TAMPA, Fla. – After almost two years of preparation, the 2019 USL League One season kicks off this weekend with 10 teams aiming to write their name into the history book as the winner of the league’s inaugural title.

Ahead of Friday night’s opening kickoff between South Georgia Tormenta FC and Greenville Triumph SC, here’s a look ahead at the teams that make up this historic season.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Head Coach: Tim Hankinson (1st season)
Home Venue: David Stanton Field

TEAM OUTLOOK

The Red Wolves enter their first season with a lot of experience both in the squad and on the sideline. Head Coach Tim Hankinson brings experience from both Major League Soccer and the lower divisions of North American soccer and has called on some central figures to his past success to lead Chattanooga into its inaugural season. Among those are former Charleston Battery defender Colin Falvey – who was 2014 USL Championship Defender of the Year during his time in the Low Country – and forward Eamon Zayed, who has been prolific since arriving in the United States from Ireland in 2016.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ualefi - Midfielder
The Brazilian midfielder was an integral part of the Swope Park Rangers’ success in their inaugural USL Championship season in 2016 until he suffered a torn ACL after making 31 appearances for the side. Now back to full fitness, if the 25-year-old can mirror the smooth passing ability that saw him register five assists in his lone season with the Rangers in Chattanooga, it will make the Red Wolves dangerous when they get out on the front foot.

Eamon Zayed – Forward
The well-traveled Libyan-Irish forward arrives in Chattanooga having previously had successful stints in North America with both Indy Eleven and the Charlotte Independence. After recording 26 goals in 59 games for the Eleven over two seasons, the 35-year-old bagged eight goals in 25 appearances for the Independence in 2018 at a team-best rate of a goal every 158.3 minutes. While there are some miles on Zayed’s tires, his experience and ability to get into good positions should still make him dangerous for the Red Wolves this season.

 FC Tucson

Head Coach: Darren Sawatzky (1st season)
Home Venue: Kino Sports Park

TEAM OUTLOOK

FC Tucson makes the move up to the professional ranks after a highly successful start to its history in USL League Two. With a history that saw the club reach the postseason in six of seven seasons, the expectations are going to be of reaching the playoffs at the first attempt in League One. To accomplish that the club recruited Head Coach Darren Sawatzky to lead from the sidelines and brought back some familiar faces from past successes, including first signing in the club’s professional era Moshe Perez (2017 League Two All-League Team). The lone side in League One to be operated by a Championship side – Phoenix Rising FC – FCT could also see some strong talent available from the north of the state to supplement the veterans it has brought on board.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kyle Venter – Defender
Having competed consistently at the Championship level over recent seasons, Venter brings a lot of experience to Tucson’s back line that could help the side form a solid foundation at the back. At 6-foot-3, the 28-year-old could also be a nice threat from set pieces after scoring six goals previously in the Championship.

Austin Ledbetter – Defender
A former FC Tucson player in 2014 and 2015, Ledbetter returns to the club after spending the past two seasons in the Championship with Saint Louis FC. After making 20 starts for STLFC, and only six a season ago, Ledbetter will be hoping his new environment provides more opportunity to make his mark after a stellar collegiate career that saw him earn Missouri Valley Conference Defender of the Year honors in 2016, which led to his selection by FC Dallas in the Third Round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

 Forward Madison FC

Head Coach: Daryl Shore (1st season)
Home Venue: Breese Stevens Field

TEAM OUTLOOK

There’s been no team that’s been more visible in the lead-up to League One’s inaugural season than Forward Madison FC, but the side on paper also appears to have what it takes to contend for a playoff place in its inaugural season. While it might be fun and games off the field for Team #FullMingo, experienced Head Coach Daryl Shore’s side has put together some impressive preseason results that have seen FMFC go toe-to-toe with solid Championship opposition. If it carries that form into the regular season, there could be some wild celebrations at the end of the campaign.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

J.C. Banks – Forward
The first Wisconsin native to sign with FMFC, J.C. Banks brings tremendous experience from across the lower divisions of North American soccer to the capital of his home state. With more than 150 games in the professional ranks and 25 goals and 20 assists, Banks can create goals as well as score them and will likely be crucial to Madison’s chances of success in its inaugural season.

Connor Tobin – Defender
A fan-favorite wherever he has played, Connor Tobin returns to the upper-Midwest to serve as one of the anchors for Madison’s defense after five successful seasons with North Carolina FC. Having spent two seasons with Minnesota United FC – which is now Madison’s MLS partner – earlier in his career, the 32-year-old will feel right at home at his new club while also providing the ability and experience any team needs for immediate success.

 Greenville Triumph SC

Head Coach: John Harkes (1st season)
Home Venue: Legacy Early College

TEAM OUTLOOK

The first newly-formed club to join League One in March 2018, Greenville Triumph SC has arguably the most high-profile head coach in the league in former United States international John Harkes, and a squad that looks capable as it enters its first campaign. Harkes’ success as the sideline leader of FC Cincinnati in 2016 – when he led the side to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference in its expansion season – provides a pathway to follow for his new club, which includes some faces from that season in Ohio and others with Championship experience.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cole Seiler – Defender
With more than 60 games of experience in the Championship over the past three seasons – including helping both Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (2016) and Sacramento Republic FC (2018) to the USL Cup Playoffs – Cole Seiler should be a solid defensive piece for Triumph SC to build around. The 25-year-old showed a good ability to pick out long deliveries last season in Sacramento, completing 57.7 percent of his long passes, while also registering 69 interceptions over his past two seasons of action.

Paul Clowes - Midfielder
Returning to the United States after a year’s sojourn in his native England, Paul Clowes could be an important figure in the type of passing system that Harkes will be looking to implement tactically for his side. The former Clemson standout certainly has that ability, having completed 82 percent of passes at a rate of 51.6 passes per 90 minutes for Orlando City B during the 2017 USL Championship campaign. Becoming a main central piece to Greenville’s midfield should be Clowes’ aim for this season.

 LANSING IGNITE FC

Head Coach: Nate Miller (1st season)
Home Venue: Cooley Law School Stadium

TEAM OUTLOOK

Bringing professional soccer back to the state of Michigan, Lansing Ignite FC has brought on board some solid on-field pieces as it looks to find success in its inaugural season. Building on the legacy of former USL League Two side Lansing United, where Head Coach Nate Miller previously served as Head Coach and General Manager, Ignite FC has brought in a core of former United players that will get the chance to make their professional debuts this season. There is previous professional experience here as well, though, including former Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC goalkeeper Michael Kirk and Colorado Rapids midfielder Ricardo Perez.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nathan Lewis – Midfielder
A former player for Indy Eleven, Nathan Lewis brings international experience to Lansing having made 18 appearances for the Trinidad & Tobago national team during his career. The 28-year-old could be in line for a call-up to the Gold Cup this summer with the Soca Warriors, and with his speed down the flank he will offer Ignite FC a serious attacking threat that could be key to unlocking opposing defenses over the course of this campaign.

Alex Bruce – Forward
A young forward who arrived with Ignite FC on loan from the USL Championship’s San Antonio FC, Alex Bruce will be aiming to make his time in Lansing a success as he enters his second professional year. The 20-year-old recorded three goals in 13 appearances for SAFC a season ago, including one of the league’s candidates for Goal of the Year. A native of Gateshead, England, Bruce could provide a solid focal point for Lansing’s attack over the coming season.

 North Texas SC

Head Coach: Eric Quill (1st season)
Home Venue: Toyota Stadium

TEAM OUTLOOK

With one of the most highly-regarded Academy programs in the United States, North Texas SC’s arrival in League One for its inaugural season brings plenty of promise that its young charges led by Head Coach Eric Quill could be one of the most entertaining sides to watch this season. At the forefront is United States U-17 international Ricardo Pepi, who notched six goals in four preseason contests. But consider the fact that eight current or former FC Dallas Academy players were named in January’s combined United States U-17, U-19 and U-20 training camp and you can appreciate the level of talent that could be taking the field this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brecc Evans – Defender
A former FC Dallas Academy standout, Evans elected to turn professional with North Texas after having a strong freshman season at Cal Poly during which he earned All-Big West Freshman Team honors. A member of Dallas’ U-16 National Championship side in 2016, Evans made almost 100 appearances for FCD Academy sides during his youth career. At 6-foot-4, he should be one of the central pieces for NTSC in its inaugural season at the heart of the team’s back line.

Oscar Romero - Midfielder
Despite being only 22 years old, Romero figures to be one of the more experienced heads for North Texas’ young squad as he returns to Dallas after beginning his professional career in Mexico with Pumas UNAM. While he didn’t get the chance to see first-team minutes with Pumas, he did fare well with other opportunities, including scoring five goals in 14 appearances for Inter Playa de Carmen in Asenso MX – Mexico’s second division – and featuring for Pumas’ U-23 side in Liga Premier. Another former FCD Academy product, Romero scored 11 goals in 25 games during his final year at the Academy for the club’s U-18 side.

 Orlando City B

Head Coach: Fernando Jose De Argila Irurita (1st season)
Home Venue: Montverde Academy

TEAM OUTLOOK

After a year’s hiatus, Orlando City B returns with a new home venue and a new Head Coach in Fernando Jose De Argila Irurita who will look to lead the Lions to a second postseason appearance in club history. Expanding the partnership with Montverde Academy – which prior to becoming the home to OCSC’s Development Academy had a strong history of producing talented young players – should offer both the opportunity for success on the field and a solid platform for Orlando’s young standouts to maximize their potential in the professional ranks. With a handful of players already competing at the youth national team level, OCB should produce a solid product on the field as it looks to emulate the USL success experienced by the club’s first team before its move to Major League Soccer.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Christian Herrera - Goalkeeper
Having played professionally in both Mexico for Pachuca II and in the USL Championship for the Swope Park Rangers, Christian Herrera arrives in Orlando looking to establish himself as the starter for OCB. The 21-year-old didn’t fare badly in his spot starts for the Rangers last season, posting one shutout and a save percentage of 70 percent in his four appearances for the side. Having served as a back-up for most of his young career, though, this is the moment for Herrera to step into the spotlight.

Jordan Bender – Midfielder
The first signing of OCB’s new era, Jordan Bender brings experience from the U.S. Youth National Team program as he enters the professional ranks. The 17-year-old scored 11 goals in 54 games across the past two U.S. Soccer Development Academy seasons for the club and will now look to take the next step in his career. After competing previously for the United States U-16 national team, a strong season in 2019 could put Bender on the map for the next cycle in the United States U-20s as they look ahead to the 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

 Richmond Kickers

Head Coach: David Bulow (2nd season)
Home Venue: City Stadium

TEAM OUTLOOK

One of the two longest-standing professional clubs in the United States, the Richmond Kickers enter their 27th season with new leadership in the front office after the purchase of the club by 22 Holdings, LLC. The goal for the group – led by former player Rob Ukrop – is to return to the sort of form on the field that has seen numerous postseason successes over the years. With some key faces returning from the 2018 Championship campaign, the Kickers may have a slight head-start on some of their fellow League One sides as Head Coach David Bulow leads the club he previously played for from the sidelines.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dennis Chin - Forward
The 2012 Championship Golden Boot-winner when a player for Orlando City SC, Chin arrives in Richmond looking to provide the scoring touch that has eluded the Kickers over the past two seasons. Richmond ranked last in the Championship a season ago with only 30 goals in 34 regular-season contests and while the competition might not be as quite as fierce in League One, there will be pressure on Chin to try and recapture the form of his early career if the Kickers are going to make a postseason run in their new environment.

Braeden Troyer - Defender
A Kickers veteran, Braeden Troyer has made 110 league appearances for Richmond over the past four seasons and has served as one of the most consistent performers for the club in that span. Having played collegiately at the University of South Carolina and in USL League Two for the SC United Bantams, Troyer hit the ground running with 26 appearances as a rookie and has never made fewer than 25 appearances in his four seasons with Richmond. Last season, he ranked first on the team with 72 interceptions and 58 tackles won, while also logging 72 clearances. Alongside the returning Conor Shanosky, Troyer gives Richmond a reliable piece who has also become a fan-favorite at City Stadium.

 South Georgia Tormenta FC

Head Coach: John Miglarese (2nd year)
Home Venue: Erk Russell Park

TEAM OUTLOOK

The first team to join League One, South Georgia Tormenta FC will look to maintain the ascent that had seen the club establish itself as one of the best in USL League Two. With plans for a soccer-specific stadium already established, there is a high level of expectation within the club that Tormenta FC will not only stand in League One’s history as its first club but will also be one of its flagships moving forward. With Head Coach John Miglarese remaining at the helm and bringing numerous players up from League Two with him, there will be a good deal of continuity as the club gears up for its new campaign in the professional ranks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Josh Phelps – Defender
While Tormenta FC was the first club in League One, Australian defender Josh Phelps wrote his name in the history books last November when he became the first signing in the league’s history. A standout for Tormenta FC in 2018 as it went undefeated in the regular season to claim the Deep South Division in League Two, Phelps steps up to the next level after completing his collegiate career at UNC Pembroke. Phelps was South Georgia’s captain a season ago, and at 6-foot-4 he could play a big role in making Tormenta FC as effective defensively as it was in its previous seasons.

Chris Hellmann - Forward
One of the newcomers to Statesboro, Georgia for the new season is German forward Chris Hellmann, who returns to the United States after a stint with League Two’s Des Moines Menace last summer. Now 26 years old, Hellmann shone previously with the Menace over two seasons in 2014-15 that saw him notch 15 goals in 21 appearances and earn All-League honors in 2014 when Des Moines claim the regular-season title. Hellmann hasn’t broken through yet at the professional level in the U.S., having played briefly with the Championship’s Charlotte Independence in 2016, but he could be a very valuable piece in the attacking line if his game is sharp.

 Toronto FC II

Head Coach: Michael Rabasca (2nd year)
Home Venue: BMO Ontario Soccer Centre

TEAM OUTLOOK

After four seasons that saw Toronto FC II struggle on the field in the USL Championship – maxing out at six wins on three occasions – the lone side in the league from north of the border enters 2019 with recalibrated expectations as Head Coach Michael Rabasca begins his first full season in charge of the side. While it couldn’t accumulate wins in the Championship consistently, Toronto was always a side that could produce a surprise or two when visitors came north. With a plethora of young Canadian talent set to lead the way, TFC II will be hoping it can find more consistency at its new level and put itself in the picture for a first postseason berth.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jacob Shaffelberg – Forward
A native of Nova Scotia, Jacob Shaffelberg signed with TFC II last November but has already seen professional action within the organization after coming on as a substitute in Toronto FC’s Concacaf Champions League clash with CA Independiente in February. That’s an indicator of the upside that Toronto’s brass feels the 19-year-old TFC Academy graduate brings to the table. And if he can put a strong first season under his belt, it could accelerate his progression to even greater heights.

Noble Okello – Midfielder
One of the highly-touted players to come through TFC and Canada’s youth development system, it feels as though Okello could be on the verge of a breakout year after featuring prominently in the Canada U-20 side that competed at the Concacaf U-20 Championship last November. The 18-year-old, who scored three goals in five games at the tournament, made 22 appearances for TFC II a season ago and completed 80.4 percent of 56.1 passes per 90 minutes. With the physical tools to do the dirty work in the middle of midfield, Okello will be looking to hit top gear regularly this season.