The all-new Westchester Pro Soccer Club (WSC) kicked off for the first time this year, becoming the first professional soccer team to hail from Westchester County. Based at the newly renovated Memorial Stadium in Mount Vernon, WSC competes in USL League One, the third tier of American professional soccer.
WSC boasts an ownership group as diverse as it is high-profile. Leading the way is majority owner Mitch Baruchowitz, a private equity investor based in Rye. He’s joined by Danny Dekker, former owner of the semi-professional New York Dutch Lions, and U.S. Men’s National Team star Tyler Adams—currently a midfielder for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and the youngest captain in U.S. World Cup history. Rounding out the group is New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor, whose surprise involvement brings cross-sport energy to the team. At the helm of the team itself is head coach Dave Carton, an Irish native with deep coaching experience at both the collegiate and USL levels. Carton’s background includes a USL League One Final appearance with Charlotte Independence and extensive youth development credentials.
WSC’s opening match on March 8th saw a 1-1 draw against Greenville Triumph SC, with Forward Juan Carlos Obregon Jr. scoring the club’s first-ever goal. Not even two weeks later, on March 19th, the club would proclaim victory against FC Motown 1-0. Highlights from their first victory include the winning goal scored by Obregon during a penalty in the 81st minute, as well as their goalie, Dane Jacomen, recording a clean sheet. Other notable highlights of their debut season include the Midfielder Noah Powder making history by becoming the first ever WSC player to receive an international call-up to represent his home country of Trinidad and Tobago.
In addition to this, the club has tried to bolster community engagement by partnering with SOUL RYEDERS, a cancer support organization, to launch the “Kick Cancer” initiative during a home game. Only a month into this inaugural season, their record stands a hopeful 1-2-2, with plenty of time for improvement as their regular season does not end until October. Overall, this is a very promising start to the professional soccer scene in Westchester, not only for the players and fans but for everyone in the community.