Kickoff in Lorain County: New USL2 Soccer Team Set to Debut in 2026
A new professional soccer team is set to make its debut in Lorain County by 2026. The team, which will be part of the USL2 league, will play at the Lake Erie Crushers stadium. The ownership group has finalized plans for the team to utilize 75% of the stadium, converting the baseball field into a soccer pitch.
Andrew McDonnell, a partner stakeholder in the new team, highlighted the growing interest in professional soccer in the Cleveland market. With the success of the USL2 team Akron City FC, which he is also a part of, McDonnell sees a promising future for soccer in the region. The team aims to tap into the enthusiasm for the sport, with hopes of attracting a strong fan base.
Youth soccer has been on the rise in communities like North Ridgeville, where the sport has seen increasing participation over the years. The addition of a USL2 team in Lorain County could provide young players with a local team to support and aspire to. The team's name and uniform design will be decided through fan voting, with the branding reflecting the county's industrial heritage.
Fans can already reserve season tickets and show their support for the upcoming team by purchasing a fan supporter pack. The team's motto, "from the farms to the factories for the county," embodies the spirit of Lorain County. With the groundwork laid for the new soccer team, excitement is building for its arrival and the opportunity it presents for soccer enthusiasts in the region.