	USA	Landry Walker	16	Youth Academy	—	2029

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
11	LW/RW	PER	Joao Grimaldo	23	Partizan (SRB)	$1M	2030
14	ST	MEX	Ricardo Marín	27	Chivas (MEX)	$500K	2030
9	ST	URU	Matías Cóccaro	28	CF Montréal	FREE	2028
10	FW	BRA	Michael	29	Flamengo (BRA)	FREE	2028
7	RW/LW	ESP	Carles Pérez	28	Celta Vigo (ESP)	LOAN	2027
23	FW/RW	BRA	Gustavo Furtado	25	Krasnodar (RUS)	LOAN	2027

Infrastructure: The Cotton Bowl​

• Location: Fair Park, Dallas.
• Capacity (Soccer Configuration): Traditionally 92,000, but customized to 30,000–35,000 for Centro Dallas home matches using specialized tarping and premium seating zones.
• The "Barrio" Atmosphere: TPG Inc. has invested in upgrading the lighting and sound systems to create a festival-like atmosphere in Fair Park, celebrating the "Centro" (center) of the city.
• Pitch: A world-class natural grass surface tailored to handle the intense Texas summer, ensuring the fast, technical passing game Pineda demands.

Tactical Outlook: "Centro Circle Dominance"​

Gonzalo Pineda will implement a fluid 4-3-3 or 3-4-2-1. The team is built to control the "Centro" of the pitch through the steel of José Andrés Martínez and the vision of Pável Pérez. On the wings, the combination of Carles Pérez and the explosive Joao Grimaldo is designed to provide high-quality service to the clinical Matías Cóccaro. Expect a team that prioritizes possession and high-pressing to suffocate opponents in the Dallas heat.

 

[PWC2017]

Milwaukee Iron (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks the dawn of a new era for Milwaukee soccer. The "Iron" moniker represents the strength, resilience, and industrial history of the Menomonee Valley. With a technical staff focused on fluid, attacking football and a roster featuring multiple international-caliber players, the Iron are built to dominate the league from the opening whistle.

In the industrial heart of the Great Lakes, the Milwaukee Iron have forged a club identity that honors the city’s blue-collar heritage while embracing a modern, high-performance future. Owned by the local visionaries at Kacmarcik Enterprises, the Iron have looked across the pond to secure the tactical brilliance of Des Buckingham, fresh from his success in the English Football League.

Entering the MLS Third League, Milwaukee has assembled a "Midwest Powerhouse" roster that blends domestic MLS experience with high-potential European loanees, all housed in one of the most intimate soccer-specific stadiums in the country.

Club Information​

• Owner: Kacmarcik Enterprises (Jim Kacmarcik)
• Sporting Director: Ricky Martin
• Head Coach: Des Buckingham
• Home Ground: Iron District Stadium (Milwaukee, WI)
• League: MLS Third League

Technical Staff​

The staff is led by the innovative Des Buckingham, known for his ability to develop young talent and implement a high-possession, tactically fluid system.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Des Buckingham	Former Oxford United and Mumbai City manager; specialist in modern 4-3-3.
Sporting Director	Ricky Martin	Former West Ham and Stoke City Academy Director; elite talent identifier.
Asst. Head Coach	Chris Hackett	Former winger; specialist in wide-play and attacking transitions.
Asst. Head Coach	James Chambers	Brings deep knowledge of the North American player pool.
First Team Coach	Alen Marcina	Former San Antonio FC manager; expert in defensive organization.
GK Coach	Ben Willis	Specialized in modern "11th man" goalkeeper distribution.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
13	GK	ENG	Tom McGill	25	Brighton (ENG)	LOAN	2027
1	GK	USA	Jordan Farr	31	Tampa Bay Rowdies	FREE	2029
30	GK	USA	Donovan Parisian	21	Youth Academy	—	2028

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
15	CB/DM	USA	James Sands	25	NYCFC	LOAN	2027
2	CB/RB	ESP	Edgar Pujol	21	Real Madrid (ESP)	FREE	2028
23	CB	CRC	Fernán Faerrón	25	Herediano (CRC)	FREE	2028
5	CB	PAN	Edgardo Fariña	24	Khimki (RUS)	FREE	2029
15	CB	CAN	J. Knight-Lebel	21	Bristol City (ENG)	LOAN	2027
3	LB	PAR	Alexis Cantero	23	Olimpia (PAR)	$500K	2030
35	LB/LM	USA	Tate Schmitt	28	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2028
37	RB	NGA	Leo Duru	21	Blackburn (ENG)	LOAN	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
6	CM	USA	Paxton Pomykal	26	North Dallas	FREE	2029
24	CM	USA	Jackson Yueill	28	San Jose EQ	FREE	2029
8	CM/AM	USA	Aziel Jackson	24	Columbus Crew	$500K	2030
14	CM	USA	Duane Holmes	31	Preston NE (ENG)	FREE	2028
12	DM	GUI	Coli Saco	23	Napoli (ITA)	LOAN	2027
29	CM	USA	Ben Bender	24	Charlotte FC	FREE	2028
40	AM	USA	Connor Rickert	16	Marbella (ESP)	YOUTH	2028
38	CM	IRN	Diako Sheidaei	17	UE Cornellà (ESP)	YOUTH	2028

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
16	ST	USA	Jeremy Ebobisse	29	San Jose EQ	FREE	2027
9	ST	CAN	Theo Bair	26	Auxerre (FRA)	LOAN	2027
7	LW/RW	JAM	Renaldo Cephas	26	Ankaragücü (TUR)	FREE	2030
25	RW/LW	USA	Jonathan Lewis	28	Denver Rapids	FREE	2028
11	FW	CRC	Ariel Lassiter	31	Chicago Fire	FREE	2028
33	FW	CRC	Álvaro Zamora	23	Aris (GRE)	LOAN	2027

Infrastructure: Iron District Stadium​

• Opening: June 2026
• Capacity: 18,500
• Design Philosophy: Loosely inspired by Sporting KC’s Children’s Mercy Park, but featuring a more aggressive, square-profile cantilevered roof designed to trap noise and protect fans from the Wisconsin elements.
• The "Valley" End: A safe-standing supporters' section that sits just yards from the goal line, designed to be the loudest in the league.
• Modernity: The stadium features a sleek, glass-heavy exterior that integrates into the surrounding Iron District development, connecting downtown Milwaukee to the Menomonee Valley.

Tactical Outlook: "The Buckingham Press"​

Expect a high-energy 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. The technical core is incredibly strong, with James Sands (on loan) providing elite positional flexibility. The midfield trio of Paxton Pomykal, Jackson Yueill, and Aziel Jackson offers a level of ball retention and creativity rarely seen in the Third League. This service is designed to feed the clinical Jeremy Ebobisse, while the explosive pace of Renaldo Cephas and Jonathan Lewis stretches the field.

 

[PWC2017]

Buffalo City FC (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 season marks a historic turning point for soccer in the Queen City. Buffalo City FC combines a "hard-work-first" recruitment strategy with a roster that features significant European experience and MLS-proven veterans. The club’s objective is clear: bring a championship mentality to Michigan Avenue and establish an immediate rivalry with the regional powerhouses in Detroit and Cleveland.

Drawing on the deep sports culture of Western New York, Buffalo City FC has been established as the final jewel in the Pegula sports empire. Backed by Terry Pegula and Arctos Partners, the club shares the "One Buffalo" DNA alongside the Bills and Sabres. With a front office led by the experienced Bob Bradley and a rising coaching star in Troy Lesesne, the club has built a squad designed to thrive in the physical, high-intensity environment of the MLS Third League.

Club Information​

• Owners: Terry Pegula & Arctos Partners
• Sporting Director: Bob Bradley
• Head Coach: Troy Lesesne
• Home Ground: Michigan Avenue Stadium (Buffalo, NY)
• League: MLS Third League

Technical Staff​

The staff is a blend of Bradley’s legendary tactical discipline and Lesesne’s modern, high-pressing energy.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Troy Lesesne	Former NY Red Bulls and DC United manager; specialist in high-intensity pressing.
Sporting Director	Bob Bradley	3x MLS Coach of the Year; architect of the modern USMNT and LAFC foundations.
Asst. Head Coach	Zach Prince	Former New Mexico United manager; expert in tactical drilling.
Asst. Head Coach	Alex Martinez	Specialist in technical development and attacking patterns.
GK Coach	Clint Irwin	Long-time MLS veteran; transitioning into an elite coaching role.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
20	GK	SVK	Ľubomír Belko	24	Žilina (SVK)	$1M	2030
1	GK	POL	Filip Bednarek	31	Lech Poznań (POL)	FREE	2028
17	GK	USA	Alex Bono	31	Boston Pride	FREE	2029

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
5	CB	IRL	Derrick Williams	31	Atlanta United	FREE	2028
14	CB	FIN	Arttu Hoskonen	28	KS Cracovia (POL)	FREE	2028
12	CB	USA	Brandan Craig	21	Philadelphia Union	FREE	2029
3	LB	USA	Leon Flach	23	Philadelphia Union	FREE	2029
2	RB	USA	Bode Hidalgo	24	Salt Lake City Saints	$300K	2029
26	RB	USA	Ian Hoffmann	24	Lech Poznań (POL)	LOAN	2027
4	CB	USA	Devin Padelford	23	Minneapolis Utd	LOAN	2027
36	CB	IRL	Vinnie Leonard	17	Dundalk (IRL)	$150K	2030

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
22	DM	HON	Deiby Flores	29	Toronto FC	FREE	2028
6	CM	RSA	Njabulo Blom	29	St. Louis City SC	FREE	2027
44	CM	GUI	Cheick Condé	25	Venezia (ITA)	LOAN	2027
25	CM	USA	Ben Lederman	25	Raków (POL)	FREE	2028
8	AM	HUN	L. Kleinheisler	31	Grazer AK (AUT)	FREE	2028
18	CM	ANG	Cafumana (Show)	26	Maccabi Haifa (ISR)	LOAN	2027
35	AM	CAN	T.J. Tahid	18	East Vancouver FC	FREE	2030
37	DM	HKG	Victor Fung	18	Inter Miami	FREE	2030

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
9	ST	PAR	Sebastián Ferreira	26	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2029
10	FW	USA	Milan Iloski	26	Nordsjælland (DEN)	$350K	2029
30	LW	BRB	Thierry Gale	23	Rapid Wien (AUT)	$750K	2029
7	RW	GHA	Emmanuel Boateng	31	Boston Pride	$200K	2028
11	RW	USA	Benji Michel	28	Salt Lake City Saints	FREE	2028
28	FW	NOR	Bryan Fiabema	23	Lech Poznań (POL)	LOAN	2027

Infrastructure: Michigan Avenue Stadium​

• Opening: June 2026
• Capacity: 18,000
• Architect: HOK
• Design Philosophy: Based on the Alumni Field master plan. It features a modern, wrap-around canopy design that prioritizes fan shelter—a necessity for the Buffalo climate. The stadium is engineered to keep noise in, creating a "cauldron" atmosphere on match days.
• The Pitch: A state-of-the-art heated hybrid grass surface, ensuring the field remains playable during the harsh Western New York winters.

Tactical Outlook: "The Buffalo Press"​

Troy Lesesne will deploy an aggressive 4-2-2-2 or 4-3-3. The engine room is one of the most physically dominant in the league, with Deiby Flores and Njabulo Blom shielding a backline anchored by Derrick Williams. This defensive stability allows the creative László Kleinheisler to feed Sebastián Ferreira and the lightning-fast Thierry Gale. Buffalo will be a "team of transitions," looking to overwhelm opponents with sheer athletic power and relentless running.

 

[PWC2017]

Rochester Rhinos (2026/2027 Season)​

The 2026/2027 campaign marks the second full year of the "Charge Back" initiative. With a roster finalized in early 2026, the club is focused on a dual-threat approach: dominating the NASL regular season while making a deep run in the U.S. Open Cup to honor their 1999 legacy.

The Rochester Rhinos have officially reclaimed their crown as the kings of Western New York. Under the stewardship of David and Wendy Dworkin, the club has successfully pivoted back to its legendary identity, moving away from the "Rochester NY FC" rebrand to embrace the heritage that made them the only non-MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup.

As they enter the 2026/2027 Season, the Rhinos have positioned themselves as the flagship franchise of the NASL East Conference 1, combining veteran domestic leadership with a sophisticated European scouting network.

Club Information​

• Owners: David & Wendy Dworkin
• Sporting Director: Trevor James
• Head Coach: Morten Karlsen
• Home Ground: Rochester Sports Complex (Rochester, NY)
• League: NASL East Conference 1

Technical Staff​

The staff is a "dream team" of developmental experts and Rochester legends, led by Morten Karlsen, who brings the tactical high-pressing philosophy of the Danish Superliga to the 585.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Morten Karlsen	Former Lyngby BK & Orange County SC manager; UEFA Pro License holder.
Sporting Director	Trevor James	Architect of Detroit City’s rise; elite eye for international value.
Asst. Head Coach	Paul Hardyman	Former Portsmouth and Watford lead; specialist in defensive structure.
First Team Coach	Pat Ercoli	The face of the franchise; legendary former Rhinos player and manager.
GK Coach	Kyle Morton	Focuses on modern "active" goalkeeping and transition distribution.

2026/2027 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	USA	Tyler Miller	33	Bolton (ENG)	FREE	2028
33	GK	NGA	Mathew Yakubu	27	OFK Baník (SVK)	FREE	2027
13	GK	USA	Adam Beaudry	20	Denver Rapids	LOAN	2027

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
23	CB	JPN	Yuki Kobayashi	26	Portimonense (POR)	FREE	2029
2	RB	BUL	Viktor Popov	25	Cherno More (BUL)	FREE	2029
5	CB	ALB	Jorgo Pëllumbi	25	Debrecen (HUN)	FREE	2028
18	CB	ZAM	Aimé Mabika	28	Rhode Island FC	FREE	2028
32	CB/RB	FRO	Hanus Sørensen	26	NK Celje (SVN)	LOAN	2027
3	LB	USA	Tommy Silva	25	SLC Saints	FREE	2028
12	CB	USA	Leo Burney	25	Seattle Sounders	FREE	2028
22	CB	USA	Neil Pierre	19	Philadelphia Union	LOAN	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
25	AM	USA	Jose Gallegos	25	Sønderjyske (DEN)	$100K	2028
10	AM	NGA	Vincent Onovo	31	Újpest (HUN)	FREE	2028
4	DM	BEN	M. Ahouangbo	24	AS Soliman (TUN)	FREE	2028
6	DM/CM	USA	Elijah Wynder	23	LA Galaxy	LOAN	2027
8	CM	BUL	Asen Donchev	25	Septemvri Sofia	FREE	2029
23	CM	ENG	Eliot Goldthorp	25	Lexington SC	FREE	2027
16	CM	AUS	William Wilson	25	Central Coast (AUS)	FREE	2028

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
27	FW	NGA	Chinonso Emeka	25	AS Trenčín (SVK)	$150K	2029
20	RW/LW	NGA	M. Ubochioma	25	Dundee Utd (SCO)	FREE	2028
11	LW/RW	MLI	Mamady Diarra	26	Győr (HUN)	FREE	2028
7	LW/RW	USA	Jack Panayotou	22	Boston Pride	LOAN	2027
9	ST	JAM	Kyle Edwards	30	Hartford Athletic	FREE	2028
26	FW	USA	N. Fleuriau Chateau	24	Vancouver Whitecaps	FREE	2028

Infrastructure: Rochester Sports Complex​

• Capacity: 13,768
• The Pitch: The 2026/2027 season sees the debut of the new high-performance hybrid turf, designed to handle the rapid transitions and high-speed play Karlsen demands.
• Fan Experience: The "Rhino Den" supporters' section has been expanded, re-introducing the historic "Oak Street" atmosphere that once made Rochester the most difficult road trip in North American soccer.

Tactical Outlook: "The Vertical Charge"​

For the 2026/2027 season, expect a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-3-3 that focuses on verticality. Jose Gallegos is the creative hub, tasked with threading balls through to the physically imposing Chinonso Emeka. With Tyler Miller organizing a backline that features the ball-playing intelligence of Yuki Kobayashi, the Rhinos will look to absorb pressure and strike with devastating speed through Meshack Ubochioma on the flanks.

 

[PWC2017]

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2026/2027 Season)​

The Strikers have spent over $5M to scrub the "Pink and Black" from Chase Stadium, restoring the historic Red and Gold that defined the club’s glory days. Under the sporting direction of free-kick legend Juninho Pernambucano and the tactical guidance of Diego Alonso, the Strikers have built a roster designed for high-tempo, technical dominance.

The legend has returned to Broward County. Following Inter Miami’s departure to their permanent Miami Freedom Park home, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers have officially reclaimed their territory. Backed by the global investment power of CVC Capital Partners, the club has executed a total brand takeover of the Chase Stadium site.

With a massive 15,000 season ticket uptake, the Strikers enter the 2026/2027 Season as the best-supported club in the NASL East Conference 1, combining South American technical brilliance with a "Fort Lauderdale First" mentality.

Club Information​

• Owner: CVC Capital Partners
• Sporting Director: Juninho Pernambucano
• Head Coach: Diego Alonso
• Home Ground: Chase Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
• League: NASL East Conference 1

Technical Staff​

The coaching staff is a high-level South American "brain trust," bringing tactical experience from the highest levels of La Liga, Liga MX, and World Cup qualification.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Diego Alonso	Former Uruguay, Sevilla, and Inter Miami manager; 2x CONCACAF CL winner.
Sporting Director	Juninho	Lyon legend; master of technical scouting and dead-ball specialist.
Asst. Head Coach	Claudio Arzeno	Long-term Alonso lieutenant; defensive organization expert.
Asst. Head Coach	Gabriel Raimondi	Former Athletic Bilbao and Italy staff; tactical analyst.
First Team Coach	G. Rodrigues	Specialist in high-intensity fitness and pressing cycles.
GK Coach	Sebastian Saja	Argentine legend; focus on modern distribution and shot-stopping.

2026/2027 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	GER	Nico Mantl	26	Arouca (POR)	LOAN	2027
13	GK	USA	Damian Las	23	Austin FC	LOAN	2027
35	GK	USA	Steve Clark	39	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2028

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
14	CB/RB	LUX	Marvin Martins	31	Almere City (NED)	FREE	2027
28	CB	USA	Hayden Sargis	23	DC United	FREE	2029
4	CB	VEN	Rafael Uzcátegui	21	Boyacá Chicó (COL)	FREE	2030
30	LB	NGA	Solomon Agbalaka	22	Sochi (RUS)	FREE	2028
2	RB	VEN	Adrián Cova	25	Krumovgrad (BUL)	FREE	2028
25	CB	COL	Andrés Alarcón	24	Patriotas (COL)	LOAN	2027
3	CB/LB	BRA	J. Pedro Reginaldo	22	Charlotte FC	FREE	2028

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
5	DM/CM	USA	L. Sunderland	24	Inter Miami	FREE	2029
20	DM/CM	USA	Bryang Kayo	23	VfL Osnabrück (GER)	$400K	2030
24	AM	BRA	Pedro Lucas	23	Operário (BRA)	FREE	2029
6	CM	VEN	Sebastián González​	22	Shabab Al Ali (UAE)	LOAN	2027
66	CM	VEN	Moisés Tablante	24	FC Cincinnati	FREE	2029
8	AM	POR	Bernardo Couto	23	Spartak Varna (BUL)	$200K	2029
12	CM	ESP	Álex Masogo	25	Beroe (BUL)	FREE	2027

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
9	ST	VEN	Jhonder Cádiz	30	León (MEX)	FREE	2028
7	LW/RW	USA	K. de la Fuente	24	Lausanne (SUI)	LOAN	2027
10	RW/FW	CPV	Bryan Teixeira	25	Sturm Graz (AUT)	FREE	2028
22	FW	URU	Thiago Vecino	27	Huracán (ARG)	FREE	2028
26	RW/LW	GUI	Salifou Soumah	22	Malmö (SWE)	LOAN	2027
38	FW	USA	Felipe Valencia	21	Inter Miami	FREE	2029

Infrastructure: The Striker Dome (Chase Stadium)​

• Capacity: 19,100 (Soccer Configuration)
• Renovation: A total "Red & Gold" conversion. The pink seats have been replaced with Ferrari-red and golden-yellow seating. All Miami imagery has been removed, replaced by oversized banners chronicling the Strikers' 1970s and 80s history.
• The "Lockart" Legacy: The stadium plaza has been redesigned as an outdoor museum dedicated to the original Strikers, creating a bridge between the NASL's golden age and the modern era.
• Atmosphere: With 15,000 season tickets already sold, the Strikers are expected to sell out every home match, reclaiming their status as the loudest supporters in Florida.

Tactical Outlook: "Alonso’s South Florida Surge"​

Diego Alonso will implement a lethal 4-2-3-1. The midfield anchor of Lawson Sunderland and creativity of Sebastian Gonzalez provides a platform for the technical Bernardo Couto to pull the strings. The attack is the most feared in the East Conference: the physical dominance of Jhonder Cádiz paired with the elite dribbling of Konrad de la Fuente. Expect a team that is aggressive in transition and clinically efficient on set pieces—a hallmark of Juninho's influence.

 

[PWC2017]

St. Paul FC (2026/2027 Season)​

The 2026/2027 season marks the opening of the club's groundbreaking new home. With a philosophy rooted in data-driven recruitment and a partnership with one of Europe’s most storied clubs, St. Paul FC is not just a team; it is a laboratory for modern football.

A new era of tactical discipline and European-inspired infrastructure has arrived in the Twin Cities. Owned by RedBird Capital Partners—the same powerhouse behind AC Milan—St. Paul FC functions as the crown jewel of RedBird's North American soccer strategy. By leveraging a direct "Milan-to-Minnesota" talent pipeline, the club has assembled a roster of elite Italian prospects and seasoned MLS veterans.

Under the guidance of Gary Smith, the architect of Nashville SC’s defensive sturdiness, St. Paul FC is built to be the most organized and difficult-to-beat team in the league with the ambition to get promoted to the NASL East Conference 1 imperative.

Club Information​

• Owner: RedBird Capital Partners (Gerry Cardinale)
• Sporting Director: Steve Brown
• Head Coach: Gary Smith
• Home Ground: RedBird Stadium (St. Paul, MN)
• League: NASL East Conference 2

Technical Staff​

The staff features a heavy influence from Smith’s successful tenure in Nashville, supplemented by elite European scouting expertise.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Gary Smith	2010 MLS Cup winner; specialist in defensive transition and 4-4-2/4-2-3-1 blocks.
Sporting Director	Steve Brown	Former Arsenal & Everton recruitment lead; master of the European market.
Asst. Head Coach	Steve Guppy	Legendary winger/coach; specialist in wide-play and crossing delivery.
Asst. Head Coach	Rumba Munthali	Key developmental coach; bridge between the academy and first team.
First Team Coach	Brett Jacobs	Technical analyst; focuses on set-piece design and opponent scouting.
GK Coach	Matt Pickens	Former MLS champion keeper; focuses on command of the area.

2026/2027 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	GER	Oliver Semmle	27	Philadelphia Union	FREE	2028
24	GK	CAN	Greg Ranjitsingh	31	NYCFC	$100K	2028
13	GK	CAN	Max Anchor	22	Vancouver Whitecaps	FREE	2029

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
5	CB	ROU	Andrei Coubiș	22	AC Milan (ITA)	$250K	2029
12	CB	FRA	Clinton Nsiala	22	Rangers (SCO)	LOAN	2027
25	CB/LB	SRB	Dimitrije Kamenović	25	Lazio (ITA)	FREE	2029
3	LB	CYP	Nikolas Ioannou	30	Sampdoria (ITA)	$250K	2028
2	RB	POR	Tomás Esteves	23	Pisa (ITA)	LOAN	2027
18	CB	USA	Daniel Steres	35	Houston Dynamo	FREE	2028
15	LB	CAN	Themi Antonoglou	24	Winnipeg Valour	FREE	2028
35	RB	AUS	Giuseppe Bovalina	22	Vancouver Whitecaps	LOAN	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
4	DM/CM	FRA	Balthazar Pierret	25	Lecce (ITA)	$250K	2029
10	AM/LW	PAR	Hugo Cuenca	21	AC Milan (ITA)	FREE	2030
20	AM	ITA	Mattia Liberali	19	AC Milan (ITA)	FREE	2030
33	DM	SEN	Lamine Fanne	22	Venezia (ITA)	LOAN	2027
32	DM	AUS	J. Girdwood-Reich	21	St. Louis City SC	LOAN	2027
8	CM/AM	USA	Oliver Larraz	24	Denver Rapids	FREE	2028
6	CM	USA	Ben Mines	25	Loudoun United	FREE	2027
26	CM	CAN	Noble Okello	25	Phoenix Rising	FREE	2027

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
9	ST	SRB	Marko Lazetić	22	AC Milan (ITA)	FREE	2030
11	LW/RW	ENG	Ryan Kent	29	Seattle Sounders	FREE	2027
7	RW/LW	ITA	Diego Sia	20	AC Milan (ITA)	LOAN	2027
16	ST	USA	Charlie Sharp	25	Toronto FC	FREE	2028
22	FW	ITA	Bob Omoregbe	22	AC Milan (ITA)	FREE	2028
30	FW	LBR	Jimmy Farkarlun	24	Austin FC	FREE	2028

Infrastructure: The North Star Stadium​

• Capacity: 18,000
• Architectural Inspiration: Based on the Oxford United "Triangle" stadium plan. It features a continuous, single-tier "wall of sound" on the home end and a modular, eco-friendly timber-frame roof.
• Sustainability: As an all-electric stadium, it utilizes air-source heat pumps and solar-integrated roofing, making it the most sustainable venue in the NASL.
• The "Milan Lab" North: The stadium houses a state-of-the-art recovery and data center, mirroring AC Milan’s Milanello facilities to ensure peak player performance.

Tactical Outlook: "The Twin Cities Wall"​

Gary Smith will deploy a disciplined 4-2-3-1 designed to frustrate opponents before striking on the break. The double-pivot of Balthazar Pierret and Lamine Fanne provides a brick wall in front of the Coubiș-Nsiala partnership. This defensive solidity allows the "Milan Boys"—Hugo Cuenca, Mattia Liberali, and Marko Lazetić—the freedom to create. With Ryan Kent providing veteran flair on the wing, St. Paul FC will be a clinical, low-concession machine.

 

[PWC2017]

FC Edmonton (2026/2027 Season)​

The 2026/2027 campaign represents the "True North" revival. By raiding rival CPL and MLS rosters for proven Canadian domestic talent, the Eddies have built a squad with deep regional chemistry and a chip on its shoulder.

The Eddies are officially back. After a period of transition, FC Edmonton has been revitalized under the continued stewardship of Fath Sports, reclaiming its rightful place as the heartbeat of Albertan soccer. With a front office led by the internationally traveled Afshin Ghotbi and a coaching staff headed by Patrice Gheisar, the club has pivoted toward a "best of Canada" recruitment strategy.

As they enter the 2026/2027 Season, FC Edmonton is focused on a high-intensity, technical style that looks to leverage the unique atmospheric advantages of the Canadian prairies.

Club Information​

• Owner: Fath Sports (Tom & Dave Fath)
• Sporting Director: Afshin Ghotbi
• Head Coach: Patrice Gheisar
• Home Ground: Clarke Stadium (Edmonton, AB)
• League: NASL West Conference - 1

Technical Staff​

The staff is built on Gheisar’s reputation for tactical flexibility and player development, supported by a diverse group of international assistants.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Patrice Gheisar	Known for high-octane attacking football and modern tactical setups.
Sporting Director	Afshin Ghotbi	Former Iran and Shimizu S-Pulse manager; brings global prestige to the FO.
Asst. Head Coach	Giovanni Petraglia	Specialist in Italian-style defensive shape and tactical drilling.
Asst. Head Coach	Jessie Burgins	Deep ties to the Edmonton youth soccer community.
First Team Coach	Oliver Hewish	Focuses on performance data and match analysis.
GK Coach	Jan-Michael Williams	Trinidadian legend; expert in shot-stopping and mental resilience.

2026/2027 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
1	GK	CAN	C. Kalongo	24	Hamilton Forge	FREE	2027
13	GK	CAN	Aiden Rushenas	22	Halifax Wanderers	FREE	2028
24	GK	CAN	Eleias Himaras	24	Toronto Utd	FREE	2029

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
5	CB	CAN	C. Montgomery	28	Calgary Cavalry	FREE	2028
4	CB	CAN	Julian Dunn	25	Halifax Wanderers	FREE	2027
3	LB	MEX	Daniel Parra	26	Monterrey (MEX)	FREE	2028
2	RB	CAN	Kunle Dada-Luke	26	East Vancouver FC	FREE	2028
12	CB	CAN	Adam Pearlman	20	Toronto FC	LOAN	2027
23	RB/LB	CAN	Riley Ferrazzo	26	Toronto	FREE	2027

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
6	DM	CAN	A. Hojabrpour	27	Hamilton Forge	$50K	2028
15	CB/DM	CAN	Sean Young	24	Victoria Pacific	$150K	2029
14	CM	CAN	Fraser Aird	31	Calgary Cavalry	FREE	2028
20	CM	CAN	J. Gagnon-Laparé	30	Halifax Wanderers	FREE	2028
8	CM/AM	ITA	Giorgio Probo	26	Halifax Wanderers	FREE	2028
26	CM	CAN	Zach Verhoven	27	East Vancouver FC	FREE	2027
18	CM	CAN	Owen Antoniuk	24	Calgary Cavalry	FREE	2027
7	RW/LW	CAN	Massimo Ferrin	27	Toronto Utd	FREE	2027

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	From	Fee	Contract
19	ST	CAN	Hugo Mbongue	21	Toronto FC	FREE	2028
9	ST	CAN	Dario Zanatta	28	Victoria Pacific	FREE	2027
8	AM/FW	CAN	Noah Verhoeven	26	Ottawa Fury	FREE	2028
22	FW	CAN	Wesley Timoteo	25	Halifax Wanderers	FREE	2028
35	FW	CIV	Abdul Binate	24	Winnipeg Valour	FREE	2027

Infrastructure: Clarke Stadium

• Capacity: 5,100 (Soccer Configuration)
• The Atmosphere: Known for its intimate, partisan environment, the "Clarke" has been upgraded with improved supporter zones and pitch-side amenities to maximize the energy of the River Valley Vanguard.
• The Pitch: A high-grade synthetic surface engineered to remain playable through the diverse Edmonton weather cycles, supporting Gheisar’s demand for a fast-moving ball.

Tactical Outlook: "The Prairie Press"​

Patrice Gheisar will implement a modern 4-3-3 that prioritizes control in the middle of the park. With Alessandro Hojabrpour shielding the backline, the veteran Fraser Aird and technical Giorgio Probo are tasked with orchestrating the attack. Up front, the physical presence of Hugo Mbongue and the goal-scoring pedigree of Dario Zanatta give Edmonton a lethal edge. Expect a team that is extremely hard-working, disciplined in transition, and dangerous on set pieces.