Alex Ashton
@leagueoneupdater.com
USL League one stories, news and transactions. DMs open. Contributor: Beyond The 90, The USL Show, Southeast Soccer Report and River City 93 ⚽️🇺🇸
Reposted by Alex Ashton
NEWSLETTER: Early release this week, but there's tons to cover. I'm diving deep into:
🟠 Knoxville's stellar back line
🔷 How Spokane's measured tactics won the day
⚓ Defensive balance for RIFC
💛 New Mexico's complete attack
⁉️ DC-Brooklyn takeaways
www.usltactics.com/p/the-back-f...
🟠 Knoxville's stellar back line
🔷 How Spokane's measured tactics won the day
⚓ Defensive balance for RIFC
💛 New Mexico's complete attack
⁉️ DC-Brooklyn takeaways
www.usltactics.com/p/the-back-f...
The Back Four: (Semi)final countdown
Featuring Rhode Island’s defensive choices, League One analysis, and more USL miscellany
www.usltactics.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:44 PM
NEWSLETTER: Early release this week, but there's tons to cover. I'm diving deep into:
🟠 Knoxville's stellar back line
🔷 How Spokane's measured tactics won the day
⚓ Defensive balance for RIFC
💛 New Mexico's complete attack
⁉️ DC-Brooklyn takeaways
www.usltactics.com/p/the-back-f...
🟠 Knoxville's stellar back line
🔷 How Spokane's measured tactics won the day
⚓ Defensive balance for RIFC
💛 New Mexico's complete attack
⁉️ DC-Brooklyn takeaways
www.usltactics.com/p/the-back-f...
Reposted by Alex Ashton
Special episode: we sat down with Emiliano Terzaghi — 3x MVP, 3x Golden Boot, and the greatest goalscorer in USL League One history. He talks Richmond, legacy, fans, and what’s next. A must listen. 🎙️❤️
#RVAisRED #UpTheKickers
youtu.be/ALp1OIQd4fg?...
#RVAisRED #UpTheKickers
youtu.be/ALp1OIQd4fg?...
The Final Whistle: Emiliano Terzaghi
YouTube video by Rivercity 93
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Special episode: we sat down with Emiliano Terzaghi — 3x MVP, 3x Golden Boot, and the greatest goalscorer in USL League One history. He talks Richmond, legacy, fans, and what’s next. A must listen. 🎙️❤️
#RVAisRED #UpTheKickers
youtu.be/ALp1OIQd4fg?...
#RVAisRED #UpTheKickers
youtu.be/ALp1OIQd4fg?...
AV Alta announced several off-season departures today: Sebastian Cruz, Walmer Martinez, Emmanuel Alaribe, Eduardo Blancas, Luca Mastrantonio, Alexis Cerritos, Carlos Avilez, Ashkanov Apollon, and Elijah Martin.
PS, the 2026 Transaction Tracker is live 👀
PS, the 2026 Transaction Tracker is live 👀
USL League One 2026 Transaction Tracker - League One Updater
Tracking all of the USL League One pre-season transactions and confirmed returnees ahead of the 2025 season.
leagueoneupdater.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:49 PM
AV Alta announced several off-season departures today: Sebastian Cruz, Walmer Martinez, Emmanuel Alaribe, Eduardo Blancas, Luca Mastrantonio, Alexis Cerritos, Carlos Avilez, Ashkanov Apollon, and Elijah Martin.
PS, the 2026 Transaction Tracker is live 👀
PS, the 2026 Transaction Tracker is live 👀
What's our old friend Stefan Lukic been up to in USL Championship? Just super-sub bangers left and right.
Second minute of stoppage time in extra time, Lukic scores his sixth goal this season after coming on as a substitute to win it for @fctulsa.bsky.social.
The Scissortails are going to their first #USL-C Western Conference Final.
The Scissortails are going to their first #USL-C Western Conference Final.
November 9, 2025 at 1:49 PM
What's our old friend Stefan Lukic been up to in USL Championship? Just super-sub bangers left and right.
Reposted by Alex Ashton
Wait didn’t @leagueoneupdater.com exactly call this
Second minute of stoppage time in extra time, Lukic scores his sixth goal this season after coming on as a substitute to win it for @fctulsa.bsky.social.
The Scissortails are going to their first #USL-C Western Conference Final.
The Scissortails are going to their first #USL-C Western Conference Final.
November 9, 2025 at 5:05 AM
Wait didn’t @leagueoneupdater.com exactly call this
The league released its 2025 awards finalists.
Player: Reid-Stephen, Obregón, Henderlong
Defender: Skelton, Messer, Garcia
Goalkeeper: Lewis, Merancio, Smith
Young player: Bronnik, Jauregui, Kasanzu, Kinzner
Coach: Mackenzie, Fuller, Murphy, Poland
Player: Reid-Stephen, Obregón, Henderlong
Defender: Skelton, Messer, Garcia
Goalkeeper: Lewis, Merancio, Smith
Young player: Bronnik, Jauregui, Kasanzu, Kinzner
Coach: Mackenzie, Fuller, Murphy, Poland
USL League One Announces 2025 Awards Finalists
Top Players, Coaches earn nomination after standout regular season campaigns
www.uslleagueone.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM
The league released its 2025 awards finalists.
Player: Reid-Stephen, Obregón, Henderlong
Defender: Skelton, Messer, Garcia
Goalkeeper: Lewis, Merancio, Smith
Young player: Bronnik, Jauregui, Kasanzu, Kinzner
Coach: Mackenzie, Fuller, Murphy, Poland
Player: Reid-Stephen, Obregón, Henderlong
Defender: Skelton, Messer, Garcia
Goalkeeper: Lewis, Merancio, Smith
Young player: Bronnik, Jauregui, Kasanzu, Kinzner
Coach: Mackenzie, Fuller, Murphy, Poland
Reposted by Alex Ashton
Over on @theuslshow.bsky.social, they also broke down the two #USL-1 Semifinals this weekend and gave their predictions on how the games would play out.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG1J...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG1J...
LEAGUE ONE SEMI FINAL PREVIEW SHOW!
YouTube video by The USL Show
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Over on @theuslshow.bsky.social, they also broke down the two #USL-1 Semifinals this weekend and gave their predictions on how the games would play out.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG1J...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG1J...
Rodeo SC announced as a 2027 expansion for USL League One. Will be located in Celina, TX.
Texoma fans, you get a consolation prize. In 2027.
Texoma fans, you get a consolation prize. In 2027.
Rodeo Soccer Club to Join USL League One in 2027, Partner with Texoma FC
Rodeo Soccer Club, based out of Celina, Texas, will be joining USL League One in 2027.
www.southeastsoccerreport.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Rodeo SC announced as a 2027 expansion for USL League One. Will be located in Celina, TX.
Texoma fans, you get a consolation prize. In 2027.
Texoma fans, you get a consolation prize. In 2027.
Reposted by Alex Ashton
Watchability Rankings #USLLeagueOne Semifinals with the top matchup between @oneknoxsc.bsky.social and #FCNaples
plottingtheusl.substack.com/p/usl-league...
#USL #USL1
plottingtheusl.substack.com/p/usl-league...
#USL #USL1
USL League 1 Watchability Rankings Semifinals
Get Plotting the USL in your inbox
plottingtheusl.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Watchability Rankings #USLLeagueOne Semifinals with the top matchup between @oneknoxsc.bsky.social and #FCNaples
plottingtheusl.substack.com/p/usl-league...
#USL #USL1
plottingtheusl.substack.com/p/usl-league...
#USL #USL1
Reposted by Alex Ashton
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
So long, sweet RailHawk.
A reflection on the grim annual tradition of USL clubs ceasing operations.
jeffrueter.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
Transactions have begun in earnest. Here we go.
The Captain is back 🔴
We are excited to announce that Dakota Barnathan has signed a new multi-year contract with the club ahead of the 2026 season!
📰: bit.ly/4hPHbwa
Keiter CPA | #UpTheRoos
We are excited to announce that Dakota Barnathan has signed a new multi-year contract with the club ahead of the 2026 season!
📰: bit.ly/4hPHbwa
Keiter CPA | #UpTheRoos
November 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Transactions have begun in earnest. Here we go.
Reposted by Alex Ashton
New at #Stormwatch912: I could try to recap the Tormenta/Velocity game, or we can all just kind of agree "hey, that happened, wasn't that a hell of a thing?"
stormwatch912.blogspot.com/2025/11/thin...
stormwatch912.blogspot.com/2025/11/thin...
Things Happen Sometimes
Photo courtesy of Tormenta FC We all knew the rules going in and I don't have a better way of ending a tied game, but losing in a penalty ki...
stormwatch912.blogspot.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:31 PM
New at #Stormwatch912: I could try to recap the Tormenta/Velocity game, or we can all just kind of agree "hey, that happened, wasn't that a hell of a thing?"
stormwatch912.blogspot.com/2025/11/thin...
stormwatch912.blogspot.com/2025/11/thin...
Reposted by Alex Ashton
We had a great show last night! And luckily for you, we have segments already uploaded on YouTube!
🪦 NCFC is Dead
⁉️ Chambers Fired
⚡️ Boise Hires Miller
🏆 Playoff Preview Episodes
Links Below⬇️⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/1iLQ...
🪦 NCFC is Dead
⁉️ Chambers Fired
⚡️ Boise Hires Miller
🏆 Playoff Preview Episodes
Links Below⬇️⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/1iLQ...
North Carolina is Dead and Coaches are Sacked
open.spotify.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:43 PM
We had a great show last night! And luckily for you, we have segments already uploaded on YouTube!
🪦 NCFC is Dead
⁉️ Chambers Fired
⚡️ Boise Hires Miller
🏆 Playoff Preview Episodes
Links Below⬇️⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/1iLQ...
🪦 NCFC is Dead
⁉️ Chambers Fired
⚡️ Boise Hires Miller
🏆 Playoff Preview Episodes
Links Below⬇️⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/1iLQ...
Reposted by Alex Ashton
Port St. Lucie City Council has unanimously voted to construct a professional soccer stadium for expansion #USL-1 club Port St. Lucie SC.
The stadium will be set on 46 acres and include restaurants, shops, and housing, with the club set to launch in the 2027 season.
www.wpbf.com/article/port...
The stadium will be set on 46 acres and include restaurants, shops, and housing, with the club set to launch in the 2027 season.
www.wpbf.com/article/port...
Port St. Lucie approves soccer stadium amid public debate
Port St. Lucie City Council unanimously voted to build a professional soccer stadium, promising economic benefits despite public concerns.
www.wpbf.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Port St. Lucie City Council has unanimously voted to construct a professional soccer stadium for expansion #USL-1 club Port St. Lucie SC.
The stadium will be set on 46 acres and include restaurants, shops, and housing, with the club set to launch in the 2027 season.
www.wpbf.com/article/port...
The stadium will be set on 46 acres and include restaurants, shops, and housing, with the club set to launch in the 2027 season.
www.wpbf.com/article/port...
Reposted by Alex Ashton
LIVE IN ONE HOUR! 9pm ET/6pm PT!
See you soon to talk...
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
See you soon to talk...
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
There has been some fun USL news in the last 24 hours!
Luckily for you…
🚨THE USL SHOW IS LIVE TONIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IT ALL!🚨
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
Luckily for you…
🚨THE USL SHOW IS LIVE TONIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IT ALL!🚨
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
November 5, 2025 at 1:00 AM
LIVE IN ONE HOUR! 9pm ET/6pm PT!
See you soon to talk...
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
See you soon to talk...
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
Reposted by Alex Ashton
A big day of news in the American soccer world and @empiregass.bsky.social & @tombogert.bsky.social are here to talk about it!
November 5, 2025 at 1:06 AM
A big day of news in the American soccer world and @empiregass.bsky.social & @tombogert.bsky.social are here to talk about it!
Reposted by Alex Ashton
Portland Hearts of Pine had cool jerseys, and that was a lot of fun.
But they’ve also nailed this football team thing:
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
But they’ve also nailed this football team thing:
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
‘Everyone is reaping the rewards’ - How Portland Hearts of Pine evolved from cult hipster brand into a thriving USL League One club and ‘beacon of grassroots football’ | Goal.com US
Portland Hearts of Pine's jerseys went global, but their debut season on the pitch has proved they're far more than just a cool kit
www.goal.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Portland Hearts of Pine had cool jerseys, and that was a lot of fun.
But they’ve also nailed this football team thing:
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
But they’ve also nailed this football team thing:
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
Reposted by Alex Ashton
Up now at @beyondthe90.bsky.social Liam Fox hired as Sporting Jax's first head coach. open.substack.com/pub/beyondth...
Sporting Jax Hire Liam Fox As First Men's Coach
On a busy day of USL Championship news, Sporting Jax announced former Dundee United and twice interim Heart of Midlothian manager Liam Fox as their first men’s manager.
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Up now at @beyondthe90.bsky.social Liam Fox hired as Sporting Jax's first head coach. open.substack.com/pub/beyondth...
Reposted by Alex Ashton
There has been some fun USL news in the last 24 hours!
Luckily for you…
🚨THE USL SHOW IS LIVE TONIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IT ALL!🚨
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
Luckily for you…
🚨THE USL SHOW IS LIVE TONIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IT ALL!🚨
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
November 4, 2025 at 5:02 PM
There has been some fun USL news in the last 24 hours!
Luckily for you…
🚨THE USL SHOW IS LIVE TONIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IT ALL!🚨
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
Luckily for you…
🚨THE USL SHOW IS LIVE TONIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IT ALL!🚨
🦁 Premier League to the USL
🪦 North Carolina is Dead (sorta)
🤯 Mind Blowing Round One
🔙 Can Upsets Run it Back
👝 Sacked in the Morning
Reposted by Alex Ashton
The USL's publicly stated ambition is clear: to implement pro-rel and launch a first-division men's league.
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
North Carolina FC’s hiatus exposes the cracks beneath the USL’s expressed ambition
While USL arms itself for a push towards creating a top men’s league and adding promotion and relegation, it’s clear more work is needed.
www.backheeled.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The USL's publicly stated ambition is clear: to implement pro-rel and launch a first-division men's league.
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
Reposted by Alex Ashton
The Candela Effect is real.
Vincenzo Candela has officially been named the third head coach in club history! 👏
Read more below, and congrats to Coach Vinnie!
🔗 tinyurl.com/UOHiresCandela
#OneMeansAll
Vincenzo Candela has officially been named the third head coach in club history! 👏
Read more below, and congrats to Coach Vinnie!
🔗 tinyurl.com/UOHiresCandela
#OneMeansAll
November 4, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The Candela Effect is real.
Vincenzo Candela has officially been named the third head coach in club history! 👏
Read more below, and congrats to Coach Vinnie!
🔗 tinyurl.com/UOHiresCandela
#OneMeansAll
Vincenzo Candela has officially been named the third head coach in club history! 👏
Read more below, and congrats to Coach Vinnie!
🔗 tinyurl.com/UOHiresCandela
#OneMeansAll
"The USL believes Raleigh has strong potential as a future Division One market if it meets the league’s professional standards, including a minimum 15,000-seat, purpose-built soccer stadium that will serve as an anchor for real estate development."
North Carolina FC’s franchise agreement with the USL Championship concluded at the end of the 2025 season.
The club will not compete in the #USL-C in 2026 and has formally applied to join USL’s new Division One league launching in 2028.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
The club will not compete in the #USL-C in 2026 and has formally applied to join USL’s new Division One league launching in 2028.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
North Carolina FC Update
North Carolina FC’s franchise agreement with the USL Championship concluded at the end of the 2025 season
www.uslchampionship.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:06 PM
"The USL believes Raleigh has strong potential as a future Division One market if it meets the league’s professional standards, including a minimum 15,000-seat, purpose-built soccer stadium that will serve as an anchor for real estate development."
This just keeps getting stranger
Sources: North Carolina FC has applied for membership to USL's new D1 league, which is set to start in 2028.
NCFC's USL membership expires after this season. So club's plan is to wait to return until D1 league starts (with pro/rel).
No guarantee they get membership, but that's the plan
NCFC's USL membership expires after this season. So club's plan is to wait to return until D1 league starts (with pro/rel).
No guarantee they get membership, but that's the plan
BREAKING: USL Championship side North Carolina FC informs players they will not be fielding a team in 2026, per sources.
NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run.
Players with contracts now end after two months.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run.
Players with contracts now end after two months.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
November 4, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This just keeps getting stranger
Reposted by Alex Ashton
Three things:
- I couldn’t feel worse for John Bradford, these players, and the NCFC fans
- This was always on the radar once the Courage sale fell through
- Bad optics for a legacy club that just jumped back to USLC to say “we don’t think it’s financially worthwhile to stick until pro-rel + D1”
- I couldn’t feel worse for John Bradford, these players, and the NCFC fans
- This was always on the radar once the Courage sale fell through
- Bad optics for a legacy club that just jumped back to USLC to say “we don’t think it’s financially worthwhile to stick until pro-rel + D1”
BREAKING: USL Championship side North Carolina FC informs players they will not be fielding a team in 2026, per sources.
NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run.
Players with contracts now end after two months.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run.
Players with contracts now end after two months.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
USL club North Carolina FC tells players it won't field a team in 2026
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Three things:
- I couldn’t feel worse for John Bradford, these players, and the NCFC fans
- This was always on the radar once the Courage sale fell through
- Bad optics for a legacy club that just jumped back to USLC to say “we don’t think it’s financially worthwhile to stick until pro-rel + D1”
- I couldn’t feel worse for John Bradford, these players, and the NCFC fans
- This was always on the radar once the Courage sale fell through
- Bad optics for a legacy club that just jumped back to USLC to say “we don’t think it’s financially worthwhile to stick until pro-rel + D1”
Reposted by Alex Ashton
BREAKING: USL Championship side North Carolina FC informs players they will not be fielding a team in 2026, per sources.
NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run.
Players with contracts now end after two months.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run.
Players with contracts now end after two months.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
USL club North Carolina FC tells players it won't field a team in 2026
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:09 PM
BREAKING: USL Championship side North Carolina FC informs players they will not be fielding a team in 2026, per sources.
NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run.
Players with contracts now end after two months.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run.
Players with contracts now end after two months.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...