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Saint Louis FC, Louisville City FC’s season-opening opponent, this week announced a contract extension for its 2016 leading scorer. But Irvin Herrera won’t suit up in the Kings’ Cup rivalry game March 25 at Louisville Slugger Field, as he’s been loaned to defending North American Soccer League champion New York Cosmos.

Herrera, who will also compete for his home El Salvador in the Gold Cup, is under control by Saint Louis FC for 2018 as well.

“This opportunity allows us the roster flexibility to continue and build toward our goals here in the 2017 USL season,” said STLFC General Manager Jeremy Alumbaugh. “The direction of the team is starting to take shape, and this move will allow us to continue in that direction.”

Herrera joined Saint Louis FC in 2016 and went on to score 14 goals in 26 appearances. He has also made 13 appearances and scored 2 goals for El Salvador’s national team, which is vying to qualify for the upcoming World Cup.

Independence announce new stadium

The Charlotte Independence announced the team will play its final 12 league games — including an Aug. 12 matchup against LouCity — at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Charlotte previously played at the Ramblewood Soccer Complex.

The new Mecklenburg County facility includes a high-definition video board and a pair of roofed picnic pavilions. It’s also located near local bars, restaurants and shopping centers.

“With the Sportsplex at Matthews, Mecklenburg County has created a first-class facility that is reminiscent of the beautiful Disney Sports fields I used to market in Orlando,” said Michael Behrman, COO of the Charlotte Independence. 

“I love it,” added Coach Mike Jeffries. “Because of the way the stadium is set up, I think there is so much potential to make it a great venue and a place we can call home for a while, in addition to having some success there.”

Kickers talk on rising competition

The Richmond Kickers are one of two clubs to have reached the USL Cup Playoffs in every season of the league’s history, but Coach Leigh Cowlishaw believes the upcoming season will see that record tested.

“I think it’s very possibly going to be our most challenging season [competitively],” Cowlishaw told the Richmond Times this week. “Making it to the playoffs is always our objective. But frankly, it will be a massive achievement if we’re able to make it this year.”

Cowlishaw believes fans will also see a raised level of competition on the field with USL newcomers Ottawa Fury FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Saint Louis FC and its new coach, Preki, are also returning to the Eastern Conference.

“The days of easy games and easy points are gone — probably forever. Now we’re going to be seeing excellent coaches and very talented players every night,” Cowlishaw told the Times. “[It’s] going to be challenging like never before. We’re going to have to not only play but also train at the highest level possible. And we’re going to have to do it on a daily basis.”

Fury sign UNC’s Hume

USL newcomer Ottawa Fury FC announced the signing of 6-foot-5 forward Tucker Hume to his first professional contract this week after a college career with the University of North Carolina.

Hume totaled 18 goals and 9 assists in more than 40 appearances for the Tar Heels. 

“I’ve worked with Tucker before, and he scored huge goals for me when I was in the PDL,” said Ottawa Coach and General Manager Paul Dalglish. “He did the same throughout his college career. He always came up big in key moments. He’s a big target striker with a good habit of scoring goals at a key time and he has the type of character we want in our squad.”

During his collegiate career, Hume played 77 games between Division II Rollins College (2013-2014) and UNC (2015-2016). His time with the Tar Heels included a trip to the NCAA’s College Cup.

Islanders extend contract for Thomas

The Harrisburg City Islanders announced this week that they’ve exercised a contract option on defender Jamie Thomas for the 2017 season. Thomas joined the City Islanders in 2016, at one point playing the full 90 minutes in 10 straight games.

The St. John’s University product earned All-Big East Second Team honors in 2011. Thomas made 80 appearances in his college career before turning professional with the New York Red Bulls II two seasons ago.

Steel select forward Moar

Bethlehem Steel FC added 2016 PDL All-Eastern Conference selection Santi Moar to their roster for the upcoming season following his selection by the Philadelphia Union in the recent MLS SuperDraft.

Moar, picked 82nd overall, was the first of the Union’s draft selections to sign with the organization. A 23-year-old forward, he starred for Division II power Pfeiffer the last two years. Moar registered 24 goals and 33 assists. Pfeiffer went 25-0 and won a national championship in 2015.

Louisville City FC players and members of the front office will be on hand Feb. 11 to support the Louisville Legends as the town’s Premier Arena Soccer League team hosts the Chicago Mustangs.

“LouCity Night with the Legends” will include opportunities for autographs and pictures ahead of the pro club’s third season, which kicks off in March. Confirmed to attend so far are midfielders George Davis IV, Mark-Anthony Kaye and Guy Abend as well as defender Kyle Smith and goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski.

The indoor game is scheduled for 8 p.m. on the Legends’ home turf at King Louie’s Sports Complex, 600 N. English Station Road. Admission is $5, while kids 12 and younger get in for free.

The Legends, whose club restarted this season after a hiatus, competed against Chicago in the 2013-2014 U.S. Open Cup for Arena Soccer. They finished third overall as the Mustangs went on to win the title.

Keith O’Loane, a regular contributor to LouCity’s weekly soccer radio show on 790 WKRD, has coached the Legends to a 2-3 start to the season.

“Crowd support has been pretty darn good for being a semi-professional indoor team,” O’Loane said. “To have some of the guys from Louisville City FC show up and let people know soccer is supported in town will be really big. Our players really seem to respond the more people we have there.”

LouCity ticket representatives and merchandise will be included in the Legends night. Season ticket holders are eligible for their regular discounted rate on team gear.

Ticket packages remain on sale for the 2017 United Soccer League season starting at just $180 for all 16 home games at Slugger Field. Call (502) 384-8799, email tickets@louisvillecityfc.com or purchase them at the Legends game to cheer on Louisville’s most exciting pro sports team.

Louisville City FC on Wednesday launched a season ticket program making access to the state’s only professional soccer games affordable for college students in 2017.

Those currently enrolled in college are eligible for a $50 season ticket by using the promo code “student” along with their .edu email address at the time of purchase. Students can also redeem by presenting a valid college ID at the LouCity front office, 127 S. 6th Street, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

The $50 deal is good for tickets to all 16 of LouCity’s United Soccer League home games at Louisville Slugger Field — about a $3 per-game rate. Click here to buy, with one ticket available per university email.

“We noticed a significant interest in Louisville City FC games from college students when we offered discounted tickets to the playoffs last year, and now we’re excited to launch an affordable season-long package for them,” said Dave Walkovic, LouCity’s director of ticket sales. “This is a great opportunity for us to engage large group of people around the region that we feel can add to an already great atmosphere at Slugger Field.”

LouCity’s schedule released this week features a March 25 opener against Saint Louis FC, while FC Cincinnati visits twice in 2017. The defending USL champion New York Red Bulls II play at Slugger Field on July 29.

Student season ticket holders will be placed in LouCity’s Supporter Zone, a general admission section that positions the club’s rowdiest fans directly behind the goal at Slugger.

The student rate also grants buyers most normal season ticket holder benefits: discounted team gear, access to exclusive club events and first opportunity to purchase tickets to playoff and exhibition games. Obtaining a LouCity season ticket holder scarf costs just $10 extra.

College students who have already purchased 2017 season tickets at full price can email  Walkovic at dwalkovic@louisvillecityfc.com to be refunded the difference in cost.

Louisville City FC is fewer than two months away from kicking off its 2017 regular season, which will consist of 32 games announced Tuesday by the United Soccer League — 16 dates at Louisville Slugger Field and 16 more on the road.

After opening March 25 against Saint Louis FC, the rest of LouCity’s home slate is highlighted by a pair of visits from rival FC Cincinnati on July 15 and Aug. 12. The defending USL champion New York Red Bulls II come to Louisville on July 29, and an extended regular season closes with home matchups against the Charlotte Independence on Oct. 7 and Richmond Kickers on Oct. 14.

All LouCity home games, with the exception of the season opener, will kick off at 7:30 p.m. The Saint Louis FC game was assigned a 2 p.m. start time to avoid conflict with the NCAA basketball tournament.

• View ticket options for the 2017 season

“We’re glad to have these dates official delighted for our supporters as well so they can plan,” said LouCity Coach James O’Connor. “It gets a lot more real when you see the schedule. Now we just want to get the guys back in here and started. We have something to aim and plan for.”

LouCity will face each USL Eastern Conference club at least twice in 2017, once home and away. The USL has matched LouCity up with FC Cincinnati, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Charlotte Independence and Charleston Battery three times.

While the regular season now stretches later into the fall, a longer slate has made for far fewer weeknight games. LouCity hosts just two games on days other than Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

• Printable 2017 LouCity schedule

The top-eight finishers from the USL Eastern and Western conferences will again advance to the single-elimination playoffs. Last year, LouCity posted a second-place regular-season record and played in the Eastern Conference Final, the league’s overall semifinals.

The core of that team is under contract for another year. Among the returners are co-second leading scorers George Davis IV and Guy Abend, as well as 2016 USL Midseason Rookie of the Year Kyle Smith. Competition will be stiffer with the introduction of two new clubs in the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC.

LouCity season tickets are on sale starting at $180 by calling (502) 384-8799 or emailing tickets@louisvillecityfc.com. LouCity is also offering a 5-voucher Flex Pack priced as low as $70.

Overall, the schedule is the USL’s largest ever, spanning 30 weeks and 480 games.

“We are happy to unveil the regular season schedule for what is set to be the biggest and most exciting season in the league’s history,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “I’m very appreciative of the work that has been done by the staff from both the league and its clubs, and for the patience that has been shown by our fans during this process. This season will be marked by a number of heated rivalries, and new clubs and venues, with all the thrill and drama that has become the hallmark of USL soccer.

“The countdown to the new season is now officially underway.”

2017 LOUISVILLE CITY FC SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 25: Saint Louis FC at LouCity (2 p.m.)

Thursday, March 30: LouCity at Orlando City B

Saturday, April 8: LouCity at Richmond Kickers

Saturday, April 15: Tampa Bay Rowdies at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, April 22: LouCity at FC Cincinnati

Saturday, April 29: Toronto FC II at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, May 13: LouCity at Tampa Bay Rowdies

Saturday, May 20: LouCity at Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Saturday, June 3: LouCity at Charleston Battery

Wednesday, June 7: Charlotte Independence at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, June 10: LouCity at New York Red Bulls II

Saturday, June 17: Pittsburgh Riverhounds at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, June 24: LouCity at Harrisburg City Islanders

Saturday, July 1: Ottawa Fury FC at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Sunday, July 9: LouCity at Charleston Battery

Saturday, July 15: FC Cincinnati at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, July 22: LouCity at Saint Louis FC

Saturday, July 29: New York Red Bulls II at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, Aug. 5: LouCity at Charlotte Independence

Saturday, Aug. 12: FC Cincinnati at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Sunday, Aug. 20: LouCity at Bethlehem Steel

Wednesday, Aug. 23: Harrisburg City Islanders at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, Aug. 26: Orlando City B at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 2: Charleston Battery at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 9: LouCity at Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Friday, Sept. 15: Bethlehem Steel at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, Sept. 20: Rochester Rhinos at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Sunday, Sept. 24: LouCity at Ottawa Fury

Wednesday, Sept. 27: LouCity at Toronto FC II

Saturday, Sept. 30: LouCity at Rochester Rhinos

Saturday, Oct. 7: Charlotte Independence at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, Oct. 14: Richmond Kickers at LouCity (7:30 p.m.)

Louisville City FC’s preseason training won’t officially begin until next month, when the entire roster leaves for two grueling weeks of training at Florida’s IMG Academy. But the build toward the 2017 season started in earnest Monday as the first batch of players reported to Baptist Health’s sports medicine facility.

Midfielders Niall McCabe and George Davis IV, along with goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh, went through physicals and baseline testing overseen by Scott Ritter, LouCity’s head athletic trainer.

“We stagger them out over the next two weeks,” Ritter said.

Evaluations measure everything from general health to concussion protocol and impact testing.

Ranjitsingh back into shape

Arrivals back to town came with good news. Ranjitsingh, who left LouCity’s USL Eastern Conference Final loss to the New York Red Bulls II last October with a groin injury, has since mended that problem.

“When I first got home, obviously I had the injury, so I made sure I got some rehab,” he said. “I took a little vacation with my girlfriend and spent time with my family. I also joined a pretty cool gym. It’s called Lifetime Fitness, and it had turf fields, weights and a pool.

“I spent pretty much every day there working out and getting fit for the season. Once I felt good enough with my groin, I tried to get out on the field and get some touches.”

Earlier this month, Ranjitsingh also visited California, where he met up with defender Tarek Morad and Aodhan Quinn, his former teammate — and roommate — who will play for rival FC Cincinnati in 2017. So, too, will Kadeem Dacres.

Ranjitsingh took some jabs on social media when the news broke.

“I was just bantering with those Cincy fans,” he said. “My notifications blew up. They thought I was serious. Aodhan and Kadeem are my boys.

“It’ll spice up the USL a little bit. When you can get the fans involved — get them riled up — it’s fun.”

Davis IV sees the world 

Shortly after the season ended, forward Ilija Ilic extended the invitation to his teammates to wedding ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia. Davis IV took Ilic up on the offer.

“I thought it would be a good experience to support their marriage and make a trip out of it,” he said.

At the ceremony, Davis IV said, “we made sure to have a good time.” Stops were made as well to Iceland and Greece.

“Europe in general was pretty eye-opening,” he said. “I think it’s important that people see the world from a different perspective. It was incredible.”

McCabe making progress

Shut down late last season to undergo hip surgery, McCabe said he’s back to running alongside of teammates at Baptist Health Performance Training, where LouCity’s players gather daily to train for now.

“I went through a workout today with George,” McCabe said. “He smoked me, but it was good to go with somebody who’s fully fit and not hurt to see how far off I am. I had no pain, no issues, and I was going at a pretty decent pace.”

McCabe has spent nearly his entire offseason in Louisville, working toward a return from a labral tear in his hip.

“Greg got back last night and came in to training today, and I’m already sick of him,” he joked. “Nah, it’s good to get the boys back in and get the camaraderie going.”

DANIA BEACH, Fla. – Walking through the offices and studios of VISTA Worldlink, the worldwide organization the United Soccer League partnered with last year to create USL Productions, the scope of possibility the multimedia company brings to the league quickly becomes apparent.

Certainly, for USL Chief Revenue Officer Tom Veit – the person overseeing what is set to be a game-changing initiative for the league – VISTA’s depth of experience and technical ingenuity are at the heart of what is now possible for Louisville City FC and the USL.

“We couldn’t have done this in any way, shape or form five years ago. Nobody could have. The technology wasn’t there,” said Veit. “This is a major undertaking, to bring together 30 teams on a new platform for the first time is a monumental undertaking, and I don’t know if it’s ever even been done before.”

Founded in 1988 by Roy Liemer, who remains the organization’s CEO to this day, VISTA is at the forefront of video production as it enters its 30th year. It is no stranger to soccer, having held partnerships with Major League Soccer for more than 15 years, and CONCACAF for more than a decade, providing the services both organizations have needed to thrive.

With the innovative approach being taken in the full rollout of USL Productions, however, Liemer is eager for what the upcoming year holds for the two organizations.

“It’s really very exciting, and I find it a lot more exciting than Major League Soccer or CONCACAF,” Liemer said. “Those are great organizations, but the USL is doing things in a very creative, very enlightening way that will almost leapfrog current traditional production and transmission techniques. That’s what’s very exciting.”

“What makes it [special] is that both VISTA and the USL have a thirst to be on the cutting edge and to develop new technologies,” added Veit. “We have the content, we have the product, they have the technology and the wherewithal to put it together, so it’s the perfect partnership.”

VISTA’s capability is also in the process of expanding, with a major increase in production and announcing booths being constructed. Completion of the process is set for early March, well ahead of the start of the 2017 USL season, and will allow the capacity for every game to be produced within the facility.

Plans are also in place for a direct link between the production studios and the USL’s offices in Tampa for direct transmission connectivity between the two organizations, something that will be key as the relationship between the two organizations grows throughout the year.

“It’s extremely important on many different levels,” said Liemer of the direct connectivity with USL. “It’s one-to-one direct communication between the facility and the user. VISTA provides a unique service because we provide software as a service. We’re selling to service, so they don’t have to go out and throw in all the capital. VISTA has done it, and we become an extension of them. We are creating situations and connectivity whereby we become an extension of their own organization.”

And what the USL wants is to bring the game to its fans wherever, and however, they want to find it. With plans for expanded programming outside the 495 live regular season and postseason games, the partnership will bring a wider variety of content on the league’s established platforms.

“The soccer fan today is very educated and very knowledgeable in new technology, so we’re delivering what they want in a format that they want,” said Veit. “What’s great about our strategy is it’s not a singular strategy. Obviously digital, the web, social media is the wave of the future, it is growing, so we’re in that space. But last time I checked, they haven’t stopped selling big-screen TVs yet. Even though a young fan will love to be running to the grocery store watching the game on their smartphone, when they’re at home in the easy chair, they’re watching the big box, so we’re going to be there too. Our goal is to provide our content everywhere someone wants to see it.”

As educated as the North American soccer fan is, too, the expectation of quality is at the top of the list when it comes to viewing that content. Given VISTA’s experience with MLS and CONCACAF, and the production staff within the organization, Liemer believes USL fans have a lot to look forward to.

“The people who work here understand soccer very well,” said Liemer. “It’s not new or unique to the people who either play it, or watch it, or live, eat and breathe it. Some of the passion for the sport is coincidence, some of it is not, but this operation could not be who we are or how we are without the really good people that work for VISTA. I’m more proud of them than I am of the facility.”

With the new season now less than two months from kickoff, the goal for USL Productions’ first full year have also been set.

“Our goal is that every broadcast and every game will get better,” said Veit. “We want to come out of the box with a very good product, and we want to be able to expand on that as time goes on. Our goal at the end of the season is that our supporters, our fans, our consumers look back and are satisfied with what they’ve got, and hopefully excited about it.”

Louisville City FC’s 2017 season will kick off with a rivalry game at Louisville Slugger Field, as the United Soccer League on Friday announced a Saturday, March 25 showdown with Saint Louis FC.

The start time will be announced later. LouCity opened its home slates in 2015 and 2016 with afternoon games to best avoid conflicts with the NCAA basketball tournament.

A full regular-season schedule, with 16 home and road games apiece, will be revealed in the coming days by the USL. Friday’s announcement of each club’s home openers also included a March 30 LouCity road game against Orlando City B.

“I think for us, it’s great to be able to announce the first game of the season, and it’s fantastic that it’s against one of our rivals,” said LouCity Coach James O’Connor. “We’re looking forward to getting our players in for the preseason, and now that we have a date, it all seems more real. We can aim for it and make sure we’re ready for a huge game against Saint Louis FC.”

Season tickets are on sale starting at $180 by calling (502) 384-8799 or emailing tickets@louisvillecityfc.com. LouCity is also offering a 5-voucher Flex Pack priced as low as $70.

The home opener with Saint Louis FC coincides with the visiting club’s return to the Eastern Conference after a year in the West. LouCity and Saint Louis FC play annually for the Kings’ Cup trophy, with it going to the boys in purple in both 2015 and 2016.

Louisville also played its inaugural opener against Saint Louis FC, prevailing by a 2-0 score on March 28, 2015, at Slugger Field. Since then, LouCity has gone on to assemble a 3-1-2 record against its Kings’ Cup rival.

O’Connor has 17 players under contract for the 2017 season, with 13 of them returners from a team that posted the USL’s second-best overall record last year and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. All players will report to Louisville before a two-week preseason trip to train from Feb. 12-25 at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Before kicking off against Saint Louis FC, LouCity will play four preseason games: a closed March 4 matchup with Division II Young Harris College before meetings with Division I Lipscomb (7 p.m. March 8 at the Elizabethtown Sports Complex), the University of Kentucky (7 p.m. March 15 at the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex) and the professional side, Indy Eleven (5 p.m. local time March 18 at the University of Evansville).

Saturday, March 25

Charleston Battery vs. FC Cincinnati
LA Galaxy II vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
Louisville City FC vs. Saint Louis FC
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Toronto FC II
Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. New York Red Bulls II
Portland Timbers 2 vs. Real Monarchs SLC
Reno 1868 FC vs. Orange County SC
Richmond Kickers vs. Harrisburg City Islanders
Swope Park Rangers vs. OKC Energy FC
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Orlando City B
Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Sunday, March 26

Rio Grande Valley FC vs. San Antonio FC
Seattle Sounders FC 2 vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Thursday, March 30

Orlando City B vs. Louisville City FC

Saturday, April 1

Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Rochester Rhinos
Charlotte Independence vs. Charleston Battery
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. OKC Energy FC
New York Red Bulls II vs. Richmond Kickers
Real Monarchs SLC vs. Phoenix Rising FC
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Orange County SC
Saint Louis FC vs. Ottawa Fury FC
San Antonio FC vs. LA Galaxy II

Friday, April 7

Toronto FC II vs. Rochester Rhinos

Saturday, April 8

OKC Energy FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2

Saturday, April 15

FC Cincinnati vs. Saint Louis FC
Harrisburg City Islanders vs. Bethlehem Steel FC

Sunday, April 16

Orange County SC vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC

Saturday, April 22

Ottawa Fury FC vs. Toronto FC II
Rochester Rhinos vs. New York Red Bulls II

Orlando City SC and the New York Red Bulls both pulled players from their USL sides this week for spots on the Major League Soccer roster, with Pierre Da Silva making the move from Orlando City B and Dan Metzger from the 2016 USL Cup champion New York Red Bulls II. 

Da Silva, a forward, became the first player to make the move from Orlando City B to the franchise’s first team.

“Pierre’s addition is a testament to the quality, competitiveness and benefits of playing with OCB and the clear path we have laid out for Academy players to reach the MLS level.” said Alex Leitão, Orlando City SC’s CEO.

Da Silva made 23 appearances and led OCB to the USL Cup Playoffs in its inaugural season with a team-leading 5 assists and 2 goals. He also has experience with the United States’ youth national teams

Metzger, a midfielder, recorded 40 career appearances, 3 goals and 3 assists with the Red Bulls II who, in addition to the 2016 playoff title, won the regular-season championship as well.

After signing with Red Bulls II, Metzger made seven total appearances for the U.S. U23 Men’s National Team, including four starts, in 2015. He also helped the U.S. U23s to a third-place finish in the 2015 Toulon Tournament.

Also this week, Orlando City B signed forward Joe Gallardo, a 19-year-old academy product with junior national team experience.

Former MVP Molino dealt in trade

Kevin Molino, twice the USL MVP during Orlando City SC’s original days in the league, was moved on Thursday night to new MLS side Minnesota United FC. Minnesota will be coached by Adrian Heath, who formerly led the Lions.

In exchange, Orlando received $450,000 in General Allocation Money and $200,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.

Molino was the Lions’ first MLS signing and sits atop the club’s all-time list in goals (42) and assists (31). The Trinidad & Tobago international helped Orlando claim two USL Cups, and three USL Regular Season Championships.

Saint Louis adds a USL champion

Saint Louis FC announced on Friday the signing of defender Konrad Plewa, formerly of the New York Red Bulls II, for the 2017 season. A native of Poland, Plewa started playing for the New York Red Bulls Academy program in 2010 before attending Seton Hall.

Plewa made 23 appearances this past season and started in every postseason contest as the Red Bulls II claimed the USL Cup.

“Konrad provides another steady defensive presence with not only good defensive habits, but he is also very comfortable on the ball and makes good decisions,” said STLFC General Manager, Jeremy Alumbaugh.

Ottawa Fury signs Tottenham product

Ottawa Fury FC, a newcomer to the USL this year, announced the addition of defensive midfielder Sergio Manesio, who played college soccer for Cleveland State and is a product of both Tottenham’s and West Brom’s academy systems. 

Manesio joins Fury FC after four years with Cleveland State, where he started all 69 games and scored 16 goals. The midfielder earned back-to-back Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year awards while also selected to the All-Horizon League Team in both years.

“He’s a winner first and foremost,” said Fury FC Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “He has a great character, great determination to win and fits in the culture we’re trying to create here.”

McLaws returns to City Islanders

The Harrisburg City Islanders announced on Thursday that defender Shawn McLaws will return to the club for the 2017 USL season. 

McLaws made the move to Harrisburg a season ago and appeared in all 30 of the City Islanders’ regular-season contests, the only member of the squad to do so. McLaws’ 2,699 minutes logged ranked third in the USL.

“He was very consistent at right back,” said coach Bill Becher. “He certainly helped solidify our back four.”

Louisville City FC has entered into partnership with global architecture firm HOK for design of a soccer-specific stadium and adjacent development projects, a key step in the club’s pursuit of a long-term home.

HOK will provide the vision for a 10,000-seat stadium that could later expand in capacity to 20,000. The overall site plan will also include space for office and retail development.

“We’re getting closer to securing a lot in urban Louisville, and now we’re thinking about what we can build on it,” said LouCity Chairman John Neace. “HOK’s work ensures that once a location is determined, community members will have a tangible picture of Louisville City FC’s future.”

HOK has worked since 2015 with the LouCity’s United Soccer League, helping position each of its clubs in soccer-specific stadiums by 2020. The firm’s soccer portfolio boasts Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to MLS’ Atlanta United, the San Jose Earthquakes’ Avaya Stadium and a number of USL ventures.

“We’re excited to work with Louisville City FC on the design of their new stadium,” said Chris DeVolder, vice president and soccer market leader for HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice. “The facility will serve as a model for other USL teams looking to elevate their stadiums in the urban core.”

LouCity currently pays to rent and play in Louisville Slugger Field, also home for the Triple-A Louisville Bats baseball franchise. A soccer-specific stadium would open new revenue streams, scheduling opportunities and raise the pitch to international standards.

“When you throw everything into the mix, it really is a must that we have these things in place at a stadium,” said LouCity Coach James O’Connor. “Apart from the financial implications of playing at Slugger, I think the supporters should have a place they can call home and for us to have a pitch that’s one surface and fully sized.”

O’Connor has led LouCity to consecutive appearances in the USL Eastern Conference Final, earning 100 points in 58 regular-season games since 2015 — most of any team in the league. An average of 7,218 fans attended LouCity’s 2016 USL games, ranking third of 30 clubs. The 2017 season will run from March through October with a schedule due out soon.

Amid success on the field, a study conducted by Convention, Sports & Leisure and Legends and released last August by Louisville Forward confirmed that a soccer-specific stadium is needed to maintain and grow professional soccer in Louisville.

Mayor Greg Fischer at the time said sharing fields with the Louisville Bats “is not sustainable.” He added that the “Louisville City Football Club is off to a great start, and we must embrace the growing demand for soccer in our city and strategically prepare for long-term growth.”

ABOUT HOK

HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. Through a network of 23 offices worldwide, HOK provides design excellence and innovation to create places that enrich people’s lives and help clients succeed. DesignIntelligence consistently ranks HOK as a leader in sustainable, high-performance design and technology innovation.

As a sports facilities design leader for more than 30 years, HOK has built a legacy of exceptional stadiums, arenas, training facilities, ballparks and master plans that exceed the needs, goals and values of teams, universities and cities. The firm’s designs for soccer stadiums across the country blend distinctive features and abundant amenities with innovative approaches to sponsorship, branding and activation to enliven communities, help teams recruit top talent and compete at the highest levels.

HOK’s innovative design process both anticipates and directs the future. We blend our client’s goals with our expertise to create a fully connected, cost-effective, dynamic and unique game-day experience. Soccer stadiums play an integral role in building a team’s brand and identity within their city. HOK has a history of providing creative design solutions for the USL and MLS that are iconic and fan focused, elevating their brand recognition and establishing soccer as a key entertainment choice in each city. As soccer continues to attract a diverse and passionate fan base, the sport has reached the most coveted fans – Millennials, Gen Z and young families. This youthful fan base values the beauty of the game, connectivity to the urban core and the experience inside the stadium. To reach this audience, HOK designs soccer stadiums that are activate, flexible and technologically advanced, offering social gathering spaces, unique food and beverage offerings and celebrating the traditions of the game.