Spokane Velocity
Spokane Velocity FC is an American professional men's soccer club based in Spokane, Washington, competing in USL League One, the third tier of the United States soccer league system.[1] Founded in 2022 by Aequus Sports LLC, the club unveiled its branding in July 2023 ahead of its inaugural 2024 season.[2][3] The team plays its home matches at ONE Spokane Stadium, a multi-purpose venue that opened in September 2023.[4] As part of the broader USL Spokane organization, Velocity FC shares ownership with the women's USL Super League 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 Starbucks.[5][6] The club's crest features a stylized "Velocity" wordmark inspired by the Monroe Street Bridge, overlaid on elements representing Spokane's waterfalls, symbolizing speed and local heritage.[2] 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.[7] 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.[8][9] 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.[1][10][11] 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.[12]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 multi-purpose stadium in downtown 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.[13] 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.[14] 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 USL League One for a men's team set to debut in 2024.[15] This marked a key step in the city's soccer ambitions, building on the stadium proposal to establish a professional club.[12] 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 Spokane River, with design elements like stylized water blades representing local waterfalls and the Monroe Street Bridge.[16] One Spokane Stadium was completed and opened in September 2023, providing a 5,000-seat facility ready for professional use.[17] Further pre-launch progress included the hiring of Leigh Veidman as the club's first head coach on November 15, 2023; Veidman, previously an assistant with the Charleston Battery, brought experience from USL Championship and international youth programs.[18] 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.[19]2024 season
The 2024 season marked the inaugural campaign for Spokane Velocity FC in USL League One, the third tier of the American soccer pyramid. Under head coach Leigh Veidman, the team began with a 1–3 away loss to Greenville Triumph SC on March 9 at Paladin Stadium in South Carolina, with Josh Dolling scoring the club's first-ever goal in the 74th minute.[20] The home opener followed a week later on March 16 at ONE Spokane Stadium, where Velocity secured its first victory with a 2–1 win over Richmond Kickers in front of a sellout crowd of 5,086 fans, highlighted by goals from Masango Akale and Jack Denton.[21] 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 playoffs as the lowest seed.[22] 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 Josh Dolling, 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 Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 3–0 in the quarterfinals on November 3, with goals from Andre Lewis, Javier Martin, and Danny Barbir.[23] They advanced past No. 4 Forward Madison FC in the semifinals via a 0–0 draw decided 5–4 on penalty kicks on November 10, before falling 0–3 to Union Omaha in the league final on November 17 at Werner Park in Nebraska.[9] This runners-up finish highlighted the club's rapid integration into professional soccer. In the 2024 U.S. Open Cup, Velocity progressed from the First Round with a 1–0 home win over Los Angeles Force on April 4, thanks to a late Gil goal, but exited in the Second Round with a 1–2 extra-time loss to Las Vegas Lights FC on April 18.[24] 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 USL League One, 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.[25] Under head coach Leigh Veidman, who received a two-year contract extension through 2027 prior to the playoffs, the team demonstrated improved consistency and depth following key offseason and in-season roster additions.[26] Notable signings included forward Neco Brett from Memphis 901 FC and Colombian striker Anuar Peláez from Deportivo Guastatoya, bolstering the attack with experienced scoring options.[27] The regular season featured standout performances, including the club's largest margin of victory: a 4–0 road win against Greenville Triumph SC on March 29, where Peláez and Luis Gil each scored twice.[28] 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.[29] Peláez emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals across all competitions, while defenders Lucky Opara and midfielder Nil Vinyals led in assists with 4 each, contributing to a balanced offensive output.[30] In the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Spokane advanced past Round 1 with a 2–1 extra-time victory over Ballard FC before exiting in the Second Round with a 2–1 home loss to MLS Next Pro side Tacoma Defiance on April 2.[31] Spokane qualified for the playoffs 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 goalkeeper Carlos Merancio's saves.[32] 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 penalty shootout win over Portland Hearts of Pine to reach the League One Final for the second consecutive year.[33] The championship match against Players' Shield winners One Knoxville SC is scheduled for November 16 in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the outcome pending as of November 15.[32]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.[34] 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 Spokane River.[34] In the background, subtle mountain peaks represent the Rocky Mountains visible from the city, while a skyline motif symbolizes Spokane's urban profile.[16] The club's primary colors are basalt—a dark gray inspired by the region's rocky outcroppings—impact blue, which reflects the blue skies and deep lakes of the Inland Northwest, and river rapid white, evoking the foaming waters of local falls and rivers.[35] 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—Velocity—and the dynamic force of the Spokane River rapids that power through the city.[34] 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.[16] Overall, the branding embodies the tenacity and intensity of the urban waterfall that defines the region.[36] Since its introduction, the crest and color scheme have remained unchanged, maintaining consistency in the club's branding through the 2025 season.[37] These elements are prominently featured in team kits and stadium visuals to reinforce the club's identity.[35]Sponsorship and kits
Spokane Velocity FC's kits are manufactured by Capelli Sport, which serves as the official uniform provider under a multi-year agreement beginning with the club's inaugural 2024 season. This partnership was established prior to the team's launch in the USL League One, 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.[37] Kit designs incorporate the club's basalt, 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 basalt base with the same blue highlights. For 2025, updates were minimal, with the home kit shifting to cloud white and the away to basalt 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.[38] 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.[39][40] 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.[41][42] 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.[39][43][40] 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 concourse areas.[44][45][40] 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.[46] 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 Richmond Kickers, drawing a sellout crowd of 5,000 fans with additional standing-room attendees.[21][47]Broadcasting
Spokane Velocity's broadcasting arrangements commenced with the club's debut in the 2024 USL League One season, featuring local television deals and comprehensive streaming coverage for all league matches.[48] These agreements have remained largely consistent into the 2025 season, with expanded local TV selections but no fundamental shifts in national or streaming partnerships.[49] 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 One Spokane Stadium and twelve away contests, providing regional access to a broad slate of Velocity fixtures.[50] Complementing this, KREM 2/KSKN 22 airs eight home games, including key matchups such as the season opener against One Knoxville SC on March 16.[51] Nationally, playoff games receive exposure on CBS Sports Network under the USL League One's broadcast agreement, enhancing visibility for postseason contests.[52] For instance, the 2025 USL League One Final is set to air on the related CBS Sports Golazo Network, alongside SiriusXM FC radio.[11] All Spokane Velocity matches in USL League One 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.[53][54] Known for leading chants, producing tifo displays, and marching to ONE Spokane Stadium for home games, the group occupies a dedicated section behind the south goal to foster a "fortress" environment.[53][54] 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 expansion team.[55][56] Rivalries within USL League One 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 Pacific Northwest 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.[33] 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.[57][58] These gatherings, often hosted by the 509 Syndicate in partnership with venues like Flatstick Pub, strengthen fan bonds and promote soccer culture in Spokane.[59][60]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 "The Goats" 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 2024 home opener, where supporters integrated it into their matchday rituals to symbolize community tenacity and the forceful energy of Spokane's waterfalls.[61][62] A central tradition is the pre-match march led by the 509 Syndicate, beginning at Riverfront Park's Rotary Fountain—near the Spokane River—and proceeding to ONE Spokane Stadium, channeling the waterway's dynamic flow that informs the team's "Velocity" 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 ceremony featuring rhythmic drumming and collective cheers to ignite the crowd just before kickoff.[63][61][64] During matches, the 509 Syndicate 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. Half-time 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 One Knoxville SC, scheduled for November 16.[65][64][66]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 USL Super League.[67] Launched in 2024, Zephyr FC played its inaugural match on August 17, 2024, against Fort Lauderdale United FC at ONE Spokane Stadium, the same venue used by Velocity FC.[68] This partnership enables shared training facilities and collaborative scouting initiatives to foster soccer growth in the Spokane region.[67] 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.[69] The initiative focuses on identifying and nurturing high-potential talent from the local community.[69] As of 2025, Velocity FC maintains no formal affiliations with MLS Next Pro teams or international clubs, prioritizing regional and league-specific ties within the USL ecosystem.[67]Staff
The technical staff of Spokane Velocity FC is led by head coach Leigh Veidman, who was appointed on November 15, 2023, as the club's inaugural coach ahead of its debut season in USL League One.[70] Under Veidman's guidance, the team reached the USL League One 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.[71] In October 2025, Veidman signed a two-year contract extension, securing his position through the 2027 season.[26] 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 sports science from prior roles with MLS academies like the Portland Timbers.[72] The club experienced some turnover in its coaching ranks during 2025, with assistant coach Renato Bustamante departing in August after serving since February 2024, and goalkeeping coach Vito Higgins leaving prior to the season to join Whitworth University; a new assistant coach position was posted in late October 2025.[73][74][75][76] 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.[77] Supporting the technical team is Gareth Smith, serving as sporting department consultant with more than 20 years of experience in soccer leadership, sports science, and coaching education across senior professional and academy levels.[72] Other key staff include partnerships for medical and performance support, such as MultiCare as official gameday sideline doctors, Physical Therapy Associates as physical therapists, and North Pines Chiropractic 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.[72] No major additional turnover has been reported in core leadership positions following the 2024 season beyond the noted coaching changes.[26]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.[78][79] 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.[79][78] Key defenders on the roster are Jalen Crisler (United States, 31), David Garcia (Spain, 25), Ish Jome (The Gambia-United States, 31), and Javier Martin (Spain, 25), alongside Camron Miller (United States, 26), Lucky Opara (Nigeria, 25), and Derek Waldeck (United States, 27).[79][78] In midfield, prominent players include Luis Gil (United States-Mexico, 32) and Nil Vinyals (Spain, 29), supported by Andre Lewis (Jamaica, 31), Collin Fernandez (Peru-United States, 28), Jack Denton (England, 27), Pierre Reedy (United States, 27), Masango Akale (United States-Cameroon, 23), Bryce Meredith (United States, 24), and Mark Hernández (United States, 29).[79][78] 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).[79][78] 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.[27][80]| Position | No. | Player | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | 1 | Ryan Bilichuk | United States / Argentina | 25 |
| Goalkeeper | 23 | Carlos Merancio | Mexico / United States | 27 |
| Defender | 2 | Javier Martin | Spain | 25 |
| Defender | 3 | Jalen Crisler | United States | 31 |
| Defender | 4 | David Garcia | Spain | 25 |
| Defender | 12 | Camron Miller | United States | 26 |
| Defender | 13 | Lucky Opara | Nigeria | 25 |
| Defender | 15 | Ish Jome | The Gambia / United States | 31 |
| Defender | 18 | Derek Waldeck | United States | 27 |
| Midfielder | 6 | Collin Fernandez | Peru / United States | 28 |
| Midfielder | 7 | Masango Akale | United States / Cameroon | 23 |
| Midfielder | 8 | Nil Vinyals | Spain | 29 |
| Midfielder | 10 | Luis Gil | United States / Mexico | 32 |
| Midfielder | 11 | Pierre Reedy | United States | 27 |
| Midfielder | 14 | Mark Hernández | United States | 29 |
| Midfielder | 19 | Jack Denton | England | 27 |
| Midfielder | 42 | Bryce Meredith | United States | 24 |
| Midfielder | 77 | Andre Lewis | Jamaica | 31 |
| Forward | 9 | Neco Brett | Jamaica | 33 |
| Forward | 16 | Anuar Peláez | Colombia | 32 |
| Forward | 17 | Shavon John-Brown | Grenada / Canada | 30 |
| Forward | 22 | Rocky Wells | United States | 18 |
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 United States national team, Gil led the club in scoring during its inaugural season with 5 goals across all competitions.[81][82] 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.[83][84] 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 penalty shootout victory.[85] 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.[83] 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.[86] 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.[87] His clinical finishing and clutch moments in high-stakes games underscored his impact on the club's deepest playoff run to date.[88] 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 USL Championship clubs where he amassed over 80 career goals.[83][89] 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 expected goals per game in several key fixtures.[83] Several players received USL League One Team of the Week honors in 2025, including Gil and Peláez for standout performances in Weeks 12 and 18, respectively.[90] Following the 2024 season, notable departures included forward Josh Dolling, 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 free agent.[82][27] 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 USL League One as an expansion team in 2024 and has since established a competitive presence in the league's regular season and playoffs. 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 playoffs 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 Union Omaha in the USL League One Final, securing runners-up honors. This achievement marked one of the most successful debut seasons for an expansion club in league history.[9][11] 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 playoffs, 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 One Knoxville SC 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.[91][66][92]| Season | Regular Season Record (W-D-L) | Points | Position | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7-6-9 | 27 | 7th | Runners-up |
| 2025 | 14-9-7 | 51 | 3rd | Runners-up |
Cup records
Spokane Velocity FC, entering professional soccer in 2024 as a USL League One expansion team, has had limited but competitive participation in national cup competitions, primarily the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 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 knockout 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 Ballard FC 1–0 in the first round on March 20 with a stoppage-time goal from Andre Lewis. In the second round on April 3, Luis Gil scored in the 89th minute to secure a 1–0 victory over LA Force of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Their run ended in the third round on April 17, falling 2–1 after extra time to USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights FC, who scored the winner in the 119th minute. In 2025, Velocity repeated their first-round matchup against Ballard FC, 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 MLS Next Pro's Tacoma Defiance, 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 Union Omaha on May 11 and a 0–0 draw decided by a 5–4 penalty shootout loss to Greenville Triumph SC 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 Sacramento Republic FC (1–0 on July 26), an unnamed opponent (1–0 on May 28), and Las Vegas Lights FC (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 Ballard FC, marked by extra-time heroics, and the narrow defeats to higher-division teams like Las Vegas Lights FC and Tacoma Defiance, which underscored Velocity's competitiveness despite the outcomes.Coaching records
Leigh Veidman was appointed as the inaugural head coach of Spokane Velocity on November 15, 2023.[18] As the club's first and only head coach to date, Veidman has guided the team through its first two seasons in USL League One, compiling an overall regular-season record of 21 wins, 15 draws, and 16 losses as of the end of the 2025 regular season.[91] Under his leadership, Spokane Velocity reached the USL League One final in both 2024 and 2025, marking two consecutive appearances in the championship match for the expansion franchise.[9][66] In the playoffs, Veidman's teams have recorded 4 wins and 2 losses through the 2025 final.[93] 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.[94]| Coach | Tenure | Regular Season Record | Playoff Record | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leigh Veidman | 2023–present | 21–15–16 | 4–2 | Two consecutive USL League One finals (2024, 2025) |