USL Long Island, a prospective professional soccer franchise, is slated to make its competitive debut in the USL League One in 2028, pending final league approval.
The club will host its home matches at James M. Shuart Stadium on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, a venue that accommodates nearly 13,000 spectators and has a longstanding presence in regional sports.
Glenn Schneider, former chief executive of US Nutrition and founder of the SUSA FC academy, and Sara Whalen Hess, a 1999 Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic silver medalist, will jointly own the team, bringing deep connections to Suffolk and Nassau counties.
Their shared ambition is to cultivate a club that reflects the cultural fabric of Long Island, offering a pathway for local talent and fostering a sense of belonging among fans.
Shaping the Club’s Identity
Rather than imposing a predetermined brand, the ownership group plans to involve supporters through listening sessions and polls, allowing the community to help select a name, crest and colour scheme.
The franchise will also compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the Prinx Tires USL Cup, adding national cup competition to its schedule, while joining Westchester SC and the New York Cosmos as part of a growing Northeast contingent.
USL League One, now comprising seventeen clubs, occupies the third tier of the U.S. soccer pyramid, and the addition of a Long Island team promises to enrich the league’s regional diversity and competitive balance.