While we patiently wait for Year Two to begin, let's turn the page back to the best of Year One.
League One's inaugural season was full of twists and turns and packed with moments that made fans' jaws hit the floor. From THAT Ricardo Pepi free kick to the Flamingos of Madison dancing past USL Championship competition in the U.S. Open Cup, we complied ten viral moments from the 2019 season. Now it's time for you, the fans, to pick your favorite!
Josiel Nunez stole the show in Forward Madison's 3-0 win over El Paso Locomotive in the U.S. Open Cup last May. The Panamanian winger megged, flicked, and tricked his way through a circle of El Paso defenders in what turned out to be a fun night for Flamingos everywhere.
24 karat magic in the aaaiirrrrrr! #ChampagneFootball #WeWantTheCup #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/r3f5YlBBha
— Forward Madison FC (@ForwardMSNFC) May 16, 2019
Pepi ignited a furious North Texas SC comeback with this stunning free kick from 35 yards out. It was the Leauge One goal heard 'round the world in 2019 and a prime example of why Pepi started earning valuable minutes with FC Dallas in 2020.
Fresh off @USYNT duty, @Ricardo_Pepi9 is back doing magic for @northtexasSC #WeAreOne | #LANvNTX pic.twitter.com/hD3MGkCBaL
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) May 19, 2019
League One's first ever Golden Boot winner, Ronaldo Damus opened the scoring inside of 17 seconds in a clash with the Richmond Kickers last September. The Haitian forward nodded home Richard Danso's cross to score the fastest goal in league history, a record that Damus is likely to hold for quite some time.
Irish striker Steven Beattie curled a perfect first-time shot past North Texas goalkeeper Carlos Avilez to score the first goal in Chattanooga Red Wolves history.
The first goal in @ChattRedWolves history was a beaut. Take a bow Mr. Beattie! #WeAreOne | #NTXvCHT pic.twitter.com/1KCjDUGU8y
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) March 31, 2019
Marco Micaletto took matters into his own hands in an early season match agaisnt FC Tucson, picking up the ball on the right sideline and driving towards goal before curling an inch-perfect shot past the diving goalkeeper. A special moment from a special player.
.@Marco_Micaletto doing madness again #WeAreOne | #TRMvTUC pic.twitter.com/A7vIsj0uC6
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) April 4, 2019
Bermudez curled an inch-perfect shot into the upper left corner of Brian Sylvestre's goal. In addition to being Bermudez's first professional goal, the curling effort sealed three points for Greenville Triumph SC on the road in Madison.
Inch perfect from @chrisbermudez_ #WeAreOne | #MADvGVL pic.twitter.com/vruVT5QLVq
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) August 29, 2019
Alex Morrell scored the first goal in USL League One history after a dazzling run down the sideline by Marco Micaletto. The Italian midfielder tricked his way past multiple defenders before squaring a pass to Morrell who made no mistake and sealed the first victory in club and league history.
.@Marco_Micaletto and @amorrell9 create a moment to remember in Statesboro!#TRMvGVL | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/XqpcfD6GEV
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) March 30, 2019
Tormenta FC's captain came up huge when they needed him most in a July clash with Lansing Ignite FC. Jara made a diving save to his right to deny Elma N'For from the penalty spot seven minutes into second half stoppage time and secure his side a point at home.
Former Richmond Kicker Joe Gallardo showed why he's now playing in the USL Championship with this eye-popping dribble against Tormenta FC last August. The Mexican attacker picked up the ball on the sideline and danced his way past several defenders before finding the back of the net.
Stop it, @Jgallardo98_7
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) September 1, 2019
A filthy individual effort seals the three points for @RichmondKickers#WeAreOne | #TRMvRIC pic.twitter.com/bCUUgy2epo
Elma N'For scored the most ridiculous goal of the 2019 season in a July contest against Forward Madison. The Union Omaha man smacked home a bicycle kick in the 17th minute and ended up on Sports Center Top 10 Plays later that night.
Get on your bike Elma! #WeAreOne | #LANvMAD pic.twitter.com/MNsVIjMMto
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) July 9, 2019