As of Saturday night, all 12 teams in USL League One have completed at least one match. Now that we have at least one look for every team, we have a better idea on what to expect moving forward.
We saw action from coast to coast, kicking off Friday night in Lexington. Next, Spokane debuted at home on Saturday afternoon, followed by evening matches in Charlotte and Statesboro. Finally, Fuego FC capped off league one after dark in Fresno.
Fans were abuzz all weekend, so this week we’ll showcase a few shared scenes from the crowds. We’re certainly biased in believing we have the best fans in American soccer. We’ll also highlight the players to watch as the season progresses.
Lexington 1-0 Chattanooga
Image courtesy Jon Hunt / Railbirds
It was a battle between two new-look sides that finished outside the playoff bubble in 2023, and Chattanooga appeared to be on the attack early. The Red Wolves dominated possession, and made Lexington goalkeeper Amal Knight work to keep the match scoreless. Despite a couple of chances, Lexington looked lost and not very well coordinated. The second half turned chippy, with five yellow cards handed out. Unfortunately, star midfielder Jonny Filipe exited the match with an injury in the 56th minute, after acting as a critical piece to his side’s attack up to that point.
Lexington finally coordinated an attack late in the match, with Yannick Yankam powering home a left-footed shot off a set piece from Ates Diouf that made a convenient bounce in front of him in the box. Knight (with assistance from the crossbar) held on to withstand a last minute Chattanooga attack to take Lexington’s first victory of the season.
Who we’re watching: Yannick Yankam looks like he may turn into a massive signing for Lexington, having now impressed in two matches. For Chattanooga, Jonny Filipe led the way until exiting with an injury that may be serious (we hope not), and Ricky Ruiz showed he will be a formidable presence on the wing.
Attendance: 1,041
Goals: Yankam
Injuries: Jonny Filipe (Chattanooga)
Next up for Lexington: at Knoxville, 3/23
Next up for Chattanooga: vs. Union Omaha, 3/30
Spokane 2-1 Richmond
Image courtesy The 509 Syndicate
The historic first home match for Spokane was a sellout, setting the stage for many more crazy days and nights at One Spokane Stadium. The home side did not disappoint as Roman Métanire scored a stunner of a goal just four minutes in, followed by another from Ahmed Longmire about 11 minutes later. An injury riddled Richmond squad was missing regular starters Emiliano Terzaghi, João Gomiero, and Nathan Aune. With two academy players in the starting 11 (Griffin Garnett and Nick Simmonds), Richmond was led by strong performances from veterans Adrian Billhard and Nil Vinyals. But a lone Billhard goal wasn’t enough, and Spokane held on for its first ever win.
Who we’re watching: Luis Gil has plenty of gas left in the tank and should end up as Spokane’s marquee signing. The former Union Omaha midfielder is clutch on the set piece and sent a perfect corner in for Longmire’s goal. For Richmond, Adrian Billhard fit right back into USL League One after a season in the Championship, keeping Richmond at least competitive in the match as long as he was in, especially with his rocket of a goal.
Image credit Richard Hayes, River City Red Army via Twitter
Attendance: 5,086
Goals: Métanire 4′, Longmire 15′, Billhard 20′
Injuries: Vaughan (Richmond), Métanire (Spokane)
Next up for Spokane: vs. Northern Colorado, 3/23
Next up for Richmond: vs. Tormenta, 3/23
Charlotte 1-2 Knoxville
Photo courtesy Tim Vacek
The opening match for both sides saw a few good saves in an otherwise uneventful first half. But in the second half Frank Ross opened the account for Knoxville with a goal-of-the-week worthy banger. Clay Dimick answered on a bounce from a corner kick, but Angelo Kelly-Rosales (who assisted on Ross’ goal) headed in a Callum Johnson cross to put the visitors back on top.
Who we’re watching: Stuart Ritchie returns to the league leaving us wondering what Columbus Crew 2 was thinking letting him go. The One Knox left back had a shot on target, three chances created and two blocked shots, and seemed to be all over the place. For Charlotte, one can’t help but cheer on Clay Dimick, scoring a goal after literally almost never walking again just six months ago.
Image courtesy The Scruffs
Attendance: 2,307
Goals: Ross, Dimick, Kelly-Rosales
Injuries: Obertan (Charlotte), Kelly-Rosales (Knoxville), O’Hearn (Knoxville)
Next up for Charlotte: vs. Spokane, 3/28
Next up for Knoxville: vs. Lexington, 3/23
Tormenta 1-1 Madison
Ford Parker kept Tormenta in the match, handling an onslaught of shots from the Mingos, including two on target from Juan Galindrez. Midfielder Devin Boyce finally put Madison on the board with a right foot shot beyond the reach of Parker. But it was league newcomer Niall Watson who equalized for Tormenta in the 96th minute, sending the visitors home with a disappointing draw.
Who we’re watching: Juan Galindrez getting the start over Christian Chaney was an interesting decision, but it’s too early in the season to read too much into it. That said, Galindrez played a solid 67 minutes, with two shots on target. Madison fans are certainly disappointed in the draw, but we’re still confident in a potent offensive tandem here. For Tormenta, Nick Akoto continues to show his presence and ball moving ability on the right side. If this side is going to make a run, it will be veterans like Akoto to lead the way.
Attendance: 940
Goals: Boyce, Watson
Injuries: Murphy (Madison), Steedman (Tormenta)
Next up for Tormenta: at Richmond, 3/23
Next up for Madison: at Greenville, 3/23
Fuego 1-2 Omaha
Union Omaha won the player’s shield in 2023, and lost multiple key players. Central Valley Fuego FC gained a superstar coach, but fired all but six players from the 2023 wooden spoon season. After impressing against another rebuilding side last week, we were ready to see if Fuego was the real deal. Omaha came in and showed right away that they are still on another level, with newcomers Blake Malone and Aarón Gómez finding the back of the net. A 71′ goal from Shavone John-Brown would not be enough, as Omaha and Rashid Nuhu held back a late surge.
Who we’re watching: Joe Gallardo continues to be a menace in the midfield, picking up where 2023 left off. For Fuego, we’ll go with goal scorer Shavon John-Brown. The Grenadian forward has certainly bounced around and is seeking a shot at glory, starting with a goal against Omaha last night.
Image credit Omaha Parliament via Twitter
Attendance: 1,000
Goals: Malone, Gómez, John-Brown
Injuries: Vazquez (Fuego)
Next up for Fuego: vs. Madison, 3/29
Next up for Omaha: at Chattanooga, 3/30