Head Coach: James Chambers

Venue: Weidner Field

2024 Regular Season: 15-12-7, 52pts, 2nd in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: USL Championship Title Winners

What’s Happened This Offseason?

After the celebrations of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s first USL Championship title dissipated, the club entered an offseason that off the field should prove to be transformative in the long term. The acquisition of the club by Weidner Apartment Homes and the appointment of former Louisville City executive Brad Estes as President speak to the long-term vision of the club after the outstanding stewardship of founders and previous owners the Ragain family.

On the field, there are plenty of familiar faces back for the title defense, including Defender of the Year Finalist Matt Mahoney among 11 of the players who featured in the Championship Final. There have been notable departures, however, led by leading scorer Ronaldo Damus (Birmingham Legion), Speedy Williams (Lexington SC) and Jairo Henriquez. The side has added some intriguing new pieces, however, including former Philadelphia Union Homegrown Anthony Fontana – whose connections to the Switchbacks’ technical leadership facilitated his arrival – and Marco Micaletto, acquired from New Mexico United. The side looks geared up for the challenge of a title defense as it tries to become only the second team to win consecutive Championship Finals after Louisville City in 2017 and 2018.

Key Returnee – Matt Mahoney, defender: One of the earliest arrivals in the offseason preceding the 2021 campaign that began the Switchbacks’ transformation into a Championship power, Matt Mahoney was an All-League First Team selection after a stellar campaign at the heart of the club’s defense. The 29-year-old was among the league leaders in aerial duels won (108) and interceptions (70) and his leadership on and off the field embodies the spirit that has made Colorado Springs a winner.

Key Arrival – Anthony Fontana, midfielder: Having spent the past three years in Europe – first at Ascoli in Serie B and then at PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands – Anthony Fontana returns to the United States in an environment that could help the 25-year-old reignite what was a burgeoning career when he was emerging with the Philadelphia Union as a youngster. Back then, he was a teammate of current Switchbacks Head Coach James Chambers at Bethlehem Steel FC before logging eight goals in six goals in 17 appearances during the abbreviated 2020 campaign. As a creative midfield, he could be the piece that fills the gap left by Jairo Henriquez in the attacking third.

Young Player to Watch – Isaiah Foster, defender: The Maryland native had his breakout in the professional ranks with the Switchbacks during the 2022 season, logging 1,539 minutes and winning 29 tackles at a 74.4 percent success rate before being transferred to FC Cincinnati prior to the 2023 campaign. Things didn’t go to plan for Foster after his arrival in Cincinnati, but at 21 years hold he returns to Colorado Springs with the potential to be a contributor on the left side of defense once again.

Key Number – 12: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC recorded 12 goals in the opening 15 minutes of games across the regular season and playoffs in the 2024 season, the most of any club in the USL Championship.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: The champs are going to look different across the midfield and forward lines, but there’s enough continuity to ensure that James Chambers’ system can keep on ticking. Colorado Springs will still run a 4-2-3-1, shifting one of their defensive midfielders (i.e., the eminently consistent Zach Zandi) forward almost like a second No. 10 in the final third. There’ll be direct vertical movement on the wings, whether from a returner like Yosuke Hanya or a new face like Levonte Johnson.

At the back, the Switchbacks’ penchant for shifting hard to trap against the sidelines in the press and compressing space with a high back line ought to persist. All-USL Championship center back Matt Mahoney is there to serve as the safety net in the defensive group, and he’s got ample help in the form of Haitian international Garven Metusala and elite Championship full back Akeem Ward. There might be less attacking star power, but Colorado Springs is still talented and deep in equal measure.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Christian Herrera; D – Matt Real, Garven Metusala, Matt Mahoney, Akeem Ward; DM – Zach Zandi, Aidan Rocha; AM – Yosuke Hanya, Marco Micaletto, Levonte Johnson; F – Juan Tejada

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 3rd, Western Conference

Head Coach: Wilmer Cabrera

Venue: Southwest University Park

2024 Regular Season: 8-18-8, 32pts, 12th in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: N/A

What’s Happened This Offseason?

Since the early-season coaching change that saw Brian Clarhaut depart and Wilmer Cabrera installed as his replacement, the offseason started early for El Paso Locomotive FC as Cabrera began to add the building blocks for this season with the playoffs well out of reach for most of the campaign. The arrivals of Wahab Ackwei, Ricky Ruiz and Robert Coronado – all trusted lieutenants at Cabrera’s last stop with Rio Grand Valley FC – were brought aboard and helped stabilize the club to where it lost only four times in its final 14 games of the regular season.

That rebuild has continued this offseason with more familiar faces coming aboard. Forward Frank Lopez arrived from Miami FC – where he achieved a credible eight goals amid a dismal campaign in South Florida – while the side brought back local product Memo Diaz, who during his time at Oakland Roots SC has become a top-tier full back in the Championship ranks. With a long list of departures including Bolu Akinyode (Miami FC) and Lucas Stauffer (Lexington SC) and the retirements of Yuma and Eder Borelli, Locomotive is going to have a very different look this year. The hope is it will return the club to postseason contention.

Key Returnee – Jahmali Waite, goalkeeper: Coming from Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and the top-tier defensive system installed by Hounds Head Coach Bob Lilley, it was inevitable that Jahmali Waite was going to be far busier as he arrived in El Paso last season. It was even more extreme than that as the Jamaican international more than doubled his previous season-high in saves with 89 stops in 27 appearances. As importantly, however, Waite also delivered a career-best in save percentage (70.4%) and was basically at par for his Goals Prevented numbers, allowing 37 goals on 36.75xSOT, an improvement as well from his time in Pittsburgh. Waite’s shot-stopping could be a key difference-maker with a more stable structure in front of him this year.

Key Arrival – Memo Diaz, defender: When Memo Diaz departed El Paso Locomotive FC after the 2020 season having logged 12 appearances and 378 minutes for his hometown club, it was in search of opportunity elsewhere. As he returns to Locomotive, he appears to be one of the important figures that can help the club turn things around this season after a remarkable four years of growth at Oakland Roots SC. Diaz logged more than 8,000 minutes for Roots, notching 15 assists on an Expected Assists mark of 20.03xA and 140 chances created while also consistently raising his level defensively. His performance on the right side as a full back or wingback is going to be key for El Paso this year.

Young Player to Watch – Daniel Carter, forward: Acquired on loan from Honduran power Real C.D. España for the season, Daniel Carter has done good things in limited minutes in his home country. The 21-year-old might not be the automatic starter for Locomotive this season, but he could prove a valuable option as he tries to make a breakthrough to the next stage of his career.

Key Number – 27: El Paso Locomotive FC’s 27 goals in the 2024 regular season were the fewest of any club in the USL Championship, and accounted for more than a 50 percent drop from the 2023 campaign in which it tallied 41 times.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Even if last season started poorly, Locomotive found their form late in 2024 when Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera took over and tightened up El Paso’s 3-4-3 system. Settling on a pivot of Eric Calvillo and Robert Coronado while planting a flag around center back Palermo Ortiz as the defense’s shot-caller did wonders for the club’s solidity down the middle, and all three players are back. Throw in the addition of wing backs like Memo Diaz and Gabi Torres that combine attacking inspiration with solid work rates, and the defensive improvement ought to continue.

El Paso needs to prove their quality further upfield, but they’ve got the tools to score. Winger-wing back combination play will only improve when it features a player like Diaz, who created more than 50 chances last year, overlapping past Tumi Moshobane. Calvillo’s freedom to step ahead in possession should only increase as this team settles in. Maybe the offseason wasn’t sexy, but Locomotive have their template.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-3): GK – Jahmali Waite; D – Noah Dollenmayer, Tony Alfaro, Palermo Ortiz; M – Ricky Ruiz, Eric Calvillo, Robert Coronado, Memo Diaz; F – Amando Moreno, Frank Lopez, Tumi Moshobane

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 10th, Western Conference

Head Coach: Antonio Nocerino

Venue: Cashman Field

2024 Regular Season: 13-10-11, 50pts, 4th in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: Western Conference Final

What’s Happened This Offseason?

After the rapid turnaround that catapulted Las Vegas Lights FC to a 31-point improvement in the regular season, a first trip to the playoffs and a narrow defeat in the Western Conference Final to eventual title-winner Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, there hasn’t been as much activity at Cashman Field this offseason, but the changes that have come about have been significant.

First, there’s a new person in charge with Antonio Nocerino appointed Head Coach after the Lights accepted a fee from New Mexico United for former Head Coach Dennis Sanchez’s services. The club also sold two of its key players from a season ago with center back Joe Hafferty going to Lexington SC and leading scorer Khori Bennett to Al-Nasr SC of Kuwait for escalating transfer fees. There’s plenty coming back, though, including standout playmaker Valentin Noël and talented young full back Shawn Smart, who signed a new multi-year contract this offseason as he and the club plot his course ahead. Then, late in the offseason, the Lights made a big splash in acquiring forward Johnny Rodriguez from Oakland Roots SC to serve as the prospective replacement for Bennett in the front line. After last year’s turnaround, this year the club seems primed to take another step toward its ambition of being one of the top clubs in the USL.

Key Returnee – Valentin Noël, attacking midfielder: While former midfielder J.C. Ngando earned the Lights’ first All-League honors in club history before returning to Vancouver Whitecaps FC following his loan, there might have been no-one more essential to the Lights’ turnaround than Valentin Noel, who recorded 10 goals and seven assists across the regular season and playoffs to drive the club’s attack. The 25-year-old playmaker contributed directly to more than one-third of the side’s goals in the 2024 season and his ability to find space and create makes him a player potentially primed for an even bigger year ahead.

Key Arrival – Johnny Rodriguez, forward: Over the past two seasons, Johnny Rodriguez has been the essential part of Oakland Roots SC’s attack with his 24 goals ranking tied for sixth among the league’s players in the regular season. His surprise arrival in Las Vegas last week via transfer is a massive move for the 26-year-old, who on paper will have plenty of support in the attacking third which could result in more space and opportunities to be a goalscoring threat. The Lights certainly believe in the player they’re getting, signing him to a deal that could run through the 2027 campaign, and there’s little reason to doubt the potential this move has.

Young Player to Watch – Nighte Pickering, forward: The Lights have made no secret that they want to follow the lead of other clubs in the Championship in serving as a launchpad for young talent. In 19-year-old Nighte Pickering they have one of the most intriguing prospects in the league. Pickering plateaued in the past season, scoring only three goals at Memphis 901 FC after four goals and four assists in 2023, but this fresh start could be exactly what the United States youth international is looking for.

Key Number – 31: Las Vegas Lights FC increased its point total by 31 points from the 2023 to the 2024 season, the second-highest year-on-year increase in the USL Championship’s history.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Though the lion’s share of Las Vegas’ opening day lineup will be composed of returning players, it’s no guarantee that the system will look the same. New manager Antonio Nocerino showed off a pragmatic streak in Miami that belied the dogmatic short build of the 2024 Lights. Balance could be a good thing for a team that could occasionally stall out in the final third, and it’s easy to imagine new faces like Patrick Leal (a star box-to-box type in MLS NEXT Pro) complementing known quantities like Valentin Noël in a more open 4-4-2-ish setup.

Leal’s role in a restructured midfield could be key. Las Vegas has a number of possible starters across their four spots, ranging from a pseudo-full back like Shaft Brewer to a natural forward like Christian Pinzon. The upside is obvious, but there’s a disconcerting lack of a proven No. 6 to hold things together between the wings. Team defending might be crucial unless a breakout option emerges.

Projected Starting XI (4-4-2): GK – Raiko Arozarena; D – Gennaro Nigro, Maliek Howell, Elias Gartig, Shawn Smart; M – Christian Pinzon, Patrick Leal, Daouda Peeters, Vaughn Covil; F – Valentin Noel, Johnny Rodriguez

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 4th, Western Conference

Head Coach: Terry Boss

Venue: Lexington SC Stadium

2024 Regular Season: 5-11-6, 9th in USL League One

2024 Postseason: N/A

What’s Happened This Offseason?

Having announced its move to the USL Championship last summer upon the completion of the club’s new 7,500-capacity soccer-specific stadium, Lexington SC set about retooling its squad for the new season with a major overhaul of talent. Enter former Oregon State Head Coach and Austin FC assistant coach Terry Boss to lead with way, with the former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper bringing a resume that shows an ability to both succeed on the field and nurture talent.

After the side fell short of the League One Playoffs, meanwhile, the overhaul of the roster took on even greater urgency as Lexington looks to put a competitive product on the field in Year 1 of its Championship history. Forwards Cameron Lancaster and Azaad Liadi and midfielder Yannick Yankam have been retained, but they’ve been supplemented with some notable additions. Leading that group is newly-minted four-time Championship title-winner Speedy Williams, experienced defenders Kendall Burks and Joe Hafferty – whom Boss knew previously in Austin – and veteran goalkeeper Logan Ketterer. LSC is aiming to make a splash as it moves up, and it could be capable of doing so if the pieces quickly fall into place.

Key Returnee – Cameron Lancaster, forward: The former Louisville City FC standout returns to the Championship with Lexington, for which he recorded 13 goals across all competitions a season ago to move past the century mark for his professional career. Lancaster might not be the all-around player he once was at 32 years old, but he still has a knack for finding the net, something he’s done previously 89 times across the Championship regular season and playoffs. It’s going to be fascinating to see how he fares this year.

Key Arrival – Speedy Williams, midfielder: When you’re building a squad, there are players you need to be top quality, and others that can help set the culture you’re looking to create. In a player like Jamaican veteran Speedy Williams, Lexington added both, with the 32-year-old coming off a season in which he became the first player to win four USL Championship titles while putting together another sterling on-field campaign. It’s no surprise that Williams appears to be the pick for club captain, and his presence in the center of midfield should be highly influential for his new club.

Young Player to Watch – Alfredo Midence, winger: As he enters the year as a 22-year-old, Alfredo Midence isn’t going to be able to add a USL Championship Young Player of the Year award to the League One honor he claimed last year, but the Honduran’s step up to this level offers one of the most intriguing players to watch in Lexington’s rebuild. Midence put up four goals and nine assists across all competitions for Central Valley Fuego FC a season ago and will look to build on that here.

Key Number – 20: Lexington SC dropped 20 points from winning positions in the 2024 USL League One regular season, the most in the league, while only gaining two points from losing positions, the fewest in the league.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: A “three-box-three” setup where two holding midfielders and two No. 10s connect in the midfield is in vogue across the global game, and Lexington is tailor-made to run that system. Speedy Williams, the winningest player in USL Championship history and a brilliant two-way stabilizer in the defensive midfield, is the anchor amidst it all, and he’s got hugely exciting (if slightly uncertain) players like Alfredo Midence and Eliot Goldthorp ahead of him to make it sing.

Balance is key. The Kendall Burks-led back three looks great on paper, but the preseason predilection to use career forward Marcus Epps as a wing back will require moderation. That’s not to say it can’t work; Head Coach Terry Boss’ Oregon State teams were always similarly bold.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-2-1): GK – Logan Ketterer; D – Danny Barbir, Kendall Burks, Joe Hafferty; M – Kieran Sargeant, Speedy Williams, Sofiane Djeffal, Marcus Epps; AM – Eliot Goldthorp, Alfredo Midence; F – Cory Burke

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 7th, Western Conference

Head Coach: Jordan Stewart

Venue: Cardinale Stadium

2024 Regular Season: 8-16-10, 34pts, 11th in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: N/A

What’s Happened This Offseason?

After Monterey Bay FC appointed Jordan Stewart as the club’s new Head Coach last August, the remainder of the campaign and this offseason have served as an overhaul aimed at pointing the club in a more positive direction than its first three seasons in the Championship. There’s a reasonable portion of retained talent – including midfielder Mobi Fehr and defenders Alex Lara and Carlos Guzman, all of whom rated above average at their position per American Soccer Analysis this past season – but it’s the new arrivals who are likely to determine how this side fares in 2024 after the departures of key figures like ironman Morey Doner (Detroit City FC), standout goalkeeper Antony Siaha (Hartford Athletic) and leading scorer Tristan Trager (Orange County SC).

At the front line is forward Adam Larsson, who comes in with a good track record in the Finnish First Division, and some notable returnees to the Championship in former League One Young Player of the Year Ethan Bryant, who spent the past two campaigns with Sporting Kansas City II in MLS NEXT Pro. There’s a full overhaul in the goalkeeper room, though, with the resumes of Sam Gomez and Nico Campuzano somewhat thin, and elsewhere there are arrivals like former Perth Glory defender Jacob Muir who are going to have to assert themselves as ready to step up for their new club.

Key Returnee – Alex Dixon, forward: Of the players that Monterey Bay needed to remain his usual self during the 2024 campaign, veteran Alex Dixon might have taken the biggest drop in production. Having recorded at least 11 goal contributions over the past three seasons – including a 12 goal, two assist campaign in his first year at MBFC – Dixon recorded only four goals and one assist in 25 appearances a year ago. The 35-year-old is back and needs to reassert himself as he approaches 100 goal contributions (64 goals, 34 assists) in the Championship’s regular season.

Key Arrival – Adam Larsson, forward: Having competed in Scandinavia throughout his career so far, Swedish striker Adam Larsson makes the jump across the Atlantic aiming to be a player that can boost Monterey Bay into the postseason for the first time. The 25-year-old has put up good numbers so far in his career, including bagging 14 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for IFK Mariehamn in the Finnish top flight last year. Monterey Bay has had only one player record double-digit goals across its three seasons, and Larsson will be out to change that.

Young Player to Watch – Xavi Gnaulati, midfielder: Arriving in Monterey Bay last offseason after beginning his pro career at San Diego Loyal SC, the 20-year-old earned the trust of Head Coach Jordan Stewart late in the season and got a chance to show what he could do. After notching one goal and one assist in 971 minutes last year, this should be the season where Gnaulati makes a step forward in contributions in attacking midfield.

Key Number – 4: Monterey Bay allowed only four headed goals in the 2024 regular season, tied for the fewest in the Championship.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: What Monterey’s offseason might’ve lacked in terms of star names, it’ll make up for in terms of work rate. This group is young, hungry, and thus built for Jordan Stewart’s 4-3-3-ish system. That’s not to dismiss the skill on hand, either: midfielders Xavi Gnaulati and Ethan Bryant are two incredibly bright up-and-comers that can give any defense headaches. If MBFC can get consistent contributions from the forward line, it’ll open that much space for their electric central unit.

Nico Gordon is one to watch at the back. The former North Texas SC standout led his defense-first side to an MLS NEXT Pro title last season and ought to be an anchor. Gordon’s quality and the bankable excellence of Carlos Guzman give Monterey a genuinely solid base, one that should afford the new faces time to gel if things go right.

Projected Starting XI (4-3-3): GK – Nico Campuzano; D – Carlos Guzman, Jacob Muir, Nico Gordon, Joel Garcia; M – Mobi Fehr, Ethan Bryant, Xavi Gnaulati; F – Malaye Malango, Adam Larsson, Alex Dixon

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 12th, Western Conference

Head Coach: Dennis Sanchez

Venue: Isotopes Park

2024 Regular Season: 18-11-5, 59pts, 1st in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: Western Conference Semifinals

What’s Happened This Offseason?

Coming out of a campaign in which New Mexico United set club records for wins and points to finish on top of the Western Conference for the first time, the club was forced to negotiate with the departure of Head Coach Eric Quill – who had guided the club’s rise in the standings – to take up the same position at FC Dallas. United responded by going out and acquiring one of Quill’s fellow 2024 Championship Coach of the Year candidates, Dennis Sanchez, to become the fourth Head Coach in club history after his remarkable campaign leading Las Vegas Lights FC to its first postseason appearance.

There have been some notable departures from the squad, too, with United having transferred full back Abdi Mohamed to Oakland Roots SC and Marco Micaletto to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Attacking midfielder Harry Swartz also stepped away in retirement, while holding midfielder Houssou Landry headed to Charleston. To fill those gaps the club has brought in some notable names, including former Arsenal prospect Gedion Zelalem in central midfield and attacking midfielders McKinze Gaines and Luiz Fernando. With influential players such as center back Talen Maple, winger Mukwelle Akale and forward Greg Hurst among a solid group of returnees, Sanchez should have plenty at his disposal to build on last year’s breakthrough.

Key Returnee – Mukwelle Akale, winger: Having seen the impact Mukwelle Akale had individually for South Georgia Tormenta FC in USL League One during the 2023 season, New Mexico United brought the 28-year-old on board for the past season and for the most part his numbers didn’t disappoint. Akale was a key influence in United’s attack as it pushed up the Western Conference with his 7.04 Goals Added mark almost equaling the total he put up for Tormenta (+7.46) the prior year. The one thing that proved a downer? Akale’s shot-conversion rate of 9.52 percent, which helped account for the gap between his 7.02 Expected Goals mark and final total of four tallies across the regular season and playoffs. If that rate improves to a level closer to his peers, there could be a really good season ahead.

Key Arrival – Gedion Zelalem, midfielder: As New Mexico posted the best season in club history, the central midfield duo of Houssou Landry and Marco Micaletto played key roles in the club’s ball-winning and possession style. With both having headed out this offseason, Gedion Zelalem has arrived with the liklehood he’ll have to fill in one of those gaps as Head Coach Dennis Sanchez looks to employ a similar possession-heavy style. The crucial thing for the former Arsenal product may simply be getting consistent minutes and building confidence – his last stint in Croatia with Lokomotiva saw him fail to register an appearance in the country’s top flight – but the pedigree of the 28-year-old can’t be discounted.

Young Player to Watch – Jackson Dubois, defender: There’s never been a shortage of confidence in the potential the New Mexico United Academy can produce, and last season Jackson Dubois entered the professional ranks having previously made his senior debut in the U.S. Open Cup before making three appearances in the Championship. The 18-year-old projects as a center back long term but could be a depth option at right back as well this season as he looks to earn more minutes behind the experienced defensive corps the side returns.

Key Number – 59: New Mexico United’s 59 points set a club record for the most in a season, but was also the lowest point total to lead the Western Conference in a full season since Sacramento Republic FC’s 52-point haul in a 30-game schedule in 2016.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Run a back four. Get your wingers involved in a hard-nosed 4-2-4 press. Dominate possession and build through your central midfield. All those descriptors apply just as much to Eric Quill’s style as they do to Dennis Sanchez’s, and that’s a great sign for a New Mexico team returning numerous key starters. United has all the tools in place to sustain their first-place form under their new coach.

There are two spots to watch. Either loanee Tomas Pondeca or former youth international starlet Gedion Zelalem needs to come up big in the central midfield, especially in terms of ball progression. Further ahead, the wings are competitive. Options like Luiz Fernando, McKinze Gaines, and Marlon Vargas all have their virtues, giving Sanchez ample optionality depending on the matchup.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Alex Tambakis; D – Chris Gloster, Anthony Herbert, Talen Maples, Jaylin Lindsey; DM – Tomas Pondeca, Zico Bailey; AM – McKinze Gaines, Mukwelle Akale, Luiz Fernando; F – Greg Hurst

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 2nd, Western Conference

Head Coach: Gavin Glinton

Venue: Oakland Coliseum

2024 Regular Season: 13-16-5, 44pts, 7th in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: Western Conference Quarterfinals

What’s Happened This Offseason?

After handing the coaching reins to Gavin Glinton one-third of the way through the season after a slow start, Roots took off the interim tag for the former Turks and Caicos international and then got to work rebuilding a squad that was capable of competing with the best teams in the Championship but also wildly inconsistent defensively. With stabilization in mind at the back, the club brought in local product Kendall McIntosh to be the successor to Paul Blanchette in goal, while also bringing back Kai Greene from Monterey Bay for his second stint with the club.

While Oakland held firm to a few of its defensive pieces – including veterans Neveal Hackshaw and Gagi Margvelashvili – there were some key departures as well including assists leader Memo Diaz back to El Paso. Where the major overhaul came, however, was in attack where both Dom Dwyer and Miche-Naider Chery were both released and longtime stalwart Johnny Rodriguez transferred for a club-record fee to Las Vegas Lights FC. In their place come former Championship title-winner Panos Armenakas as the likely principal playmaker, Liberian international Peter Wilson, who’ll be aiming to continue his stellar scoring record from Scandinavia as he crosses the Atlantic for the first time in his career, and the wild card of former Mexico international Jürgen Damm, who’ll have plenty to prove as he arrives from Atletico de San Luis.

Key Returnee – Neveal Hackshaw, defender: The former Championship All-League selection has become a staple in Oakland over the past two seasons but could need to step up his work after winning only 17 tackles at a 63 percent success rate and logging only 20 interceptions in almost 2,400 minutes of action this past season. At 29 years old, Hackshaw should still have plenty to offer with 250 USL Championship appearances within reach this season, and his career numbers remain solid overall, but after the struggles Oakland’s defense experienced last year can’t happen again.

Key Arrival – Panos Armenakas, midfielder: After helping lead Phoenix Rising to the 2023 Championship title, last season was a strange one for Panos Armenakas who never got on track in the desert or at Memphis 901 FC after a midseason transfer. Oakland offers a fresh start for the Australian, who’s never been shy about his assessment of his ability, but who could have plenty of carrying to do as the primary playmaker for this Roots side. With eight goals and nine assists in 67 appearances in the Championship to his credit, it’s time for Armenakas to be the impact player he believes he is.

Key Number – 35: Oakland Roots conceded five goals in a game on four occasions during the 2024 regular season, accounting for 35 percent of the 57 goals they conceded overall in the campaign, second-most in the league.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: One of the more direct teams in the USL last year, Oakland was good about winning the ball in dangerous spots, but the outcomes varied from there. Daring runs from Camden Riley out of the pivot or a killer overlap from Justin Rasmussen up the left could keep the Roots moving and often led to goals; more often the attack stalled out. Adding Panos Armenakas, a locksmith against compact defensive blocks, and complementing him with former Mexican international Jurgen Damm is a huge leap forward.

The Roots were a middling pressing team last season, and the mien of Gavin Glinton’s 3-4-3 probably won’t change all that much. Defensive improvement will fall upon Kai Greene’s ability to organize from the center of the back three. Based on his history in the East Bay, that’s not a bad bet to make.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-2-1): GK – Kendall McIntosh; D – Neveal Hackshaw, Kai Greene, Gagi Margvelashvili; M – Justin Rasmussen, Daniel Gomez, Camden Riley, Jürgen Damm; AM – Jose Sinisterra, Panos Armenakas; F – Peter Wilson

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 11th, Western Conference

Head Coach: Danny Stone

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium

2024 Regular Season: 13-14-7, 46pts, 6th in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: Western Conference Semifinals

What’s Happened This Offseason?

Following a major upswing under mid-season interim appointment Danny Stone that carried Orange County first into the postseason and then to a Western Conference Semifinal appearance for a second consecutive year, the English coach had his interim tag removed, setting the stage for a busy offseason of work. Central to that have been changes in the defensive corps where veterans Dillon Power and Markus Nakkim were among the notable departures. Entering to replace them are Tom Brewitt – who brings prior USL Championship experience after more recently competing in EFL League Two with Swindon Town – and former FC Cincinnati 2 center back Nico Benalcazar.

The potential upgrades Orange County has made in attack, however, are why there’s real optimism about how far this side could progress in Stone’s first full year. 2024 League One Player of the Year Lyam MacKinnon arrived from Greenville Triumph SC, as did 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy winner Ousmane Sylla and experienced Championship forward Tristan Trager. Add a permanent deal for Chris Hegardt after his successful loan stint last season and the return of Ethan Zubak, Cameron Dunbar and young star Bryce Jamison and there’s a lot to work with here for the 2021 title-winners.

Key Returnee – Colin Shutler, goalkeeper: Shutler grabbed the starting position impressively in what looked like a battle for playing time at the start of the season and went on to post career-highs in saves (98) and shutouts (12) while posting a save percentage of 72.6 percent in the regular season. Shutler also notched a -3.95 Goals Prevented mark on the campaign, and having signed a new deal he’ll be expected to offer a new-look back line stability as it comes together.

Key Arrival – Lyam MacKinnon, forward: With a combined 23 goals and seven assists across all competitions in the 2024 season – including 17 goals in the League One regular season and playoffs while claiming the league’s Golden Boot – Swiss forward Lyam MacKinnon took a major jump forward in his second season at Greenville Triumph. Now the 25-year-old will be aiming to bring a similar level of production to Orange County, where his ability as an inverted left-winger will look to fit into Head Coach Danny Stone’s system and push OCSC into contention for a top-four finish, and maybe more.

Young Player to Watch – Bryce Jamison, forward: The 19-year-old continued his progression with a campaign in which he recorded five goals and three assists while almost doubling his playing time from the 2023 season. A United States youth international, Jamison will look to kick on this campaign as he builds the sort of resume that could command a serious figure in the transfer market for either a club in Major League Soccer or Europe.

Key Number – 10: Ethan Zubak’s 10 regular season goals in 2024 were the fewest to lead Orange County SC in a full regular season campaign since 2017, when Jerry van Wolfgang recorded eight goals for the side.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: While youth development and star scorers are often the headliners in Orange County, their best teams have shut matches down in a 4-4-2ish shape featuring two highly compact banks of four. Danny Stone understood that brief at the end of 2024, and he’s rebuilt the defense around players like Grayson Doody (terrific on loan with Las Vegas last year) and Tom Brewitt (a former Hartford standout) that should be able to execute similarly in front of Colin Shutler in 2025.

Admittedly, the attacking unit deserves its usual hype. Reigning USL League One Golden Boot winner Lyam MacKinnon and striker-right winger combo scorer Tristan Trager are built for the Stone system. Chris Hegardt and Kyle Scott could be a revelatory midfield pair. OCSC’s offense feels far more varied this year, and that’s a boon.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Colin Shutler; D – Ryan Doghman, Ashton Miles, Tom Brewitt, Grayson Doody; DM – Kyle Scott, Kevin Partida; AM – Lyam MacKinnon, Chris Hegardt, Bryce Jamison; F – Ethan Zubak

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 5th, Western Conference

Head Coach: Pa-Modou Kah

Venue: Phoenix Rising Stadium

2024 Regular Season: 11-14-9, 42pts, 8th in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: Western Conference Quarterfinals

What’s Happened This Offseason?

Having narrowly returned to the postseason in its title defense under interim Head Coach Diego Sanchez after an abrupt midseason dismissal of former assistant Danny Stone, Phoenix Rising hired Pa-Modou Kah as its new permanent manager. The former Norwegian international who hails originally from the Gambia brings an impressive resume, having won the Canadian Premier League with Pacific FC before leading North Texas SC in MLS NEXT Pro and his most recent position as an assistant at Charlotte FC.

The task for Kah will be to bring together a squad that features some high-level returning talent, most notably that of Championship All-League selection and Young Player of the Year finalist Pape Mar Boye, and some intriguing names that have arrived this season. Among those are Remi Cabral, who signed a permanent deal with the club after leading the side with seven goals a season ago, and former Canadian international Noble Okello as he looks to reboot his career in Arizona. The expectations will be high for Rising, as always, but there’s plenty of work to be done to get the side where it believes it should be.

Key Returnee – Pape Mar Boye, defender: The Senegalese center back was one of the standouts for Rising in his first professional campaign, illustrating why he was offered a Generation adidas contract by Major League Soccer ahead of the 2024 SuperDraft. Instead, the 21-year-old will get the chance to build on that display in his second season in Phoenix and with the tutelage of Kah – a standout center back in his own right as a player – to guide him it could lead to even bigger things for the club and player individually.

Key Arrival – Damian Rivera, forward: During his time on loan with the Tampa Bay Rowdies a season ago, Damian Rivera was one of the most explosive players off the bench in the Championship. He recorded six goals and three assists overall in 1,051 minutes of action as a backup for the Rowdies, and at 22 years old now heads to Phoenix looking for more playing time and the potential for more production. As an energetic young forward, there will be competition for the Rhode Island native, but he feels like a positive fit for what Rising is aiming to build.

Young Player to Watch – Collin Smith, defender: After spending the past two seasons at Birmingham Legion and Rhode Island FC to some success, Smith will try to take the next step forward in a system that could play to his strengths as a right back. The 21-year-old didn’t get much run in Rhode Island behind starter Stephen Turnbull last year but recorded two goals and 12 chances created for Legion in 2023 while completing 40 dribbles at a 71.4 percent success rate. Smith’s speed and defensive solidity could make him a very useful piece.

Key Number – 33: Phoenix Rising FC recorded only 33 goals in 34 games in the regular season, the fewest of any team to reach the postseason in 2024 and the first time the side had averaged less than a goal-per-game in club history.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Phoenix wants to possess, and Phoenix wants to press high. Those mandates are consistent no matter who’s on the sideline. Pa-Modou Kah has the tools to make it work, and a 4-2-3-1 with dynamic, high-energy wingers like Damian Rivera and Jearl Margaritha racing ahead of star No. 10 Charlie Dennis sounds like the formula to make it happen – provided that someone can nail down the striker spot.

Rising won’t reprise the “kinda back three, kinda not” shifting that they preferred in 2024, and their center back pairing of Mo Traore and Pape Mar Boye is among the most exciting in the league. It’s easy to imagine those two elevating Phoenix’s ceiling considerably in a defensive sense, but especially so if they can form quick chemistry with goalkeeper Triston Henry in the build-up phase.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Triston Henry; D – Emil Cuello, Mohamed Traore, Pape Mar Boye, Collin Smith; DM – Noble Okello, Giulio Doratiotto; AM – Damian Rivera, Charlie Dennis, Jearl Margaritha; F – Remi Cabral

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 8th, Western Conference

Head Coach: Neill Collins

Venue: Heart Health Park

2024 Regular Season: 13-11-10, 49pts, 5th in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: Western Conference Quarterfinals

What’s Happened This Offseason?

Following a late fade in the regular season and elimination in the opening round of the postseason, Sacramento Republic FC elected to part ways with Head Coach Mark Briggs and in his place brought in Neill Collins, paying a buyout to Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers to secure his services. The former USL Championship Coach of the Year at the Tampa Bay Rowdies is now charged with reinvigorating a squad that returns many key pieces and features some potentially impactful additions.

The club’s defensive unit may see the biggest changes this season with both Shane Wiedt (Detroit City) and Conor Donovan (North Carolina FC) departing the club. Returnees Jared Timmer and Lee Desmond have been joined by Freddy Kleemann in the center back group, while there’s the potential we could see more of United States U-20 international Chibi Ukaegbu after a bright start to his pro campaign in front of stellar shot-stopper Danny Vitiello. With Collins’ wingback-oriented system, Ryan Spaulding and Dominik Wenner arrive as potential complements to Jack Gurr, who continued to shine on the right side in 2024. There also will be the hope that Rodrigo Lopez can rebound after a torn ACL ended his season prematurely and forward Russell Cicerone can regain his form after a challenging campaign for a Republic FC side that expects to be in contention for silverware again.

Key Returnee – Russell Cicerone, forward: The veteran forward saw his streak of three consecutive 15-goal campaigns in the Championship come to an end in 2024 as injury hampered his performance. Cicerone logged 23 appearances and only 1,664 minutes of action as he notched five goals and two assists in the campaign, and even when he got into good positions things didn’t quite seem to click as they had previously as he underperformed his Expected Goals mark of 7.07xG. The 30-year-old will be aiming to bounce back strongly and could potentially push into the Top 10 in the Championship’s scoring charts with a good campaign.

Key Arrival – Dominik Wanner, winger: A product of Borussia Dortmund’s Academy, Dominik Wanner has put together impressive numbers in Germany’s Regionalliga Südwest and Regionalliga West, recording 29 goals and 12 assists in 159 appearances across the two leagues. Primarily a left-sided player, he could provide an alternative to fellow new arrival Ryan Spaulding at wingback or could play further up the field as part of a three-player front line. Having last seen official action this past May, getting the 25-year-old up to speed quickly will be key for Sacramento.

Young Player to Watch – Chibi Ukaegbu, defender: The 17-year-old Republic FC Academy product was potentially pushed into action earlier than anticipated due to an injury crunch midway through last season, but over nine appearances the Roseville, Calif. native showed the potential he possesses. Ukaegbu has spent this offseason in camp with both the United States U-19s and U-20s, and he could step up for more meaningful minutes this campaign.

Key Number – 1: Sacramento Republic FC gained only one point from a losing position in the 2024 regular season, the fewest points gained of any team in the USL Championship.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: A healthy Sacramento attack starring Rodrigo Lopez in the middle of the park is about as formidable as it gets in the USL Championship. If history is any indication, Neill Collins’ system won’t look revolutionary as compared to prior Republic teams, but his 3-4-3 ought to bring improvements thanks to the health of players like Lopez and Jack Gurr alone. Reuniting Collins with left wing back Ryan Spaulding is a potential masterstroke, giving Sacramento star-caliber wide threats on each sideline.

On the sly, the Republic gave up the second-most fast break xG in the league last season, and improving the defensive structure will be Collins’ main charge. Spaulding’s two-way quality will help, but be on the lookout for an adjustment in terms of defensive line height and the positioning of the Republic pivot.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-2-1): GK – Danny Vitiello; D – Lee Desmond, Freddy Kleemann, Jared Timmer; M – Ryan Spaulding, Luis Felipe Fernandes, Justin Portillo, Jack Gurr; AM – Russell Cicerone, Rodrigo Lopez; F – Trevor Amann

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 1st, Western Conference

Head Coach: Carlos Llamosa

Venue: Toyota Field

2024 Regular Season: 10-15-9, 39pts, 9th in Western Conference

2024 Postseason: N/A

What’s Happened This Offseason?

Having missed the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time since 2019, San Antonio FC hit the reboot button this offseason with the departure of Head Coach Alen Marcina after five seasons at the helm and the appointment of former United States international Carlos Llamosa, who takes up his first Head Coaching role having most recently served as an assistant coach at the Portland Timbers under Giovanni Savarese.

In concert with Sporting Director Marco Ferruzzi, SAFC then continued a rebuild that seemed oriented toward a more possession-based style moving forward. Some key figures were retained, including securing center back Mitchell Taintor and attacking midfielder Jorge Hernández to new contracts, but others headed out with goalkeepers Pablo Sisniega and Kendall McIntosh each departing alongside the retirement of longtime defender Carter Manley. Among the newcomers are familiar names such as center back Alex Crognale, previously of Birmingham Legion, as well as some new attacking options in New Zealand international forward Alex Greive and attacking midfielders Diogo Pacheco and Luis Paredes.

Key Returnee – Jorge Hernández, midfielder: Having recorded 19 assists in his first two seasons at the club, getting Jorge Hernández back under contract for the new season on a multi-year agreement was a key move for SAFC as it moves into a new era. The LA Galaxy Academy product stood out as things went astray elsewhere for San Antonio a season ago, logging a league-high 9.89 Expected Assists, more than 2.0xA ahead of his closest rival in the regular season. Hernández’s ability to create in open play and at set pieces sets the standard for San Antonio in attack and makes him a crucial part of this year’s rebuild.

Key Arrival – Alex Crognale, defender: The starkest contrast for San Antonio in 2024 compared to prior seasons was the how it leaked goals. The side ranked above average in the league with an Expected Goals Against mark of 37.22xGA but was below league average as it conceded 49 times in the regular season. Alex Crognale’s arrival as a potential center back partner to Mitchell Taintor should help tighten things up at the back with the veteran’s ability as a ball distributor out of the back line an added plus for the style Llamosa is likely to want to install.

Young Player to Watch – Dmitrii Erofeev, midfielder: There’s something really interesting about an 18-year-old Russian who’s already gained professional experience in the system at Dynamo Moscow – recording three goals and five assists in 16 appearances for the club’s reserve side – making the jump across the Atlantic Ocean. SAFC signed Erofeev to a multi-year deal, but we certainly should see him in action this campaign to get a feel for what he can deliver.

Key Number – 22: San Antonio FC dropped 22 points from winning positions in the 2024 regular season, tied for the most in the Championship, having previously dropped 12 points from winning positions in the prior two seasons combined.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Carlos Llamosa’s version of San Antonio FC is likely to be more possessive and, relatively speaking, mellow than we’re used to. It’s easy to imagine San Antonio defending in a solid 4-2-3-1 before shifting into an offensive look with two No. 10 types in the midfield and wingers that are encouraged to push forward and make direct off-ball runs over the top. With Jorge Hernandez pulling the strings and wide players like Jake LaCava doing the running, it’s sure to be exciting.

The back half will look different under Llamosa, and if midfield linchpin Almir Soto can form a fast chemistry with aggressive defenders like Michell Taintor and Alex Crognale, this team will be in high gear. Just how adventurous the center backs can get is a major question, less in the make-or-break sense but more in terms of SAFC’s overall shift in philosophy.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Richard Sanchez; D – Jimmy Medranda, Mitchell Taintor, Alex Crognale, Shannon Gomez; DM – Almir Soto, Nicky Hernandez; AM – Jake LaCava, Jorge Hernandez, Luke Haakenson; F – Juan Agudelo

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 6th, Western Conference

Head Coach: Luke Spencer

Venue: ONEOK Field

2024 Regular Season: 9-14-11, 38pts, 10th in Eastern Conference

2024 Postseason: N/A

What’s Happened This Offseason?

Following a year of change at FC Tulsa – which saw numerous notable names depart via transfer including 2023 leading scorer Phillip Goodrum, playmaker Justin Portillo and young talent Nate Worth – the club continued to reconfigure its technical staff this offseason. Former Head Coach Mario Sanchez moved into a new position as Technical Director, allowing for the promotion of Luke Spencer to his first full-time head coaching position in the league, while Caleb Sewell was brought on board as Sporting Director after success at Memphis 901 FC.

A core of key players is set to return, including goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda, signed to a new multi-year contract after becoming a sensation following his midseason arrival. The side will also be hoping to get a full year out of defender Arthur Rogers after his injury issues a season ago, while Colombian midfielder Edwin Laszo is another notable returnee. Where the side has turned over significantly is in the attacking third, where Kalil ElMedkhar was an early offseason arrival after notching six goals and four assists in 861 minutes for Loudoun United FC, while the side went out and acquired Taylor Calheira from New York City FC II after he notched 17 goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions a season ago. After two seasons stuck in neutral, this is the year where Tulsa should take positive steps forward on the field.

Key Returnee – Arthur Rogers, defender: Following his offseason arrival from Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, things did not go to plan for Arthur Rogers in Tulsa as injuries limited him to only 800 minutes of regular season action, during which he logged two assists and six chances created. There’s little question about what the English full back can offer a side from his time with the Hailstorm, however, where he logged 20 assists on an Expected Assists mark of 19.93xA in 62 appearances across two seasons in League One. Adding that creativity consistently this season should be a major plus for the side.

Key Arrival – Kalil ElMedkhar, forward: Over the past two seasons, Kalil ElMedkhar has been a consistent producer in attack with 14 goals and nine assists in 2,984 minutes for Loudoun United FC. Even a season ago, when his minutes were limited by injury, he still put up impressive numbers for the side, and it’s the hope for FC Tulsa that momentum carries forward as he heads to Oklahoma this season. There’s a small reason for caution. ElMedkhar has greatly overperformed his Expected Goals (7.8xG) and Assists (5.68xA) marks over the past two seasons, which could result in a regression this year, but the potential upside for a team looking to make a move was too much to turn down.

Young Player to Watch – Taylor Calheira, forward: The 22-year-old feels like a somewhat familiar story. Taylor Calheira was a college standout who shone in his first professional season with New York City FC II – putting up 17 goals and seven assists in all competitions – and was subsequently transferred to a club in the USL Championship. It’s the same blueprint that brought MD Myers to the Charleston Battery last offseason, and Myers went on to bag 14 goals in his first season in the league. If Tulsa gets close to that output, it will mark a very good piece of business.

Key Number – 2: FC Tulsa scored only two goals in the final 15 minutes of games in the 2024 regular season, the fewest in the league, but still managed to gain 10 points from losing positions over the course of the campaign.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Last season’s version of Tulsa was one of the USL Championship’s most direct and, quite often, narrowest teams, but they didn’t always have the technicians to break opponents down in the final third. Kalil ElMedkhar, a tight dribbler and passer from the wing, and Taylor Calheira, a volume goalscorer that’s also happy to drop in as a facilitator near goal, are meant to change that calculus without changing the 4-2-3-1 formula wholesale.

Tulsa rarely extended themselves in the press last season, but a more athletic back line starring Lamar Batista and a general sense of depth in the wide areas ought to encourage more trapping on the sidelines and hard-nosed moments without the ball. If Johan Peñaranda can maintain his elite form in goal, it’ll be that much easier to go bold.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Johan Peñaranda; D – Patrick Seagrist, Lamar Batista, AB Cissoko, Arthur Rogers; DM – Edwin Laszo, Andrew Booth; AM – Kalil ElMedkhar, Faysal Bettache, Harvey St Clair; F – Taylor Calheira

USLChampionship.com Prediction: 9th, Western Conference