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Supporter Spotlights – Andrew Goenaga

  • Age: 18
  • Neighborhood: Jackson Heights
  • National Origin / Family from: Colombia

“Fútbol for a Colombian is a part of the culture,” says Andrew Goenaga, 18, of Jackson Heights. “The Colombian playing style unique… we always play with our chin up and chest out. Even when losing we don’t give up, and we play the game with honor.”

It’s that style of play and dedication that Andrew brings to his own game, whether playing pickup with friends or trying out recently for his local team, Queensboro FC. Today, on Colombian Independence Day, QBFC celebrates Andrew and all of our Colombian neighbors. Vamos los Cafeteros!

How would you describe Colombia to someone who’s never been there?

Colombia is a beautiful country filled with beautiful people. The nature is breathtaking and the people are super kind and always willing to lend a helping hand. People always say hi and the food is *chef’s kiss*

When did you start playing futbol? Did your family play?

I started playing soccer at around 5 years old with my dad in the park. My dad used to play college soccer in Colombia and although he wanted to pursue the sport, his mother—my grandma—made him focus on his studies. [He went on to become a veterinarian.]

Is your family as passionate as you about the beautiful game? Where did you get your passion for fútbol from?

My family is definitely as passionate about soccer as I am. Whenever Colombia plays [in the World Cup,] and wins, everyone and their mother goes to Northern Boulevard to celebrate. The NYPD has to come and close the streets. They now get the message and bring barricades before the match even starts. Everyone [cheers and] throws maizena (a corn starch) at each other.

What makes Colombian playing style unique?

What makes the Colombian playing style unique is the pride behind it. We always play with our chin up and chest out. Even when losing we don’t give up, and we play the game with honor.

What is your favorite team and why are you a fan of them? Have you seen them play in person?

My favorite team is Junior de Barranquilla, it is the team from my dad’s hometown which I haven’t had the privilege to see in person, however they will be hosting open tryouts next summer which I am really looking forward to participating in.

What makes you most excited about having a team in Queens?

What makes me excited about having a team in queens is to shed light on the talent here that would otherwise go unnoticed. I’ve always said that in Queens alone you could probably build a strong national team for USA.

You’ve been a regular at QBFC’s Free-to-Play Pickup games since they began this Spring. How has your experience been?

My experience at the QBFC pickups have been so fun! The level of play is nice and competitive, and it’s very well organized. It’s one of my favorite things that QBFC has done to grow closer to the community that it represents. 

Whats your soccer dream?

My soccer dream is to fulfill my potential. It doesn’t have to be at a big club. It can be a club in my hometown.

Queensboro FC II Becomes UPSL Spring 2022 Division Champions

Queens, NY, July 5, 2022 – Queensboro FC II and Oyster Bay United had only faced off once before this past week, in April, with Queensboro walking away from the match with a 1-0-win courtesy of our #11 Damien Barker. 

Heading into Saturday’s championship fixture against Oyster Bay, Coach Diego Gomez made two adjustments from the semi-final starting lineup, as that contest left both #45 Daniel Alzate and #5 Fernando Cohate injured and thus unfit to start again.  Replacing Alzate was a familiar face, our former #1, Pol Rodriguez.  #31Joshua Saavedra, who debuted in last Saturday’s seismic 6-1 win against Philadelphia Lone Star FC, replaced Cohate in his first start for Queensboro.

Saavedra wasted no time in making his presence known on the pitch, as he opened scoring in the fourth minute after shaking his defender and meeting a perfectly placed near post corner from #23 Minguk Seo in the air. 1-0 Queens.

The ensuing 15 minutes would see Oyster Bay turn up the pressure, maintaining spells of possession in our half, but falling short in the final third.  In the 21st minute however, #14 Jonathan Santillan and #11 Damien Barker put on a display of excellent counter attacking football, combining for a give-and-go that started at the half line and ended with Barker open at the top of the 18.  Barker proceeded to send the opposing keeper the wrong way, calmly tucking the ball into the far corner. 2-0 Queens.

Despite the two-goal deficit, Oyster Bay refused to make things easy. After many attacking opportunities thwarted by the Queensboro defense, they would steal one back with just under ten minutes in the half.  2-1 Queens.

Queensboro was quick to respond, as 2 minutes later #2 Moussa Diara threaded a ball from the right side between two defenders straight into the path of a forward charging Seo, who struck the ball into the bottom corner.  Before celebrations could begin, the linesman called the play offside. After some continued back and forth, including a massive 1 on 1 save from Rodriguez in the 42nd minute, the half ended 2-1.

Queensboro would once again open scoring remarkably early, taking only 48 seconds before putting the ball in the back of the net.  #14 Jonathon Santillan received the ball off a throw-in at the 25-yard line, turned and took on the man in front of him, and continued forward past another defender to his right, while muscling through one on his left. With the space he created for himself in the box, he rifled the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper and into the roof of the net.  3-1 Queens.

The remainder of the half would see Oyster Bay attempting to use their physicality to claw back into the game, trying to exploit the age difference between the two sides.  Their best chances would all come in a flurry late in the game, giving Rodriguez a couple of opportunities to show his class in net.  He wouldn’t have to do it all on his own though, as Diarra tracked back for a goal line clearance in the 78th minute.

Despite Oyster Bay’s best efforts, the excellent technical ability and defensive structure of Queensboro would prove to be too insurmountable of a challenge.  Our boys in purple and black held on to the lead and hoisted the UPSL Northeast division trophy after the final whistle. Hard fought and well earned.

Head Coach of QBFC II, Diego Gomez on his team performance: “The final was perfect environment for the players development. A game that is all or nothing, with fans from both teams and vs a Top opponent. We not only play well but also we had the capacity to suffer and to grind when it was needed. I can not be more proud of the team. Also winning one of the best divisions in UPSL in our first season with such a young team is an achievement we are very proud off”.

QBFC II will travel to Boston on July 9th to face Santa Cruz FC at 4PM in the first round of the UPSL national championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

VAMOS QUEENS!

QBFC II TO HOST OPEN TRYOUTS

Queens, NY, June 30, 2022 – Coming off another successful spring season, Queensboro FC is excited to announce the opportunity for young local talent to showcase their skills and fight for a spot on the fully funded Mens U-19 team. The tryouts will be hosted on Sunday, July 17th from 2:30PM – 5:00PM for players born in 2003-2006 at Aviator Sports and Events Center, 3159 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, NY 11234.

You must complete the registration process to be considered for the tryout. Walk ups will not be permitted to participate. Spots are limited so sign up now!

LINK TO SIGN UP HERE

YOUR PATHWAY TO PRO STARTS HERE, WITH QUEENSBORO FC

Suraj Patel & Rohan Aggarwal

  • Age: 32 both
  • Neighborhood: Forest Hills
  • National Origin / Family from: India

Suraj and Rohan aren’t just soccer fans, they’re big foodies. They’ve traveled all over the USA and abroad, but, as they say, “when you go to other places, the food just isn’t the same. Here in Queens you can get BBQ, Indian, Chinese, Jamaican all on one block.” And speaking of BBQ, they serve up some of the best in the city at their Forest Hills restaurant Queens Bully.

How would you describe Queens to someone who’s never been here?

Queens is just a melting pot, there’s everyone here. There’s indians, koreans, jamaicans all next to each other, it’s incredible.

When and why did you move to Queens?

I was born in London and moved here when I was 10 back in ‘98. Rohan was born and raised here. 

Did you play futbol growing up?

It’s funny, in England I grew up playing soccer. Then I came here and it wasn’t as big as it is now in the States. I had to learn to play baseball and basketball, but I was always keeping an eye out for soccer. Nowadays, you’re out and about and you see kids and people playing soccer all over Queens. 

Who is your favorite team? 

Liverpool – It was so amazing seeing them finally win the Premier League. And then this past weekend—my mom’s family are all Man U fans and I’ve been roasting them in the Whatsapp chat haha.* 

[*Interview was conducted right after Liverpool had soundly beat Manchester United.]

Tell us about your restaurant, Queens Bully. You’re really involved in the community, not just serving great food. 

We founded Queens Bully in 2017. The name came from when we were kids and we’d say, instead of “Queens Boulevard,” let’s meet over at Queens Bully & xyz street. 

We showcase the different flavors of Queens all in one place. And we’re not just a restaurant, we’re a community space. During the pandemic we gave back and turned ourselves into a food factory, teaming up with World Central Kitchen to feed healthcare workers all over the city and doing pop ups too. And we’re still doing givebacks at community kitchens. We’ve delivered food to community houses and the elderly in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan.

How did you hear about Queensboro FC?

Through word of mouth. When we first heard about QBFC I kept DMing the account. This is amazing for Queens. We need something for our own. A lot of successful people come from Queens but we need something that’s our own and there’s nothing more perfect than a soccer team coming to Queens. I can’t wait for opening day, it’s gonna be fun, it’s gonna be a great celebration of Queens itself. We finally won’t have to pay tolls to travel to see a pro team!

What makes you most excited about having a team in Queens?

Culture. It’s a worldwide sport and Queens is a worldwide borough. It unites. There’s nothing better than a soccer team because soccer brings everyone together.

In a few words, what defines Queens for you?

Diversity, Food, Culture. It’s just different out here.

Have you traveled in the US?

Yes, I’ve been to Nashville, Scottsville, all over. Me and Rohan are big foodies. And when you go to other places, the food just isn’t the same. Here you can get BBQ, indian, chinese, jamaican all on one block.

D-Kay Henry

Age: 31

Neighborhood: Rosedale, Queens and Crowns Heights

National Origin / Family from: Born in Kingston, Jamaica

Queens is where it all began for Donna-Kay Henry. Her soccer career took her across the globe, from lush Jamaica to frigid Iceland and beyond. After her professional playing career, she returned to NYC, now running her own academy to empower the next generation of young players.

You moved to Queens from Jamaica when you were quite young. What was that like, changing places and getting to know a new culture at such a young age? How long did it take for Queens to feel like home?

Moving from Kingston, Jamaica to Queens, New York was a culture change. I moved at age 8, just a kid still learning who and what I was. But it didn’t take long to get settled and feel like a home because I was always surrounded by my family. Queens was our home!

How and when did you start playing?

My older brother is the reason I started playing. He played since he was young in Jamaica and continued when we moved to Rosedale, Queens. I started late, at the age of 11. I like to think that soccer found me. I was never really into sports at a young age, at least that’s what my mom says. After tagging along to one of my brother’s practices, little did I know that this game of football would change my life.

After playing as a kid, what was next for you?

I fell in love with the sport and never looked back. This game has allowed me to experience the world on a grand scale. First was my full athletic scholarship to play at a D1 school, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Then I went on to have a 9 year Pro career, and now I’m running my own soccer training academy in my city!

Do you have a favorite soccer memory?

My favorite soccer memory was scoring for the Jamaican National Women’s Team in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers against Mexico in front of my family. My family never really got to witness me as a player, being that my mom was a single mom and worked. Like many other pro athletes, being overseas for 7-8 months each year adds up and that’s time lost with loved ones. These are the sacrifices that I made to pursue my career. Having her and my best friend and a few cousins there at the game vs Mexico to support and watch me meant everything. Even though we lost that game and didn’t qualify, that moment is still one I treasure.

You began playing soccer relatively late, and now you coach girls mostly ages 3-12. What’s so key about starting even earlier than you did as a player?

For me, working with kids as young as 3 years old is not about just teaching soccer, it’s about teaching life lessons. How to be themselves, how to grow in confidence, how to enjoy what you’re doing, and how to be your best self. Teaching players the game and how to love and enjoy the game is what’s key. I work with a lot of female players and I am beyond grateful to be in the position to teach, mentor, and impact these young athletes.

What does FYF stand for, and what inspired you to create the organization?

FYF = FIND YOUR FOOTBALL. It’s the organization founded by Crystal, Lily, and me. Our love for football and helping New Yorkers find playing opportunities is what inspired us to create FYF. Our focus is to build our community through football experiences and bring exposure to the talent we have in New York City! 

What makes you most excited about having a team in Queens?

Queens is where I started my football journey so having a team in Queens makes me an automatic Queensborian if that’s a thing lol (editors note – it is now DKay!). It means the football community is growing and this will provide more opportunities for players to grow in the game. A place to showcase their ability and stand as one with the community of Queens. Who doesn’t want that!

In a few words, what defines Queens for you?

Queens, for me, is the beginning. The beginning of my story and that will never change. The first place to give me a home after leaving my birth country Jamaica with my family to find a better life. Queens welcomed me and pushed me into the path that I am still creating today. Queens is my beginning.

Forever Cheese Named Official Partner of Queensboro Football Club

Long Island City, NY, March 29, 2022 – Queensboro Football Club (QBFC) is proud to announce their official partnership with Forever Cheese, acclaimed importer of cheese and specialty food, for the 2022 QBFC Academy and inaugural W League season.

As leaders in the cheese industry, Astoria-based Forever Cheese has brought the most authentic and exquisite foods to a U.S. audience for over 20 years. Their products, ranging from artisan cheese and charcuterie to nuts, jam, chocolate, crackers, and more, are sourced directly from their partners in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. Over the years, Forever Cheese has become an integral part of the specialty food market, known for their passion, creativity, and high-quality products. This expertise makes them the ideal fit as Official Specialty Cheese Partner of Queensboro FC.

“We are very excited to be an official partner of Queensboro Football Club,” explains co-founder of Forever Cheese, Pierluigi Sini. “Our company has been based in Queens since the beginning, and it’s an important part of our identity. As importers that focus on the flavors of the Mediterranean, a place where soccer flourishes, it is only natural that we partner with our hometown team.”

“Queensboro FC is thrilled to partner with an organization that embraces the multicultural identity of our borough and that has such strong roots in Queens,” says Adam Behnke, Chief Business Officer of QBFC. “With like-minded partners, together we can continue to bring value to all that we interact with and support our soccer loving community here in Queens.”

To learn more about Forever Cheese, visit their website at forevercheese.com. Forever Cheese and Mitica® products are available at specialty food stores and cheese shops throughout the U.S.

About Forever Cheese: Forever Cheese imports artisan cheeses and accompaniments from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. It is driven by its passion for discovering exceptional products, many of which are sold under the brand name Mitica®. The company pioneered important products that are now integral to today’s market, including Drunken Goat®, Genuine Fulvi® Pecorino Romano, and Mitica® Fig and Date Cakes. The founders personally hand-select each item directly from their producers. It is their goal to have each one taste as if you were eating it in its native country.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/forevercheeseco

Instagram: @forevercheeseco

About Queensboro FC:
Queensboro FC is the newest professional men’s soccer team in Queens, New York. The club will start playing in the 2023 season of the USL Championship, the top tier of the United Soccer League (USL). Queens, often called the “diversity capital of the world”, is home to over 2 million residents, 150 nationalities and 130 languages across more than 90 distinct neighborhoods and 100 square miles. With soccer as Queens’ most popular sport – Queensboro FC aims to embrace and unite “the world’s borough” and honor the beautiful game in the streets, in the parks, in the community – and soon, on the pitch in its own stadium. Queensboro FC stands for more than sports, it is a movement for unifying people across the world. For more information about Queensboro FC visit: www.queensborofc.com.

Ruari Daly, Owner of Daly’s Pub

Ruari Daly, Owner of Daly’s Pub

Age: 43

Neighborhood: Astoria

National Origin/Family From: Ireland

On May 29, 2001, Ruari (pronounced like “Rory”) arrived in New York City to visit a cousin who lived in Astoria. What was supposed to be a two week visit turned into a lifetime love of the borough. 

Why did you move to NYC, and why Queens?

On May 29th, 2001 I decided to come to New York for a 2 week holiday and, long long story short, nearly 21 years later I’m still here. I had a cousin that was living here for years and on one of his trips back he invited me out to see the Big Apple, learn what it was all about. He happened to live in Astoria, Queens. That’s how I ended up in Astoria. 

What was it like arriving in New York City in your early 20s from Derry, a historic Irish city, but one of less than 100,000 people at that time?

From the minute I got off that plane I was hooked. Everything was massive here. It took me a week just to wrap my head around things. How could you not fall in love with it—the hustle bustle pace of life, dodging people, dogs, bikes, cars, buses. Astoria was just the melting pot of people from every corner of the world, absolutely mind blowing. That’s how I fell in love with it. 

Your bar, Daly’s Pub, brings together a great community of regulars. Tell us about the bar that inspired you to open up a spot of your own.

The local bar that I was hanging out in [when I first moved here] is called Doyle’s Corner on Broadway & 42 St. in Astoria. That bar blew my mind. You had Irish, Spanish, Greek, Croatian, Asian, Black, Brown, White – everything, even real Americans! And it was amazing because even though the bar was 70% Irish it just had a great vibe – everyone treated everyone like a family no matter who you were or where you were from. Everyone I met there, no matter where they were from, were all sound, good people. They welcomed me with open arms.

When did your love of The Beautiful Game begin? 

The love for football growing up in Ireland was basically drilled into you from the day you entered this world. A day in the life would be to get up for primary school in the morning, meet up with my best friend to walk to school, and he would always have a football in his garden. There were 8 kids in his family, mostly boys, and a big football family. I think they all played. You would grab a ball from the yard and basically the 10 minutes that it would take you to walk to school you would be dribbling the ball the whole way or kicking it off the wall on the way. Then you would go to class, have a break in the morning, and rain, hail or shine you would have a mad kick about for that 15 minute break. By the end of morning break the teams were picked for lunchtime. 

Sounds like football was a big part of your life in Ireland.

In our town football was part of growing up, yeah. When you finished your homework it was back out to the street to meet up with your mates. We had no watches back then so once the streetlights came on and it was dark you knew you had to get your arse home asap for dinner. There were other sports—Gaelic football, hurling, rugby—but, for the most part, everyone preferred football. Football was culture, how you met new friends, where you got your first idol, pretending you were George Best or Maradona. It’s just an inspiration for life, it gave us the drive to get up for school in the morning.

Did you ever play footy as you got older, not just as a kid? 

I was useless at football, had two left feet. But just because I was shite at it didn’t mean I didn’t love watching it or love going to our team games for Derry City, which was a very rare occasion and a treat. The buzz, the songs, the chants, the abuse to the other team, the whole atmosphere, hair standing on my arms, the goosebumps. It just felt good. 

Who’s your favorite team?

Growing up, my father was a die-hard Liverpool fan. It was just who you were going to support because that’s all you heard when he would speak. Before you knew what life was all about you were a Liverpool fan, or whoever your father supported, which I’m ok with because Liverpool are the best football family there is besides Queensboro FC.

Football has the power to connect us not only in the moment but through shared memory, or big losses and even bigger wins. Do you have a favorite football memory?

My best football experience was the Madrid 2019 Champions League Final, Liverpool v Spurs. I grew up with two brothers and a sister, and unfortunately my younger brother passed away a few years ago. So when Liverpool made the Champions League Final I swore to myself that I would bring my father and other brother to a Final, whatever the cost. I basically did it to pay respects to my late brother, and to share the experience of a massive game with my father and brother. I knew we might never get another opportunity and my father, at 70 years old, might never get another chance to see his team at the biggest stage in the world. It’s safe to say we had a blast and will remember the whole experience for the rest of our days.  

What excites you the most about Queens having a pro team to call its own?

It’s amazing to have a football club in Queens to call our own. Queens needed something like this, especially in this day and age where football has started becoming so popular in America. I’m sure it will give kids and families an option to follow one of the best sports in the world while having all the emotion and excitement which we had growing up. It’s such an important part of life. It shows us teamwork, gives us drive for the games during the weekend, and brings us together as a community. The songs, the chants, it gives inspiration.Queens is a melting pot for many cultures from European countries, South American, Asian, all over. This team will bring us all together to watch the game we all love and cherish. It’s a universal language of love and it brings us all together no matter who you are from !!!

QBFC II Coaching Staff Ahead of The USL-A Season Opener

March 10, 2022 (Queens, NY) – Queensboro FC II finished up their pre-season with a strong 5-2 against Valencia CF NY Academy and now prepares to face FC Copa Academy in their season opener this upcoming Saturday. It’s a special season for the 2021 Northeast Champions as they, unlike last year, will compete in both USL Academy Northeast Conference and the semi-pro UPSL Premier Division. The team are looking to repeat their success from their inaugural season where they made some serious noise by only losing one game during the USL-A regular season and made it to the final at the National Playoffs later in December.

Due to age limits in the league, QBFCII lost several key players from the past season but Technical Director at Queensboro FC, Luis Gutierrez, is confident that they will replace the missing pieces and just like last year will find their rhythm with time. “The preseason has been a process to accommodate the new players, we have a few new faces and we have lost some important players. Like last season, we will need a few more weeks to set the pieces and start seeing the group performing at the level we want.” Head Coach of QBFC II, Diego Gomez, emphasizes how this pre-season has pushed the team closer and that the players are ready and fit to face the new challenges ahead of them. “The preseason has served the team well in terms of getting to know each other better and implement some of our ideas. There are several new players and it takes time for us to get where we want to be in terms of team chemistry and concepts. I have seen the team grow and we are ready to face the season.”

Playing in two different leagues at the same time will be a new experience for the team, especially as UPSL is semi-pro and open to all ages. Both USL Academy and UPSL have national playoffs and Head Coach Gomez is ambitious for his team to make it far. “We have a very interesting season ahead of us. In the USL-A league we want to repeat last year’s success by winning the division and advancing far in the playoffs. However, UPSL is a new challenge for the boys as they will be playing against older men. Let’s see where we are, but we are going to push to make it to playoffs.”

Gutierrez explains the reasoning behind adding the UPSL to the game day schedule as a necessary step in order to get some of the academy players ready to take the next step and play for the first team in 2023 where QBFC will be competing in the USL Championship. “I am very excited about the season; we know what we can get from the USL Academy but adding UPSL to the calendar brings a new scenario. Competing in a senior league will give us another vision of the players and prepare them for the next level. We are trying to find a competitive environment that is closer to the USL Championship level as we want to promote as many players as we can from QBFC II to the first team.”

QBFC II will face FC Copa Academy Saturday, 3/12 at St. Joseph’s High School in New Jersey. VAMOS

Loycent Gordon

  • Name: Loycent Gordon

  • Age: 42

  • Neighborhood: Woodhaven

193 years ago the Borough of Queens wasn’t even a part of New York City, but Neir’s Tavern was already in business in what is now Woodhaven. One of the oldest bars in the US, Neir’s is also home to some of the most iconic scenes in cinema—Goodfellas was shot there. Today it’s legacy continues under the leadership of Loycent Gordon.

How would you describe Neir’s Tavern to someone who’s never been? What’s the Neir’s Tavern community of regulars and staff like?

Our tagline is “It’s the most famous bar you’ve never heard of” and that still stands as the best description for someone who has never been. Neir’s Tavern will always be a neighborhood gathering place. One of our greatest accomplishments was building a sense of community by transforming it from just another place in the neighborhood to a destination where the guests that come to Neir’s are a true reflection of the people in the area.

 

You served your community before owning Neir’s, can you tell us about that?

After the Twin Towers were struck on 9/11/01, I jumped in to serve NYC by becoming a firefighter, then advanced to become the first black lieutenant assigned to a Hazmat fire company in FDNY history. I knew I could not replace all 343 firefighters who had died that day, but filling one empty spot of a fallen firefighter was my way to help.

What inspired you to become a bar owner?

I never dreamt of owning a bar or restaurant. It’s a difficult business and has a high failure rate even when you know what you’re doing. However, when I discovered Neir’s Tavern was just days from closing forever in 2009, and it was so forgotten that it was literally going out of business from lack of customers and low sales, I felt that something had to be done. It was 6 months behind in rent when I took it over, despite having no experience, but my goal was to try to restore the status that I felt it deserved. It was one of the oldest bars in America. I couldn’t just sit by and post on social media “what a shame!” or “someone should save that place!” I had to do something tangible. So I gave it a shot, and somehow, 13 years later I’m still here, and Neir’s remains open.

How does it feel to be a living part of Queens’ history as the owner of the oldest bar in NYC?

I rarely feel proud just because I own NYC’s Oldest Bar. My satisfaction comes from a different place – it’s when I discover someone who comes in weekly, monthly, or even yearly, because they want to keep Neir’s Tavern open and see it reach its 200th Anniversary. Because that’s how I feel too. It’s not a one-man show. It takes a Community. I can’t eat all the burgers and drink all the beer myself. I need help and some company on this road to 200. Lol.

As a black business owner, what does Black History Month mean to you?

It’s a time to reflect and recognize all the great accomplishments African Americans have contributed to this country. It really is a lot. I hope it also inspires young African American boys and girls that they too can become empowered to go after their dreams when they see people who look like them doing great work.

 

What do you hope for the future, whether that be for your family, your business, or your borough?

Considering what we have collectively been through in the past few years, I hope this pandemic brought us closer, as a larger global community. I hope that we don’t let all the economic damages and lives that were lost be in vain. We must use this devastation caused by the pandemic as fuel to bring us closer together, not further apart.

What makes you most excited about Queens having its very own pro soccer team?

I feel Soccer is truly the world’s sport. I’m excited because what better place to have a team than in Queens, the World’s Borough!

QBFC Women's Team To Compete in The Metropolitan W League Division

USL W League Confirms Inaugural Season Membership, Divisional Alignments

43 teams will compete in the League’s inaugural season

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) today confirmed 43 clubs set to compete in the W League’s inaugural 2022 season. The elite pre-professional league will begin play this May with seven divisions comprised of teams from 20 different states.

The USL launched the W League on June 8, 2021 with eight initial members and has since welcomed 35 additional clubs. The W League’s founding membership includes four clubs from the USL Championship, five clubs from USL League One, 24 clubs from USL League Two, and 10 new USL expansion markets.

“When we set out to build the W League, we made it a focus to involve key stakeholders who have been driving the women’s game forward both inside and outside the USL. That sense of community laid the foundation that these clubs are building upon,” said Joel Nash, Vice President of Youth and Pre-Professional. “There are ample stories that have already been told to this point, but players showcasing their talent to thousands of fans across the country and world will be the story we can all celebrate in 2022.”

The clubs will be arranged into seven divisions for the 2022 season – the Deep South, Great Lakes, Heartland, Metropolitan, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Southeast. Full membership for six of the divisions is outlined below, while the league is continuing to finalize the Mid- Atlantic. For more information on each team, visit uslwleague.com/league-teams.

“The past year has been an incredible period of growth for the women’s game and the USL W League, and we could not be more appreciative of the investment and dedication our clubs have shown to providing more opportunities for players, fans, and executives in women’s soccer,” said Betsy Haugh, USL Director of Women’s Soccer Operations. “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our inaugural season in more than 40 communities around the country and look forward to kicking off in May.”

The USL W League will release its inaugural season schedule on Thursday, February 3. For more information about the USL W League, visit uslwleague.com and follow the W League on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

2022 USL W League Clubs

Deep South

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (Chattanooga, Tenn.)

Tennessee Soccer Club (Franklin, Tenn.)

Peachtree City MOBA (Peachtree, GA.)

South Carolina United Bantams (Colombia, S.C.)

South Georgia Tormenta FC (Statesboro, Ga.)

Southern Soccer Academy (Marietta, Ga.)

 

Great Lakes

AFC Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, Mich.)

Detroit City FC (Detroit, Mich.)

Flint City FC (Flint, Mich.)

Indy Eleven (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Kalamazoo FC (Kalamazoo, Mich.)

Kings Hammer FC (Cincinnati, Ohio.)

Midwest United FC (Grand Rapids, Mich.)

Racing Louisville FC (Louisville, KY.)

 

Heartland

Chicago City SC (Chicago, Ill.)

Chicago Dutch Lions FC (Chicago, Ill.)

Green Bay Glory (Green Bay, Wis.)

Minnesota Aurora FC (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Kaw Valley FC (Lawrence, Kan.)

St. Louis Lions (St. Louis, Mo.)

 

Metropolitan

AC Connecticut (Newtown, Conn.)

Cedar Stars (Teaneck, N.J.)

FA Euro New York (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Long Island Rough Riders (Long Island, N.Y.)

Manhattan SC (Manhattan, N.Y.)

Morris Elite SC (Morris County, N.J.)

Queensboro FC (Queens, N.Y.)

Westchester Flames (Westchester, N.Y.)

 

Mid-Atlantic* (additional club(s) to be announced)

Christos FC (Baltimore, Md.)

Eagle FC (Mechanicsburg, Pa.)

Northern Virginia FC (Leesburg, Va.)

Patuxent Football Athletics (Patuxent, Md.)

 

South Atlantic

Ashville City SC (Ashville, N.C.)

Charlotte Independence (Charlotte, N.C.)

Greenville Triumph SC (Greenville S.C.)

North Carolina Courage U23s (Cary, N.C.)

North Carolina Fusion (Greensboro, N.C.)

Wake FC (Holly Springs, N.C.)

 

Southeast

Caledonia SC (Lakeland, Fla.)

Florida Elite Soccer Academy (Jacksonville, Fla.)

Miami AC (Miami, Fla.)

FC Miami City (Miami, Fla.)

Tampa Bay United (Tampa, Fla.)

Note: Due to stadium construction timelines, the USL W League club in Spokane, Wash. will begin play in 2024.

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