First season: 2025

Location: Lancaster, Calif.

Stadium: Lancaster Municipal Stadium

Head Coach: Brian Kleiban

Looking Ahead

Strength: AV ALTA FC’s midfield, led by 2024 All-League Second Team selection Jimmie Villalobos and former U.S. international Miguel Ibarra, should be solid, while attackers Eduardo Blancas, Alexis Cerritos and Joaquin Acuna will provide additional production.

Weakness: AV ALTA’s defense is certainly a concern, we’ll need to see how veteran defenders Elijah Martin, Luca Mastrantonio and Ashkanov Apollon work with a young supporting cast highlighted by Javier Mariona and Kaloyan Pehlivanov.

On the pitch

Key player: Miguel Ibarra's return to his hometown and wealth of experience in MLS, Liga MX and USL League One will be key for AV ALTA, both on the field and in the community.

Key addition: Javier Mariona’s recent international experience with the Philippines national team and his previous appearances in the USL Championship and USL League One should serve as an indication of his rising potential.

Dates to circle

March 15: AV ALTA FC will travel across the country to take on South Georgia Tormenta FC in its inaugural competitive match. If the visiting attackers can break down Austin Pack, there’s a good chance they’ll take victory.

April 5: The club’s League One home opener at the recently renovated Lancaster Municipal Stadium will be a big one, as AV ALTA FC hosts fellow expansion side Westchester SC. Miguel Ibarra will hope to treat his hometown to a victory against his former Charlotte Independence teammates Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. and Joel Johnson.

April 26: AV ALTA FC opens USL Jägermeister Cup play with a trip to the state’s capital and a date with perennial USL Championship power Sacramento Republic FC. The match marks the first of a daunting four-match span of Jägermeister Cup matches all coming against USL Championship opposition.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: AV ALTA set the tone when they made former United States Men’s National Team star and Charlotte Independence stalwart Miguel Ibarra, a Lancaster local, their first-ever signing. Since then, Brian Kleiban has built what’s arguably USL League One’s best midfield around Ibarra. Between the calming presence of defensive midfielder Jimmie Villalobos and the dynamite wing duo of Walmer Martinez and Eduardo Blancas, Alta’s presumptive 4-2-3-1 won’t lack for attacking impetus.

There’s a bit of a question mark at the No. 9 spot in lieu of a USL-tested striker, and first-year defenses tend to take time to gel. The good news? Trinidad international goalkeeper Denzil Smith looks like a potential brick wall that can give his teammates room to find their possessive patterns.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Denzil Smith; D – Ashkanov Apollon, Elijah Martin, Luca Mastrantonio, Javier Mariona; DM – Jimmie Villalobos, Miguel Ibarra; AM – Walmer Martinez, Alexis Cerritos, Eduardo Blancas; F – Emmanuel Alaribe

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 7th position

First season: 2015 Location: Charlotte, N.C.

Stadium: American Legion Memorial Stadium

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

2024 Regular Season: 9-6-7, 34pts, 6th in League One

2024 Playoffs: Quarterfinals

2024 USL Jägermeister Cup: Semifinals

Looking Ahead

Strength: Charlotte’s defense is solid, with experienced veterans like Nick Spielman, Mike DeShields, and Clay Dimick. The Jacks will maintain a solid midfield with the likes of Luis Alvarez and Jon Bakero, both of whom can create opportunities.

Weakness: Charlotte’s attack is a concern, especially with no proven striker to finish those aforementioned opportunities. While Bakero is a talented creator, the team needs a clinical forward to convert opportunities and support the midfield and defense when counter-attacking opportunities arise.

On the pitch

Key returnee: Nick Spielman is back in the Queen City after leading the team with the most clearances and blocks in the league play for two consecutive years. The towering defender will anchor a veteran back line that will have less goalkeeping support with the departure of Austin Pack.

Key addition: Former MAC Hermann Trophy winner Jon Bakero will make his League One debut with the Jacks in 2025. Fellow MAC Hermann Trophy winner and Charlotte Head Coach Mike Jeffries will likely lean heavily on Bakero’s abilities in front of goal.

Dates to circle

March 15: The Jacks will kick off their 11th season as they host the Richmond Kickers in the pair’s 23rd meeting across all competitions.

April 25: In its USL Jägermeister Cup opener, the Independence are due to return to WakeMed Soccer Park and face Dogwood Derby rival North Carolina FC for the first time since a crushing loss to NCFC on penalties in the 2023 USL League One Final.

May 10: Mike Jeffries and the Independence will face expansion side Westchester SC for the first time in the latter’s League One home opener. The contest will mark the first time that Head Coach Dave Carton and decorated Jacks players Joel Johnson and Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. will face their former side since departing Charlotte over the offseason.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Under Head Coach Mike Jeffries, the Independence have been defined by their patience. Charlotte has mostly run with a back four for the better part of three years entering 2025, but they proved quite flexible in iterations of a back three (or a back five in low block) during the home stretch last season. Losing goalkeeper Austin Pack hurts, but Charlotte’s system won’t break because of a singular exit, especially with veteran additions like Mike DeShields in the mix.

Even if striker JC Obregon Jr. is gone, the Independence can rely on creators like Luis Alvarez and the newly added Jon Bakero to drive defenses mad. Someone needs to emerge as a scorer, but this team is set up to be quite slick through the midfield.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-2-1): GK – Matt Levy; D – Nick Spielman, Mike DeShields, Clay Dimick; M – Fabrice Ngah, Omar Ciss, Bachir Ndiaye, Anthony Sorenon; AM – Luis Alvarez, Rafael Jauregui; F – Jon Bakero

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 8th Position

First season: 2019

Location: Chattanooga, Tenn.

Stadium: CHI Memorial Stadium

Head Coach: Scott Mackenzie

2024 Regular Season: 5-14-3, 21pts, 11th in League One

2024 Playoffs: N/A

2024 USL Jägermeister Cup: Group Stage

Looking Ahead

Strength: Chattanooga’s defense should show improvement after key signings such as Eric Kinzner and Josh Ramos and the addition of rising defensive talents Jordan Ayimbila (Miami FC) and Kimball Jackson (Lexington SC) on loan.

Weakness: Chattanooga’s biggest concern is its lack of proven goalscorers, especially after losing both Ropapa Mensah and Chevone Marsh to Greenville.

On the pitch

Key returnee: The Red Wolves’ all-time appearance leader Ualefi will again play a key role for the side. The veteran Brazilian’s leadership and experience will be vital for a team full of young, inexperienced players.

Key addition: Josh Ramps will be exciting addition to the Den in 2025. The U.S. Virgin Islands international made his professional debut with South Georgia a season ago, appearing in 27 matches and scoring one goal for the Ibises.

Dates to circle

April 5: In a 2022 USL League One Final rematch, the Red Wolves will return to CHI Memorial Stadium as they take on South Georgia Tormenta FC in their home opener.

April 19: Ropapa Mensah and Chevone Marsh will return to the Den for the first time since leaving Chattanooga for Greenville over the offseason.

July 26: In their USL Jägermeister Cup finale, the Red Wolves will host rival One Knoxville SC in the ninth Smoky Mountain Smackdown.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Having been raided by their USL League One rivals all winter long, Chattanooga is going to look very different up front this season. That might not be a bad thing, especially for a team that’s improved at the goalkeeper spot, added flexible outside defenders like Kimball Jackson and Eric Kinzner that are well-suited to the tempo of League One, and returned a reliable pivot featuring Michael Knapp and the timeless Ualefi.

If Matt Bentley (who contributed to nine goals and feasted in individual duals during his last full season in the league) and Jonathan Filipe (good for 2.0 chances created per 90 in 2023) can hit the ground running, the Red Wolves can modernize – even if their back-three shape is carried-over in theory. Yes, Scott MacKenzie and Chattanooga lost a lot of stars, but those big names only scored 28 times in the league last year; there are gains to be had.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-3): GK – Jason Smith; D – Eric Kinzner, Declan Watters, Owen Green; M – Jordan Ayimbilia, Ualefi, Michael Knapp, Pedro Hernandez; F – Jonathan Filipe, Greyson Mercer, Matt Bentley

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 14th Position

First season: 2019

Location: Greenville, S.C.

Stadium: Paladin Stadium

Head Coach: Rick Wright

2024 Regular Season: 11-7-4, 37pts, 4th in League One

2024 Playoffs: Semifinals

2024 USL Jägermeister Cup: Group Stage

Looking Ahead

Strength: Greenville’s defense and midfield remains solid with experienced players like Brandon Fricke, Evan Lee and Tyler Polak. Greenville’s attack also received a huge boost with the additions of Ropapa Mensah and Chevone Marsh.

Weakness: Replacing the production of Lyam MacKinnon, especially his goal-scoring ability, will be a major challenge. As good as Mensah and Marsh were at Chattanooga, their consistency remains unclear at this moment.

On the pitch

Key returnee: A 2024 All-League Second Team selection and Greenville’s all-time appearances leader, Evan Lee will be a key player for Greenville yet again. Lee was reliable both defensively and offensively a season ago, scoring six goals and providing two assists.

Key addition: Ropapa Mensah is a huge get for Greenville, bringing proven goalscoring ability after netting 21 goals for Chattanooga in two seasons. His experience in both the USL Championship and League One, combined with his recent form, will be key assets for Triumph.

Dates to circle

March 12: In its second home match of the season, Greenville will face Omaha in a postseason rematch. In a clash of two of the league’s winningest sides, the hosts will be seeking their first victory against the Owls since June 2022.

May 31: South Carolina’s two professional sides will clash in the USL Jägermeister Cup, as Greenville travels to face the Charleston Battery. The contest will serve as the second time the pair have met in official competition, with the first seeing the Battery down Triumph SC in a 2019 U.S. Open Cup match.

June 28: In Greenville’s first home Jägermeister Cup match of the season, the League One original will host Miami FC – only the third USL Championship side to face Triumph SC at home. The contest will also see former Greenville standout Allen Gavilanes return to the Upstate for the first time since leaving for Miami following the 2023 campaign.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Triumph are going to look different in 2025 without the singular presence of Lyam MacKinnon on the wing, but Head Coach Rick Wright has a roster that’s built to score in droves. Ben Zakowski and Sebastian Velasquez are terribly tricky, especially when they’re inverted on the wings. Up top, the ex-Chattanooga duo of Chevone Marsh and Ropapa Mensah may feast with improved service.

Greenville traditionally likes to bend into more of a back three while in possession, and if that remains true this season, it’ll require continued excellence out of the back line. New faces like Zane Bubb and Devin Benton look like good fits on paper, but their performances will dictate just how clever Wright can get in practice.

Projected Starting XI (4-4-2): GK – Gunther Rankenburg; D – Tyler Polak, Brandon Fricke, Zane Bubb, Devin Benton; M – Ben Zakowski, Evan Lee, Chapa Herrera, Sebastian Velasquez; F – Chevone Marsh, Ropapa Mensah

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 6th Position

First season: 2022

Location: Knoxville, Tenn.

Stadium: Covenant Health Park

Head Coach: Ian Fuller

2024 Regular Season: 9-5-8, 35pts, 5th in League One

2024 Playoffs: Quarterfinals

2024 USL Jägermeister Cup: Group Stage

Looking Ahead

Strength: Knoxville’s defense and goalkeeping will remain elite in 2025. Led by 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year Sean Lewis and All-League First Team defender Jordan Skelton, Knoxville should again be one of the toughest teams to score on.

Weakness: Knoxville’s attack is uncertain, even with the retention of Kempes Tekiela and Stavros Zarokostas. It will be interesting to see what role newcomers Mark Doyle and Kimarni Smith play in the attack.

On the pitch

Key returnee: Sean Lewis – the 2024 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year and back-to-back Golden Glove winner – will be a determining factor in Knoxville’s success in 2025. The 32-year-old shot-stopper should be in for another big season thanks to the support from a stout back line.

Key addition: 23-year-old Jaheim Brown is an intriguing addition to Ian Fuller’s Knoxville side and one that has a high ceiling heading into 2025. The Jamaican defender has shown success on both sides of the ball in the Jamaica Premier League with Waterhouse FC.

Dates to circle

March 16: The Ian Fuller era officially begins in the Pacific Northwest as One Knox will take on USL League One finalist Spokane Velocity FC at a raucous ONE Spokane Stadium.

April 9: One Knox will aim to avenge its postseason loss to Greenville Triumph as it returns to Greenville for the first time since its Quarterfinals defeat last November.

April 26: Knoxville’s first match at the brand-new Covenant Health Park will be the club’s USL Jägermeister Cup opener against USL Championship side FC Tulsa, where the side will be eyeing an upset.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: In allowing just 16 goals in the league last season, Knoxville defined itself by its defensive organization. Mid-table in terms of pressing takeaways and expected completion percentage against, it was One Knox’s ability to move as a unit and deny space in a low-block 5-3-2 that stood out; Sean Lewis’ all-league form in goal didn’t hurt either.

Will that change under Ian Fuller, a longtime MLS assistant? Knoxville returned most of its core, and its standout additions (Mark Doyle of Rhode Island, Abel Caputo from Lexington) fit the hard-nosed demeanor that shone in 2024. Maybe the overarching formula doesn’t fall to the wayside, but Fuller certainly has more options across his front lines. That flexibility will pay off in the playoff race.

Projected Starting XI (3-5-2): GK – Sean Lewis; D – Scott McLeod, Jordan Skelton, Dani Fernandez; M – Stuart Ritchie, Callum Johnson, Sivert Haugli, Angelo Kelly, James Thomas; F – Stavros Zarokostas, Kempes Tekiela

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 5th Position

First season: 2019

Location: Madison, Wis.

Stadium: Breese Stevens Field

Head Coach: Matt Glaeser

2024 Regular Season: 10-3-9, 39pts, 3rd in League One

2024 Playoffs: Semifinals

2024 USL Jagermeister Cup: Final

Looking Ahead

Strength: Madison’s possession-based play will again be strong, as goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann will again be complemented by solid defensive production of Jake Crull, Mitch Osmond and Timmy Mehl.

Weakness: The losses of Jimmie Villalobos and Stephen Payne in the midfield and all-time leading scorer Christian Chaney up top will be tough to deal with early in 2025. Madison has the roster to bounce back, but we’ll need to see who steps up to fill those voids.

On the pitch

Key returnee: Devin Boyce should again control the midfield and add attacking production as he returns for his second season in Madison. The 2024 All-League First Team midfielder tallied a team-high 49 key passes and recorded nine goal contributions – seven goals, two assists – a season ago.

Key addition: Chris Garcia will be one to watch for the ‘Mingos this season. A former Real Salt Lake Academy and Homegrown player, the 22-year-old made his professional debut with RSL during the 2020 MLS season and has since spent time in the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro.

Dates to circle

March 20: Madison’s first home match of the season will be a U.S. Open Cup clash with regional foe Duluth FC as the club aims to advance to the Second Round for the fifth time in as many tries.

April 26: After finishing as a runner-up in the inaugural edition of the USL Jägermeister Cup, the ‘Mingos will kick off their 2025 involvement by hosting USL Championship side Indy Eleven, who boast Jägermeister Cup champion and reigning USL League One Defender of the Year Bruno Rendón.

May 3: The ‘Mingos will aim to extend their 4-3-8 all-time advantage against the Owls as they host their avian rivals, Union Omaha, for the first time in 2025.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Matt Glaeser and Forward Madison will look familiar in 2025, likely maintaining their unique shape that blends 3-4-3 defensive principles with more of a back-four sensibility in possession. That ability for the wing backs to push up and center backs like Jake Crull to advance into the attacking half is what makes Madison so formidable, and their returning core shouldn’t miss a beat.

Additions like Nico Brown out wide and Jose Carrera-Garcia in the midfield will only help the cause, adding a burst of creativity for a team that already finished with a top-four offense in League One play last season. There’ll be more of a defensive onus on John Murphy in the pivot given some of the ins and outs, but the veteran midfielder ought to be up to the challenge.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-3): GK – Bernd Schipmann; D – Jake Crull, Mitch Osmond, Timmy Mehl; M – Nico Brown, Jose Carrera-Garcia, John Murphy, Ferrety Sousa; F – Derek Gebhard, Juan Galindrez, Devin Boyce

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 3rd Position

First season: 2025

Location: Naples, Fla.

Stadium: Paradise Coast Sports Complex

Head Coach: Matt Poland

Looking Ahead

Strength: Naples’ defense will be its main strength, with a reliable goalkeeper in Lalo Delgado and a solid defensive line featuring experienced players like Jake Dengler, Brecc Evans, and Gustavo Fernandes.

Weakness: Naples’ attack and overall youth will be a concern heading into the season. Without a proven attacking presence as the season begins, the team could struggle to find the back of the consistently.

On the pitch

Key player: With back-to-back Goalkeeper of the Year nominations, numerous clean sheets, and crucial performances in high-stakes matches, Lalo Delgado’s veteran leadership and consistent ability to make key saves will be key for the expansion side in 2025.

Key addition: Brecc Evans will reunite with former teammate Lalo Delgado in Naples after the pair won the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup a season ago. Evans, a longtime League One veteran, has claimed a League One title with North Texas in 2019 and also spent time in the USL Championship

Dates to circle

March 8: Naples’ inaugural competitive match will take place at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, as the expansion side hosts League One original Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

March 18: FC Naples’ inaugural road match will be rather short trip and a preview of a future League One rival. Naples will face Sarasota Paradise in the First Round of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup.

July 4: The first-year League One side will face the USL Championship’s Tampa Bay Rowdies on Independence Day to conclude its USL Jägermeister Cup home slate.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Matt Poland’s Chicago House teams liked to build out using a back four, with a possessive formation that flexed into a 4-1-2-3 cascading up the pitch. With players like Chris Heckenberg at the No. 6 spot and Luka Prpa a line ahead, it’s easy to see his Naples side running a very similar system in their League One expansion campaign.

First-year teams often struggle defensively, but Poland leaned into veteran League One defenders at the core of his system. Lalo Delgado and Brecc Evans know each other from Northern Colorado; paired with Jake Dengler, they represent a trio of trophy winners that won’t be easy to break down.

Projected Starting XI (4-3-3): GK – Lalo Delgado; D – Kevin O’Connor, Brecc Evans, Jake Dengler, Max Glasser; M – Marc Torrellas, Chris Heckenberg, Luke Prpa; F – Jayden Onen, Ian Cerro

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 13th Position

First season: 2020

Location: Papillion, Neb.

Stadium: Werner Park

Head Coach: Dominic Casciato

2024 Regular Season: 15-4-3, 48pts, Won Players’ Shield

2024 Playoffs: League One Title-Winner

2024 USL Jägermeister Cup: Semifinals

Looking Ahead

Strength: Union Omaha’s defense and goalkeeping will be huge assets to its title defense, with veteran Brent Kallman joining Blake Malone and Rashid Nuhu to create a solid, aggressive backline.

Weakness: The midfield faces challenges without Pedro Dolabella, whose versatility and production were integral parts of the club’s double a season ago. Finding the right balance between defense and attack could take time, which may be tricky to navigate.

On the pitch

Key returnee: Rashid Nuhu is back at Werner Park to chase more trophies. The former Goalkeeper of the Year and back-to-back Golden Glove winner will again offer immense experience and consistency to the Owls.

Key addition: Brent Kallman, a 34-year-old defender, returns his native Omaha after an eight-year MLS career with Minnesota United FC and Nashville SC. Kallman, a standout at both the NCAA and MLS levels, has made more than 170 appearances across all competitions in the pro ranks, including in the MLS Cup Playoffs and Concacaf Champions Cup.

Dates to circle

March 12: The Owls will open their title defense against fellow League One power Greenville Triumph SC at Paladin Stadium in an early-season litmus test for both contenders.

April 26: After finishing as a Semifinalist in the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup a season ago, Omaha will travel to face USL Championship side New Mexico United in its first Jägermeister Cup contest of the season.

May 10: The Owls’ first home match of the season should be a good one, as they’ll host former assistant coach Bobby Murphy and his Portland Hearts of Pine.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: The reigning champs will need to evolve in 2025 with Pedro Dolabella, arguably their most important tactical piece, gone to the Championship. It’s easy to see how Dom Casciato might adapt. Players like Max Schneider are incredibly clean passers in the middle, and Omaha will still be able to bomb their wing backs – think Joe Gallardo and Dion Acoff – high into the final third. What’s a 3-4-3 on paper will end up looking like a fearsome 3-2-5.

At the back, Omaha never beats themselves, and Brent Kallman is a perfect addition to keep that magic going. The veteran defender has probably lost a step at age 34, but he’s a strong communicator with a formidable physical presence that will allow the wider players in the back three to be aggressive.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-3): GK – Rashid Nuhu; D – Blake Malone, Brent Kallman, Marco Milanese; M – Joe Gallardo, Kemy Amiche, Max Schneider, Dion Acoff; F – Mehdi Ouamri, Aaron Gomez, Lagos Kunga

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 1st Position

First season: 2025

Location: Portland, Maine

Stadium: Fitzpatrick Stadium

Head Coach: Bobby Murphy

Looking Ahead

Strength: The handful of veterans on Hearts’ roster should be incredibly useful to its largely youthful roster. Mikey Lopez, Sean Vinberg, Walter Varela and Samuel Mahlamäki’s professional experiences both domestically and abroad will be important this season.

Weakness: Alongside fellow expansion side Naples, Portland boasts one of the youngest and inexperienced rosters in League One. While there will be plenty of opportunities for those youngsters to break out, there will almost certainly be some growing pains early.

On the pitch

Key player: Ollie Wright looks to be one of Portland’s most important pieces. Recently becoming Huntsville City FC’s all-time appearances leader after spending time in the USL Championship, Wright has looked solid in Hearts’ preseason action.

Key addition: After beginning his professional career in League One, Jay Tee Kamara is back in the league after winning a trophy in MLS NEXT Pro and finding success in Sweden’s lower divisions.

Dates to circle

March 20: Hearts’ first-ever competitive match will come in the U.S. Open Cup as they host CD Faialense in Lewiston, Maine.

May 4: Portland will officially welcome professional soccer to town as Hearts of Pine welcome One Knoxville SC to Fitzpatrick Stadium.

June 28: After meeting in the preseason, Hearts will face New England rivals and reigning USL Championship Eastern Conference title-holder Rhode Island FC at the latter’s new Stadium at Tidewater Landing in Pawtucket, R.I.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Manager Bobby Murphy wasn’t attached to possession in his previous role with St. Louis’ MLS Next Pro affiliate; his teams averaged a sub-47% possession share and completed less than 300 passes per game over the last two years. Instead, Murphy’s teams were defined by an intense press that constantly titled the pitch and forced opponents back. Portland ought to follow that lead by using a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 defined by aggressiveness up top.

Though Hearts of Pine are relatively light on USL League One veterans, their young core is built to make opponents hot under the collar. So long as the familiar names – think former RGV attacker Ollie Wright or ex-North Carolina winger Jay Tee Kamara – come good, Portland has the chance to be fast-paced, effective, and fun-to-watch.

Projected Starting XI (4-4-2): GK – Hunter Morse; D – Nathan Messer, Kemali Green, Sean Vinberg, Colby Quinones; M – Ollie Wright, Patrick Langlois, Michel Poon-Angeron, Jay Tee Kamara; F – Titus Washington, Mickey Reilly

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 11th Position

First season: 1993

Location: Richmond, Va.

Stadium: City Stadium

Head Coach: Darren Sawatzky

2024 Regular Season: 6-10-6, 24pts, 8th in League One

2024 Playoffs: Quarterfinals

2024 USL Jagermeister Cup: Group Stage

Looking Ahead

Strength: Richmond’s attacking depth will be a major strength, with Darwin Espinal providing proven goal-scoring ability and new additions Matt Bolduc and Nils Seufert adding support. Plus, Emiliano Terzaghi is back for another go-around at City Stadium.

Weakness: Richmond’s defensive cohesion and midfield balance are concerns, with a young defensive unit and the challenge of replacing 2024 All-League midfielder Nil Vinyals. While Academy products James Sneddon and Griffin Garnett have shown flashes over the past few years, they will likely be moved into significant action this season after each signing pro deals.

On the pitch

Key returnee: After another productive season with the Kickers a season ago, Simon Fitch will again play a key role at City Stadium in 2025. The 26-year-old Richmond native earned 2024 All-League honors after providing four goal contributions across 22 league appearances a season ago.

Key addition: The Kickers have added NISA’s all-time leading scorer Darwin Espinal to their roster after the Honduran found sustained success with Maryland Bobcats FC. Should the 30-year-old be able to replicate his goalscoring abilities at the League One level, Richmond will be tough to defend.

Dates to circle

March 15: After opening the season at South Georgia, a big test for the Kickers will come in the form of a road matchup against the Charlotte Independence – the pair’s 23rd all-time meeting across all competitions.

March 19: The Kickers will return to City Stadium in their first home match of the season – a U.S. Open Cup match against in-state amateurs Virginia Dream.

May 31: Richmond will match up against North Carolina FC for the 15th time and first since 2023 in the former’s first USL Jägermeister Cup home match of the season.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Richmond is typically at its best when it’s able to keep the ball, controlling matches in Head Coach Darren Sawatzky’s preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 shape. If the Kickers had an Achilles’ heel last year, however, it was their tendency to build up smoothly before stalling out in the final third. Striker Darwin Espinal, who scored 13 goals in 18 NISA appearances last year, and wingers like Rivendi Pierre-Louis and Matt Bolduc, the latter of whom beat opponents on the dribbles 2.1 times per match at his peak during a prior stint in Richmond, intend to change that calculus.

The onus will be on a young defense and refreshed pivot to stay firm and provide a backstop for the new attackers. Given how good Griffin Garnett (a center back) and James Sneddon (a goalkeeper) looked on the way to earning themselves full professional contracts, you wouldn’t bet against further improvements and more strong returns.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – James Sneddon; D – Max Schenfeld, Dakota Barnathan, Griffin Garnett, Simon Fitch; DM – Nils Seufert, James Vaughan; AM – Chandler O’Dwyer, Darwin Espinal, Matt Bolduc; F – Emiliano Terzaghi

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 10th Position

First season: 2016

Location: Statesboro, Ga.

Stadium: Tormenta Stadium

Head Coach: Ian Cameron

2024 Regular Season: 4-10-8, 20pts, 10th in League One

2024 Playoffs: N/A

2024 USL Jägermeister Cup: Group Stage

Looking Ahead

Strength: Tormenta FC’s offseason signings have significantly strengthened the squad, notably adding former Goalkeeper of the Year Austin Pack, Gabriel Cabral, Gabriel Alves and Oscar Jimenez, among a collection of others.

Weakness: As a product of adding several new players to its roster, Tormenta FC may struggle with chemistry and overall cohesion. While they bring in several veteran talents, an aging group of playmakers will need to be supported by a collection of relatively untested young players.

On the pitch

Key returnee: After a standout debut campaign with the Ibises in 2024, Sebastián Vivas is back for his second season in Statesboro. Last season, Vivas provided 12 goals, two assists and led the team with a 27.6 percent conversion rate.

Key addition: Austin Pack, a former Goalkeeper of the Year, returns to his native Georgia and will join Tormenta FC for the upcoming season. His veteran leadership and numerous accolades make him an invaluable asset.

Dates to circle

March 7: 2022 champion South Georgia will host 2022 Players’ Shield winner Richmond as both League One originals look to start of their 2025 campaign on the right foot.

April 5: In their first road match of the season, the Ibises will look to spoil their rival Chattanooga Red Wolves’ home opener in a rematch of the 2022 USL League One Final.

April 26: Tormenta FC will open its 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup participation by hosting rival Greenville Triumph SC in the 23rd Peach States Derby.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Ian Cameron’s best-ever Tormenta team won the league in 2022 because of a high-energy press that funneled opponents into midfield turnovers. With Gabriel Cabral, a member of the title team, coming back into the pivot and star winger Taylor Gray entering the mix, South Georgia is built to run back that style in a classic 4-2-3-1.

The changes are arguably even bigger at the back. Austin Pack, who leads League One by a mile with about 12 goals prevented since 2020, is a massive upgrade in net. The back line is flexible; it’s easy to imagine Gabriel Alves defending like a left back but tucking into the midfield in possession. All those options ought to spell improvement in Statesboro.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Austin Pack; D – Gabriel Alvez, Jackson Kasanzu, Anatolie Prepelita, Oscar Jimenez; DM – Conor Doyle, Gabriel Cabral; AM – Taylor Gray, Handwalla Bwana, Mason Tunbridge; F – Sebastian Vivas

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 9th Position

First season: 2024

Location: Spokane, Wash.

Stadium: ONE Spokane Stadium

Head Coach: Leigh Veidman

2024 Regular Season: 7-9-6, 27pts, 7th in League One

2024 Playoffs: Final

2024 USL Jägermeister Cup: Group Stage

Looking Ahead

Strength: Spokane's midfield, now bolstered by Nil Vinyals, will be a key strength, adding elite production to a well-organized system. Alongside defensive additions like David Garcia and retention of key players like Luis Gil, the team looks to be set for another special season.

Weakness: Goalkeeping will be a concern for Spokane as veteran shot-stopper Carlos Merancio is set to fill in for Brooks Thompson on a more permanent basis.

On the pitch

Key returnee: After playing a key role in Spokane’s path to the League One Final a season ago, Luis Gil’s experience and leadership will again be integral to the second-year side’s success. The former USMNT midfielder enjoyed a career season in 2024, totaling 11 goals and five assists across all competitions.

Key addition: Spokane’s signings of Nil Vinyals will certainly go down as one of the biggest of the offseason. After a successful run with Richmond, where he contributed 19 goals and 18 assists, his leadership and consistency will provide a major boost to Spokane's midfield.

Dates to circle

March 16: Following a wildly successful debut season in 2024, Velocity FC returns to ONE Spokane Stadium in its home opener against One Knoxville SC.

March 19: For the second consecutive season Spokane will head across Washington state to Seattle to face USL League Two power Ballard FC in a U.S. Open Cup clash.

August 2: The second-year side will face Union Omaha for the first time since falling to the Owls in the 2024 USL League One Final, this time at the friendly confines of ONE Spokane Stadium.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Velocity ended 2024 with a bang by focusing on structure. Spokane still dominated possession by using Luis Gil in a false No. 9-esque role up top, but they emphasized organization in a low block that shifted into more of a 4-4-2. Leigh Veidman will have those principles nailed down from opening day this time around, and he’ll have star upgrades like Nil Vinyals around to sharpen the execution of said principles.

Spokane is trusting a fairly consistent back line to hold steady year-over-year. The rise of players like Camron Miller and Javier Martin, though somewhat unsung, was a major reason that this team made the title game in their expansion season, and they’ll need to maintain that caliber (while also contributing in possession) to keep up that postseason form. Continuity, both in terms of personnel and tactics, will help that cause.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Carlos Merancio; D – Derek Waldeck, Camron Miller, Marcelo Lage, Javier Martin; DM – Nil Vinyals, Andre Lewis; AM – Masango Akale, Luis Gil, Marky Hernandez; F – Anuar Pelaez

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 2nd Position

First season: 2025

Location: Sherman, Texas

Stadium: Historic Bearcat Stadium

Head Coach: Adrian Forbes

Looking Ahead

Strength: Texoma's diverse and star-studded squad, featuring veterans like Solomon Asante, Preston Kilwien and Jorge Corrales, is one of the most experienced and talented in League One. Asante’s leadership and Kilwien’s defensive reliability are key for the expansion side.

Weakness: Despite numerous impressive additions, Texoma’s success – like a few expansion sides – will be dictated by how much these decorated veterans will be able to contribute. Similarly, it is yet to be determined how much of an impact and how much the club will need to rely on its batch of young players.

On the pitch

Key player: Solomon Asante should play a key role in the Texoma FC attack this season. He’s claimed multiple USL Championship Player of the Year awards and has a history of being a prolific goal scorer and playmaker, one of only two players to have 50 goals and 50 assists in Championship history.

Key addition: Jorge Corrales is another key addition for Texoma FC due to his vast experience, including winning the CFU Caribbean Cup and the Canadian Championship in previous stops. His international and club experience will be crucial in anchoring Texoma's defense and guiding the team through its inaugural season.

Dates to circle

March 18: Texoma’s inaugural competitive match will come in the U.S. Open Cup, as the expansion side will host in-state opposition in the form of UPSL side FORO SC.

March 22: The expansion side will host One Knoxville SC in the first League One match at Historic Bearcat Stadium.

June 28: A high-stakes USL Jägermeister Cup contest between Texoma and USL Championship power Phoenix Rising FC will be highlighted by Solomon Asante’s matchup with his former side.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Adrian Forbes and Texoma have given themselves options from back to front. A veteran defensive line full of familiar Championship and League One faces – including two excellent left-footed distributors in Preston Kilwien and Jorge Corrales – could operate in a back three, a back four, or a hybrid formation that does a bit of both depending on the phase of play.

No matter the setup at the back, the Texoma attack will rely on tricky forwards to break down opponents and spearhead what could be a fearsome counter. Solomon Asante, a two-time MVP in the Championship, brings creative upside even with his 35th birthday arriving just before opening day. It’s the supporting pieces alongside Asante that will make the difference. Texoma will be potent if up-and-comers like Ajmeer Spengler and Diego Pepi can emerge as dribble-shoot threats up front.

Projected Starting XI (3-4-3): GK – Javier Garcia; D – Jorge Corrales, Preston Kilwien, Sergio Chavez; M – Donald Benamna, Phila Dlamini, Dane Domic, Will Perkins; F – Ajmeer Spengler, Diego Pepi, Solomon Asante

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 12th Position

First season: 2025

Location: Mount Vernon, N.Y.

Stadium: The Stadium at Memorial Field

Head Coach: Dave Carton

Looking Ahead

Strength: Westchester has one of the most talented rosters in USL League One, highlighted by high-level signings like Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr., Jonathan Bolanos, and Noah Powder, who bring attacking prowess, midfield creativity and defensive versatility, respectively. The ceiling is quite high for the expansion side.

Weakness: An aging – albeit experienced – defensive unit could be troublesome for Westchester. It remains to be seen how much of an impact of the pitch Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Kemar Lawrence, Joel Johnson and Rashid Tetteh will have.

On the pitch

Key player: Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. will lead the Westchester SC attack, as he brings with him an impressive goal-scoring record to Mount Vernon. Coming off a career season highlighted by a Honduran Men’s National Team call-up and All-League First Team selection, Obregón, Jr. should continue to produce.

Key addition: Noah Powder, a veteran Trinidad and Tobago international defender, brings substantial experience to Westchester SC after playing for Real Monarchs and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, among others. Teaming up with his brother, Samory, in New York, Powder is fresh off a USL Jägermeister Cup crown in 2024.

Dates to circle

April 27: Barring a potential U.S. Open Cup match in Mount Vernon, Westchester SC’s first official home match will come against defending USL Championship Eastern Conference winners Rhode Island FC in both sides’ USL Jägermeister Cup debut.

May 10: WSC’s first League One home match will see the Charlotte Independence come to town, as Westchester’s Dave Carton, Juan Carlos Obregón, Jr. and Joel Johnson face their former side for the first time.

June 28: Westchester’s first road test against higher-division opposition will see the expansion side face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the USL Jägermeister Cup. The match will also serve as former Hounds player JC Obregón, Jr.’s first match back at Highmark Stadium since winning the Players’ Shield with the club in 2023.

John Morrissey’s Tactics Corner: Few, if any, teams in League One have as much firepower as Westchester. Dave Carton’s roster stars striker Juan Obregon, who scored 19 goals across all competitions in 2024, and a slew of name-brand wingers that are sure to trouble opposing defenses. It seems like Carton’s squad is built for a back four, but expect to see some flexibility. Defensive midfielder Conor McGlynn has often dropped low in possessions at prior clubs, thereby allowing his team’s full backs to fan out and push high.

Balance is the big challenge for Westchester. Expansion teams that come out guns-blazing can falter as they gradually develop chemistry. The WSC back line is experienced, but it’s potentially susceptible against counterattacks. Finding the happy medium between the vast attacking potential and systematic stability is Carton’s main charge.

Projected Starting XI (4-3-3): GK – Dane Jacomen; D – Kemar Lawrence, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Rashid Tetteh, Stephen Payne; M – Daniel Bouman, Conor McGlynn, Dean Guezen; F – Jonathan Bolanos, Juan Obregon, Joel Johnson

USLLeagueOne.com Prediction: 4th Position