By: Betty Cantley
Avon, Ohio – The 2026 season marked a historic milestone for Northeast Ohio as the Lorain County Leviathan launched its
Inaugural campaign in USL2. As the County’s first-ever club in the league, the Leviathan aimed to establish a lasting community-focused identity by competing in the Great Forest Division at ForeFront Field in Avon, Ohio.
In 2025, a new era of soccer was founded; the club was created to bridge the gap between collegiate and professional soccer.
The Leviathan fostered deep local roots, engaging with regional businesses and youth clubs to build a sense of pride. Fans selected the team’s name from finalists including “Quarrymen” and “Blast” – and their mascot is an original character named Jack Nolan.
Jack Nolan was designed to capture the spirit of the Great Lakes region. Fans voted on calling the team Leviathan, which fit perfectly.
The team was led by veteran head coach Blake New, who was a long-tenured men’s soccer coach at Oberlin College. The club recruited a roster of elite collegiate and aspiring professional athletes.
They faced off against regional rivals like Buffalo FC, Steel City FC, and Akron FC in a high-intensity divisional schedule.
By utilizing the existing professional infrastructure of the Lake Erie Crusher (the minor league baseball team at ForeFront Field), the club was ensured a high-quality match day experience, complete with regional broadcasting and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The Leviathan is the product of a collaborative effort between dedicated local leaders, experienced sports executives, and a passionate “Founders Club” of community members.
The key leadership roles are Chairman and Co-founder, held by Andrew McDonnell. He is a North Ridgeville resident and former ownership partner with Akron City FC. McDonnell served as the driving force
behind the project, uniting his passion for
his hometown with a strategic, sustainable
vision for the sport.
A dynamic group backs Leviathan
that includes: Co-founder Adam Stalnaker and Nick Turchan, along with minority owner Michael “Hitch” Hitchcock, a veteran
soccer executive who has been instrumental in launching multiple USL2 clubs.
There were operational partners on which the club leaned heavily, including the expertise of Lake Erie Crushers leadership, including chairman and managing partner Len Komoroski.
Komoroski is formerly the CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Gregovits, who helped transition the baseball venue into a premier soccer setting.
This collective group sought to build more than just a team; they aimed to create a “Lasting Pillar” of the Lorain County Sports landscape, providing a professional-grade pathway for local talent and a centerpiece for the community to rally behind for years to come.