Welcome to another edition of the League One Updater power rankings!
Right out of the gate last Monday afternoon we had multiple signings, including Lexington SC’s first. Most clubs added on to their rosters throughout the week with a steady stream of announcements. Oh, and we got a complete schedule drop, so we can now factor that in.
Note: all additions and departures are since the last ranking.
1) North Carolina FC
Last week: 1
Key additions: none
Key departures: Jordan Skelton
Ongoing needs: another goalkeeper
Goalkeeper: Nicholas Holiday
Defenders: DJ Benton, Gustavo Fernandes, Britton Fisher, Max Flick, Nelson Flores, Daniel Navarro, Christian Young
Midfielders: Luis Arriaga, Mikey Maldonado, Pecka, Jaden Sevania, Raheem Somersall
Forwards: Shak Adams, Oalex Anderson, Cole Frame, Marvin Mariche, Garrett McLaughlin, Rafa Mentzingen, Preston Popp
Next match: vs. Tormenta FC, 3/17
After adding DJ Benton and Daniel Navarro, NCFC had defenders to spare, so they sold off 2022 captain and minutes leader Jordan Skelton to One Knoxville SC. Probably a good move for a club looking to retool its league worst defense, and make a little return from an expansion club that craves more experience.
The early part of the schedule has NCFC hosting defending champs Tormenta FC to open, followed by a trip to Fresno to face Fuego FC. They return to WakeMed to host Lexington SC and cross-state rivals Charlotte Independence, before a trip to Omaha. While 2022 was bad all around for NCFC, the club did especially bad on the road, going 3-10-2.
2) Richmond Kickers
Last week: 2
Key additions: Dakota Barnathan (re-signed)
Key departures: none
Ongoing needs: backup goalkeeper, defenders, supporting midfielders and forwards
Goalkeepers: Akira Fitzgerald
Defenders: Nathan Aune, Dakota Barnathan, Michael Hornsby
Midfielders: João Gomiero, Chandler O’Dwyer, Nil Vinyals
Forwards: Matt Bentley, Owayne Gordon, Emiliano Terzaghi
Next match: at Charlotte Independence, 3/18
Last week, Richmond announced the return of another member of their defensive core, Dakota Barnathan. They promise some more announcements on Tuesday of this week.
Richmond will start the season on the road, at Charlotte and then Greenville, before returning home to host Charlotte and Hailstorm FC. The 2022 squad went 6-5-4 on the road, while only conceding two losses at City Stadium during the regular season.
3) Greenville Triumph
Last week: 4
Key additions: Noah Franke (re-signed), Tyler Polak (re-signed), Tevin Shaw
Key departures: none
Ongoing needs: goalkeeper, wingers, support for all positions
Goalkeepers: Jared Mazzola
Defenders: Noah Franke, Brandon Fricke, Evan Lee, Tyler Polak, Nate Shultz, Jamie Smith
Midfielders: Lucas Coutinho, Venton Evans, Tevin Shaw, Aaron Walker
Forwards: Jacob Labovitz, Alex Cox-Ashwood
Next match: vs. Richmond Kickers, 3/25
After finally announcing their initial roster decisions on January 6th, Greenville added three more last week: defenders Noah Franke and Tyler Polak re-signed with the club, and midfielder Tevin Shaw signed. Franke was a 2021 second team all-league selection with FC Tucson before signing with Greenville in 2022. Unfortunately he missed most of 2022 after a pre-season injury, and another suffered upon his return later in the season. Polak logged 1,495 minutes, but also missed the last part of 2022 with an injury. If healthy, they should help fortify an already rock solid defensive core.
Shaw is a professional veteran, and saw action in 18 matches for FC Tucson in 2022. Previously he played for Athletico Ottawa, Portmore United FC, Tivoli Gardens and Boys’ Town Kingston. USL League One Review gives Shaw some pretty high rankings in defensive duels won and interceptions:
Greenville will start the season hosting Richmond Kickers at their new home, Paladin Stadium. They will then travel to Tormenta FC and Forward Madison before returning home to host Fuego FC. The first two, against last year’s regular season points leaders and then the defending champions will certainly test their roster decisions, but for now, things are looking good for another playoff run.
4) Tormenta FC
Last week: 3
Key additions: Matheus Cassini
Key departures: none
Ongoing needs: backup goalkeeper, supporting defenders and midfielders, backup support in general
Goalkeepers: Pablo Jara
Defenders: Jake Dengler, Colin Mocyunas, Deshawon Nembhard
Midfielders: Matheus Cassini, Chris Heckenberg, Tobias Otieno
Forwards: Kingsford Adjei, Arthur Bosua, Kazaiah Sterling
Next match: at North Carolina FC, 3/17
The defending champs strengthened their midfield with the signing of Matheus Cassini. The Brazilian had 5 goals and 5 assists for Forward Madison in 2022, and will certainly play a major role in feeding a front line that includes Kazaiah Sterling. The only other signing was Colin Mocyunas, a first year professional and defender out of Marshall University.
The first test will come on the road at North Carolina FC, where they will face the 2022 last place club currently in the midst of an impressive off season. Then they return home to host Charlotte, Hailstorm FC and Greenville at Tormenta Stadium, where they have never experienced a loss since it opened on October 2, 2022.
5) Charlotte Independence
Last week: 5
Key additions: Miguel Ibarra (re-signed)
Key departures: Koa Santos (loan expired)
Ongoing needs: goalkeeping, supporting cast
Goalkeepers: none
Defenders: Hector Acosta, Shalom Dutey
Midfielders: Luis Álvarez, Omar Ciss, Clay Dimick, Miguel Ibarra
Forwards: Khori Bennett, Tresor Mbuyu
Next match: vs. Richmond Kickers, 3/18
Charlotte finally made a decision on 2022 assists leader and long time professional veteran Miguel Ibarra when they announced his re-signing last Tuesday. His return further strengthens the core that fought into the sixth and final playoff spot last year. They also signed Honduran Luis Álvarez to fill in a support position in the midfield. However, they still need Goaltending and more of a supporting cast.
The Jacks start the season at home hosting Richmond Kickers before three matches on the road at Tormenta FC, Richmond and cross-state rivals North Carolina FC. The club did much better at home in 2022, only losing three times, while going 4-9-2 on the road.
6) Forward Madison
Last week: 6
Key additions: Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (re-signed)
Key departures: Matheus Cassini
Ongoing needs: goalkeeping, midfielders, and backups all around
Goalkeepers: none
Defenders: Jacob Crull, Timmy Mehl, Mitch Osmond, Stephen Payne
Midfielders: Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu
Forwards: Nazeem Bartman, Christian Chaney, Dererk Gebhard
Next match: at Union Omaha, 3/26
Another week, another midfielder walked in free agency, this time Matheus Cassini heading to Tormenta FC last Monday. The club did finally announce on Tuesday the re-sign of professional veteran Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, indicating the midfield rebuild will be around him. They still need goalkeepers and more midfield support, but Wheeler-Omiunu is a good start.
The Flamingos will start on the road at rivals Omaha and then expansion side Lexington SC, before returning to Breese Stevens Field to host Greenville and Charlotte. While the club led the league in attendance, they struggled to win both home and away in 2022.
7) One Knoxville SC
Last week: 8
Key additions: Sam Fletcher, Jordan Skelton
Key departures: none
Ongoing needs: experienced goalkeeper, supporting cast
Goalkeepers: Peter Swinkels
Defenders: Jalen Crisler, Jan-Erik Leinhos, Kyle McDowell, Sean O’Hearn, Jordan Skelton, James Thomas
Midfielders: Sam Fletcher, Angelo Kelly-Rosales, Frank Ross, Yesin van der Pluijm
Forwards: Ilija Ilic, Jake Keegan, Ahinga Selemani, Jimmie Villalobos, Matthew Vowinkel
Next match: vs. Lexington SC, 3/18
On Thursday, One Knox announced the transfer acquisition of NCFC’s 2022 captain and minutes leader, defender Jordan Skelton. The Englishman certainly comes with high defensive ratings, experience and leadership, but also from 2022’s league worst defense. He may have found himself the odd man out during an off-season re-tool. An expansion side takes what it can get, and the numbers are overall positive here. USL Tactics broke down how Skelton will stack next to Jalen Crisler on the One Knox defense:
The club also added midfielder Sam Fletcher to the squad as a pro after a season with the USL2 side and a recent graduation from UC Santa Barbara.
One Knox will start their season at home against fellow expansion side Lexington SC. From there, they visit Omaha, host Red Wolves SC and then visit Fresno to take on Fuego FC.
8) Union Omaha
Last week: 7
Key additions: none
Key departures: Ryen Jiba
Ongoing needs: backup goalkeeper, defenders, forwards, supporting defenders and forwards; head coach
Goalkeepers: Rashid Nuhu
Defenders: Shaft Brewer, Jr.
Midfielders: Dion Acoff, Joe Brito, Yoskar Galván-Mercado, Luis Gil, Eddie Gordon, JP Scearce, Chavany Willis
Forwards: Noe Meza
Next match: vs. Forward Madison, 3/26
The only big news came Thursday morning when Union Omaha announced the expected transfer of standout midfielder Ryen Jiba to MLS side Minnesota United FC for a record breaking fee. They promise more news on Tuesday of this week. Could it be a coach, a striker, a defender? All of the above? Owls fans are waiting.
The club will start its season at Caniglia Field in Omaha, hosting rivals Forward Madison. Then they will visit One Knoxville and Fuego FC, before returning home for a second match at Caniglia Field, hosting North Carolina FC. The club has not won a match since September 3rd, limping into the 2022 playoffs.
Read more: Union Omaha 2023 Regular Season Breakdown (Who Gives a Hoot Podcast)
9) Hailstorm FC
Last week: 9
Key additions: none
Key departures: none
Ongoing needs: backup goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, forwards, supporting cast
Goalkeepers: Johan Peñaranda
Defenders: Rob Cornwall, Brecc Evans
Midfielders: Jackson Dietrich, Stefan Lukic, Destan Norman
Forwards: Trevor Amann, Irvin Parra
Next match: at Red Wolves SC, 3/25
Hailstorm FC did not announce any roster moves this week. Said forward Irvin Parra on Twitter:
Hailstorm FC will start the season on the road, while some finishing touches are made on the Future Legends auxiliary field where they will host while waiting for the completion of TicketSmarter Stadium. They face a tough starting road schedule at Chattanooga, Tormenta FC, Richmond and Omaha.
10) Red Wolves SC
Last week: 11
Key additions: Jonny Guadarrama, Ricardo Jerez, Ryley Kraft (re-signing), JD Meyers (re-signing)
Key departures: none
Ongoing needs: Defenders, goal scoring forwards, support for all positions
Goalkeepers: Carlos Avilez, Ricardo Jerez, JD Meyers
Defenders: Nico Cardona, Aaron Lombardi
Midfielders: Josue Cartagena, Moe Espinoza, Pedro Hernandez, Ryley Kraft, Ualefi
Forwards: Alex Tejera
Next match: vs. Hailstorm FC, 3/15
Red Wolves SC brought back supporting midfielders Ryley Kraft and Josue Cartagena, supporting defender Jonny Guadarrama, and signed veteran goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez and re-signed presumable backup keeper JD Meyers. Jerez is a long time professional and Guatemalan National Team veteran, having seen over 400 appearances in Uruguay, Guatemala, Colombia and Argentina and 60 caps for Guatemala. This will be his first signing in the United States, at the age of 36.
Red Wolves SC will host Hailstorm FC and Fuego FC before a quick trip to new in-state rivals One Knox, and then will host North Carolina FC. The 2022 squad went 8-4-4 at CHI Memorial Stadium.
11) Lexington SC
Last week: 12
Key additions: Will Baynham, Ates Diouf, Kaelon Fox, Owen Green, Amal Knight, Charlie Machell, Tate Robertson
Key departures: none
Ongoing needs: backup goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, forwards, supporting players
Goalkeepers: Amal Knight
Defenders: Owen Green
Midfielders: Kaelon Fox, Charlie Machell, Tate Robertson
Forwards: Will Baynham, Ates Diouf
Lexington SC finally gave us some announcements this week, starting with midfielder and 2022 FC Tucson captain Kaelon Fox, and USL Championship veteran forward Ates Diouf. They quickly followed up with veteran midfielder Charlie Machell and goalkeeper Amal Knight. They also brought over defensive midfielder Tate Robertson from Chattanooga FC and forward Will Baynham who last played for Queen’s Park FC in Scottish League One. On Friday, they added a proper defender, Owen Green, fresh off of 27 appearances for the 2022 championship winning Tormenta FC squad. This is some good experience around which to build, so we look forward to more announcements.
The expansion side will start on the road at fellow expansion side One Knox SC, then at North Carolina FC. They will host their first ever home match at a location still to be determined against Forward Madison followed by another home match against defending champs Tormenta FC.
12) Fuego FC
Last week: 10
Key additions: none
Key departures: none
Ongoing needs: backup goalkeeper, more defenders, supporting midfielders, goal scoring forwards
Goalkeepers: Mitch North
Defenders: Jordan Chavez, François Dulysse
Midfielders: José Carrera-García, Alexis Cerritos, David Diaz, Cherif Dieye
Forwards: Villyan Bijev
Fuego FC made no announcements this week. They still need a lot of support around the existing core, especially defenders and goal scorers.
The club will start the season at Fresno State Soccer Stadium, hosting North Carolina FC. They will then visit Chattanooga, host Union Omaha, and then visit One Knox SC. The 2022 squad actually did better on the road, going 7-5-3, while only posting a 4-7-4 record at home.