Category Archives: Soccer

Arkero Announces $6 Million Pre Seed Funding Round, Partnerships with major MLS, NWSL and EFL teams

Arkero, a new platform using all aspects of Artificial Intelligence to effectively run the day-to-day operations of complex organizations in sport, today announced a $6 million pre-seed funding round, and early partnerships with professional sports organizations across MLS, NWSL, and the English Football League.

The round was led by Roger Ehrenberg at Game Changers Ventures, with participation from Alexis Ohanian (776), David Tisch (BoxGroup), Garuda Ventures, Founders’ Co-op and strategic investors including Adrian Hanauer of the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign.

Arkero’s first partners include the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, San Diego FC and Bolton Wanderers FC. Initial deployments focus on integrating AI into matchday planning and season-ticket renewals to help teams streamline coordination, reduce manual work, and operate with greater clarity across disconnected tools.

In early deployments, the Sounders and Reign project over 50% improvement in efficiency savings around matchday planning in 2026 alone, driven by reduced manual work, faster decision-making, and fewer operational errors.

Arkero centralizes operational data, workflows, and decisions into a single system, allowing business teams to plan, execute, and adapt in real time – without adding headcount or new layers of complexity. Because it is being built by operators who have run clubs themselves, Arkero reflects the realities of sports businesses: small teams, complex events, constant deadlines, and no margin for error. As a result, teams gain back time, clarity, and confidence – and can focus on growing the business rather than managing around broken processes.

“I own a football club. I’ve sat in the meetings, lived the chaos, and felt the cost of running a business on Excel and email,” said Shivaas Gulati, CEO of Arkero, “ The opportunity exists because this is broken from the inside.”

After leaving Remitly, the company he co-founded in 2022, Gulati joined the ownership group of English club Southend United FC, a 119-year-old club competing in the National League. Drawing on his hands-on experience from Southend United – and advising organizations such as the Seattle Sounders – Gulati has applied the operational discipline and best practices developed at Remitly to the global sports industry, a market exceeding $500 billion annually.

“On and off the pitch, our business is about constantly looking ahead to identify what we can do better and how we can use technology and the right partners to gain a competitive edge,” said Sounders FC majority owner Adrian Hanauer. “Our investment in Arkero is aligned with this approach, accounting for not just where we are as an organization today, but where we need to be going forward.”

“We made intentional decisions to prioritize how our teams could be optimized through AI,”said Hugh Weber, President and Chief Business Officer of Sounders FC. “Partnering with Shivaas and the Arkero team allowed us to embed AI into our operating system rather than layering on software which has made the technology a durable part of our culture.”

“We look for companies that have a clear grasp of where both sports and business are headed, near term and long term,” said Roger Ehrenberg of Game Changers Ventures. “While many are still debating how AI fits into real business solutions, Arkero is delivering tangible results. They’ve already demonstrated real impact with partners like the Sounders and the Reign, and we’re proud to support them as they scale.”

“My biggest surprising launching Angel City FC was how devoid of tech the industry of sports was – all of my teams and my league are now supported by an operating system I’ve designed – but I know this isn’t an option for every owner and Arkero is building the must-have software teams need.” said Alexis Ohanian of 776. “If you’re hesitating to adopt AI, you’re already falling behind.”

Arkero is led by Gulati, Vamsi Narla, who leads product and engineering and Daniel Shi, who oversees business operations. The founding team spent nearly a decade together at Remitly, which went on to a successful $8B IPO on the Nasdaq.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Under Armour Step Up D.C. Students’ Access to Athletic Shoes with “District Kicks” Initiative

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) today announced “District Kicks,” one of the year two marquee initiative of the District of Play platform, led by the Washington Wizards in partnership with Under Armour and DC Public Schools (DCPS).

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural effort, District Dribble, which placed nearly 30,000 basketballs into the hands of every DCPS student in PK3 through 5th grade, District Kicks shifts the focus to essential athletic gear—ensuring student-athletes can take part in sports safely and with pride.

The district-wide, multi-phase initiative will deliver Under Armour footwear to all DCPS high school athletes and celebrate milestone moments for sixth-grade students enrolled in DCPS 6th Grade Academies.

“When I got my first basketball as a kid in Brooklyn, that single piece of equipment unlocked everything that followed—confidence, belonging, and the belief that sports could shape my future,” said Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman, managing partner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “District Kicks is built on that same idea: when you give young people the right tools, you give them the ability to dream bigger. We are proud to partner with Under Armour and DCPS to ensure DC students can step onto the court or field ready to compete and believe in what’s possible.”

“We are the Sports Capital not only because of our professional teams, but also because of the opportunities we create for our children,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This initiative is one more way we can make sports more accessible to more students, and we’re grateful for Monumental’s continued partnership and commitment to our city’s young people.”

About District Kicks

Throughout 2026, District Kicks will come to life through a full year of athletic shoe distribution and programming.

  • High School Sport-Specific Footwear: District Kicks will provide sport-specific Under Armour footwear to all high school student-athletes across roughly 22 DCPS schools, totaling approximately 5,200 students. Shoes will be delivered directly to school campuses and will be distributed in alignment with athletic seasons, beginning with spring sports in March 2026, followed by fall sports in August and winter sports in November.
  • High School Pep Rallies: Each seasonal distribution will be anchored by a flagship pep rally at a featured high school, creating moments of recognition and visibility for student athletes.
  • 6th Grade Athletic Footwear: District Kicks will provide all DCPS 6th graders enrolled in 6th Grade Academies with Under Armour athletic sneakers, reaching more than 1,200 students across 11 DCPS campuses. Available in multiple styles and colorways, the footwear is designed to help students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to move, play, and take part in school sports and activities.
  • 6th Grade Kick Off Event: MSE will distribute the footwear as part of a celebration for 6th graders enrolled in 6th Grade Academies on March 3, 2026, at CareFirst Arena. The event will gather students for a high-energy, pep rally-style celebration, complete with interactive sports experiences and career-based learning opportunities. MSE will cover transportation and logistics for all participating schools, ensuring every student can be part of the day.

“Engaging our scholars throughout their transition into middle school takes commitment and creativity,” said DCPS Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “In our 6th Grade Academies, students are given the tools to excel inside and outside of the classroom. DCPS is grateful to partner with Monumental Sports and Under Armour to provide resources to young people so they can thrive in programming that deepens their connection to school.”

Panini America unveils Canada and USA cover for FIFA World Cup 2026™ sticker collection

photo: NEW YORK, DECEMBER 03: Julian De Guzman, Pavel Pardo, Landon Donovan, Jason Howarth, Elisabetta Mussin and Jaedyn Shaw press the button during the Panini America FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album Cover Reveal at Met Life Stadium on December 03, 2025 in East Rutherford. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Panini America)

As anticipation builds globally ahead of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Panini America has unveiled a striking Canada-United States cover design for the collectible issue of its iconic sticker album. The new edition will once again be available to billions of football fans worldwide, offering them the chance to take part in the tradition ahead of what promises to be the biggest and best-ever edition of the world’s greatest competition.

The Panini FIFA World Cup™ sticker collection has captivated fans and collectors around the globe for more than 50 years, celebrating the players and teams that have battled it out on the sport’s biggest stage. With 48 nations set to compete at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this will be the largest Panini FIFA World Cup sticker collection ever.

Panini will publish the sticker album’s global cover in the coming months, during the run-up to the flagship event in North America, while a special cover is also expected to be launched for Mexico. The release marks the first time that the Panini collection will have a cover dedicated to a FIFA World Cup host region. This special cover reveal will also kick-start a time-limited pre-order campaign on Amazon.

Romy Gai, FIFA Chief Business Officer, said: “Just like the FIFA World Cup, the Panini sticker album is one of the most iconic and enduring traditions in global football culture. For generations, it has brought fans together, sparked excitement around the world and created memories and mementos that last long after the final whistle. We are proud to continue this partnership for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Together with Panini, we look forward to celebrating a product that unites collectors, families and fans of all ages. This album is more than a collectible – it is a symbol of the joy, passion and anticipation that define the FIFA World Cup.”

The Canada-United States cover captures a colourful FIFA World Cup 2026 style anchored by the tournament’s official emblem and the FIFA World Cup Trophy, while also showcasing Panini’s timeless “bicycle kick” icon based on former Italian player Carlo Parola, which was introduced as Panini’s official logo in 1965.

“Our Panini FIFA World Cup sticker collection has engaged people all over the world for generations, and we are proud to introduce this landmark Canada-United States album cover for our 2026 edition,” said Mark Warsop, Chief Executive Officer of Panini America. “This special cover is the initial step in how we plan to celebrate our products and partnerships throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will include the stickers and trading cards, and we believe that fans and collectors are going to be very excited.”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be staged across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Today’s unveiling of the special cover took place in New York New Jersey, where the FIFA World Cup final will be played next July.

Panini is FIFA’s exclusive partner for official stickers, trading cards, trading-card games and digital collectibles. The first edition of the Panini FIFA World Cup sticker collection was produced for the 1970 instalment of the global showpiece in Mexico.

TOGETHXR x StudBudz drives 4M impressions in 72 hours during NWSL Championship week

In a world where altcasts have become increasingly formalized, trailblazing media company TOGETHXR — originator of the Everyone Watches Women’s Sports™ slogan — continues to reimagine live sports content. During NWSL Championship week, the TOGETHXR x StudBudz takeover fully integrated active professional basketball players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman into the soccer scene, with content spanning from media day, Wednesday, Nov. 19 through the pre-match livestream with Megan Rapinoe in a pink wig on Saturday, Nov. 22. 

TOGETHXR worked closely with the NWSL and CBS to introduce a new concept that blended access, entertainment, and storytelling into an unscripted format that is rarely seen in pregame coverage. By creating a platform for innovation to meet culture, the TOGETHXR x StudBudz takeover brought fans closer than ever to the action, turning matchday into a meet-and-greet with A listers, executives, and even a billionaire owner.

TOGETHXR’s resulting content generated 4 million impressions in 72 hours and reached 3.8 million accounts. The StudBudz x TOGETHXR takeover accounted for 74% of all engagement across social media during the NWSL Championship match. From the livestream alone, three videos contributed to 1.3M total views across Instagram and TikTok. 

Three livestream videos contributing to 1.3M total views across IG/TikTok

 – Do NWSL players date each other (WATCH)

 – StudBudz answering soccer trivia (WATCH)

 – Emily Sonnet is a bad B (WATCH)

TOGETHXR’s coverage began on Wednesday, when the StudBudz hosted TOGETHXR’s content capture station on media row at NWSL Championship Media Day. The reels created with both Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit players continue to tally up views on TOGETHXR’s instagram handle.

TOGETHXR x StudBudz NWSL MEDIA DAY CONTENT on IG

  – 257K Views: Soccer 101 with the Studbudz (WATCH)

  – 191K Views: Gotham and Spirit players attempt to say something nice (WATCH)

  – 73k Views: The StudBudz vs. Gotham compete on “Grab the mic” (WATCH)

TOGETHXR x StudBudz NWSL Championship Content on IG

 – 436K Views: Courtney Williams ask Megan Rapinoe the very important questions (WATCH)

 – 239K Views: Why everyone needs Emily Sonnett on their team  (WATCH)

As TOGETHXR continues to redefine how sports are consumed and celebrated, the TOGETHXR x StudBudz takeover is another example of how the company remains a first-mover in redefining sports media. 

For more information on TOGETHXR’s content and coverage, please contact press@togethxr.com.

Westchester Soccer Club Names George Gjokaj Sporting Director and Head Coach and Ray Selvadurai Technical Advisor

Westchester Soccer Club today announced that it has named George Gjokaj Sporting Director and Head Coach and Ray Selvadurai Technical Advisor for the club, effective immediately. These two veteran coaches and talent evaluators have over 60 years of combined experience in every area of the game, begin their new roles immediately.

‘When we looked at both the needs and the opportunity we have in re-focusing and building our organization from the academy level to the professional side, we realized that two professionals who were almost literally in our backyard were interested and available, and we are proud to welcome George and Ray to our team,” said Westchester SC Principal Owner Mitch Baruchowitz. “We have said from day one our success lies in the talent in our region that we need to develop, a fan base that needs to be cultivated and inspired, and to make sure that the level of play and execution on the pitch at our USL League One club mirrors our growth on every level, and we are confident that these two talented and well-respected soccer lifers are the ones to take us there.”

“I look at Westchester Soccer Club and understand the vast potential and impact we can have, especially as someone who has lived and worked on the development and coaching side right here in the area for decades,” Gjokaj said. “It will be an honor to help lead and realize that potential for years to come as we build and grow together in this amazing community.”

Gjokaj comes to WSC after serving as the head men’s soccer coach at Purchase College, and as the head of FC Westchester, one of the most prestigious programs in the nation. He has coached and mentored a constant stream of pro Pathway and collegiate level players since 1997. Gjokaj is a lifetime New Yorker having played youth soccer for BW Gottschee and collegiately at both Adelphi and St John’s Universities, captaining the Red Storm as a senior in 1995 and leading them to their fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. George was also a key member of the scouting team that was responsible for building the player base for NYCFC in their launch season in MLS, a club that eventually won the MLS Cup. As a player Gjokaj spent time at FC Kaiserslautern before returning to the US to feature for NY Fever, North Jersey Imperials as well as Albany Alley Cats, all of the former USISL.

“Like George, being a native New Yorker who has been involved in every area of the soccer development pipeline I understand both challenges and potential, and I firmly believe that the potential here for both performance and business growth from the academy level through the professional side is very much untapped,” Selvadurai added. “I believe in working in a nurturing and cooperative atmosphere that will translate to success, and it is an honor to take on this role to help execute a vision that is very much needed not just in this area, but nationally as well.”

Selvadurai brings over 25 years of experience of coaching as the youth, college, pre-professional and professional levels to WSC. Most recently he has been the Director of Coaching for Manhattan Soccer Club, the largest youth and pre-professional soccer club in the New York City Area, where he oversees the youth soccer player, coach and team development of over 1,500 club registrants for both genders. Ray has developed a nationally recognized program that has produced four (4) youth soccer national championships, numerous NCAA and NJCAA college student-athletes, as well as several professional players overseas, in the USL (United Soccer Leagues) and MLS (Major League Soccer). With a keen understanding of the soccer landscape in the tri-state area and nationally, Ray will bring his expertise to advise the Westchester SC leadership in club operations, player relations and acquisition. He was a four-year starter and team captain as a senior and Brandeis University, earning All-UAA and NSCAA Regional All-American honors as well.

Westchester Soccer Club will begin its second season in USL League One in April, 2026.

ALK Capital and Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Reunite in Significant Strategic Investment Across European Football

ALK Capital today announced that Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Fund I has made a significant strategic investment in its football operations, bringing together ALK’s proven record in elite football operations with one of the most ambitious new investment funds in global sport. The partnership expands ALK Capital’s leadership as owner of Burnley FC in the Premier League and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona in La Liga, reflecting its growing influence across two of Europe’s most competitive football markets.

The collaboration marks a powerful continuation of a relationship that began more than 20 years ago, when Pace served as a partner at Checketts’ Sports Capital Partners and as President of Real Salt Lake, where the duo led the club to its first MLS Cup Championship and developed one of Major League Soccer’s most admired stadiums and fan experiences.

Alan Pace, Managing Partner of ALK Capital, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to reunite with Dave after our success together at Real Salt Lake. We share the same vision for what great sports ownership looks like — combining integrity, innovation, long-term value creation, and championship culture. Adding the Cynosure team and two of its founding partners, Spencer Eccles and Randy Quarles, brings deep experience, trusted relationships, and a successful investment track record, which we believe will enable us to accelerate our growth across Burnley, Espanyol, and the wider ALK network.”

David W. Checketts, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital, said: “Alan and I have known each other for decades — as partners, colleagues, and friends. We built Real Salt Lake from the ground up, and now we can collaborate once again on two of Europe’s most historic football clubs. I’ve long admired what Alan has accomplished with Burnley and more recently with Espanyol. We’re thrilled to join forces to support their continued growth and global ambitions.”

Spencer P. Eccles, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The Cynosure Group, added: “This partnership reflects exactly what we strive for at Cynosure — linking arms with exceptional people who combine operational excellence with disciplined, long-term investment. Alan’s leadership at ALK exemplifies the future of thoughtful sports ownership: one that prioritizes a winning culture, a great fan experience, and honors the great heritage of these two Clubs. We’re proud to be a big part of the dream of winning titles!”

The investment unites ALK Capital’s football expertise with Cynosure | Checketts’ experience across the sports industry, strengthening the growth trajectory of both Burnley FC and RCD Espanyol. Together, the firms will work to drive on-field performance, commercial expansion, and sustainable value creation across two of Europe’s most competitive football markets.

The partnership also extends Checketts’ deep ties to Burnley, where he has served as a board member and early investor since ALK’s acquisition of the club in 2020.

Caldwell University Athletics To Once Again Produce Bilingual Broadcast To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month September 24

Returning after a successful first year in 2024, the Caldwell University Athletics department will produce a bilingual broadcast of the women’s soccer contest vs. the University of Bridgeport on Wednesday, September 24, at 4 p.m., live streamed on the CACC Network. Play-by-play announcer Trevor Spinelli ’25 will be joined by graduate men’s soccer standout Jorge Gutierrez (Zaragoza, España), who will provide color commentary in both English and Spanish.

The game, available for free on Caldwell’s channel on the CACC Network, represents a significant portion of the department’s celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15 and continues until Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and honors the histories, cultures, and peoples that make up the varied, powerful, and beautiful Latinx/e communities throughout our nation.

Gutierrez, a top defender on the Caldwell squad, will help guide English and Spanish-language viewers through the contest, which will pit two teams with numerous players of Hispanic descent.

Caldwell, the 2024 CACC runners up, is 1-0-1 to date and opens CACC play today vs. Dominican at 3:30 p.m. at Caldwell Athletic Field.

Westchester Soccer Club Hosts Richmond Kickers FC at The Stadium at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon Sunday

Westchester SC returns to USL League One play this Sunday with their third of six home matches in May and June, taking on Richmond Kickers  at 4 pm at The Stadium at Memorial Field. The club is coming off a dramatic 1-1 draw vs. Forward Madison last Saturday.  Media are welcomed at any and all WSC home matches.

 J.C. Obregón (New York, NY) electrified the home crowd with a stunning long-range goal in the 17th minute,  launching a strike from  ~70 yards out, before Derek Gebhard converted a penalty  in the 4Oth minute, the only scores in a 1-1 draw against Forward Madison FC. The second half continued with the same pace and pressure, and in the 67th minute, Forward Madison was awarded a second penalty. This time, however, Westchester goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley, in only his second pro start, rose to the occasion, making a critical save to deny the go-ahead goal and preserve the 1-1 draw through the final whistle. It marked WSC’s first home point in USL League One play. 

Richmond, WSC Meet Again Following One of The USL League One Early Season Highlight Matches;   Richmond’s Josh Kirkland scored the final equalizer (and his second goal of the game) in the ninth minute of extra time on  April19th, snatching a frenetic late rush victory from WSC and sending both clubs home with a 4-4 draw for third place Richmond. The Erickland score came just two minutes after WSC’s scoring leader J.C. Obregón Jr. (New York, NY) found  the back of the net on a penalty kick after Bobby Pierre was fouled, to give Westchester their first lead of the match seven minutes into extra time in what was a back and forth affair for more than ninety minutes.  Richmond struck early, with  Darwin Espinal  beating keeper Dane Jacomen  just two minutes into the match before WSC counter on a Noah Powder (Edison, NJ) score just six minutes later.  Espinal’s second goal of the match in the 32nd minute gave Richmond the 2-1 lead at the break, before Samory Powder (Edison, NJ) again knotted the match at 2-2 in the 53rd minute. Richmond’s Kirkland’s tally in the 63rd minute again put Kickers back on top, but with less than seven minutes left in regulation Conor McGlynn (Middle Village, NY) countered off a pass from Noah Powder to knot the score at three, and set the stage for the drama in extra time. The stats belied the excitement the fans experienced on a beautiful night in Richmond, with each side taking 16 shots and WSC getting the slight edge on goal 8-7.

Putting Up The Numbers; Richmond and WSC enter Sunday’s match second-16 goals and third-15 goals, respectively in USL League One Play thus far this season.

Stopping the Slide: WSC enters Sunday looking to stop a seven match overall winless slide. They have not posted a match win since their victory over NY Pancyprian Freedoms 3-2 on April 2 in the US Open Cup, and have not won a USL League One match since their 3-1 win at Texoma FC on March 29. WSC has actually grabbed the lead in the first half of their last three matches, leading 1-0 at Spokane,   2-0 at home against Charlotte and 1-0 vs. Forward Madison.    

If it’s a WSC Match, JC is on the Board: Forward Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. has been the scoring leader for WSC, not just in their USL matches but in their US Open Cup matches as well. Obregon’s seven overall goals easily tops the team in all games played. The 2024 USL League One All-League First Team forward scored his seventh  goal last  Saturday,  and he now has four   USL League One tallies one more than teammate Connor McGlynn.  Obregón leads the club in assists with two as well.

Hammer Time Arrives; Goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley (Garden City, NY) was inserted into the lineup by Head Coach Dave Carton prior to the May tenth match vs. Charlotte, and played well in his first pro match despite allowing three second half scores. The Sacred Heart University product followed that up with a solid performance again last Saturday, allowing the one score, but coming up with a game-saving second half stop of a penalty kick to keep the tight match tied. Hammersley has recorded ten saves in his first two matches, the best two match stretch for a keeper in WSC’s inaugural season.   He was selected to the USL League One Team of the Week for his efforts.

Homegrown Scorers: In USL play, New York area natives Obregón (New York, NY) McGlynn (Middle Village, NY) , Samory Powder and Noah Powder (Edison, NJ) have accounted for ten of the club’s 12 goals thus far, giving the back of the net a decided NY area edge so far.  WSC’s current roster features eight players who can call the greater New York area home. In addition, defender Kemar “Taxi” Lawrence has logged time in his career as a popular member of the New York Red Bulls. Defender Noah Powder and his brother Samory Powder have also logged time in the Red Bulls development system.

Brotherly Success, The Powder’s Pour it On: The Powder brothers, Samory and Noah (Edison, NJ), are just the fifth pair of brothers to suit up as teammates in a League One match, and the first pair of brothers to be named to the USL League One Team of the Week as teammates in the same week. Midfielder Noah Powder was named Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball with three goal contributions in a 4-4 draw against the Richmond Kickers on April 19 . Noah Powder’s assist on Samory Powder’s goal in the 53rd minute marked the second time in league history a pair of brothers have connected for a joint goal participation (Arturo/David Rodriguez (NTX), 2019). Then we have Samory Powder, the first-year professional registered a beauty of a first professional goal off an assist from his older brother, Noah at Richmond, and followed that up with his second goal, the club’s only tally, at Spokane.

Obregón,  Powder Get Gold Cup Call; Twenty-three players from the USL Championship and League One were named on Monday to the preliminary rosters for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.  Included among the group are WSC’S Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr., for Honduras and Noah Powder for Trinidad and Tobago. The final rosters for the tournament must be named by June 4 ahead of the competition’s opening game on Saturday, June 14 between Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Portland was the only other USL League One club with multiple players named.  

On The Team Side: WSC enters the weekend 4th in scoring in USL League One with  12 goals, tied for 4th  in conversion rate (1 8  %) and 5th in shots at 88.

WSC’s inaugural season partners in addition to Northwell Health and SCORE PT include; Leros Transportation Group – luxury transportation partner, Healthfirst – insurance partner, Manhattanville University – premier education partner, Pepsi Bottling Company of New York – beverage partner, RXR – luxury living/real estate partner,  MSG Networks – broadcast partner, Breezemont Day Camp – summer day camp partner, Seatgeek – ticketing partner, and Benjamin’s Steak House – steak house partner.

On The Air: All of WSC’s USL League One matchups will be seen locally on MSG Networks, with Sam Goldfarb calling the action for most home matches.

Up Next: WSC will host their second Jägermeister Cup match, this one against Hartford Athletic on May 31 at 4 pm, before returning to USL League One play on June 7 against One Knoxville SC in their first home regular season night match of the season.   

United Super League Announces League-Wide Deal With Kitman Labs For Advanced EMR System

Kitman Labs, the global enterprise SaaS company delivering the only fully centralized operating system for performance intelligence in elite sports, today announced a new partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) that will see all eight clubs competing in the USL Super League deploy the Performance Medicine Solution in Kitman Labs’ iP: Intelligence Platform.

Now in its inaugural season following an August 2024 launch, the USL Super League is operated by the United Soccer League and marks a new era for women’s professional soccer in North America. Through this league-wide partnership, each club will leverage a centralized and configurable medical operating system that enables the aggregation and activation of all player health data.

The Performance Medicine Solution—one of four core solutions within iP: Intelligence Platform—is the only system natively built to integrate both medical and performance data into a single, comprehensive platform. This will give member clubs a real-time, 360° view of their respective players from a health and readiness perspective while generating insights to improve athlete welfare, reduce injury risk, and drive performance outcomes through actionable intelligence.

Key capabilities powered by Performance Medicine for USL Super League clubs include:

Standardized league-wide medical documentation and data collection – eliminating gaps and inconsistencies while supporting club-level configurability and compliance.
Cross-department collaboration – aligning medical and performance teams to support evidence-based decisions around player health, care, and wellness.
Operational efficiency – enabling practitioners to spend less time on admin and more time on athlete treatment and development.
Comprehensive, consistent datasets – laying the foundation for league-wide research, injury surveillance, and innovation.

All staff, coaches, and practitioners from across the eight Super League clubs will utilize the shared platform as a single source of truth. The resulting analytics will help inform data-led, evidence-based decisions on and off the pitch.

“We have the opportunity to build a cutting-edge data and analytics infrastructure from the ground up—a secure, fully integrated and scalable platform that benefits the league, the clubs, and most importantly, the athletes,” said Amanda Vandersort, USL Super League President. “With this system in place, our medical and performance staff can make better decisions around injury prevention, rehab, return to play, load management, and overall athlete care.”

“We’re proud to partner with the USL Super League in its inaugural season and be part of this defining moment for women’s professional soccer,” said Stephen Smith, CEO and Founder of Kitman Labs. “The league has a clear vision for innovation—prioritizing player health, performance, and longevity. With iP: Intelligence Platform, the USL has the foundation to scale and unify medical data management and analytics, equipping every club with the technology and intelligence needed to make data-informed decisions and elevate athlete care.”

The league’s eight inaugural clubs—Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, DC Power FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC, Lexington SC, Spokane Zephyr FC, and Tampa Bay Sun FC—are competing for the championship, set to be decided in June.

Kitman Labs has an established track record of working with top leagues, governing bodies, teams, and athletes across 26 countries and multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, rugby, and American football. The company’s technology is currently used by more than 2,000 teams and organizations, including the NFL, NBA, MLS, NWSL, Unrivaled, Premier League, and NCAA.

iP: Intelligence Platform represents the industry’s largest dataset of talent, performance, and medical data, supporting every stage of the athlete lifecycle.

MLS, MLS Next Pro And MLS Next Expand Collaboration With Kitman Labs To Unify And Optimize Player Pathway Data

Major League Soccer (MLS), MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT today announced an expansion of the work being done alongside Kitman Labs that will help complete the management of the player pathway across the three organizations. Teaming up to centralize MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT operations and performance data into an integrated platform to drive connectivity between competitions, teams and players, this collaboration will ultimately help define and solidify player pathways from the academy level all the way up to MLS first teams. 

The initiative – which will completely unify all MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT operations and player performance data into one advanced operating system, is being led by MLS Assist. Developed to help advance the technological infrastructure of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, MLS Assist will aid in elevating the level of play and competition through innovation. 

“The focus of MLS Assist is to streamline the technology behind our competitions by consolidating solutions, modernizing sports management processes, and standardizing the reporting and distribution of our sports data,” said John Sullivan, MLS Chief Information Officer. “A key goal is digitizing the player pathway—using integrated technologies and data-driven systems to modernize scouting, optimize player development, and build a smarter, more connected talent pipeline. By aligning efforts across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and MLS NEXT, the Sporting Technology department and Kitman Labs are building an innovative and scalable foundation for how the game is managed.”

The new League Operations Solution and MLS Intelligence Platform has launched this season and will consolidate and streamline program-wide operations and build a unified data set for players, staff, coaches and games played at every level across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. The ability to now collect this data across the pathway represents a critical and foundational step in understanding, defining and optimizing the player pathway.

“Through our work with MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, we are building a strong foundation—one that not only identifies and develops talent but also fosters a competitive, sustainable ecosystem. Too often, organizations are held back by disconnected systems that create inefficiencies and obscure the full picture of player development and league operations,” said Stephen Smith, Founder & CEO, Kitman Labs. “With the launch of the League Operations Solution in iP: Intelligence Platform*, we’re working to empower MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT by unifying their data, streamlining operations, and ultimately unlocking transformative growth—ensuring they continue to be a destination for top talent while delivering an exceptional experience for players, practitioners, partners, and fans alike.”

MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT are the first soccer leagues to launch the League Operations Solution from Kitman Labs and will include:

  • Player and Staff Registration: Simplifying the registration process with a streamlined, scalable approach that reduces administrative burdens while enhancing data quality.
  • Fixture Management: Provides a centralized view of all fixtures and automated tools for rescheduling, ensuring more streamlined processes and better communication across all stakeholders. 
  • Discipline and Eligibility: Centralizes the tracking of disciplinary actions, ensuring consistency and compliance. 
  • Match Reporting: Provides a centralized platform for match reports, making critical data accessible and actionable. 
  • Digital Match Rosters: Automates roster management, ensuring eligibility and providing critical match information to stakeholders. 
  • Scheduling: Simplifies scheduling logistics with automation and real-time updates.

“The commitment of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT to provide best-in-class management of their respective competitions and the player pathway has been supported by the recent expansion of our work with Kitman Labs,” said Paul Grafer, MLS Senior Technical Director, Competition. “Collaboratively, we have developed customized software that serves as the administrative backbone for MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. We are excited by the opportunity these tools present to improve the management of each MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT competition while enhancing various aspects of the player development pathway.”

Kitman Labs has an established track record of working with top governing bodies, leagues, teams and athletes across a variety of sports, including soccer/global football, basketball, rugby, and American football. The company’s technology has been used by leagues and teams in some of the world’s most elite sports organizations and universities including the NFL, NBA, NWSL, Premier League and NCAA.

Westchester Soccer Club Formally Launches Community Ownership Opportunity

Westchester Soccer Club, which began play this month in USL League One, today formally announced a community ownership opportunity, offering supporters from around the world the chance to own a piece of the club. The fan ownership program, which has seen great success in Europe and in other parts of the United States, will be a first for the New York region in any professional sport. Interest has also dramatically increased in the past week since the USL’s announcement to be the first professional sports league in the United States to adopt promotion and relegation in the next few years.

“Westchester SC wanted to provide its supporters with a platform to become deeply involved in the team’s future success. We believe the community ownership opportunity was a perfect vehicle to for all fans – from the soccer-crazy fans in the New York area to our supporters across the globe,” said Westchester SC Principal Owner Mitch Baruchowitz. “There are few better ways to show your fandom than to say you have a part of ownership, and for a small financial investment, we are providing an opportunity for fans to become part of the team’s legacy.”

The investment, which can be as little as $150, is open to potential supporters globally. Details can be found here: https://republic.com/westchestersc. By becoming an equity investor, fans will become owners of WSC and will support the team’s planned growth. Fans have the opportunity to participate in the investment round via Republic, with tiered bonus perks including exclusive owner’s merchandise, dinners and special events with the WSC squad, and special ticket opportunities.

Westchester SC officially launched their inaugural season in USL League One on Saturday March 8 with a 1-1 tie at Greenville Triumph SC. It was their first of four USL road matches to start the season before their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park in Mount Vernon, NY against Rhode Island SC on April 27. All WSC home and away USL matches will be broadcast by MSG Networks.

The program follows similar offerings amongst growing professional soccer clubs, including Oakland Roots SC, FC Chattanooga and Orange County SC in California, all of whom created and executed successful fan ownership opportunities in the past few years.

Defender Tobi Adewole, Forward Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. Named to USL League One Team of the Week for Week 1

USL League One today announced that Westchester Soccer Club defender Tobi Adewole (Cheverly, Md.) and forward Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. (New York, NY) have been named to the Team of the Week for the season’s inaugural weekend.

Adewole played a key role in holding Greenville to just one goal on Saturday through his 82% passing accuracy, seven duels won, six long passes completed, five clearances and two fouls won, while Obregón etched his name into the history books by converting a penalty in the first half, WSC’s first goal in their eventual 1-1 draw at Greenville SC. He won one penalty, completed 68% of his passes, tallied three recoveries, won three duels, completed two long passes and won two fouls as well.

“Saturday was a tough game against a very well coached and established club full of experience and quality on the pitch,’ said head coach Dave Carton. ‘Both Tobi and JC were outstanding in their roles, and it is great to see them honored by the league in our first match. The most pleasing aspect of our performance was how we grew into the game. I was encouraged by not only the physical output of the team, but also the mentality of our players showing their drive to get a more favorable result.”

The rest of the week one honor roll included: Coach – Darren Sawatzky (RIC), GK – Jason Smith (CHA), D – Jake Dengler (NAP), D – Tyler Polak (GVL), D – Maxi Schenfeld (RIC), M – Darwin Espinal (RIC), M – Chandler O’Dwyer (RIC), M – Nils Seufert (RIC), M – Sebastián Velásquez (GVL), F – Mason Tunbridge (TRM) and Bench: GK – Gunther Rankenburg (GVL), D – Simon Fitch (RIC), M – Hayden Anderson (RIC), M – Dakota Barnathan (RIC), M – Andrés Ferrín (NAP), M – Omar Hernandez (CHA), M – Niall Reid-Stephen (TRM)

WSC will next be in USL League One action on Saturday March 29th when they visit Texoma FC in Sherman, TX the second of four road matches to open their inaugural season, before their USL home opener on Sunday, April 27th against Rhode Island FC.

The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/

Telemundo Redefines Hispanic Sports News & Entertainment With “El Pelotazo” To Premiere March 10

Telemundo is set to redefine Hispanic sports entertainment with the launch of El Pelotazo, a dynamic and fast-paced late-night sports show premiering March 10 at midnight ET/PT. Airing live seven days a week, the new sports program offers the latest news and insightful analysis with special guests and an unconventional format designed to engage today’s Hispanic sports fans.
 

“We are proud to introduce El Pelotazo and offer our Hispanic audiences a new concept for sports entertainment—different from anything we’ve seen in Spanish-language television,” said Joaquin Duro, EVP, Sports, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “With the growing influence of soccer in the U.S. and the pivotal role of the Latino community in the sports landscape, El Pelotazo will fill a void and become a must-watch, solidifying Telemundo as the go-to destination for sports coverage leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
 

DYNAMIC HOSTS FOR A PERSONALITY-DRIVEN FORMAT

El Pelotazo will be hosted by an exciting trio of personalities: Verónica Rodríguez, Pablo Mariño, and Diego Arrioja, who bring their unique perspectives and high energy to the show. Together, they will cover the latest sports headlines from around the world, provide expert analysis, engage in lively debates and welcome special guests, including athletes and sports experts, to enhance and elevate the conversation. Below are short bios and here’s a link to the press site: https://publicity.gettyimages.com/telemundo/elpelotazo
 

  • Verónica Rodríguez – knowledgeable and versatile Mexican sports journalist and anchor with more than 15 years of experience. A familiar face at Telemundo, Rodríguez serves as a host of Liga MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara pre- and post-game show, enhancing the network’s Liga MX offering with complete around the game coverage, analysis, special reports and exclusive interviews.
  • Pablo Mariño – seasoned and insightful Argentine sports journalist with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Mariño brings his deep sports knowledge and sharp analysis to the discussion having been a prominent voice in sports media serving as presenter and analyst for major networks in the U.S. and Latin America.
  • Diego Arrioja – experienced and dynamic Mexican sports journalist with over 14 years in the industry. Arrioja’s career spans multiple major sporting events, including three FIFA World Cups, NFL Super Bowls, and UEFA Euro, among others.


A NAME THAT SETS THE TONE

Like a pelotazo—the powerful strike of a ball—this show will deliver high-energy sports coverage infused with captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, feature innovative sports highlights, unconventional perspectives, and interactive segments that engage fans in fresh and unexpected ways. Notable segments include:


  • MINUTO DE FAMA: Celebrity guests share their passion for sports and discuss their favorite teams and moments.
  • !SE BUSCA!: A nostalgic look at legendary sports figures, tracking where they are now and what life looks like after the game.
  • MANO A MANO: Exclusive, never-before-heard stories from top athletes worldwide.


BOLD LOOK TO MATCH THE ENERGY

The show will debut with a look and branding designed specifically for El Pelotazo with cutting-edge technology and multiple vibrant positions that mirror the energy of the show. The set combines a bold brand with high-quality production to enhance the viewing experience with innovative graphics and immersive storytelling elements designed specifically for El Pelotazo. 

El Pelotazo is produced by Telemundo Deportes and will originate from its studio in Miami at Telemundo Center, a 500,000+ square-feet state-of-the-art production and broadcast facility second to none in the industry.

MULTIPLATFORM AND NATURALLY SOCIAL

El Pelotazo will extend beyond television with amplification of content, highlights and featured clips across social media platforms in real time and following its airing. In addition, due to its naturally social format, the show will integrate social media and encourage fan participation. Viewers can join the fun and follow the conversation on @TelemundoDeportes using #ElPelotazo and connect with the hosts @verolaguera, @diego__arrioja and @pablofmarino. 

Belleville, N.J. Native Max Correa Named Eighth Caldwell University Men’s Soccer Coach

Max Correa, a native of nearby Belleville, N.J., has been named the eighth Caldwell University Head Men’s Soccer Coach, it was announced today by Mark A. Corino, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Correa, most recently an assistant coach at Division I College of Charleston since 2021, succeeds Evan Marques, who resigned in December after three years at the helm.

Correa, a 2018 graduate of Drew University, was promoted in 2023 to assistant coach at Charleston after serving as director of operations & player development and volunteer assistant coach at the South Carolina school. In his most recent role, he had a hand in all facets of the Coastal Athletic Association program, responsible for scouting reports, Playertek Data, session planning, organizing camps, video, recruiting, on-field training and more. Previously, he was assistant coach at Wilkes (Pa.) University from 2019-2021.

Under his assistance, Charleston recorded a 10-6-2 season—its best since 2017—exceeding preseason projections and securing a fifth-place conference finish. He also coached multiple award-winning players, including the Co-Midfielder of the Year, two First Team All-Conference selections, and three All-Region honorees. His expertise in set-piece strategies contributed to 15 goals, accounting for 40% of the team’s total scoring.

During the Fall 2023 season, Correa helped Charleston achieve a 6-6-5 record, marking the program’s first non-losing season since 2017. Throughout his tenure, six players received postseason accolades, including the 2021 CAA Rookie of the Year. Prior to Charleston, Correa played a pivotal role at Wilkes University, where he helped secure the program’s first playoff victory since 2008 and its first winning record since 2013.

“The combination of Max’s experience in the sport, New Jersey connections, and demonstrated variety of skills and abilities made him a strong candidate,” said Corino. “It became even more apparent when we met him that he would be a good fit here, and we are pleased to welcome him to the Caldwell University family.”

Correa will have Caldwell Athletics administrator duties as well as his coaching responsibilities.

Correa enjoyed a standout playing career at Drew, where the team captain helped the Rangers to an NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen appearance, Landmark Conference championship and ECAC championship. The 2019 graduate finished third in school and second in Landmark history in assists (26). The economics major went on to earn his MBA at Wilkes and a Master coach Diploma from the University of Delaware.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Caldwell University,” said Correa. “I want to thank Mr. Corino and the Caldwell Athletics Department for this opportunity. This program has a strong foundation, and I look forward to building on the success that Coach Marques established while fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and growth for our student-athletes. I am eager to bring my experience and passion for the game to Caldwell and to help our players reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

His local ties run even deeper, as the Belleville, N.J. native was a four-year varsity player and three-year captain at Belleville High School. His extensive youth soccer coaching experience includes stints with the Montclair Soccer Club, Bound-brook based United Soccer Academy, and South Carolina Surf.

Max holds his USSF B License and Scottish FA UEFA C Diploma and is a Level 2 ISPAS Accredited Performance Analyst.

Westchester Soccer Club, MSG Networks Announce Broadcast Partnership for Inaugural Season

Westchester Soccer Club (WSC) today announced an exclusive broadcast rights partnership with MSG Networks for the club’s inaugural USL League One season. WSC will officially open their first season on March 8 in Greenville, SC against Greenville Triumph SC with their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park against Rhode Island SC on April 27.

“New York sports fans know that MSG Networks is the premier platform in the biggest U.S. market to find their favorite team, and we are honored to be part of their sports portfolio from day one as Westchester’s first home grown professional team,” said Westchester SC Principal owner Mitch Baruchowitz.

“We’re proud to be the home of the Westchester Soccer Club in their inaugural season,” said Armando Polanco, vice president, content distribution, MSG Networks. “Adding the Westchester SC to our robust lineup of live professional team coverage is a win for our passionate fan base.”

WSC’s matches will be available via multiple platforms, including MSG Network, MSG Sportsnet, and MSG+, MSG Networks’ direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming service (included in the Gotham Sports App). Broadcasters as well as the full broadcast schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

The club has been aggressively building its roster and leadership team and will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season. The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com.

USMNT player and local soccer legend Tyler Adams to Join Westchester SC Ownership Group

Westchester Soccer Club today announced 2022 U.S. Soccer Player of the year, U.S. Men’s National Captain and current AFC Bournemouth star Tyler Adams has joined the club’s ownership group. Adams, a Red Bulls Academy product and Dutchess County NY, native, will become one of the first active professional players to take an ownership stake in a professional club, and is expected to be involved with all aspects of Westchester SC business when the club begins play this March. Adams is the second active professional athlete to join the Westchester SC ownership group. Current New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor was and remains part of the originally announced core of owners.

“This is a special day not just for our club, but for all of soccer and sport in the region,” said Westchester SC Principal owner Mitch Baruchowitz. “To have not only an elite athlete who was starred on the biggest stage, but someone whose family is deeply connected to developmental soccer in the region proactively join us at this stage of his career in a leadership position speaks volumes as to what we are building. We welcome Tyler and his family and look forward to having them with us as we head toward our inaugural season and beyond. ”

“Westchester Soccer Club represents everything I value about the game—community, development, and opportunity,” said Adams. “Growing up in Dutchess County, I’ve seen firsthand how soccer can bring people together and inspire young players to dream big. Joining this ownership group is not only an honor but also an incredible chance to give back to the region that played such a huge role in my journey.”

Adams began his career playing for the NY Red Bulls II in 2015 and excelled for the senior team before making his way to play in Germany with RB Leipzig. He moved to Leeds United of the Barclays Premier League and currently stars for AFC Bournemouth in the same league. Adams has also been a centerpiece for the US Men’s National team since 2017, earning 42 caps and anchoring the team’s advance to the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup, where he was the youngest captain for the USMNT since 1950.

Adams’s connection to the USL and the local Westchester soccer community goes far beyond his playing roots. Tyler’s mother, Melissa Russo, would drive Tyler three hours round trip from Wappingers Falls during his Red Bulls Academy days and Adams and his stepfather, Darryl Sullivan, owns the local USL 2 team Hudson Valley Hammers, and Tyler’s stepbrothers, Dylan, Darryl Jr., and Donovan all shined for local soccer teams.

Initial discussions between Westchester SC and Darryl and Tyler focused on the importance of family, the unique bond that the Westchester region has to soccer and how much it unites the diverse and unique neighborhoods throughout Westchester. As talks progressed between the parties, Baruchowitz and Sporting Director Simon Baines grew excited at the prospect of bringing one of the region’s true soccer success stories and a family of local soccer prominence into the effort.

Westchester is set to open its League One Season on the road in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 8th and will host its inaugural home game April 27th, at Memorial Stadium in Mount Vernon against 2024 USL Championship finalists Rhode Island FC.

The club has been aggressively building its roster and leadership team, and will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season. The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/.

Westchester Soccer Club Adds Three More Players For Their Inaugural Season in USL League One

Westchester Soccer Club today added three more players to their roster for their inaugural season in USL League One. The three, midfielders Bryan Vazquez and Andrew Jean-Baptiste and defender Joel Johnson, join a growing mix of veterans and young, athletic talent as WSC readies to officially open their first season on March 8 in Greenville, SC against Greenville Triumph SC with their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park against Rhode Island SC on April 27. All three contracts are subject to approval by the league.

‘One of the key elements of our club will be making sure we have both depth and experience, and our latest three signees continue to add to both areas for us,’ said Simon Baines, Sporting Director of WSC. “All three will fit well into the structure we are creating.”

The three newest players include:

Andrew Jean-Baptiste (Brooklyn, NY) joins Westchester SC with over a decade of professional and international experience, most recently as center-back for Valour FC. Baptiste starred at the University of Connecticut, earning 2011 Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year before being selected 8th overall by the Portland Timbers in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. He played in MLS for Portland, Chivas USA, and the New York Red Bulls from 2012-2015, before heading abroad to join Swedish side Ettan Nyköpings BIS in 2016. In February 2019, Jean-Baptiste continued his European career until 2020, when he joined Canadian Premier League side Valour FC, where has played the past three seasons. Andrew has played internationally for both the Haitian National and US National teams in his career as well.

Joel Johnson Alajarín (Torrent, Valencia) is a right-back who spent the last eight seasons in USL League One, most recently for Charlotte Independence last season. Prior to his USL time, Johnson played on virtually every level of professional soccer in Spain, coming up through the club system of Valencia FC before joining Real Madrid C and then with Real Jaénand CD Buñol. He has also played internationally as a member of the Liberian National team since 2016.

Bryan Vazquez officially joins the professional ranks with the club having previously made one appearance as an amateur signing for FC Cincinnati 2 of MLS NEXT Pro during the 2024 season. The 18-year-old midfielder has previously made two appearances for the El Salvador U-20 Men’s National Team at the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship.

These are the newest additions to a roster that already include a strong group of Americans with USL experience, including: wing back Kemar Lawrence, fullback Samory Powder, midfielder Conor McGlynn and defender Stephen Payne and a trio of Dutch natives in midfielders Daniel Bouman, Dean Diego Guezen and striker Koen Blommestijn

The club will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season this coming April. The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/

Westchester Soccer Club Announces First Three International Signings For Their Inaugural Season in USL League One


Westchester Soccer Club today announced their first three international signees for their inaugural season in USL League One, Dutch natives Daniel Bouman, Dean Diego Guezen and Koen Blommestijn. The three join a growing core of young, established veterans as WSC readies to officially open their first season on March 8 in Greenville, SC against Greenville Triumph SC with their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park against Rhode Island SC on April 27. All three contracts are subject to approval by the league.

‘We continue to look for young, athletic professionals who will be able to play at the highest level in the system we are building, and these three…Daniel, Dean and Koen…are great fits for our plan,’ said Simon Baines, Sporting Director of WSC. “Their knowledge of the game and their level of professionalism will complement the players with USL experience we have already signed, and should fit well in what is quickly becoming a very talented roster.”

The three internationals include:

Central midfielder and former Australian youth international Daniel Bouman (Blaricum, The Netherlands), who brings significant experience from his time in Australia’s highest division, the A-league, as well as time spent in second league Greece and Australia’s NSW, where his club was crowned champions. Most notably, the FC Groningen youth product was a mainstay with Australia’s U23 side, registering 8 caps and 2 goals. Bouman holds both Australian and Dutch citizenship.

Midfielder Dean Diego Guezen (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) has logged professional seasons with Polish I liga club Zagłębie Sosnowiec, PEC Zwolle and TOP Oss and will be making his North American debut with Westchester SC. The 26 year old played in the youth departments of AFC, Ajax, ASV De Dijk and IVV before returning to AFC and subsequently moving to Feyenoord before beginning his professional career in 2020.

Striker Koen Blommestijn (Amstelveen, The Netherlands) Koen Blommestijn played in the youth teams of Legmeervogels , SV Argon , ASC Waterwijk and FC Almere before joining the amateur division of AFC Ajax in July 2019. He made his professional debut in February 2022 for FC Volendam, and has played professionally for Telstar, Quick Boys, and again last season for FC Volendam.

These are the newest additions to a roster that already include a strong group of Americans with USL experience, including: wing back Kemar Lawrence, fullback Samory Powder, midfielder Conor McGlynn and defender Stephen Payne.

The club will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season this coming April. The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/

Toyota Celebrates National Soccer Day with Continuation of ‘La Pelota Nos Mueve’ Initiative

To continue its efforts around soccer in the community, Toyota partnered with For Soccer, the leading independent media and experiences company focused on the growth and long-term development of American soccer, on two local youth soccer club donations in the cities of Fort Worth, Texas and Los Angeles, California. These donations form part of Toyota’s ongoing commitment to the sport and to cultivating a culture of mobility through sports in communities throughout the United States.

“La Pelota Nos Mueve“, an initiative started last year, formed part of Toyota’s efforts during the Concacaf Gold Cup as an ongoing effort to support local soccer clubs nationwide. A special focus is given to girls as it aims to empower Latina girls, a group often overlooked in the predominantly suburban and costly pay-to-play soccer system in the U.S.

Toyota provided two youth soccer clubs in Los Angeles, California and Fort Worth, Texas, with donations of soccer equipment to support both the players and coaches. The two groups, Downtown LA Soccer Club (DTLA) and Monterrey Rayados, respectively, were selected for their specific focus on supporting girls of all ages. Both clubs provide not just the space to play but also the financial support through uniforms and scholarships to ensure financial barriers do not stop them from participating. Additionally, the Rayados soccer club fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming children with autism and training coaches to work with special needs children, who then help educate all their players on the importance of creating a supportive atmosphere where they can better understand and accept all individuals.

To date, five soccer clubs have received donations from Toyota: Garland Tigres (Dallas, Texas), Las Vegas Diversity FC (Las Vegas, Nevada), KSA del Deporte (Los Angeles, Calif.), Monterrey Rayados (Forth Worth, Texas), and Downtown LA Soccer Club (Los Angeles, Calif.).

This initiative will be showcased on Toyota Latino social media channels on July 28, 2024, in celebration of National Soccer Day.

Toyota has been involved in the beautiful game for more than a decade, through partnerships with organizations like Concacaf’s Gold Cup and this year’s inaugural W Gold Cup and community soccer groups like Alianza de Futbol. The community initiative has been active this past year, from taking kids from soccer clubs to tournament games to providing a donation of important equipment making it possible for kids and coaches to continue playing soccer.

NYC Footy Hosts Inaugural “Cup of Dreams” Soccer Tournament on July 27th

NYC Footy, the nation’s largest adult recreational soccer league, is thrilled to announce the inaugural “Cup of Dreams” tournament set to take place on July 27th, 2024 at the American Dream Mall in Rutherford, New Jersey. This exciting event promises to bring together soccer enthusiasts from across the city for a day of intense competition, community spirit, and celebration.

The tournament will feature teams from all over, competing in a series of matches to claim the coveted Cup of Dreams trophy. As the world comes out of the Euro Cup and Copa America tournaments and eagerly anticipates more soccer at the Paris Olympics, NYC Footy is proud to create a local stage where amateur players can showcase their skills and passion for the beautiful game. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of soccer while celebrating the sport’s global significance during this Olympic season.

To cap off the day’s events, NYC Footy invites all participants and spectators to an exclusive after-party at Marcus Samuelsson’s renowned Marcus Live! Bar and Grille inside the American Dream Mall. Marcus Live! is the perfect venue to unwind, socialize, and celebrate the day’s achievements. Guests will enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks in an atmosphere that perfectly embodies the vibrant culture of New York City and the power of soccer in creating global connections.

“We are incredibly excited to launch the Cup of Dreams tournament,” said NYC Footy’s founder Tarek Pertew. “This event is not just about soccer; it’s about bringing people together, fostering community, and celebrating the joy of the sport. With the Paris Olympics as a backdrop, and the future World Cup Final happening next door, we hope to inspire players and fans alike to embrace the spirit of competition and camaraderie.”

Registration for the Cup of Dreams tournament is now open, and spaces are limited. Teams and individuals interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this highly anticipated event.

For more information about the Cup of Dreams tournament, including registration details and the full schedule of events, please visit The Cup of Dreams website.