A new professional men’s soccer franchise is set to make its debut in March 2028, bringing League One action to Long Island.
The team will call Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium home, a venue already familiar to local fans.
Community‑Driven Soccer for Long Island
Backed by former World Cup champion Sara Whalen Hess and SUSA FC chief executive Glenn Schneider, the project promises more than just matches.
Whalen Hess, a 1999 Women’s World Cup winner, and Schneider, who also runs SUSA FC, say the club will serve as a hub for youth development and fan engagement.
The initiative will offer volunteer programs, internships and pathways from local youth leagues to the professional ranks, leveraging Schneider’s experience in grassroots soccer.
USL Long Island joins Island FC of MLS Next Pro as the second minor‑league side to launch on the island in the past year, marking a rapid expansion of the sport’s footprint.
The league has announced plans for promotion and relegation beginning in 2028, with a possible pathway to a Premier League‑style tier that could position Long Island as a competitive regional hub.
Fans will be invited to help shape the team’s crest, name and colors in the coming months, reinforcing the club’s community‑first ethos.