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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Dec. 31, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed Albanian defender Vangjel Zguro to its USL League One team. Zguro will join the club for its 2019 Inaugural Season from Albanian Superliga’s FK Kukësi, pending league and federation approval.

Zguro joined FK Kukësi in June of the 2018 season, appearing in 16 matches for the  club. With Kukësi, Zguro appeared in two UEFA Champions League qualifying matches and in one Europa League qualifying match. According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, this experience makes him a valuable piece to the Red Wolves roster. 

“As a left back, Vangjel is very technical and likes to get in on the attack,” said Hankinson. “For a player his age, he has great top tier, division one experience and versatility—his creativity and playmaking will be exciting to watch.” 

Prior to his stint with FK Kukësi, Zguro spent a season with FC Kamza, another Albanian Superliga club. During that time, he appeared in 16 games, logged nearly 1,400 minutes played and added one goal. During the 2016-17 season, Zguro rostered with FC Luftëtari. The left back appeared in 24 matches, logged 1,868 minutes played and added one assist. He joined KF Korabi for the 2015-16 season, appearing in 10 matches. 

Throughout his career, Zguro has rostered with four Albanian Superliga clubs, making a total of 61 appearances, logging 4,839 minutes played, adding one goal and three assists in the country’s top tier division of competition. He has participated in the Albanian Football Cup, Kupa e Shqipërisë, on four separate occasions.

“I’m really happy to join Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s debut,” said Zguro. “The city of Chattanooga is beautiful, and I know I made the right decision signing with the Red Wolves. I would like to thank the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.” 

Before he began his Albanian Superliga run, Zguro spent six years playing for clubs in the Albanian First Division, the second level of professional football in Albania. He joins the Red Wolves roster as the twelfth player signing for the club. Other signees include Sito Seoane, Colin Falvey and Steven Beattie.  

The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time. 

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit www.chattredwolves.com. 

What does it mean to be a member of the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history?

It’s a great feeling to be part of the team from the beginning and also a good challenge as a professional to help the team achieve all the goals in the coming year. I’m excited and hungry as I’ve always been, and I’m looking forward to the first game of the season and especially for the home opener on April 6. 

How would you describe your style of play?

I’d consider my style of play passionate, energetic and opportunistic. I’m always looking to help my team with hard work and always looking to score or assist. I like to create chances for the team and bring a lot of energy to the game. But the best word I’d say to describe my game is “passionate.”

When did you know soccer was what you wanted to pursue? Did you always want to be a professional footballer?

I always wanted to be a professional player and make a living out of it. The opportunity came up when I was 19 when I started playing soccer for a living. But years before that I knew it was what I wanted to achieve.

Is there an iconic player that you’ve looked up to throughout your career?

A player from the modern era I’d say David Villar or David Silva. And from my younger years a player called Fran—he used to play for Deportivo de La Coruña, and he was always a player I looked up to growing up.

What made a move to Chattanooga the right one for you at this point in your career?

It was an easy decision considering the interest from the team since the first moment we started talking. The team is headed in the right direction to have success and to have a chance of winning tittles, and that’s always something that I’m interested in being a part of. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is an organization with ambition, and the team that is being built is great.

With 2019 being USL League One’s debut season, what are you most excited about? What are your expectations for the 2019 season?

I’m excited to begin the regular season in March, but I’d say the home opener in front of our fans on April. As far as expectations go, I’m the type of player that likes to take one game at a time and go from there. And always put the effort to win every game. 

How are you prepping for your time here?

My preparation combines working out and also resting in the right way . That way I’ll make sure I’m ready for preseason and then the season. USL is a league that demands a lot from the players, so we have to be smart in preparing for the season .

You played for USL Championship’s Ottawa Fury FC—are you excited about returning to the USL?

Yes, I’m really excited to play USL and to be back in North America. Soccer is growing in the right direction and this is beneficial for not only for players but also for teams. I love how the media coverage is and how the players are treated really well—the environment is the proper one to give it your all.

What makes USL competition different?

I’d say the professionalism that there is around the league. Teams give everything to the player to just focus on the field work, and that’s something that North American soccer is ahead of many countries in other parts of the world.

You made history with Ottawa during the 2017 season, scoring the fastest goal in Fury FC history in just 38 seconds. Describe that experience.

It was a great moment because as a team we really needed it to make an immediate impact in that game, and after that match the dynamic of the team completely changed and we had two prolific months of winning matches. It was a quick play, and I was at the right spot to take over possession, go to the goal and score an important goal in Edmonton. It’s always an amazing feeling to help the team to get a win. 

You’ve spent three seasons playing in Iceland. In fact, you’re arriving from Iceland Premiere League’s UMF Grindavík—how is play different in Iceland?

I’d say what defines better Icelandic soccer is that it’s really physical and defensive. In fact it’s known as the “Italy of the North.” They focus a lot on those points and also in the tactical aspect of the game. 

What did you enjoy most about playing there?

I loved the passion they have for the game—it truly is all about the game and the passion shown every day is one of the best things I got to experience there in my three seasons competing in the Icelandic Premier League. 

In your opinion, how important is international experience to a player’s development?

I think it’s really important in the development stage and also in the career of a player. I consider that we as players have to learn and develop no matter the age. Growing up and playing overseas has taught me to be dedicated and passionate about the game and to be always a professional— to always act in that manner in order to be an example for others, including younger players.

Favorite pregame song?

My favorite pregame song I’d say anything related to Reggaeton such as Despacito or any song related to that style.

What are you most looking forward to about living in Chattanooga?

I’m really looking forward to getting to know the city and its people and culture. I’ve heard great things about it, and I’m ready to arrive and get started. 

What is your favorite thing about your hometown Coruna, Spain?

It’s hard to just pick one good thing about my hometown, but if I have to choose, I’d say the landscape—the beautiful beaches combined with mountains and the fresh air you can breathe in La Coruña. Another thing I’d like to mention is the cuisine here.

Favorite historic soccer moment?

My favorite moment I’d say is wining the National Championship with Austin Aztex in 2013. It was a great season and the level of players and coaches (P. Dalglish and Manuel Buentello) was a really good environment for us to win it. 

Sito is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season. Keep up with Sito on Twitter and Instagram.  

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Dec. 19, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed American-born Spanish forward Sito Seoane to its USL League One team. Seoane will join the franchise for its inaugural season in 2019 from Iceland Premiere League’s UMF Grindavík, pending league and federation approval.

Seoane joined Grindavík in May of the 2018 season, appearing in 17 matches and adding five goals. According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, his playing style fills a gap for the Red Wolves roster. 

“Sito’s versatility playing as a second forward, being a threat to goal, or a wing midfielder, using offensive instincts and creating opportunities, will be a tremendous asset for us,” said Hankinson. “He has great USL experience and makes an important addition to our roster.” 

Prior to his stint with Grindavík, Seoane spent a season and a half with USL Championship’s Ottawa Fury FC. During that time, he appeared in 31 games, logged nearly 1,500 minutes played and added eight goals. He made history during the 2017 season, scoring the fastest goal in Fury FC history. Seoane put the ball in the back of the net in just 38 seconds during Fury FC’s Canadian Championship match against FC Edmonton. This strike also clocks in as the second fastest in the history of the Canadian Championship.

“I’m really excited to join the team and play a role in the club’s growth from the beginning,” said Seoane. “It’s a great opportunity for me to improve not only as a player but also as a person while we fight to bring home a championship. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a great organization with great staff and roster. The decision to move to Chattanooga was an easy one for me—I’m looking forward to meeting the fans and getting to know the city of Chattanooga.” 

From 2015-2017, Seoane had a two-year stint with teams in the Iceland Premier League, scoring 16 goals in 44 appearances. Prior to that, he rostered with USL League Two’s Austin Aztex for two seasons. He led the club to win the 2013 USL PDL Championship with nine goals and four assists and was named the playoff and championship game MVP.

He joins the Red Wolves roster as the eleventh player signing for the club. Other signees include Richard Dixon, Colin Falvey and Steven Beattie.  

The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time. 

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit www.chattredwolves.com. 

What does it mean to be a member of the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history?

I feel extremely privileged to be named to the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history. There is a huge love and passion for the beautiful game in this community, and I know that the Red Wolves will be a top club so I’m extremely honored to help them build a soccer powerhouse.

How would you describe your style of play?

Well, throughout my career I’ve been described as an attacking fullback—I really enjoy keeping the ball and going forward.

As an outside back, do you have a hard defensive mindset, the urge to get forward or a little mix of both?

As an outside back, I enjoy both sides of the game. My main job is to win all my defensive battles and help the rest of my teammates win theirs. However, whenever my team is in possession of the ball, I do enjoy getting forward to give my teammates another option to create chances.

When did you know soccer was what you wanted to pursue? Did you always want to be a professional footballer?

Growing up, I always played soccer along with cricket and track and field. When I was 12 years old I met a coach at my high school (we start high school at 7th grade in Jamaica) who in one session thought me more than I had already learned my entire life. It was that day that I fell in love with the game and decided that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

Is there an iconic player that you’ve looked up to throughout your career?

In my early years I really admired Michael Essien. His work ethic, versatility and humility are traits that I could identify with.

What made a move to Chattanooga the right one for you at this point in your career?

I’ve been hearing about Chattanooga and how huge soccer is in the community for some time now. My mentor, Bill Elliot has been coaching the amateur team for a few years now, and I have two friends who know me well that moved here early last year. They had nothing but great things to say about the place and the people. After a visit at the end of my season and a few conversations with Sean and Coach Hankinson, I knew it was the place for me as both philosophies and ambitions aligned.

With 2019 being USL League One’s debut season, what are you most excited about? What are your expectations for the 2019 season?

I’m just excited to get going, to start something new, something great, to bring an entertaining brand of soccer to the fans. I’m looking forward to seeing all the young talent that the league will help to grow and push to further heights. I think everyone, clubs and fans alike, will be pleasantly surprised with the quality of play in 2019. It is going to be great!

How are you prepping for your time here?

For right now I am spending time with family and starting the first phase of my off-season training program. The plan is to steadily progress, so I can come into Chattanooga firing on all cylinders for the 2019 season.

You’re arriving from USL Championship’s OKC Energy FC, where you’ve spent the past two seasons. In fact, you’ve actually spent the past five seasons with teams in the USL—what makes USL competition different?

The USL is unique because it’s so competitive. There are so many quality players in the league every season. Any team can beat any team on any given day.

Favorite pregame song?

I really don’t have a favorite pregame song to be honest, I sort of just feed off my teammates’ energy going into a match. If there is no energy, then I try my best to bring it.

What are you most looking forward to about living in the “Scenic City?”

I’m really looking to enjoy the outdoors—I’ve heard so much about it. Fishing, hiking, swimming—I’m looking forward to all of it!

What is your favorite thing about your native Jamaica?

I love everything about Jamaica. The people, the food, the love, my family, all of it!

Favorite historic soccer moment?

My favorite historic soccer moment is scoring the winning goal in the conference final my freshman year at University of West Florida.

Richard is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season. Keep up with Richard on Twitter and Instagram.  

What does it mean to be on the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history?

It means everything. It’s a chance for the team to make history as the first ever roster for the Red Wolves. 

How would you describe your style of play?

I’m very offensive-minded. I like to get up and down the pitch and try to get assists and score. I really like how Marcelo plays—I try to play like him.

When did you know soccer was what you wanted to pursue? Did you always want to be a professional footballer?

Yes—ever since I was like five or six I would go watch my dad play and bring a soccer ball with me. I’m lucky to be living a dream.

Is there an iconic player that you’ve looked up to throughout your career?

For my position, Marcelo from Real Madrid is my favorite.

What made a move to Chattanooga the right one for you at this point of your career?

Because Chattanooga has shown genuine interest in me and have shown me they value me and like how I play soccer. I’m super excited to play for such an awesome city.

With 2019 being USL League One’s debut season, what are you most excited about? What are your expectations for the 2019 season?

Championship. It’s really that simple. I wanna win the 2019 championship.

How are you prepping for your time here?

I am training everyday to come into preseason fit and ready.

You’re arriving from FC Golden State where you’ve spent the past season. What has your time there meant to you?

It’s an awesome organization that really helps you stay fit and play at a high level.

You helped lead your team to the U.S. Open Cup, ultimately losing to LA Galaxy of the MLS 4-2 in the fourth round. FC Golden State was the furthest amateur team to advance—what was that experience like?

It was pretty awesome—it almost felt like we were playing like a USL team.

Favorite pregame song?

Robbie Williams – Feel

You’ve previously played for USL Championship’s Real Monarchs SLC—are you excited to be returning to USL competition? What makes it different?

I’m super excited to be back in the USL. Real Monarchs is a great organization, and I thank them for being my first pro club. But now it’s time to give my all for Chattanooga!

You held a stint with Germany’s FCA04 Darmstadt during the 2016-17 season—in your opinion, what value does international playing experience bring to a player’s development?

No matter where you play, it’s a whole new (and different) style of the game to pick up on. It’s a bit more pressure, playing for promotion and relegation—it makes you value training more and work harder.

Favorite historic soccer moment?

My professional debut vs. Sacramento Republic FC when I was 17 years old with Chivas USA, a former MLS team. It was unforgettable. 

Jonathan is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season. Keep up with Jonathan on Twitter and Instagram.  

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Dec. 13, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed Brazilian midfielder Ualefi Rodrigues dos Reis to its USL League One team. Ualefi will join the club for its 2019 Inaugural Season from Brazil’s Barretos Esporte Clube, pending league and federation approval.

Ualefi rostered with Barretos EC for the 2017-18 season. A vital player for Barretos, he made an appearance in every match, adding nine assists and contributing to big wins for the club, including a 2-0 victory against rival Monte Azul. According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, the midfielder will be a great asset for the Red Wolves. 

“As a defensive midfielder, Ualefi is a ball winner. Offensively, he controls the tempo of the game and facilitates possession seamlessly,” said Hankinson. “He has an innate ability to open up the game with long diagonal passes. Overall, he makes a great addition to our midfield.”

Prior to joining Barretos EC, Ualefi rostered with USL Championship’s Swope Park Rangers for two seasons. In 2016, Ualefi was the only player to start every regular season match during the 2016 season, adding four assists and placing second on the team in minutes played with a total of 2,511. He started in the USL Cup Playoffs opener against LA Galaxy II in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, recording an assist on the third goal of the 3-0 victory. Ualefi made his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut with Sporting Kansas City as a substitute at Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the CONCACAF Champions League on Aug. 23 before starting against the same opponent on Sept. 13. 

The Sao Paulo native spent his early career in his native Brazil, joining Corinthians Academy in 2007 and advancing through the ranks to join the senior team in 2012. In 2012, he spent time with Flamengo’s Academy before returning to Corinthians in 2013. While with Corinthians, he won the 2011 IX Copa Ouro and Mundialito de Clubes Under-17 tournaments. The team was also victorious in the 2012 Copa Sao Paulo de Juniores. 

“First, I want to thank Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for this opportunity that the club is offering me,” said dos Reis. “Everyone can expect a lot of effort to achieve our goals of winning. I am anxious for the work to begin and to bring joy to the city and to all who support us. See you soon, Chattanooga!”

He joins the Red Wolves roster as the tenth player signing for the club. Other signees include Greg Hartley, Éamon Zayed and Steven Beattie. 

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit www.chattredwolves.com. 

About USL League One

USL League One is shaping the future of the game in the United States, uniting passionate fans in new markets with the thrill of a proven professional soccer experience. League One submitted its sanctioning application to the U.S. Soccer Federation on Aug. 14. South Georgia Tormenta FC, FC Tucson, Greenville Triumph SC, Forward Madison FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Toronto FC II, Orlando City B, Lansing Ignite FC, North Texas SC and the Richmond Kickers have been revealed as teams set to compete in the inaugural 2019 season.

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The youngest members of the community are bringing the Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club mascot to life through artwork. Elementary and middle school students throughout the greater Chattanooga region are participating in the “Draw Your Mascot” competition.

“Building Chattanooga’s professional soccer team is very much a community effort, which is why we love having students submit their creations to the ‘Draw Your Mascot’ competition,” said Sean McDaniel, club president and general manager. “Our community helped source the name, and now, through art, our youth are helping visualize a mascot that they connect with, that will provide entertainment and that will energize fans for years to come.”

Throughout the fall semester, students have been submitting artwork that represents Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. One student’s creation will be picked to help inform design of the mascot.

There will be first, second and third place winners chosen from elementary school grades and middle school grades (six prizes total).

• First place: The winning student will win a pre-game meet-and-greet with the team, official t-shirt, ticket* and meal voucher for a home game for his or her entire classroom. 
• Second place: The second place winner and his or her classroom will receive t-shirts, tickets* and meal vouchers to a home game.
• Third place: The third place winner will win free ticket* and meal vouchers for his or her classroom.

*A ticket will also be provided to a parent or guardian, who can accompany the student to the game.

Submissions are due by Friday, Dec. 14. 

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About USL League One

USL League One is shaping the future of the game in the United States, uniting passionate fans in new markets with the thrill of a proven professional soccer experience. League One submitted its sanctioning application to the U.S. Soccer Federation on Aug. 14. South Georgia Tormenta FC, FC Tucson, Greenville Triumph SC, Forward Madison FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Toronto FC II, Orlando City B, Lansing Ignite FC, North Texas SC and the Richmond Kickers have been revealed as teams set to compete in the inaugural 2019 season.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Dec. 11, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has announced TransCard as the first official primary kit sponsor of its USL League One team. The Chattanooga-based software company inked a three-year deal with the club, beginning in its 2019 inaugural season. 

“When seeking our official jersey sponsor, we searched for an innovative, local company with a vision that aligned with ours,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Team Owner Bob Martino. “TransCard was a natural fit. They are leaders in their industry, show a deep care and understanding for our community and share the same excitement for the future of soccer in Chattanooga. This is only the beginning of a historic and valuable partnership.” 

Founded in 2012, TransCard provides a third-party payment software for companies and corporations to pay employees and hand out customer rebates and disbursements while simultaneously reducing regulatory, time and cost burdens for organizations leveraging the technology. Designed with both the customer and the end payment recipient in mind, TransCard’s proprietary platform greatly simplifies the distribution of money by offering such features as configurable workflows, streamlined processes for the payer and robust options for the payee. 

“Our team knew immediately that we wanted to be a part of this new venture with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC,” said TransCard President Chris Fuller. “It’s exciting to share our support with our local community, our customers and those around our region who are passionate fans of the game. Bob Martino and his team are building a strong organization based on their admiration for Chattanooga and the sport, and we are thrilled for this partnership and what’s to come.” 

TransCard’s logo will be featured across the front of the home and away kits worn by Chattanooga Red Wolves SC players and fans under the three-year agreement, garnering local, regional and even national exposure through USL’s official broadcast streaming service, ESPN+. The inaugural season kit design will be unveiled at an event in advance of the season kickoff in 2019.

“We are proud to have TransCard as our flagship kit sponsor,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC President and General Manager Sean McDaniel. “TransCard and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC represent what makes Chattanooga special, such as commitment to community, and innovation. Partnering with such a forward-thinking company as TransCard is another step for our franchise putting our stamp on the future of soccer in Chattanooga.”

The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time.

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit www.chattredwolves.com. 

About TransCard

Chattanooga, Tenn.-based TransCard is a leading technology provider of innovative account-based payment solutions. Founded in 2012, TransCard offers a SaaS funds disbursement and management platform that eliminates regulatory, time and cost burdens for payers while providing payees with a wide range of secure, self-service options for receiving their money. For more information, call (423) 553-5200 or visit www.transcard.com. 

About USL League One

USL League One is shaping the future of the game in the United States, uniting passionate fans in new markets with the thrill of a proven professional soccer experience. League One submitted its sanctioning application to the U.S. Soccer Federation on August 14. South Georgia Tormenta FC, FC Tucson, Greenville Triumph SC, a Madison-based team, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Toronto FC II, Orlando City B and the Richmond Kickers have been revealed as teams set to compete in the inaugural 2019 season. The remaining teams will be announced in the coming weeks as well as the league’s official competition structure.

TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One today announced the home openers for its inaugural 2019 regular season, with 10 teams set to play 28 games each from March 29-Oct. 6 before the League One Playoffs kick off the weekend of Oct. 11-13.

South Georgia Tormenta FC, the league’s first founding member, will host Greenville Triumph SC at 7 p.m. ET from Erk Russell Park in Statesboro, Georgia, for the league’s first game on March 29.

“It’s going to be an absolutely electric atmosphere,” said USL League One Senior Vice President Steven Short. “Not only is it the inaugural match in USL League One history, but also the first professional soccer match ever played in Statesboro, Georgia. This will be a moment that soccer fans throughout the region look back on with great memories – a day that will be talked about for years and generations to come. We’re all looking forward to March 29.”

The opening weekend of the season will also see North Texas SC play host to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, the Richmond Kickers welcome Lansing Ignite FC to City Stadium, and FC Tucson visit Orlando City B on Saturday, March 30.

The Triumph’s home opener features in the second weekend of the regular season as it hosts Lansing Ignite FC at 7 p.m. ET from Legacy Early College on April 6, while on the same night Chattanooga Red Wolves SC will host Forward Madison FC for its inaugural home opener.

The entire 2019 League One regular-season schedule will be released next week. The 2019 campaign will conclude the weekend of Oct. 4-6, and the playoffs will consist of four teams, with the final match of the postseason set to take place from Oct. 17-21.

HOME OPENERS (Kickoff times subject to change; all times local)
South Georgia Tormenta FC vs. Greenville Triumph SC, March 29 – 7 p.m.
North Texas SC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, March 30 – 7 p.m.
Orlando City B vs. FC Tucson, March 30 – 7:30 p.m.
Richmond Kickers vs. Lansing Ignite, March 30 – 5 p.m.
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC vs. Forward Madison FC, April 6 – 7 p.m.
Greenville Triumph SC vs. Lansing Ignite FC, April 6 – 7 p.m.
FC Tucson vs. Toronto FC II, April 13 – 7:30 p.m.
Lansing Ignite FC vs. Richmond Kickers, April 13 – 7 p.m.
Forward Madison FC vs. Greenville Triumph SC, April 27 – 7 p.m.
Toronto FC II vs. FC Tucson, May 24 – 4 p.m.

About USL League One
USL League One is shaping the future of the game in the United States, uniting passionate fans in new markets with the thrill of a proven professional soccer experience. League One submitted its sanctioning application to the U.S. Soccer Federation on Aug. 14. South Georgia Tormenta FC, FC Tucson, Greenville Triumph SC, Forward Madison FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Toronto FC II, Orlando City B, Lansing Ignite FC, North Texas SC and the Richmond Kickers have been revealed as teams set to compete in the inaugural 2019 season.