USL2:  Leviathan FC debuts in May 2026.

By:  Betty Cantley

Lorain County, OH – Lorain county Leviathan FC is a newly established pre-professional soccer club set to make its debut in the USL League Two (USL2) in May 2026.

The club aims to provide a pathway for local elite talent while creating a high-energy, community-focused major league experience in Northeast Ohio.

1. Club Identity and Leadership:

    • The name was chosen by the  
       community via fan vote beating
       out finalist like Quarrymen FC and
       Blast FC.

    • The crest features a sea monster
      (Leviathan) rising the deep shores
      of Lake Erie with the Lorain light-
      house at base, colors include light/
      dark blue, teal and yellow.

    • Ownership:  Led by chairman
      Andrew McDonnell (a Lorain County
      native) in partnership with the Lake
      Erie Crushers leadership, including
      former Cleveland Cavs CEO Len
      Komoroski.

    • Head Coach: Blake New, the long-
      tenured and highly successful head
      coach of Oberlin College Men’s
      Soccer, was named the inaugural
      manager.

2. Venue and Rivalries
 
    • Homefield:  ForeFront Field in Avon,
      Ohio (home of the Lake Erie
      Crushers).  The stadium seats 5,000
      and offers a professional environ-
      ment for fans.

    • Division:  They will compete in the
      Great Forest Division of the Central
      Conference.

    • Key Rivals:  Cleveland Force SC,
      Akron City FC, and Toledo Bills FC.

3. Season Ticket and Founders Club
    details

    • The club is currently in its primary
       “Founders Club” push for the 2026
       season.

    • Deadline:  Fans who purchase
      season tickets by January 31, 2026,
      are designated as Inaugural
      Founding Members.

   • The Perk:  A free custom made Arrivo
     Match Jersey ($85 value).  This is
     the same kit the players wear, and
     Founding Members can choose the
     home or away style and customizing
     it with their preferred name and
     number.

   • Other Benefits:  Admission to all home
     games (including friendlies and play-
     offs), and an invitation to a “closed
     training sessions.”

4. 2026 Important Dates

    • Milestones estimated date of
      Founders Club deadline January
      31, 2026.

    • Schedules will be released in
      February 2026.

    • Open tryouts are late February/
      March.

    • Inaugural kick off is May 2026.

While McDonnell serves as the club chairman, he has taken an active role inside “Soccer Ops” to ensure the team has everything it needs to function like a professional organization, from travel logistics to scouting.

Following a successful, first round of identifications in late December, the club has finalized the dates for their primary open tryouts.