Hubbry Logo
Spokane VelocitySpokane VelocityMain
Open search
Spokane Velocity
Community hub
Spokane Velocity
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Spokane Velocity
Spokane Velocity
Spokane Velocity
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Spokane Velocity FC is an American professional soccer club based in Spokane, Washington. The Velocity compete in USL League One, the third tier of the U.S. soccer pyramid, and play home matches at One Spokane Stadium. The team was founded in 2022 and began play in the 2024 season, where they finished as runners-up in the playoffs. The Velocity shares its ownership and stadium with Spokane Zephyr FC, a women's team in the first-division USL Super League.

Key Information

The club's current head coach is Leigh Veidman.[1]

History

[edit]

In March 2021, United Soccer League announced a proposal to build a 5,000-seat stadium in downtown Spokane to serve as home to a new USL League One club.[2] In May 2021, the Spokane Public School Board voted to approve the $31 million stadium project.[3][4] In December 2021, the Spokane Public Facilities District met with USL and MLS Next Pro officials over which league would place a team at the city-run stadium.[5]

On October 7, 2022, the club announced their new ownership group, Aequus Sports, LLC (led by Ryan and Katie Harnetiaux) as well as that their men's team would start play in USL League One in 2024.[6][7] The club announced a partnership with Capelli Sport on June 21, 2023, making them their exclusive uniform, equipment, and training apparel provider.[8] The official team name, Spokane Velocity FC, and crest were announced at a launch event on July 21, 2023.[9] On November 15, 2023, Charleston Battery assistant coach Leigh Veidman was named Spokane Velocity's first-ever head coach.[10]

On December 20, 2023, Spokane Velocity signed its first two players, midfielder Morgan Hackworth and defender Derek Waldeck.[11] The club signed veteran midfielder Luis Gil, a former MLS and United States national team player, on January 22, 2024.[12]

The club's inaugural match was a 3–1 loss to Greenville Triumph SC played on March 9, 2024, at Paladin Stadium in South Carolina. Josh Dolling scored the first goal in Velocity FC history—a penalty kick taken in the 13th minute.[13] The Velocity's first-ever home match at One Spokane Stadium on March 16 was a 2–1 victory against the Richmond Kickers in front of a sold-out crowd of 5,086.[14] The club entered the 2024 U.S. Open Cup and won their first cup match against Ballard FC, the defending USL League Two champions, on March 20 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle.[15]

Spokane were the third expansion team in USL League One history to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural season, doing so on October 12, 2024.[16] The team won 3-0 in its first-ever playoff match against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on November 2.[17] The Velocity then defeated Forward Madison FC in a penalty shootout to decide the semifinals and clinch their place in the USL League One championship match. They were the lowest seed to qualify for the title match and the second expansion team to do so in their inaugural season.[18] The team lost 3–0 to Union Omaha and finished as runners-up in the playoffs.[19]

Stadium

[edit]
Spokane Velocity home opener vs. Richmond Kickers on March 16, 2024.

Spokane Velocity play its home matches at ONE Spokane Stadium, located in downtown Spokane next to The Podium and the Spokane Arena. It has a capacity of 5,000 and can expand to 12,000 with on-field seating.

The venue was competed in September 2023 and plays host to Velocity-affiliated club Spokane Zephyr, along with Spokane Public Schools high-school football games and events including concerts and comedy shows. The capacity was reached during Spokane Velocity's home opener in March 2024.[20]

Club identity

[edit]

The team's name and crest were unveiled on July 21, 2023. Both reference the Spokane River, which runs through Downtown Spokane and passes near One Spokane Stadium. The crest features four vertical blue bars that represent the river's waterfalls, while the "Velocity" wordmark above is shaped similar to a simplified version of the Monroe Street Bridge.[9][21] The Velocity's official colors are named basalt, impact blue, and river rapid white.[22]

Sponsorship

[edit]
Seasons Shirt manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2024–present[23] United States Capelli Sport Front: QR Code rotating sponsor
Back: Brick West Brewing Company
Sleeve: Gallagher

Club culture

[edit]

The team's largest supporters' group is the 509 Syndicate, which organizes a march to the match through Riverfront Park to One Spokane Stadium.[24][25] The 509 Syndicate takes part in drumming and chanting during each match, and stand behind the goal at the south end of the stadium. Their mascot is the "Goats", a reference to the Garbage Goat sculpture in Riverfront Park.[26]

Broadcasting

[edit]

Local Spokane television stations KHQ/SWX broadcast a selection of Velocity matches throughout the season. Similarly, KREM 2/KSKN 22 cover some home matches. The club's matches have also been televised on CBS Sports Network as part of a national contract with USL League One.[27] With a couple of exceptions, all USL League One matches are streamed on ESPN+.[28]

Affiliated teams

[edit]
Main article: Spokane Zephyr FC

In June 2021, Spokane was named as one of the founding cities of the USL W League, a women's league that began play in 2022.[29] The team is set to join W League for the 2024 season, along with the completion of One Spokane Stadium.[30]

Spokane's ownership announced in October 2022 that they wanted to bring professional women's soccer to the city.[30] A women's team representing Spokane in the USL Super League was announced in May 2023. It will be owned by the USL Spokane ownership group and begin play in August 2024, sharing their home stadium with the men's team and W League team.[31] The team name was announced in November 2023, as Spokane Zephyr FC.[32] The club held their first match, which ended in a 1–1 with Fort Lauderdale United FC, at a sold-out One Spokane Stadium on August 17, 2024.[33]

Staff

[edit]
As of October 18, 2024
Technical Staff[34]
Head coach Leigh Veidman
Assistant coach Renato Bustamante[35]
Goalkeeping coach Vito Higgins
Front Office Staff[36]
President, USL Spokane Katie Harnetiaux[37]

Players

[edit]

Roster

[edit]
As of July 11, 2025[38]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  USA Ryan Bilichuk
2 DF  ESP Javier Martín Gil
3 DF  USA Jalen Crisler
4 DF  ESP David García
6 MF  PER Collin Fernandez
7 MF  USA Masango Akale
8 MF  ESP Nil Vinyals
9 FW  JAM Neco Brett
10 MF  USA Luis Gil
11 MF  USA Pierre Reedy
12 DF  USA Camron Miller
No. Pos. Nation Player
13 DF  NGA Lucky Opara
14 FW  USA Mark Hernández
15 DF  GAM Ismaila Jome
16 FW  COL Anuar Peláez
17 FW  GRN Shavon John-Brown
18 DF  USA Derek Waldeck
19 MF  ENG Jack Denton
22 FW  USA Rocky Wells ([A])
23 GK  MEX Carlos Merancio
42 MF  USA Bryce Meredith
77 MF  JAM Andre Lewis
  1. ^
    USL Academy Contract
    2.

Team records

[edit]
As of November 10, 2024[38]

USL League One

[edit]
Season USL League One Playoffs USOC Top Scorer 1 G
P W D L GF GA Pts Pos
2024 22 7 6 9 26 35 27 7th Finals Third Round United States Luis Gil 8
2025 30 14 9 7 41 35 51 3rd Finals Second Round Colombia Anuar Peláez 10

^ 1. Top Scorer includes all goals scored in regular season, league playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

USL League One Playoffs

[edit]
Season Qualified Round Entered Round Finish
2024 Yes Quarterfinals Finals
2025 Yes Quarterfinals Finals

USL Cup

[edit]
Season USL Cup Play-offs Top Scorer
P W D L GF GA Pts Pos Player G
2024 8 1 2 5 9 17 5 4th, West Did not qualify United States Luis Gil 4
2025 4 1 0 3 2 5 5 7th, Group 1 Did not qualify United States Luis Gil
Colombia Anuar Peláez 		1

U.S. Open Cup

[edit]
Season U.S. Open Cup Top Scorer
P W D L GF GA Entered Exited Player G
2024 3 2 0 1 3 2 First round Third round Jamaica Andre Lewis 2
2025 2 1 0 1 2 2 First round Second round United States Luis Gil
Colombia Anuar Peláez 		1

Head coaches

[edit]

Includes USL Regular Season, USL Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, and USL Jagermeister Cup. Excludes friendlies.[39]

Coach Nationality Start End Games Wins Losses Draws Win %
Leigh Veidman[40]  England November 15, 2023 present 75 30 28 17 0.40

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Spokane Velocity

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Spokane Velocity FC is an American professional men's soccer club based in Spokane, Washington, competing in , the third tier of the . Founded in 2022 by Aequus Sports LLC, the club unveiled its branding in July 2023 ahead of its inaugural 2024 season. The team plays its home matches at , a multi-purpose venue that opened in September 2023. As part of the broader USL Spokane organization, Velocity FC shares ownership with the women's team, Spokane Zephyr FC, under the leadership of Ryan Harnetiaux, a Spokane native and business strategist, and his wife Katie Harnetiaux, the club's president and a former executive at Amazon and . The club's crest features a stylized "" wordmark inspired by the Monroe Street Bridge, overlaid on elements representing Spokane's waterfalls, symbolizing speed and local heritage. In its debut 2024 season, Spokane Velocity FC achieved a regular-season record of 7–6–9 (W–D–L), 27 points (8th in the league), securing a playoff berth as one of the league's successful expansion teams. The team reached the USL League One Final as runners-up after defeating Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the quarterfinals and Forward Madison FC in the semifinals. In the 2025 season, Velocity FC posted a strong regular-season record of 14–7–9 (W–D–L), 49 points (3rd in the league), leading to another playoff appearance and advancement to the USL League One Final for the second consecutive season, highlighted by a dramatic extra-time draw and 6–5 penalty shootout victory against Portland Hearts of Pine on November 10, 2025. The club's rapid growth reflects Spokane's emerging soccer scene, supported by community investment and the new stadium's capacity for 5,000 fans.

History

Establishment

In March 2021, the Spokane Public Facilities District, along with a coalition of business and hospitality leaders, proposed the development of a new in Spokane to replace the aging [Joe Albi Stadium](/page/Joe Albi Stadium), aiming to create a venue for high school sports, community events, and potential professional soccer. This $31 million project, funded through previously approved school bonds, was pitched to the Spokane Public Schools board as a way to enhance accessibility and economic impact in the urban core. On October 7, 2022, the ownership group Aequus Sports, LLC—led by local investors Ryan and Katie Harnetiaux—announced its formation to bring professional soccer to Spokane, including the approval of an expansion franchise in for a men's team set to debut in 2024. This marked a key step in the city's soccer ambitions, building on the stadium proposal to establish a professional club. The official team name, Spokane Velocity FC, and its crest were unveiled on July 21, 2023, drawing inspiration from the power and flow of the , with design elements like stylized water blades representing local waterfalls and the Monroe Street Bridge. One Spokane Stadium was completed and opened in September 2023, providing a 5,000-seat facility ready for professional use. Further pre-launch progress included the hiring of Leigh Veidman as the club's first on November 15, 2023; Veidman, previously an assistant with the , brought experience from and international youth programs. Initial player signings began on December 20, 2023, with the addition of midfielder Morgan Hackworth and defender Derek Waldeck, both USL veterans, to build the inaugural roster.

2024 season

The 2024 season marked the inaugural campaign for Spokane Velocity FC in , the third tier of the American soccer pyramid. Under head coach Leigh Veidman, the team began with a 1–3 away loss to on March 9 at in , with scoring the club's first-ever goal in the 74th minute. The home opener followed a week later on March 16 at , where Velocity secured its first victory with a 2–1 win over in front of a sellout crowd of 5,086 fans, highlighted by goals from Masango Akale and Jack Denton. In the regular season, Spokane finished 8th in the 12-team league with a record of 7 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses, accumulating 27 points and qualifying for the as the lowest seed. The team scored 29 goals while conceding 42, reflecting a developing defense but flashes of attacking promise, particularly at home where they posted a 5–3–3 record. Luis Gil emerged as a co-top scorer with 5 goals alongside , contributing key strikes including in the U.S. Open Cup. Velocity's first win established early momentum, but inconsistencies led to a mid-table finish despite strong home support averaging over 4,000 attendees per match. Spokane made a surprising playoff run as the No. 8 seed, defeating No. 1 3–0 in the quarterfinals on November 3, with goals from Andre Lewis, Javier Martin, and Danny Barbir. They advanced past No. 4 in the semifinals via a 0–0 draw decided 5–4 on penalty kicks on November 10, before falling 0–3 to in the league final on November 17 at in . This runners-up finish highlighted the club's rapid integration into professional soccer. In the , Velocity progressed from the First Round with a 1–0 home win over on April 4, thanks to a late Gil goal, but exited in the Second Round with a 1–2 extra-time loss to on April 18. The season underscored Velocity's potential as an expansion side, blending veteran leadership with local enthusiasm to lay foundations for future contention.

2025 season

The 2025 season marked Spokane Velocity FC's second year in , with the club achieving a regular season record of 14 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses, totaling 51 points and securing third place in the standings. Under Leigh Veidman, who received a two-year extension through prior to the , the team demonstrated improved consistency and depth following key and in-season roster additions. Notable signings included forward Neco Brett from and Colombian striker Anuar Peláez from Deportivo Guastatoya, bolstering the attack with experienced scoring options. The regular season featured standout performances, including the club's largest margin of victory: a 4–0 road win against on March 29, where Peláez and Luis Gil each scored twice. Conversely, the heaviest defeat came in a 6–1 loss to Portland Hearts of Pine on October 21, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities against high-pressing opponents. Peláez emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals across all competitions, while defenders Lucky Opara and Nil Vinyals led in assists with 4 each, contributing to a balanced offensive output. In the , Spokane advanced past Round 1 with a 2–1 extra-time victory over before exiting in the Second Round with a 2–1 home loss to side on April 2. Spokane qualified for the as the No. 3 seed and hosted the Quarterfinals, drawing 1–1 with South Georgia Tormenta FC on November 2 before advancing 4–3 on penalties, thanks to Carlos Merancio's saves. In the Semifinals on November 9, the team trailed 2–1 until Vinyals equalized in extra-time stoppage, forcing a 2–2 draw and a 6–5 win over Portland Hearts of Pine to reach the League One Final for the second consecutive year. The championship match against Players' Shield winners is scheduled for November 16 in , with the outcome pending as of November 15.

Club identity

Crest and colors

The crest of Spokane Velocity FC was unveiled on July 21, 2023, at an event held at Brick West Brewing in Spokane, Washington. Designed by the local creative agency Treatment, it features the word "Velocity" stylized in a shape reminiscent of the iconic Monroe Street Bridge, overlaid with four descending blades that evoke the rapids of the . In the background, subtle mountain peaks represent the visible from the city, while a skyline motif symbolizes Spokane's urban profile. The club's primary colors are —a dark gray inspired by the region's rocky outcroppings—impact blue, which reflects the blue skies and deep lakes of the , and river rapid white, evoking the foaming waters of local falls and rivers. These colors are integrated into the crest and serve as the foundation for the team's visual identity. The crest's design draws deep symbolism from Spokane's natural and cultural landscape, with the stylized "V" and water blades representing both the speed and energy of the club's name——and the dynamic force of the rapids that power through the city. The bridge form of the lettering signifies connections across the community's past, present, and future, while the mountain and skyline elements highlight the club's ties to Spokane's geography, fostering a sense of local pride and forward momentum in the sport. Overall, the branding embodies the tenacity and intensity of the urban waterfall that defines the region. Since its introduction, the crest and have remained unchanged, maintaining consistency in the club's branding through the 2025 season. These elements are prominently featured in team kits and visuals to reinforce the club's identity.

Sponsorship and kits

Spokane Velocity FC's kits are manufactured by , which serves as the official uniform provider under a multi-year agreement beginning with the club's inaugural season. This partnership was established prior to the team's launch in the , ensuring consistent production of professional-grade apparel that aligns with league standards. Capelli Sport also supplies kits for the club's affiliated team, Spokane Zephyr FC, highlighting a broader commitment to the USL Spokane organization. The club's sponsorship landscape emphasizes local businesses and community integration, with kit placements serving as a key vehicle for visibility. For the 2024 season, initial sponsorship deals included Brick West Brewing Co. as the back-of-kit sponsor and Gallagher as the sleeve sponsor, announced in February 2024 as part of the launch of the innovative "Community Kit" featuring a QR code on the front to connect fans with local partners. These arrangements were designed to foster regional economic ties without a traditional primary front-of-kit sponsor that year. By the 2025 season, the front-of-kit sponsorship was secured by the Spokane Tribe Resort and Casino on the front of the jersey, with the Spokane Tribe of Indians logo on the front right leg of the shorts, Gallagher Insurance on the lower back of the jersey, and Lumberbeard Brewing on the nape of the jersey, reflecting an evolution toward more prominent tribal and local brewery partnerships. Kit designs incorporate the club's , impact blue, and white color palette to reinforce brand identity. The 2024 home kit featured a river rapid white base with impact blue accents, while the away kit used a base with the same blue highlights. For 2025, updates were minimal, with the home kit shifting to cloud white and the away to black, including numbers on the jersey back and front left leg for enhanced visibility. These annual iterations maintain simplicity and focus on the core colors derived from the team's crest.

Facilities and operations

Stadium

One Spokane Stadium is the home venue for Spokane Velocity FC, located in downtown Spokane, Washington, within the North Bank Arts and Entertainment District. The stadium features a seated capacity of 5,000, which can expand to 10,000–12,000 spectators when including standing room and field space for larger events. The stadium's construction was proposed in March 2021 by the Downtown Spokane Partnership as a multi-use facility to support professional soccer and local high school sports, with Spokane Public Schools approving the project in May 2021. Development proceeded amid community input, and the venue opened in September 2023 after a $37.9 million investment, serving as a shared home for Spokane Velocity FC in USL League One and Spokane Zephyr FC in the USL Super League. Key features include a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field with an E-layer cushioning system for player safety, adjustable LED lighting optimized for professional matches and broadcasts, and on-site concessions integrated into the areas. The facility supports Velocity's home operations by hosting league matches, training sessions, and community events, contributing to the club's integration into Spokane's sports landscape. The record attendance for a Velocity match at One Spokane Stadium was set during the team's inaugural home game on March 16, 2024, against , drawing a sellout crowd of 5,000 fans with additional standing-room attendees.

Broadcasting

Spokane Velocity's broadcasting arrangements commenced with the club's debut in the 2024 season, featuring local television deals and comprehensive streaming coverage for all league matches. These agreements have remained largely consistent into the 2025 season, with expanded local TV selections but no fundamental shifts in national or streaming partnerships. Local television coverage focuses on select home and away games, primarily through NonStop Local KHQ/SWX and KREM 2/KSKN 22. In 2025, KHQ/SWX broadcasts 19 matches, comprising seven home games at and twelve away contests, providing regional access to a broad slate of Velocity fixtures. Complementing this, KREM 2/KSKN 22 airs eight home games, including key matchups such as the season opener against on March 16. Nationally, playoff games receive exposure on under the 's broadcast agreement, enhancing visibility for postseason contests. For instance, the 2025 Final is set to air on the related Golazo Network, alongside SiriusXM FC radio. All Spokane Velocity matches in are available via streaming on ESPN+, offering subscribers live coverage of every regular-season and playoff game.

Club culture

Supporters and rivalries

The primary supporters' group for Spokane Velocity FC is the 509 Syndicate, which formed ahead of the club's inaugural 2024 season to rally fans and create an energetic atmosphere at matches. Known for leading chants, producing displays, and marching to for home games, the group occupies a dedicated section behind the south goal to foster a "fortress" environment. Attendance at Spokane Velocity home matches averaged 3,913 fans per game in the 2024 season and 2,347 in 2025, placing the club among the league's leaders in fan turnout for a new . Rivalries within are still developing for Spokane Velocity, with no established intense derbies as of 2025 due to the club's youth. However, competitive tension has emerged with opponents, particularly Portland Hearts of Pine, highlighted by a dramatic 2025 playoff semifinal that ended 2–2 before Spokane advanced on penalties on November 9, 2025. Community engagement extends beyond stadium walls through organized tailgates, watch parties at local breweries and pubs, and supporter-led events that draw hundreds of fans for away and playoff games. These gatherings, often hosted by the in partnership with venues like Flatstick Pub, strengthen fan bonds and promote soccer culture in Spokane.

Mascot and traditions

Spokane Velocity FC does not maintain an official club mascot, but the team's dedicated supporters' group, the 509 Syndicate, has embraced "" as its symbolic figure, drawing inspiration from the iconic Garbage Goat sculpture in Riverfront Park that embodies local folklore and the club's resilient ethos. This mascot debuted in conjunction with the team's inaugural home opener, where supporters integrated it into their matchday rituals to symbolize community tenacity and the forceful energy of Spokane's waterfalls. A central tradition is the pre-match march led by the 509 Syndicate, beginning at Riverfront Park's Rotary Fountain—near the —and proceeding to , channeling the waterway's dynamic flow that informs the team's "" identity through chants, drums, and flags. Participants often perform the ritual of "feeding" the Garbage Goat a symbolic soccer ball before home and away games, reinforcing ties to local landmarks and building fervor among fans. Complementing this, "The Rumble" serves as a pre-kick featuring rhythmic drumming and collective cheers to ignite the crowd just before kickoff. During matches, the 509 leads signature chants like the "Velocity Chant"—including calls of "Who are we? Velocity!" timed to the 24th minute—to unite spectators and create an intimidating fortress atmosphere behind the south goal. intervals feature local entertainment, such as drum lines and youth performances, to sustain energy and highlight Spokane's cultural vibrancy. Following playoff advancements, the club and supporters celebrate through community gatherings, exemplified by participation in events like the 2025 Spokane Pride Parade, where players and fans marched to foster inclusive team spirit. After the November 9 semifinal victory, fans celebrated the team's advancement to the 2025 USL League One Final against , scheduled for November 16.

Organization

Affiliated teams

Spokane Velocity FC shares ownership and operational resources with its sister club, Spokane Zephyr FC, the women's professional team competing in the . Launched in 2024, Zephyr FC played its inaugural match on August 17, 2024, against Fort Lauderdale United FC at , the same venue used by Velocity FC. This partnership enables shared training facilities and collaborative scouting initiatives to foster soccer growth in the Spokane region. For youth development, Velocity FC established its USL Academy program in 2025, signing local standout Rocky Wells as the club's first academy contract player to create pathways from youth soccer to professional opportunities while preserving NCAA eligibility. The initiative focuses on identifying and nurturing high-potential talent from the local community. As of 2025, Velocity FC maintains no formal affiliations with teams or international clubs, prioritizing regional and league-specific ties within the USL ecosystem.

Staff

The technical staff of Spokane Velocity FC is led by Leigh Veidman, who was appointed on November 15, 2023, as the club's inaugural coach ahead of its debut season in . Under Veidman's guidance, the team reached the Final in 2024 during its expansion year and advanced to the championship match again in 2025 after a regular-season record of 14 wins, 7 losses, and 9 draws, finishing third in the league standings. In October 2025, Veidman signed a two-year contract extension, securing his position through the 2027 season. Assistant coaches include Josh McAllister, who serves as both assistant coach for Velocity FC and head of performance for USL Spokane, bringing over 15 years of experience in technical coaching and from prior roles with MLS academies like the . The club experienced some turnover in its coaching ranks during 2025, with assistant coach Renato departing in August after serving since February 2024, and goalkeeping coach Vito Higgins leaving prior to the season to join ; a new assistant coach position was posted in late October 2025. General manager duties are handled by members of the ownership group, Aequus Sports, LLC, including founder Ryan Harnetiaux, who oversees broader operations for both Velocity FC and the affiliated Spokane Zephyr FC. Supporting the technical team is Gareth Smith, serving as sporting department consultant with more than 20 years of experience in soccer , , and education across senior professional and academy levels. Other key staff include partnerships for medical and performance support, such as MultiCare as official gameday sideline doctors, as physical therapists, and as chiropractors, though specific individual athletic trainers and scouting directors are integrated within the broader USL Spokane performance department without publicly named roles as of late 2025. No major additional turnover has been reported in core leadership positions following the 2024 season beyond the noted coaching changes.

Squad

Current roster

As of November 2025, Spokane Velocity FC's active roster for the 2025 USL League One season comprises 22 players, blending domestic and international talent across various positions under head coach Leigh Veidman. The goalkeepers include Ryan Bilichuk, a 25-year-old dual United States-Argentine citizen serving as the primary option, and Carlos Merancio, a 27-year-old Mexico-United States dual national as backup. Key defenders on the roster are Jalen Crisler (, 31), David Garcia (, 25), Ish Jome (The Gambia-, 31), and Javier Martin (, 25), alongside Camron Miller (, 26), Lucky Opara (, 25), and Derek Waldeck (, 27). In midfield, prominent players include Luis Gil (-Mexico, 32) and Nil Vinyals (, 29), supported by Andre Lewis (, 31), Collin Fernandez (Peru-, 28), Jack Denton (, 27), Pierre Reedy (, 27), Masango Akale (-Cameroon, 23), Bryce (, 24), and Mark Hernández (, 29). The forward line is led by Anuar Peláez (Colombia, 32), the team's top scorer, along with Neco Brett (Jamaica, 33) and Shavon John-Brown (Grenada-Canada, 30), with additional options in Rocky Wells (United States, 18). Mid-2025 signings bolstered the squad, including forward Anuar Peláez acquired ahead of the season's latter stages and midfielder Masango Akale joining in June on a permanent deal following a trial.
PositionNo.PlayerNationalityAge
Goalkeeper1Ryan Bilichuk / Argentina25
Goalkeeper23Carlos MerancioMexico / 27
Defender2Javier Martin25
Defender3Jalen Crisler31
Defender4David Garcia25
Defender12Camron Miller26
Defender13Lucky Opara25
Defender15Ish Jome / 31
Defender18Derek Waldeck27
Midfielder6Collin FernandezPeru / 28
Midfielder7Masango Akale / 23
Midfielder8Nil Vinyals29
Midfielder10Luis Gil / Mexico32
Midfielder11Pierre Reedy27
Midfielder14Mark Hernández29
Midfielder19Jack Denton27
Midfielder42Bryce Meredith24
Midfielder77Andre Lewis31
Forward9Neco Brett33
Forward16Anuar Peláez32
Forward17Shavon John-Brown / 30
Forward22Rocky Wells18

Notable players

Luis Gil, the team's captain and attacking midfielder, has been a cornerstone for Spokane Velocity since joining in 2024. With prior experience earning two caps for the senior , Gil led the club in scoring during its inaugural season with 5 goals across all competitions. In 2025, he contributed 7 goals and 3 assists in 30 appearances, earning selection to the All-USL League One First Team for his leadership and consistent performances. Gil also scored a crucial goal in the 2025 playoff semifinals against Portland Hearts of Pine, helping secure a 1-0 lead at halftime in the eventual victory. Forward Anuar Peláez emerged as Spokane Velocity's leading scorer in 2025 with 11 goals in 27 matches, including key playoff contributions that propelled the team to the USL League One final. He netted the equalizer in the 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup and scored in the playoff quarterfinals against South Georgia Tormenta FC, followed by a successful penalty in the shootout win. Peláez was named USL League One Player of the Month for April 2025 after recording two goals and two assists, marking the first such honor for a Velocity player. His clinical finishing and clutch moments in high-stakes games underscored his impact on the club's deepest playoff run to date. Other standout contributors include forward Neco Brett, who joined in 2025 and added 5 goals in 25 appearances, providing vital attacking depth with his experience from clubs where he amassed over 80 career goals. Defender Ish Jome anchored the backline with strong defensive showings, logging 24 matches and contributing 2 goals while helping limit opponents to under 1.0 per game in several key fixtures. Several players received Team of the Week honors in 2025, including Gil and Peláez for standout performances in Weeks 12 and 18, respectively. Following the 2024 season, notable departures included forward , who scored 5 goals in the club's inaugural campaign before moving to an undisclosed club, and defender Romain Métanire, a veteran presence with MLS experience who became a . These changes allowed for roster evolution, with returning core players like Gil maintaining continuity into 2025.

Records and statistics

League and playoff records

Spokane Velocity entered as an in 2024 and has since established a competitive presence in the league's regular season and . Over their first two seasons through 2025, the club has compiled an overall regular season record of 21 wins, 15 draws, and 16 losses. This performance reflects steady improvement, with the team qualifying for the in both years and advancing deep into the postseason each time. In their inaugural 2024 campaign, Spokane Velocity finished 7th in the league standings with a record of 7 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses. As the 7th seed, the team made a remarkable playoff run, defeating higher-seeded opponents in the quarterfinals and semifinals before falling to in the Final, securing runners-up honors. This achievement marked one of the most successful debut seasons for an expansion club in league history. The 2025 regular season saw significant progress, as Spokane Velocity clinched 3rd place with a record of 14 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses, accumulating 51 points and setting a club record for most wins in a single season. The team demonstrated balance across venues, posting a strong home record of 7 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses while going 7–4–4 on the road. In the , Spokane Velocity advanced to the final, defeating South Georgia Tormenta FC on penalties in the quarterfinals and Portland Hearts of Pine on penalties in the semifinals before losing 1–2 to in the championship match on November 14, 2025, to finish as runners-up. Key contributions from top scorers helped drive this postseason success, underscoring the team's offensive depth.
SeasonRegular Season Record (W-D-L)PointsPositionPlayoff Result
20247-6-9277thRunners-up
202514-9-7513rdRunners-up

Cup records

Spokane Velocity FC, entering professional soccer in 2024 as a , has had limited but competitive participation in national cup competitions, primarily the and the USL Jägermeister Cup. These tournaments provide opportunities for lower-division clubs like Velocity to face higher-tier opponents, often resulting in dramatic encounters despite early exits. The club's cup campaigns highlight resilience in formats, with several matches decided by late goals or extra time. In the U.S. Open Cup, Velocity qualified automatically as a professional team and made their debut in 2024. They advanced to the third round that year, defeating 1–0 in the first round on March 20 with a stoppage-time goal from Andre Lewis. In the second round on April 3, Gil scored in the 89th minute to secure a 1–0 victory over LA Force of the (NISA). Their run ended in the third round on April 17, falling 2–1 after extra time to side , who scored the winner in the 119th minute. In 2025, Velocity repeated their first-round matchup against , winning 1–0 in extra time on March 19 via a 119th-minute goal from Masaya Fujisaka. However, they exited in the second round on April 2, losing 2–1 to Pro's , with the decisive goal coming in the 99th minute. The USL Jägermeister Cup, an in-season group-stage tournament launched in 2024 for League One clubs, has seen Velocity participate without advancing to the knockout rounds. In their inaugural 2024 edition, they finished with a 1–5–2 record across eight group matches, earning 5 points and placing last in their group; notable results included a 3–2 win over on May 11 and a 0–0 draw decided by a 5–4 loss to on May 25. The 2025 campaign followed a similar trajectory, with Velocity recording 1 win, 0 draws, and 3 losses in the group stage for 3 points, including a 1–0 victory over a USL Championship opponent in an inter-league matchup on April 27. Losses came against (1–0 on July 26), an unnamed opponent (1–0 on May 28), and (2–0 on June 28), preventing progression. Across all cup competitions through 2025, Velocity has compiled a record of 5 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws (excluding shootouts), reflecting their status as a new club building experience against varied opposition. Notable matches include the back-to-back thriller wins over , marked by extra-time heroics, and the narrow defeats to higher-division teams like and , which underscored Velocity's competitiveness despite the outcomes.

Coaching records

Leigh Veidman was appointed as the inaugural of Spokane Velocity on November 15, 2023. As the club's first and only head coach to date, Veidman has guided the team through its first two seasons in , compiling an overall regular-season record of 21 wins, 15 draws, and 16 losses as of the end of the 2025 regular season. Under his leadership, Spokane Velocity reached the final in both 2024 and 2025, marking two consecutive appearances in the championship match for the expansion franchise. In the playoffs, Veidman's teams have recorded 4 wins and 2 losses through the final. His tactical approach emphasizes a high-pressing style to disrupt opponents and foster local talent development, integrating youth from the club's academy into the professional squad.
CoachTenureRegular Season RecordPlayoff RecordAchievements
Leigh Veidman2023–present21–15–164–2Two consecutive finals (2024, 2025)

References

  1. https://www.uslleagueone.com/spokane-velocity-fc
  2. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1279653
  3. https://www.dirigounion.com/post/know-your-enemy-spokane-velocity
  4. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2023/10/24/landspire-group-assembles-world-class-businesspeople-athletes-to-invest-in-usl-spokane/
  5. https://www.uslspokane.com/ownership/
  6. https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/16914-medium-business-of-the-year-finalist-aequus-sports-dba-usl-spokane
  7. https://www.uslleagueone.com/spokane-velocity-fc-schedule-2024
  8. https://www.swxlocalsports.com/spokane/soccer/spokane-velocity-fcs-inaugural-season-continues-after-playoff-win/article_067715fa-99a1-11ef-8288-97d44345a9b1.html
  9. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2024/11/17/velocity-concludes-historic-inaugural-season-with-loss-in-league-one-final/
  10. https://fbref.com/en/squads/26f41345/Spokane-Velocity-FC-Stats
  11. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1349652
  12. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/oct/24/spokane-soccer-team-owners-name-investment-group/
  13. https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/downtown-spokane-stadium-proposal-what-it-would-mean/293-7120eb42-5c72-4b05-91b0-242b09222d07
  14. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/mar/10/downtown-stadium-proposal-pitched-to-spokane-schoo/
  15. https://www.thesportsdb.com/team/148093-spokane-velocity
  16. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/21/spokanes-united-soccer-league-team-debuts-velocity/
  17. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/sep/26/spokane-public-schools-38-million-one-spokane-stad/
  18. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2023/11/15/spokane-velocity-fc-hires-leigh-veidman-as-clubs-first-head-coach/
  19. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2023/12/20/spokane-velocity-fc-signs-first-two-players-in-club-history/
  20. https://www.swxlocalsports.com/spokane/soccer/highlights-spokane-velocity-fall-to-greenville-triumph-3-1-in-first-match-of-the-regular/article_0ab7a1d6-de83-11ee-93ca-9f52e811d252.html
  21. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/16/the-atmosphere-was-phenomenal-spokane-velocity-sta/
  22. https://www.uslleagueone.com/spokane-velocity-fc-Team-Stats-2024
  23. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2024/11/02/spokane-velocity-secures-first-playoff-victory-advances-to-semifinals/
  24. https://thecup.us/2024/04/04/2024-us-open-cup-round-2-luis-gils-late-goal-sends-spokane-velocity-past-la-force/
  25. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1348952
  26. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2025/10/06/spokane-velocity-fc-ink-two-year-contract-extension-with-coach-veidman-ahead-of-historic-launch-of-promotion-relegation/
  27. https://www.transfermarkt.us/spokane-velocity-fc/transfers/verein/114568
  28. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/726543/spokane-velocity-fc-greenville-triumph
  29. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/726662/spokane-velocity-fc-portland-hearts-of-pine
  30. https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/stats/_/id/22130/spokane_velocity_fc
  31. https://www.soundersfc.com/tacoma-defiance/competitions/u-s-open-cup/2025/matches/tacvsspv-04-02-2025/
  32. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1349652?referrer_id=3067499
  33. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/760617/portland-hearts-of-pine-spokane-velocity-fc
  34. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2023/07/21/spokane-velocity-fc-unveils-official-branding-ahead-of-inaugural-2024-season/
  35. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2023/12/18/spokane-velocity-fc-reveal-official-kit-2/
  36. https://www.uslspokane.com/our-crest/
  37. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2025/03/13/spokane-velocity-fc-reveals-2025-kit-featuring-spokane-tribe-of-indians-gallagher-insurance-and-lumberbeard-brewing/
  38. https://www.visitspokane.com/directory/spokane-velocity-fc/
  39. https://www.spokaneschools.org/page/one-spokane-stadium
  40. https://www.spokanesports.org/venue/one-spokane-stadium
  41. https://sportsvenuebusiness.com/2021/03/03/downtown-spokane-partnership-announce-new-proposal-for-downtown-stadium/
  42. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/may/05/downtown-stadium-approved-by-spokane-public-school/
  43. https://www.inlander.com/news/after-five-years-of-controversy-and-finally-construction-spokanes-new-stadium-has-opened-its-doors/article_e6b6d779-87b3-583f-b281-7e07d194e626.html
  44. https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/inside-look-one-spokane-stadium-before-opening-ceremony/293-243408f0-6608-4ce0-a8ac-3f6c21df62c8
  45. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/oct/02/one-spokane-stadium-users-guide/
  46. https://www.uslspokane.com/velocity-fc-kbyg/
  47. https://www.khq.com/news/fans-sell-out-one-spokane-stadium-for-first-spokane-velocity-home-match/article_74daf7fc-e400-11ee-85e1-1b8f4468647e.html
  48. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2024/03/07/fourteen-velocity-fc-2024-home-games-will-be-aired-on-krem-and-khq-swx-to-be-enjoyed-by-local-fans/
  49. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/spokane-velocity-fc-local-linear-coverage-2025/n-6199812
  50. https://www.swxlocalsports.com/spokane/soccer/swx-khq-to-air-19-spokane-velocity-fc-matches-including-12-road-games/article_47d0cf92-ff76-11ef-ae9a-c78f56b88787.html
  51. https://www.krem.com/article/sports/soccer/spokane-velocity-fc/krem-2-kskn-22-televise-eight-spokane-velocity-fc-home-games/293-a97508dc-7b2e-4adb-95e1-1043d795861c
  52. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2024/02/27/spokane-velocity-fc-to-appear-on-cbs-sports-network-september-4/
  53. https://the509syndicate.com/
  54. https://www.spokesman.com/galleries/2024/jul/29/509-syndicate-soccer-fan-club/
  55. https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/2024-usl-league-one-attendance-report
  56. https://www.transfermarkt.us/usl-league-one/besucherzahlen/wettbewerb/USC3
  57. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/09/clad-in-velocity-gear-spokane-packs-downtown-brewe/
  58. https://the509syndicate.com/events
  59. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SouthhillFC/posts/3718062385110562/
  60. https://the509syndicate.com/events/event-one-xzcm5-672dc-dsfz8
  61. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2024/03/18/and-the-crowd-goes-wild-the-velocity-and-their-fans-have-a-pitch-perfect-home-opener/
  62. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/jul/30/a-different-sense-of-belonging-in-hooptown-usa-the/
  63. https://www.inlander.com/healthandhome/lifestyle/whose-house-our-house/article_418f7771-3973-500b-8a5e-220b3ab3ac4b.html
  64. https://www.krem.com/article/sports/soccer/spokane-velocity-fc/spokane-velocity-first-match/293-2a6ea681-1b10-4470-879c-5493e10b8a2c
  65. https://www.reddit.com/r/USL1/comments/1o63yib/best_chants_in_league_one/
  66. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2025/11/09/finals-bound-velocity-fc-advance-to-league-one-final-after-unbelievable-semifinal-win-over-portland/
  67. https://www.uslspokane.com/
  68. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2024/05/23/spokane-zephyr-fc-to-host-historic-home-opener-august-17-vs-fort-lauderdale/
  69. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2025/03/14/spokane-velocity-fc-announces-first-usl-academy-contract-signing-in-club-history-with-local-standout-rocky-wells/
  70. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1291382
  71. https://www.uslleagueone.com/spokane-velocity-fc-schedule
  72. https://www.uslspokane.com/velocity-fc-technical-staff/
  73. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2024/02/13/spokane-velocity-fc-hires-assistant-coach-renato-bustamante/
  74. https://www.linkedin.com/in/renato-bustamante-2a3bab240
  75. https://whitworthpirates.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/coaches/vito-higgins/708
  76. https://womeninsoccer.org/job/spokane-velocity-fc-assistant-coach/
  77. https://www.linkedin.com/company/spokane-velocity
  78. https://www.uslspokane.com/roster/type/velocity-fc-roster/
  79. https://www.transfermarkt.us/spokane-velocity-fc/kader/verein/114568
  80. https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/spokane-velocity-retains-13-for-2025
  81. https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/luis-gil/
  82. https://fbref.com/en/squads/26f41345/2024/c137/Spokane-Velocity-FC-Stats-USL-League-One
  83. https://fbref.com/en/squads/26f41345/2025/c137/Spokane-Velocity-FC-Stats-USL-League-One
  84. https://www.krem.com/article/sports/soccer/spokane-velocity-fc/trio-of-spokane-velocity-fc-players-named-to-all-usl-league-one-teams/293-71edd8b2-d50d-42dd-8323-bb21076ed1f1
  85. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/heartbreak-in-washington-hearts-fall-in-thriller-to-spokane-velocity-after-fierce-semifinal-battle/n-6299087
  86. https://www.uslspokane.com/news/2025/11/02/spokane-velocity-fc-advance-to-league-one-semifinals-after-thrilling-playoff-win-against-tormenta-fc/
  87. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1338563
  88. https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2025-11-03/never-lost-faith-spokane-velocity-win-shootout-advance-to-semi-finals
  89. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1332529
  90. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1348266
  91. https://www.uslleagueone.com/spokane-velocity-fc-Team-Stats
  92. https://cgscholar.com/community/profiles/user-67532?s-news-7537431-2025-11-10-spokane-velocity-fc-misses-out-on-2025-usl-league-one-title
  93. https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1349407
  94. https://www.swxlocalsports.com/spokane/soccer/local-soccer-expert-pete-showler-breaks-down-spokane-velocity-s-rise-red-hot-start-absolutely/article_3a303247-d00a-4a4e-9f1a-a3539cefc330.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.