Men's

After months — or even years — of anticipation, the Brooklyn FC Men officially made their USL Championship debut last weekend, and they did it the Brooklyn way, grinding out a 1-0 win over Indy Eleven.

Here is everything you need to know about the historic opening week and what’s coming up next.

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The Recap: Three Points and a Clean Sheet

On Sunday, March 8, the Boardwalk was buzzing as Brooklyn FC hosted Indy Eleven for their inaugural match at Maimonides Park. In front of a raucous home crowd, the team delivered a performance that set the tone for the season.

• Final Score: Brooklyn FC 1-0 Indy Eleven
• The Hero: Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. cemented his place in club history, scoring the first-ever goal for the men’s side in the 26th minute.
• The Wall: Goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich, on loan from MLS side Minnesota United FC, stood tall for 90 minutes, making four saves to secure a clean sheet in his Brooklyn debut.

The win is early proof that Brooklyn FC isn’t approaching its inaugural season as a building year. We’re here to compete from Day One.

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ICYMI: Latest News

• Obregón’s Recognition: For his efforts in the inaugural match, JC Obregón was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 1.
• Roster Moves: The club announced several players in the days leading up to the first match, including 20-year-old English defender Callum Frogson, out of the University of North Carolina, and midfielders CJ Olney Jr. (on loan from Philadelphia Union) and Malik Pinto (former FC Cincinnati).
• Coaching Staff Finalized: The club officially introduced the full sporting staff, including assistant coaches Nenad Babic and Yannick Diese, who will be instrumental in helping LeBlanc throughout the USL season.

Get more news…

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Next Up: Detroit City FC

The schedule doesn’t slow down. Brooklyn FC hits the road for the first time this week, traveling to the Motown to take on Detroit City FC.

The match is Saturday, March 14, at Keyworth Stadium. Kick off is at 4:00 PM. The game will be nationally televised on TUDN (Spanish) and available to stream on ESPN+.

A tough opponent: Saturday’s trip to Detroit will be a massive test. The match is DCFC’s home opener, elevating the hype for Le Rouge supporters at Keyworth Stadium, already known for having one of the most intense atmospheres in American soccer.

If BKFC can pull off a result in the Motor City, the rest of the league will definitely take notice.

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Returning Home March 21

After Detroit, Brooklyn FC Men return to Maimonides Park on Saturday, March 21, to host tristate rivals Hartford Athletic. Kick off is at 7:00 PM.

🎟️ Get your tickets now via Seatgeek.

Brooklyn native’s historic first goal gave Brooklyn FC Men a win in their inaugural match

Brooklyn, N.Y., Mar. 10, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men’s forward Juan Carlos Obregón has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week following his historic performance in the team’s inaugural match, a 1–0 victory over Indy Eleven on March 8.

Obregón scored the team’s first-ever goal, calmly converting from the penalty spot in the 26th minute that eventually stood and secured the team’s first victory in USL Championship play.

The Honduran international was active throughout the match, finishing with two shots on target while leading the line as Brooklyn controlled key moments in its debut. Obregón also contributed defensively and physically in the attacking third, winning seven duels and helping Brooklyn manage the game late as Indy pushed for an equalizer.

The recognition marks the first Team of the Week honor for a Brooklyn FC Men’s player in club history.

Brooklyn FC men travel to Detroit City FC on Saturday, March 14, for a 4:00 p.m. ET match. The match will be broadcast live on TUDN and streamed on ESPN+. 

The club returns home on Saturday, March 21, to host Hartford Athletic at 7:00 p.m. ET at Maimonides Park. Tickets are available now via SeatGeek.

About Brooklyn Football Club

Brooklyn Football Club is the borough’s professional soccer club, competing in the United Soccer League ecosystem. The club’s men’s team is preparing for its debut in the USL Championship in 2026. The women’s team plays in the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, at the top tier of U.S. women’s soccer. United by a commitment to community, culture, and competitive excellence, Brooklyn FC represents the global game with local heart. Learn more at brooklynfootballclub.com.

Media Contact:
West of Fairfax for Brooklyn FC
bkfc@westof.co

Marlon LeBlanc’s View

How do you feel after this first match?

“I thought first half hour, we were outstanding. And I think for the first half hour, they tried to play with us a little bit, and I think it became really clear that it was probably in their best interest to change the game up a little bit. And they did. They became very direct, played a lot of balls into our penalty area and made it hard with the physicality. They were significantly larger in size, let’s say, compared to us, but look, the resilience of our group was outstanding today.” 

What did you think about the atmosphere today? 

“I want to thank the fans. First and foremost, really great first game for the men’s team here in club history. And what a fantastic turnout. The hopes are that they see already after first game in club history that they got a team that obviously can compete and win. And so we certainly were very pleased to be able to send them home with three points today and continue to build this. This is about Brooklyn. This is about this community. It’s about giving them a team they can be proud of. And I certainly think our guys did that today.” 

How do you feel the team embodies Brooklyn so far? 

“I don’t think there’s anybody that would ever disparage the team for rolling up their sleeves and fighting when they need to fight, especially in Brooklyn, right? I thought there were some really wonderful moments of football from us in the first half, and then we had to roll up our sleeves and counterpunch a little bit more in the second half. And look, the message to our group has always been about identity, and our identity is Brooklyn, which means that we’ve got a little bit of flair. A little bit of fun. A little bit of fight. But certainly there’s a lot of passion and pride too. And so I thought the guys were a really fantastic reflection of that.” 

What does it mean to start the season with a win? 

“I think I said to the guys before, it’s just three points, there’s 29 more games, and it’s a landmark for the club. It’s a landmark obviously, for the team. I don’t want to understate what we’ve done here today. We’re, I think we’re picked to finish second to last in the league, and here we are top of the table on day one, right? And so you love to see it, you’re happy with it, but it’s just three points, and there’s 29 more games to go, plus Cup matches, so we’ll keep it in perspective.I want the guys to enjoy it tonight and have off tomorrow and then just come back and we go back to work again in two days.” 

Match Reactions

Juan Carlos Obregon Jr, Forward, #29 

How are you feeling now after coming off injured? 

“Feeling good. It was just, you know, first match. So just had little tired legs at the end. Thought it was best for, you know, for a teammate, a brother, to come on and finish the game.” 

How do you hope to inspire the next generation of BKFC players here in Brooklyn? 

“Being from Brooklyn, I was once a kid who would go to stadiums and watch soccer matches. Fortunately, now you know they have a Brooklyn team. You know that they can come in every weekend and and look forward to to watch the game so, you know, just putting myself in their shoes, and I just trying to, you know, be a role model and and inspire them, you know that one day, in the future, they can be in the position that we are now.” 

Vuk Latinovich, Defender, #6

How did you feel the defense played today? 

“I thought we were controlling the game in the first half. And then they did change it up. They started playing longer balls, which is a strength of theirs. And I thought we dealt with it as best as we could, considering the size difference. But everyone stuck together as a group in the back line, goalie, back four, but even just collectively as a team, we’re fighting for the second balls, every 50/50 we were there. And that’s all you can ask. Everyone just giving their all on the defensive side.” 

How has the team been gelling so far and building camaraderie? 

“Honestly, since we’ve all been together from day one of preseason, we’ve all gotten to know each other really well, and there’s ups and downs every single day, but we’ve all been trending upwards. I think, as a group, collectively, and the goal is to keep that trend upwards. Yes, there will be ups and downs, but overall, we want to trend up and get the results needed to be a contender in this league. And I think we have the guys to do it, the personalities to do it, the work rate to do it.” 

Brooklyn, New York – Brooklyn FC Men’s inaugural season kicked off the Brooklyn way, as the team earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Indy Eleven at Maimonides Park on Sunday afternoon.

Forward Juan Carlos Obregón scored the historic first goal when he converted from the penalty spot in the 26th minute. The penalty was called after midfielder Peter Mangione was fouled inside the box.

• Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc: “We’ve got a little bit of flair. A little bit of fun. A little bit of fight.”

Brooklyn generated several attacking moments throughout the first half, including a shot from Mangione that forced a save from Indy goalkeeper Eric Dick in the 21st minute and multiple efforts from Obregón outside the box.

Indy Eleven responded with chances late in the half through forwards Charlie Sharp and Dylan Sing, but Brooklyn goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich made key saves to preserve the 1–0 lead at halftime.

Indy pushed for an equalizer in the second half and produced several dangerous moments, including shots from inside the box and attempts from distance. Rizvanovich delivered multiple crucial saves as Brooklyn’s defense absorbed sustained pressure.

Brooklyn nearly doubled its lead midway through the second half when a close-range effort was blocked before the follow-up shot sailed over the crossbar. Despite Indy’s late push, Brooklyn held firm defensively to secure the 1–0 victory and mark a winning start in the club’s inaugural men’s team match.

SCORING SUMMARY

• Brooklyn FC – Juan Carlos Obregon 26’ pen.
• Indy Eleven – NONE

DISCIPLINE

• Yellow Cards – Okiyoshi (BK 63′)‎, McLaughlin (BK ‎65’‎), Quinn (IND 70‎’), Gabriel Alves (BK 90‎+‎2‎’‎), Servania (BK 90‎+‎4′), Williams (IND 90+4′)
• Red Cards – NONE

LINEUPS

• Brooklyn FC – Rizvanovich, Vancaeyezeele, Nishikawa (Romeo 59‎’‎), Latinovich, Gabriel Alves, Okiyoshi, Stojanovic (Kante 67‎’), Mangione (Servania 67‎’)‎, McNamara (McLaughlin 59′)‎, Olney Jr., Obregón Jr (Hundal 79′)‎
  
  Unused Substitutes: Burns, Pinto

• Indy Eleven – Dick, White, Quinn, Rasheed, Craig (Barry 72‎’), Okello (Mitrano 72′), Lindley, O’Brien, Rendón (Williams 90′), Sing (Mesanvi 72′), Sharp (Kizza 78′)
  
  Unused substitutes – Charles-Cook, Gavilanes

UP NEXT FOR BROOKLYN FC:

Brooklyn FC Men go on the road to face Detroit City FC next Saturday, March 14. Kick off is at 4:00PM. Fans can watch the match live on TUDN and ESPN+.

The team’s next home match is Saturday, March 21, vs. tristate rival Hartford Athletic. Kick off is at 7:00PM. Tickets are available now on SeatGeek.

Brooklyn, the wait is over. Today, March 8, 2026, Brooklyn FC makes history as are men’s team launches its inaugural season.

We host Indy Eleven for our massive USL Championship opener, and the team is ready to fight for our borough the only way they know how — the Brooklyn way.

Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or heading to your first-ever professional soccer match in the borough, here is everything you need to know to make your match day at Maimonides Park smooth and unforgettable.

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🕒 The Schedule

Don’t miss a minute of the action. We recommend arriving early to soak up the atmosphere on the boardwalk.

• Gates Open: 1:30 PM
• Kickoff: 3:00 PM
• Specials: Keep an eye out for the BKFC Hat Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans and a FREE hotdog and drink for the first 1,500 people through the gates!

📍 Location

Maimonides Park on the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk

• 1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224

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⚽️ About Our Team

The Brooklyn FC Men’s squad has come together nicely during the preseason. A mix of veterans and youth, the team has been built to compete from the first kick and has its sights set on earning a spot in the USL Championship Playoffs.

• Head Coach: Former U.S. U-18 National Team Head Coach and longtime manager of Philadelphia Union II’s extremely successful MLS Next Pro team, New York City native Marlon LeBlanc has instilled a strong “Brooklyn” ethic into the team. Expect them to play exciting, energetic, attacking soccer.
• The Captain: Longtime Tommy McNamara, who played for New York City FC, Houston Dynamo, and New England Revolution over more than a decade in MLS.
• Players to Watch: Brooklyn native JC Obregon, who won the USL League One Golden Boot in 2025; former Northern Ireland international and Liverpool outside back Ryan McLaughlin; former NYCFC centerback Vuk Latinovich, experienced Brazilian defender Gabriel Alves.

😡 About Our Opponent

Indy Eleven are a perennial powerhouse in the USL Championship. Last season, they had a challenging year, finishing in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line.

• Players to Watch: Experienced midfielder Aodhan Quinn, Ugandan forward Edward Kizza, former US Youth international midfielder Cameron Langley

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🚆 Getting There

Public transit is the “Brooklyn Way” and your best bet for a stress-free trip.

• Subway: Take the D, F, N, or Q trains to the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. From there, it’s just a short, five-minute walk to the stadium.
• Bus: The B36, B64, B68, B74, and B82 buses all stop near the stadium.
• Rideshare: Use the main entrance at 1904 Surf Ave for easy drop-offs and pickups.

🚗 Parking

If you are driving, there are several options, though they can fill up quickly:

• Official Lots: Maimonides Park has adjacent parking lots (Lot 2 and others).
• Paid Public Parking: Multiple private lots are available along Surf Avenue and near the New York Aquarium.
• Street Parking: Available but extremely limited on game days—check signs carefully!

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🏟️ Stadium Policies & Tips

To ensure everyone has a safe and energetic experience, please keep these rules in mind:

• Bag Policy: Purses, tote bags, and drawstring bags under 16” x 16” x 8” are permitted. Backpacks are prohibited unless they are completely clear or for medical/ADA needs.
• Cashless Venue: Maimonides Park largely operates on cashless payments for concessions and merchandise.
• Supporters Section: If you’re looking to sing, chant, and stand for 90 minutes, head to the dedicated supporters section behind the goal to bring the noise!

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🎟️ Still Need Tickets?

A limited number of tickets are still available starting at $21. You can grab yours via SeatGeek or at the stadium box office.

Let’s show Indy Eleven what Brooklyn is all about. See you at the stadium!

U.S. Youth National Team midfielder reunites with Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc

Brooklyn, N.Y., Mar. 4, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has acquired midfielder CJ Olney Jr. on loan from Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, pending league and federation approval.

A native of Chicago, Olney, 19, is a Union Academy product and YSC Academy graduate who signed an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract with Philadelphia Union II in 2023 before signing as a Homegrown with the Union in 2024. He made his MLS debut for Philadelphia in 2024.

“CJ is a talented young player who can hurt teams in the final third,” said Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He offers tactical flexibility with his ability to play anywhere in midfield or up-front, he is confident on the ball, and he has produced goals & assists consistently with the USYNT & in MLS NEXT Pro. I know his character and his work habits from our time together, and we are excited to welcome him to Brooklyn.”

Olney has been a consistent attacking contributor for Philadelphia Union II in MLS NEXT Pro, totaling 57 appearances with 13 goals and 26 assists across three seasons. In his first two seasons, he played for current Brooklyn FC Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc, who managed Union II from 2020-2024. Olney went out on loan to USL Championship side Lexington SC, where he made three appearances before being recalled by the Union. 

At the international level, Olney has represented the United States at the U-17 and U-19 levels. 

Brooklyn FC men’s inaugural match in the USL Championship is on Sunday, March 8, against Indy Eleven. Kick off is at 3:00 p.m. at Maimonides Park. Tickets are available now via SeatGeek.

About Brooklyn Football Club

Brooklyn Football Club is the borough’s professional soccer club, competing in the United Soccer League ecosystem. The club’s men’s team is preparing for its debut in the USL Championship in 2026. The women’s team plays in the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, at the top tier of U.S. women’s soccer. United by a commitment to community, culture, and competitive excellence, Brooklyn FC represents the global game with local heart. Learn more at brooklynfootballclub.com.

Media Contact:
West of Fairfax for Brooklyn FC
bkfc@westof.co

Accomplished defensive midfielder adds composure and depth in central areas

Brooklyn, N.Y., Mar. 4, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed midfielder Malik Pinto, pending league and federation approval.

A native of Durham, North Carolina, Pinto, 23, joins Brooklyn FC after a stint with USL Championship club Orange County SC, where he made 10 appearances while on loan from MLS Next Pro side Colorado Rapids 2. Prior to that, he was a regular for Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, where he made 44 total appearances across all competitions and was part of the squad that won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield.

“Malik gives us stability in the middle of the park,” said Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He understands the defensive side of the game, connects passes under pressure, and brings valuable USL Championship & MLS experience at a young age.”

Pinto featured in MLS NEXT Pro for both FC Cincinnati 2 and Colorado Rapids 2, combining for seven goals in 36 appearances between 2023 and 2025. 

A product of the North Carolina Fusion academy, Pinto played collegiately at Princeton University, where he earned Second-Team All-Ivy League honors in 2021 and All-Ivy honorable mention recognition in 2022. 

He comes from an accomplished soccer family. His father, Hassan, played for the University of North Carolina; his sister, Brianna, plays for the NWSL’s Chicago Stars FC; and his older brother, Hassan, enjoyed two years in the USL. 

Brooklyn FC men’s inaugural match in the USL Championship is on Sunday, March 8, against Indy Eleven. Kick off is at 3:00 p.m. at Maimonides Park. Tickets are available now via SeatGeek.

About Brooklyn Football Club

Brooklyn Football Club is the borough’s professional soccer club, competing in the United Soccer League ecosystem. The club’s men’s team is preparing for its debut in the USL Championship in 2026. The women’s team plays in the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, at the top tier of U.S. women’s soccer. United by a commitment to community, culture, and competitive excellence, Brooklyn FC represents the global game with local heart. Learn more at brooklynfootballclub.com.

Media Contact:
West of Fairfax for Brooklyn FC
bkfc@westof.co

Brooklyn, N.Y., Mar. 3, 2026 – Midfielder Arun Basuljevic has announced his retirement from professional soccer.

Basuljevic, 30, signed with Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) in January as the club prepared for its inaugural USL Championship campaign. 

Brooklyn FC thanks Arun for his contributions to the team and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

Brooklyn FC men’s inaugural match in the USL Championship is on Sunday, March 8, against Indy Eleven. Kick off is at 3:00 p.m. at Maimonides Park. Tickets are available now via SeatGeek.

About Brooklyn Football Club

Brooklyn Football Club is the borough’s professional soccer club, competing in the United Soccer League ecosystem. The club’s men’s team is preparing for its debut in the USL Championship in 2026. The women’s team plays in the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, at the top tier of U.S. women’s soccer. United by a commitment to community, culture, and competitive excellence, Brooklyn FC represents the global game with local heart. Learn more at brooklynfootballclub.com.

Media Contact:
West of Fairfax for Brooklyn FC
bkfc@westof.co

Brooklyn, N.Y., Mar. 3, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced its full coaching, performance and operations staff ahead of the club’s inaugural season in the USL Championship.

The group will work under Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc and Sporting Director and General Manager of the Men’s Team, Brian McBride.

Nenad Babic, Assistant Coach & Lead Analyst

• Supports Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc in planning and delivering training, implementing tactical strategy, and leading match and opponent analysis; previously served as a performance analyst with the U.S. Soccer Federation, U17 academy head coach with Orlando City SC, and Assistant Technical Director & MLS NEXT Academy Director at The St. James.

Yannick Diese, Assistant Coach

• Supports training design, opponent scouting and individual player development within the men’s team game model; previously worked with New York City FC’s U14 and U16 sides and contributed to NYCFC II, served as an MLS NEXT Head Coach at New York Soccer Club, and held Head Coach and Technical Director roles at PSG Academy New York; holds UEFA A and USSF A licenses.

Nedin Tucakovic, Goalkeeper & Set Piece Coach

• Leads men’s team goalkeeper development and attacking/defensive set piece planning and analysis; most recently served as Goalkeeper & Set Piece Specialist with Austin FC II and previously held academy goalkeeping leadership roles with Austin FC and the San Jose Earthquakes, with a playing background that includes Beşiktaş JK and FK Sarajevo, plus youth international experience with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States.

Michael Higbee, Head of Performance

• Leads the men’s team physical performance program across training and match weeks, delivering on- and off-field development plans to maximize readiness and availability; previously served as a D2 Performance Coach with Houston Dynamo FC and held senior sport science roles with York United FC, Swansea City (U23) and Birmingham City’s academy.

Mahmoud “Moe” Mohamed, Performance Analyst

• Leads match and training analysis for the men’s team, delivering video and data insights to support tactical preparation and player development; previously coached with Atlanta United FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, combining on-field coaching experience with performance analytics.

Edu Pena Rollet, Team Administrator & Player Care Officer

• Oversees day-to-day men’s team operations, matchday execution and full USL compliance, serving as primary liaison to league officials while coordinating travel, logistics and player care; previously held operations roles within Brooklyn FC across sporting, ticketing and business development functions, supporting the club’s USL Championship buildout.

Roger Dieterle, Head Equipment Manager

• Oversees all men’s team equipment operations, including matchday prep, travel logistics and locker room setup; previously worked in equipment operations with the New York Red Bulls (MLS and MLS NEXT Pro), served as Assistant General Manager & Head of Equipment at FC Motown during its 2024 NPSL championship run, and supported football event operations at AT&T Stadium with The Dream Bowl.

Brooklyn FC men’s inaugural match in the USL Championship is on Sunday, March 8, against Indy Eleven. Kick off is at 3:00 p.m. at Maimonides Park. Tickets are available now via SeatGeek.

About Brooklyn Football Club

Brooklyn Football Club is the borough’s professional soccer club, competing in the United Soccer League ecosystem. The club’s men’s team is preparing for its debut in the USL Championship in 2026. The women’s team plays in the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, at the top tier of U.S. women’s soccer. United by a commitment to community, culture, and competitive excellence, Brooklyn FC represents the global game with local heart. Learn more at brooklynfootballclub.com.

Media Contact:
West of Fairfax for Brooklyn FC
bkfc@westof.co