Men's

Liverpool FC academy product adds veteran experience to the Brooklyn FC backline

Brooklyn, N.Y., Mar. 3, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed Northern Irish outside back Ryan McLaughlin, pending league and federation approval.

A native of Belfast, McLaughlin, 31, joins Brooklyn FC from Dublin-based St Patrick’s Athletic F.C. of the League of Ireland Premier Division. He was a regular starter for the Saints, making 53 appearances across all competitions, winning the 2023 FAI Cup, and famously scoring away to Turkish powerhouse Beşiktaş in the UEFA Conference League.

A product of Liverpool FC’s famed academy, McLaughlin gained early professional experience during loan stints with Barnsley F.C., then in the EFL Championship, and Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen F.C. He went on to sign and feature for multiple clubs in the English Football League, including Oldham Athletic, Blackpool, Rochdale, and Morecambe.

“Ryan brings a high level of international experience to our back line,” said Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He reads the game well, competes hard every day, and he is comfortable under pressure. He has played in big games during his career, and that experience matters as we set our standards from day one.”

At the international level, McLaughlin has earned five senior caps for Northern Ireland. He represented his country at the U16, U17, U19, and U21 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

Young goalscorer comes home boasting experience in Spain and Major League Soccer

Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 27, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed forward Markus Anderson on loan from Major League Soccer (MLS) side Philadelphia Union, pending league and federation approval.

Raised in Brooklyn, Anderson, 22, has featured for both Philadelphia Union’s first team and Philadelphia Union II, and previously played under Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc within the Union organization. He scored 10 goals in 33 appearances across the 2024 and 2025 MLS NEXT Pro seasons with Union II, helping the club capture the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference title. 

He made his first team debut for the Union in March 2024. He has made a total six appearances with two starts and one goal across the past two MLS seasons in Philadelphia. 

“Markus’s pace and fearlessness fit a need up top for us,” said LeBlanc. “He’s willing to do the work on both sides of the ball, and he knows how to finish when he gets the chance. I’ve coached him in the Union organization, so I know his mentality, and I know what it means for him to come home and represent Brooklyn.”

Before the Union, Anderson spent time in the youth systems of Spanish clubs Rayo Alcobendas and Rayo Majadahonda. He scored 10 goals in 29 appearances for Rayo Majadahonda’s reserve team, Paracuellos Antamira, in the Spanish fifth tier before being called up to the club’s first team, for whom he made 21 appearances and scored 3 goals in Spain’s third flight. 

Anderson was born in Philadelphia before moving to Fort Greene, Brooklyn, at the age of 3. He played for local clubs including Manhattan Kickers FC youth club, Downtown United Soccer Club (Dusc) and Brooklyn’s Gjøa youth club. 

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

U.S. youth international arrives in Brooklyn after stellar debut pro season in MLS NEXT Pro

Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich on loan from Major League Soccer side Minnesota United FC, pending league and federation approval.

Rizvanovich, 18, joins Brooklyn FC after spending the 2025 season with Minnesota United’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, MNUFC2, where he established himself as a reliable presence in net. Across 17 appearances in the 2025 regular season and playoffs, he recorded three clean sheets and logged the club’s first-ever postseason shutout.

Internationally, Rizvanovich has represented the United States at the U-18 and U-19 levels, earning six combined caps. In 2025, he was a key member of the U.S. U-18 squad coached by current Brooklyn FC Head Coach Marlon Leblanc that won the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland, making critical penalty-kick saves to help secure the trophy.

“Kayne is a young goalkeeper with strong fundamentals and a calm presence,” said LeBlanc. “He’s been in a professional environment, handled meaningful minutes, and shown he can rise to the moment. We’re looking forward to continuing his development and adding competition to our goalkeeping group.”

A native of Chicago, Rizvanovich previously developed within the Minnesota United, FC Cincinnati, and Chicago FC United academies before signing a first-team Homegrown contract with Minnesota United in January 2026.

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

Toronto-born centerback brings Major League Soccer and Canadian Premier League experience to Brooklyn FC

Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 25, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed Canadian centerback Rocco Romeo, pending league and federation approval.

Romeo, 25, comes to Brooklyn FC after stints in both Major League Soccer and the Canadian Premier League. He made his professional debut in 2019 with Toronto FC II before signing a first-team contract with Toronto FC in 2020. While with TFC, he went on loan twice, gaining European experience with Danish side HB Køge and enjoying his professional breakout with CPL club Valour FC.

Romeo has since become a regular starter in the CPL, with two separate stints with Valour FC and a two-year spell at Vancouver FC. 

“Rocco brings a strong defensive foundation and real professional experience,” said Brooklyn FC Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He’s competed in different environments, understands the demands of the position, and plays with a good edge. We like his presence, and we’re excited to add him to our group.”

At the international level, Romeo has represented Canada across multiple youth national teams, including appearances at the CONCACAF U-17 and U-20 Championships and selection to the U-23 provisional roster, underscoring his pedigree and experience at both the club and international 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

Midfielder with extensive international experience joins Brooklyn FC after helping FC Lahti earn promotion in Finland

Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed French midfielder Abdoulaye Kanté, pending league and federation approval.

Kanté, 25, joins Brooklyn FC after most recently playing for FC Lahti in Finland’s second division, Ykkösliiga. A native of Pontoise, France, he began his professional career with French club Bourges Foot 18 before later playing in Portugal with Vila Real and Leixões and in Belgium with La Louvière Centre.

“Abdoulaye plays with real edge in midfield,” said Brooklyn FC Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He’s competed in different environments, he’s handled big moments, and he doesn’t shy away from the work. We like his intensity and his mentality, and we’re excited to bring him into our group.”

In 2022, Kanté moved to Finland, where he helped Ekenäs IF (EIF) win the Ykkönen title and earn promotion to the top flight. His season was highlighted by a brace and an assist against TPS in the match that secured the title.

In 2024, Kanté signed with first division club Tampereen Ilves. He made 11 appearances across the Veikkausliiga and UEFA Conference League qualifiers for the Tampere-based club. In February 2025, he joined FC Lahti, where he helped the club earn promotion while making 22 league appearances and scoring three goals.

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

Experienced midfielder adds control, versatility, and championship pedigree to Brooklyn FC

Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 23, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed midfielder Taimu Okiyoshi, pending league and federation approval.

Okiyoshi, 24, joins Brooklyn FC after most recently playing for USL League One side Westchester SC on loan from Rhode Island FC. He made 11 appearances, with 8 starts, during the second half of the season for Westchester. 

Prior to that, Okiyoshi made 14 appearances for RIFC in the USL Championship after signing in January 2025. He earned three starts and logged 299 minutes, while completing 170 passes at an 87.2 percent accuracy rate. He also contributed defensively with 12 duels won, 16 recoveries, and five interceptions.

“Taimu gives us a calm, reliable presence in midfield,” said Brooklyn FC Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He’s comfortable receiving under pressure, he understands tempo, and he does a lot of important work defensively. He’s also shown the ability to help the group in different roles when needed, which is valuable as we continue to build our squad.”

Before turning professional, Okiyoshi had an accomplished collegiate career at Marshall University, where he captained the Thundering Herd to the 2024 NCAA College Cup Final and was named a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist. His leadership and consistency in midfield were key parts of Marshall’s run to the national championship match.

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

Former NCAA soccer standout brings experience and composure to the Brooklyn FC backline.

Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed defender So Nishikawa, pending league and federation approval.

Nishikawa joins Brooklyn FC after a standout college career with San Diego State University and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where he was named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-Horizon League First Team honors. Before college, he was on the books at A-League powerhouse Melbourne Victory FC, making four appearances for the first team after debuting in 2020. 

“So has taken a really strong development path and he’s earned recognition at every level through consistency,” said Brooklyn FC Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He stood out in a combine setting in Michigan and showed qualities we value in our game model. He’s a competitor, he’s composed defensively, and he’s comfortable on the ball. We like his mindset and his versatility, and we’re excited to bring him into our group.”

A native of Atlanta, Nishikawa’s college career began with two seasons at San Diego State before moving to Wisconsin–Green Bay to finish out his eligibility. Across three seasons with the Phoenix, he made 41 appearances, notching two goals and five assists.

During the summer of 2024, Nishikawa played for Seacoast United Phantoms in USL League Two, a top summer development league for college players, and he stood out at a recent combine attended by Brooklyn FC technical staff.

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

Experienced winger joins Brooklyn FC after successful stint in Peruvian top flight 

Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2026 – Brooklyn Football Club (Brooklyn FC) men today announced that it has signed winger Pierre Da Silva, pending league and federation approval.

Da Silva, 27, joins Brooklyn FC from Peruvian Liga 1 club Cusco FC, where he made 31 appearances with 2 goals and 1 assist this past season.

“We’re excited to bring Pierre into the group,” said Brooklyn FC Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He brings a direct attacking profile and valuable experience from different leagues and environments. He’s played meaningful minutes everywhere he’s gone, and we like his confidence in wide areas and his willingness to make things happen.”

A native of Port Chester, New York, Da Silva moved into the pro ranks with Orlando City B in 2016. His performances earned him a jump to Orlando City SC’s senior team in January 2017. He was loaned out for several seasons, including stops with Saint Louis FC and Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense. In 2019, he joined USL Championship club Memphis 901 FC before later representing Miami FC and Forward Madison FC. 

In 2024, Da Silva returned to South America, joining Peruvian side Universidad Cesar Vallejo before then moving to Cusco for the 2025 season.

At the youth international level, Da Silva represented the United States more than 30 times, including featuring at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

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