Velocity

Spokane, WA — Velocity FC has hired Neil Hlavaty as an assistant head coach for the 2026 season. 

Hlavaty comes to Spokane from Wisconsin, where he served as the head assistant coach for Forward Madison FC. In seven years with Forward Madison, Hlavaty helped the club reach the League One playoffs three times and the 2024 USL Cup Finals. 

Before coaching, Hlavaty played professionally, having stints with eight different professional clubs. He was able to win 2 Championships during his professional playing career.  Hlavaty played for Boston University’s soccer team from 2005-2007, and was named the America East Midfielder of the Year following the 2007 season.

Hlavaty earned the USSF National A-Senior Coaching License in 2024, the second-highest coaching course offered by U.S. Soccer. The Chicago native also has the USSF National B Coaching license, earning it in 2020. 

Spokane will add Hlavaty to a coaching staff led by head coach Leigh Veidman, who recently signed a two year extension with the club. Veidman has led Velocity FC to the League One Finals in two straight seasons and is excited to bring Hlavaty on. 

“I’m really excited to bring Neil Hlavaty on board as assistant coach,” said Veidman. “He’s bringing fantastic experience and knowledge to Spokane Velocity as both a player who played domestically and internationally, and as a coach at Forward Madison, where he helped them reach two playoff semis, a Cup final, and their best-ever regular season in 2024.”

Neil Hlavaty and Spokane begin the 2026 season on March 8th when Velocity FC plays South Georgia Tormenta FC on the road. 2026 season tickets are now available at 2026 Season Tickets – USL Spokane. Get yours today and cheer on Spokane next season when they enter its third year in USL League One!

Spokane, WA — Velocity FC has signed former Union Omaha forward Joe Gallardo to its roster for the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval. 

Entering his fifth year in USL League One, Gallardo brings championship experience to Spokane. In three seasons with Omaha, the star forward totaled 13 goals and 10 assists, helping Union Omaha win the 2024 League One title while earning Finals MVP honors. 

Prior to his time with Omaha, Gallardo played for Richmond Kickers in 2019, leading the club in goals with six en route to making the League One All-League First Team. Gallardo also has experience in the USL Championship, making stints with Orlando City B in 2017 and Real Monarchs SLC in 2020, both former Championship clubs. 

Born in San Diego, Gallardo’s soccer experience stems back to his youth days. The California native spent time with the United States U-15, U-17 and U-19 teams, scoring 19 goals over 32 matches in his international career. Gallardo notably played in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. 

Gallardo joins a talented Velocity FC roster that made the USL League One Finals last season. He will add offensive firepower to an attacking group led by Anuar Peláez, who led Spokane with 10 goals in 2025. 

Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman spoke on Gallardo’s experience and how it will elevate Spokane to another level in 2026.

“Year on year he’s shown to be one of the most productive players in USL League One, and he’s a player that has been a part of two championship winning teams,” said Veidman. “He brings everything we need to push not just our attack, but our team to another level and we are excited to welcome Joe to Spokane.” 

Joe Gallardo will make his debut for Spokane on March 8th, 2026 when Velocity FC plays its season opener against South Georgia Tormenta FC on the road. 2026 season tickets are now available at 2026 Season Tickets – USL Spokane. Get yours today and cheer on Spokane next season when they enter its third year in USL League One!

Knoxville, TN — Spokane Velocity FC lost 2-0 to One Knoxville SC in the 2025 League One Finals on Sunday, ending the club’s magical season as the runner ups for the second consecutive year. 

Velocity FC set a club record in total wins this year with 16 across the regular season and playoffs. Spokane showed resilience throughout the playoffs, defeating both South Georgia Tormenta FC and Portland Hearts of Pine in penalty shootouts to advance to the League One Final. 

Spokane’s head coach Leigh Veidman reflected on the finals match and the accomplishments Velocity FC have had over its first two years.

“Finding perspective is tough for us all right now, but the fact that we have been in two finals in our first two years as a club is a testament to all involved,” said Veidman. I’m really proud of the players and what they have done for this club and community in such a short period of time. I know the city is proud of them!”

The championship match started in a frenzy, with Spokane earning a pair of corner kicks in the first two minutes. One Knoxville SC scored an early goal in the 4th minute to give the host a 1-0 lead over Velocity FC. Knoxville SC midfielder Nico Rosamilia converted right near the goal off a perfect crosser by Stavros Zarokostas to give Knoxville the early lead. 

Knoxville SC nearly doubled its advantage minutes later, with Zarokostas missing a shot inside the box wide left. Both clubs had seven shots in the first half, with each getting one on target. 

Velocity FC had multiple opportunities to equalize the match in the first half, including a header attempt by captain Luis Gil in the 36th minute that was corralled by Knoxville goalkeeper Sean Lewis. 

Spokane midfielder Nil Vinyals attempted a long shot outside the box in the 42nd minute that missed over the top. Vinyals was the hero for Velocity FC in their semifinals match last week, scoring a goal in the 120th minute of extra time to equalize the match at 1-1 and force a shootout against Portland Hearts of Pine. 

Vinyals spoke on the disappointment of Sunday’s match and thanked the fans for a successful season. 

“Very disappointed that we were not able to bring the trophy back to Spokane, but I’m proud of the team’s effort throughout the season,” said Vinyals. “I just want to thank all the fans for their unconditional support this year.”

Knoxville SC opened the second half with a gift, earning a penalty kick in the 53rd minute that forward Kempes Tekiela converted to give the home club a 2-0 lead over Spokane. The goal was Tekiela’s second in the playoffs. 

Spokane was unable to find a goal in the second half, getting just one shot attempt off in the final 45 minutes of action. 

Velocity FC forward Shavon John-Brown reflected on the loss while sharing excitement for the future.

“Disappointed that we didn’t cross the final hurdle, but Spokane will be back for sure,” said John-Brown. “I just want to thank the owner’s, the fans, the staff and the team. Again, Spokane will be back!”

Despite the disappointing loss, Velocity FC accomplished a lot in the 2025 season. Spokane defender Davíd Garcia and Luis Gil were both named to the League One First Team all-league, with goalkeeper Carlos Merancio earning second team honors. Garcia 

was named as finalist for defender of the year, while Merancio was a goalkeeper of the year contender. 

Coach Veidman had a message to the fans as the club enters the offseason and prepares for next season.

“Fans, no words are going to express what you mean to this team and club,” said Veidman. We appreciate you more than you know and we cannot wait to be back in front of you in 2026 fighting together to keep pushing this team and club forward!”Season tickets for Velocity FC’s 2026 season are now available at 2026 Season Tickets – USL Spokane. Get yours today and cheer on Spokane next season when they enter its third year in USL League One!

Spokane, WA — Spokane Velocity FC rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Portland Hearts of Pine in a penalty shootout 6-5 on Sunday to advance to the USL League One Final for the second straight season. 

Spokane will play One Knoxville SC in the final on November 16th. Velocity FC is the first club in league history to advance to the championship match in back to back seasons. 

Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman spoke on what will be needed for Spokane to capture its first championship next Sunday. 

“I think our all around game has got to be at its highest level that we’ve had all season,” said Veidman. “Knoxville has a fantastic team that’s good on the ball. They can attack in different ways and they’re strong defensively.”

Velocity FC had a successful first half offensively, getting three shots on target off of six attempts. Spokane captain Luis Gil had a wild sequence in the 27th minute, missing two shots on goal within seconds of each other. Gil’s first shot was deflected by Portland goalkeeper Hunter Morse, with Gil getting a header attempt off Morse’s deflection that barely missed wide right. 

Hearts of Pine midfielder Nathaniel James nearly had a goal of his own in the 33rd minute, with a shot attempt inside the box being saved by Spokane goalkeeper Carlos Merancio. 

Gil got his redemption to end the first half, knocking in a one-legged goal in the 45th minute to give Velocity a 1-0 lead into halftime. Gil perfectly positioned himself inside the box for a throw-in, kicking the ball off a ricochet into the top right of the net. 

Gil reflected on the semifinals match following the win. 

“I wish we would’ve handled business right away and not have gone into PKs, but it’s playoffs,” said Gil. “I knew that if we stuck with our plan that we would come out with a win and we did.”

Hearts of Pine quickly rallied in the second half, with midfielder Ollie Wright scoring a goal in the 53rd minute to equalize the match at 1-1. A Velocity FC defender headed the ball right to Wright, who capitalized with his second goal of the 2025 playoffs. 

Spokane defender David Garcia gave praise to Portland and looked ahead to Next Sunday’s championship match. 

“We knew that they were a good team, and that’s what they showed today. They didn’t have too many chances throughout the game, but when they did, they made sure they counted and found a way to score two goals” said Garcia. “For next week’s final, Knoxville is a solid team and very strong defensively. Our job is to go out there and finish their streak.”

Portland almost knocked in their second goal minutes later, with midfielder Masashi Wada attempting a shot at the top of the box that was too strong. 

Regulation ended with no club victorious and the match heading into extra time. Hearts of Pine midfielder JayTee Kamara struck early, knocking in a goal in the 92nd minute to give Portland a 2-1 lead. 

Spokane never wavered, and lightning struck twice as Nil Vinyals found an equalizing goal in the 120th minute to level the match at 2-2 and send it to a penalty shootout. This match was the second straight playoff match that Velocity FC rallied from a deficit in extra time to force a shootout. 

Coach Veidman spoke of his club being in a penalty shootout in two straight weeks. 

“I’m still processing, honestly. To be in this situation two weeks in a row is on some levels, frustrating, but on the other side of it is the heart, desire, fight and that never say die attitude these players bring,” said Veidman. “These players go out, execute and get it done and that’s huge. They’re absolutely incredible.”

In the shootout, Merancio made two crucial saves to secure the semifinals win for Spokane. The star goalkeeper denied goals by both midfielders Michael Poon-Angeron and Kamara to end the match. 

Following Sunday’s thrilling win, Spokane Velocity FC will play One Knoxville SC in the USL League One Championship match in Knoxville, Tennessee on Sunday, November 16th. Kickoff is slated for 2 PM PT, and the match will be streamed on ESPN+.

Spokane, WA — Velocity FC defeated South Georgia Tormenta FC in the League One Quarterfinals in a penalty shootout 4-3 on Sunday to advance to the semifinals for the second straight season.

Spokane’s head coach Leigh Veidman was proud of his team’s ability to adapt against a talented Tormenta FC club. 

“You can do all the work that you want and prepare the team for your opposition, but they can show up and do something completely different,” said Veidman. “I’m really proud of the guys tonight, because not only did we face something very different than we were expecting, but they were able to adapt really well.”

Velocity FC rallied from a 1-0 deficit in extra time to force a penalty shootout against South Georgia. The match was Spokane’s first playoff win at home in club history. 

The match started with defensive intensity by both sides, with no goals scored in the first half. Velocity FC had a nice opportunity in the 20th minute, with defender Camron Miller almost connecting on a header that was saved by Tormenta FC goalkeeper Austin Pack. 

South Georgia nearly scored minutes later when forward Yaniv Bazini attempted a header inside the box that was saved by Spokane goalkeeper Carlos Merancio. Both clubs had four shots in the first half, with each only getting one on target. 

Velocity FC forward Shavon John-Brown had a golden chance at a score to end the half, as he found himself open outside the box on a shot that sailed too far right for Spokane. 

The second half ran similar to the first, with both clubs unable to cash in on its offensive opportunities. Spokane midfielder Pierre Reedy had a good chance in the 61st minute, getting himself open inside the box, with his shot sailing over the goalpost. 

Tormenta FC had multiple chances at a goal to end the second half, with a corner kick by midfielder Gabriel Cabral getting deflected off Spokane’s backline to force extra time. 

Tormenta FC broke through the scoreless draw in the 95th minute, with midfielder Mason Tunbridge capitalizing off a penalty kick to give South Georgia a 1-0 lead. 

With its season on the line, Spokane Velocity FC rallied in the second half of extra time, with forward Anuar Peláez scoring his own penalty kick in the 115th minute to send the match to a penalty shootout. 

Peláez reflected on the resilience of Velocity FC that showed throughout this match. 

“We expected a difficult match, but we never lost faith that we were going to win this game. In the playoffs, it’s physically exhausting, but it is really emotionally exhausting as well, because you need to be extremely focused as we all know what we are playing for,” said Peláez. 

Velocity FC went a perfect 4-4 in the shootout, with Nil Vinyals, Marky Hernandez, Anuar Peláez and Davíd Garcia all knocking in goals against Tormenta FC goalkeeper Pack. South Georgia made its first three kicks but missed its last two to seal the win for Spokane. 

Spokane goalkeeper Carlos Merancio, who corralled one of Tormenta FC’s shootout kicks, is grateful for the support the city has given the team this season. 

“It’s been very special to have the city of Spokane come out and support us. I’ve been here since day one and having the crowd here during PKs and seeing everyone gathered behind the goal was amazing,” said Merancio. “We’re looking forward to our fans giving that extra push to go and win the championship.”

Coach Veidman applauded the fight his club gave in the comeback win against South Georgia. 

“The adaptability, the fight, the never say die attitude to find a way to get through and pull out the win was absolutely fantastic,” said Veidman. 

Spokane is now one win away from reaching the USL League One championship for the second straight season, a feat that no other League One club has accomplished. Following Sunday’s thrilling win, Spokane Velocity FC will play Portland Hearts of Pine in a USL League One semifinals match on November 9th. Kickoff time is set for 6 PM PT, and the match will be streamed on ESPN+. For tickets to Velocity FC’s semifinals match, visit Velocity FC Tickets – USL Spokane.

Papillion, NE — Velocity FC battled Union Omaha to a 2-2 draw on Saturday in both clubs regular season finale. 

Spokane clinched the third seed in USL League One standings with the draw, while Union Omaha secured the fifth seed. 

Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman spoke of his club’s resilient performance against Union Omaha. 

“The game against Portland wasn’t us, so it was important to go out and show that tonight with a better performance against a very good team in Omaha,” said Veidman. 

Velocity FC gained momentum early, with midfielder Marky Hernandez scoring a goal in the 4th minute to give Spokane a 1-0 lead. Union Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu mishandled the ball inside his box, with Hernandez capitalizing to score his first goal of the season. 

Hernandez was happy with his teammates’ performance tonight and is ready for the playoffs next week.

“It felt good to get a goal for Velocity FC and build momentum towards playoffs!” said Hernandez.

Momentum quickly swung Union Omaha’s way, as midfielder Ryan Becher equalized the match in the 30th minute off a header goal inside the box. Becher’s goal was his ninth of the season. 

The Owls kept the pressure on, with midfielder Max Schneider scoring off a corner kick in the 41st minute to give Union Omaha a 2-1 lead going into halftime. Schnieder’s corner kick deflected off Velocity FC goalkeeper Ryan Bilichuk into the net, giving him his fourth goal of the season. 

Spokane mounted a resilient comeback late in the second half, with forward Anuar Peláez scoring a header goal off a beautiful crosser by Javier Martin to equalize the match at 2-2. The goal was Peláez’s ninth of the season, which is tied for eleventh among all League One players. 

Peláez spoke on the momentum gained from this match.

“Happy to have contributed to tonight’s match with a goal to tie up the match,” said Peláez. “Now, we focus on the playoffs.”

Neither club was able to score a go-ahead goal following Spokane’s equalizer. Schneider had a chance for Union Omaha in the 90th minute, who had a shot inside the box that skied over the goalpost. 

Velocity FC will end the regular season with a 14-7-9 record, setting a club record in wins achieved in a single season. Coach Veidman spoke on getting his players ready for next week’s playoff match in Spokane. 

“We were able to rotate and decrease the load of some of our high-minutes players and get lower minute players sharp and ready for next Sunday, so it was a positive night all around,” said Veidman. Following Saturday’s draw, Spokane Velocity FC will enter the postseason with a home playoff match against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Sunday, November 2nd. Kickoff time is TBD, and the match will be streamed on ESPN+. For tickets to Velocity FC’s first home playoff match, visit Velocity FC Tickets – USL Spokane.

Naples, FL — A cross-country trip of 3,000 miles ended in success for Spokane Velocity FC, as the club’s 1–0 victory over FC Naples guaranteed a home playoff match on Saturday.

Velocity Head Coach Leigh Veidman expressed his excitement following a crucial step toward another League One Playoff appearance. “Really proud of the fight and resilience the players showed tonight,” Veidman said. “I’m really excited for the city of Spokane to be hosting a home playoff for them.”

The match saw few offensive opportunities, but one of the first came in the 8th minute, when Velocity Forward Shavon John-Brown was able to break free before it was intercepted by Naples Defender Jake Dengler. This was one of four shot attempts in the first half of play for Spokane. 

Following a series of corner kicks by Velocity Defender Derek Waldeck, FC Naples nearly opened up the scoring with a shot from Defender Jake Dengler that ricocheted off the left post in the 29th minute. By the end of the first 45 minutes, both clubs were held scoreless.

The second half opened with a noticeably faster tempo. FC Naples Forward Michael Glasser led a counterattack in the 50th minute, sending a cross to Defender Julian Cisneros, whose shot narrowly missed the post. Just three minutes later, FC Naples scoring leader Karsen Henderlong fired an attempt on goal, forcing an extended save by Velocity Goalkeeper Carlos Merancio. 

Both defenses held firm for the majority of the match. A Naples handball in the 62nd minute forced a free kick for Velocity FC that deflected off of multiple players before being cleared out of the penalty box. Carlos Merancio came up with another clutch save in the 67th minute with a diving effort to keep the match scoreless. 

Merancio addressed the toughness of the team following his 10th recorded clean sheet of the season. “We fought for each other and we were clinical in the opportunities,” Merancio said. “This is a massive result for us and we are so happy to secure at least one playoff game at home for Spokane.”

Upon nearly 20 minutes of back and forth action, the breakthrough came in the 87th minute when Velocity Midfielder Luis Gil capitalized on a well-placed pass by Forward Masango Akale that gave Spokane the lead. FC Naples had one final opportunity to score the equalizer in stoppage time, but a shot attempt by Naples Defender Brecc Evans was sent just over the crossbar.   

After scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal, Gil reflected on the team’s determination after the hard-fought victory. “We knew it was going to be difficult against a tough team, but we pulled through tonight,” Gil said. “Full commitment from everyone for 98 minutes.”

As the final whistle blew, Spokane not only secured three points, but did so by ending FC Naples’ home winning streak that had been in place since early July. “This pitch is incredibly difficult to play on,” said Coach Veidman. “When we get our chance, we take it, which we did.” 

Despite a decisive road win, Veidman emphasized that the team must stay sharp, as this is the first of three games on the road to finish the regular season. “We have to be short sighted in only focusing on the game versus Naples and then have a short memory in getting our focus immediately on Portland after the win tonight.”

Following Saturday’s victory, Spokane Velocity FC will face off against Portland Hearts of Pine for a road match on Tuesday, October 21st. The match is set to kickoff at 3:30 PM PT and can be streamed on ESPN+.

SPOKANE, Wa — Velocity FC battled South Georgia Tormenta FC to a 1-1 draw on Saturday in its last regular season home match at ONE Spokane Stadium. 

Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman reflected on Tormenta FC’s offense following the match. 

“They caused us a few problems, with one shot on target which was the free-kick, which proved to be enough for a point on the road. Overall, it was the collective effort of the players.”

The match started off slow offensively, with neither club getting many good looks on goal through the first 20 minutes. Spokane forward Neco Brett had a decent shot on goal in the third minute, with Luis Gil finding him open inside the box, with Brett botching a shot wide right. 

South Georgia struck first in the 38th minute, with forward Niall Reid-Stephen scoring a goal off a free kick outside the box. Reid-Stephen placed the ball perfectly out of goalkeeper Carlos Merancio’s reach and into the back right of the net. Reid-Stephen has 13 goals on the season, which is second among all League One players. 

Velocity FC responded quickly coming out of halftime, with midfielder Luis Gil knocking in a penalty kick in the 52nd minute to level the match at 1-1. The goal was Gil’s sixth of the season, which is the second highest among all Velocity FC players. 

Gil spoke on the opportunities Spokane had offensively against Tormenta FC. 

“We created many opportunities but just couldn’t get at the end of them. It is something we are going to sharpen up on, but overall it felt like it was a good performance,” said Gil. “Big thank you to the fans for being with us throughout the night.”

Both clubs had a handful of opportunities to score the go-ahead goal following Gil’s equalizer, but neither capitalized. Tormenta FC’s Reid-Stephen had a wide open shot in the 59th minute, with his shot inside the box sailing over the goalpost. 

In the 63rd minute, Spokane midfielder Masango Akale had a great shot on goal that was headed out by a Tormenta FC defender. Tormenta FC goalkeeper Austin Pack was caught out of position on Akale’s kick, with South Georgia’s backline saving a goal. 

Velocity FC midfielder Masango Akale spoke on Saturday’s result following the match. 

“Very disappointed with the result, but happy with the performance and heart the boys showed tonight,” said Akale. “The season is still not over and we will give everything to bring success to Spokane.”

Despite the draw, there was a silver lining for Velocity FC, who remained in third place in USL League One standings with a 13-6-8 record. The match was Tormenta FC’s first without multiple goals scored since August 23rd, with the club holding on to seventh place in league standings with a 11-11-6 record. 

Coach Veidman spoke on what’s next for his club as the regular season comes to a close. 

“We will reflect on the game, but in general it’s clear to us that we’ve got to finish our chances. This is a game we should have won comfortably, but we will continue to work hard to improve and focus on our next match,” said Veidman. 

Following Saturday’s draw, Spokane Velocity FC will travel to Florida for a road match against FC Naples on Saturday, October 18th. The match is set to kickoff at 4 PM PT and can be streamed on ESPN+.

Leigh Veidman, the coach who took Spokane Velocity FC from expansion team to the top of the USL League One table in 18 months, is staying put. Veidman and the club recently agreed to a contract extension that keeps Veidman on the Velocity FC sideline through the 2027 season. 

“Leigh’s dedication to his staff, players, fans and the Spokane community has been evident since day one” said Ryan Harnetiaux, Managing Partner of Aequus Sports, LLC. “There has always been strong alignment in our values and ambitions for the club, and this extension strengthens the foundation we have built and gives us consistency as we prepare the club for the historic launch of promotion-relegation in the United States.”

Since joining Velocity FC staff just weeks before the club’s inaugural season in USL League One, Veidman has cultivated a culture of winning that is rare for young organizations. In 2024, the club’s debut season, Velocity FC not only made the league playoffs, but advanced to the championship game. In year two, Velocity FC has posted an impressive 13-5-9 record and currently sits just three points out of first place.

“We’re thrilled to have Leigh continue as the Velocity FC head coach. His relentless pursuit of excellence, his vision for the team, and his genuine connection with the Spokane community have been transformative,” said Gareth Smith, Velocity’s Sporting Director. “Just as importantly, his values and approach align perfectly with the club’s ambition, and we want to ensure we have and retain the very best coaches and leaders driving us forward. The excitement within the club and the city is undeniable, and we’re eager to see what the next chapter brings under his leadership.”

During his tenure in Spokane, Veidman built a high-character, high-performance team, created a positive environment for players and staff, and developed a strong connection with Spokane’s fans, youth players, and local stakeholders. He embodies the qualities Velocity FC seeks in a leader: ambition, accountability, and vision.

For his part, Veidman is ecstatic to be staying in Spokane for the next two years. 

“We laid a strong foundation together in 2024 and are working hard collectively to build on that this season and beyond,” he said. “Thank you to the ownership, investors, staff, players, partners and our amazing fanbase for your unwavering support. I’m excited to continue developing a team that makes the Spokane community proud!”

Veidman, who grew up in Liverpool, England, came to the United States in 2008 to play soccer at Iowa Western Community College, where he holds records for career goals (41) and career points (91), earned All-Conference honors twice and was named an All-American in 2010. He earned more All-Conference accolades at the University of Texas at Brownsville, and Bellevue University in Nebraska, where he completed his bachelor’s degree.

His coaching career launched in 2012 with the Bellevue Soccer Club, while he was still a student. Veidman followed that with assistant coaching jobs at Midland University and the Des Moines Menace of USL League Two. He moved into USL Championship in 2019 as an assistant coach with the Fresno FC and helped guide the team to the playoffs. In 2021, he joined Oklahoma City Energy as an assistant coach, only to be promoted to interim head coach within a few months. He won three of his first four matches and took the club to playoff contention. In 2023 he joined the Charleston Battery coaching staff as an assistant and helped the club to the USL Championship title that season.  He was named Velocity’s head coach in November 2023. 

This extension and its timing reflect the club’s goal to compete consistently at the highest level while growing sustainably. The enthusiasm within the club and city is high as Velocity FC looks forward to the next chapter under Veidman’s guidance.

Velocity FC will take on Tormenta FC on Saturday, October 11 at ONE Spokane Stadium for their final home match before they go on a 3-match road trip to conclude their 2025 regular season. USL League One Playoffs begin the first week of November with high chances of Velocity FC hosting their first playoff match. 

For tickets to the final home match of the regular season, visit www.uslspokane.com/velocity-fc-single-match-tickets/

CHARLOTTE, NC — Spokane Velocity FC bounced back to win a hard-fought match 1-0 against Charlotte Independence on Friday night. The three points from this win elevate Spokane Velocity FC into third place in the USL League One Standings.

Velocity FC Head Coach Leigh Veidman thoughts on the match:

“Just incredibly proud of the players for their response to the two results we just came off prior and of course the performance they put in under difficult circumstances today.”

We would see the first shot of the match come in the 17th minute, where Velocity Goalkeeper Carlos Merancio would make his first save. A cross from the right side of the pitch found a Charlotte attacker whose header was placed low toward the back post. Merancio was able to get a hand on the shot and knock it away.

In the 34th minute, Spokane Velocity FC Defender Cameron Miller received his second yellow card, leaving them a man down for the remainder of the match. This left Spokane finding themselves on the defensive for the majority of the game, having possession for just 37% of the match.

Charlotte Independence ramped up their pressure in the second half with seven shots on goal. Unluckily for them, Carlos Merancio was able to save each and every one of them. 

Spokane Velocity FC Midfielder Collin Fernandez on the match:

“I’m so proud of the guys for the effort tonight and sticking together. It was a great win and we look forward to next week back at home!”

In the 83rd minute, Charlotte Independence Forward Souaibou Marou had one of the team’s best shot attempts. A cross from the left of the penalty area led to his acrobatic header attempt toward the near post. Once again, it was Carlos Merancio who made a big save, showcasing his quick reaction time for his seventh save of the match.

This save was one of nine for Carlos Merancio, which vaulted him into the USL League One leader in total saves for the season.

Up until this point the match was fairly one-sided, with Spokane Velocity FC struggling to create chances. This was true until Velocity Forward Pierre Reedy was able to score the lone goal of the match in the 87th minute. A sliding back pass from Velocity Forward Shavon John-Brown found Reedy with space and momentum coming into the center of the penalty area. His shot was placed well and found the bottom left of the net.

Pierre Reedy reflected on the match:

“The team played great tonight and we’re excited to get this win and the three points! It’s been great to be back on the pitch and I’m looking forward to playing in front of our Spokane fans next weekend for our final home match of the season. We’ve worked incredibly hard for this playoff clinch and are ready to see it through to the end.”

Carlos Merancio capped off his stellar performance with two saves in stoppage time to secure three points for Spokane Velocity FC.

“These players are fighting hard for the city of Spokane, and tonight was evidence of that. We hope the community recognizes that and packs the house next Saturday at ONE Spokane for our final regular season home game” said Coach Leigh Veidman.Following Friday’s win, Spokane Velocity FC will return to Spokane for their final home match of the regular season against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, October 11th. The match is set to kickoff at 6 PM PT and can be streamed on ESPN+. For tickets to this match, visit https://www.uslspokane.com/velocity-fc-tickets/.