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Midfielder Telasco Segovia could play a critical role in today’s match between Inter Miami CF and New York City FC on the Pigeons’ tiny pitch at Yankee Stadium. CREDIT: Inter Miami CF.

Inter Miami’s season didn’t end Wednesday in Nashville, despite Heron Nation’s collective gloom after the Coyotes unceremoniously booted Los Garzas from the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Pink & Black will play New York City FC at 1 p.m. EDT today at Yankee Stadium hoping to bounce back from that disappointment.

Why was Miami’s elimination so crushing? Because if came under the weight of self-created expectations. Within minutes of Miami’s winning its first MLS Cup in December, managing co-owner Jorge Mas told a global television audience that the Herons’ top priority in 2026 was winning Champions Cup. Only three U.S.-based teams have won the continental club championship in 60 tries — Mexican teams have lifted the cup 40 times — but the Lionel Messi-led Herons run through last year’s postseason made Mas’ audacious ambition seem possible.

Their task clear before them, Inter Miami spent the offseason bringing in players to help the Herons beat Liga MX’s best. They didn’t get the chance.

Nashville warmed up by eliminating Atletico Ottawa in the Cup’s first round, while Miami had a bye. The rivals drew 0-0 in Nashville and 1-1 in Miami, but the Coyotes advanced because of CONCACAF’s away-goal tiebreaker.

There goes the season. Except the Herons have to keep playing. There are 30 more matches to be played in the Major League Soccer season; Miami should contend for a second Supporters’ Shield and could become the first team since the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012 to win back-to-back MLS Cups. And another Leagues Cup could help the Herons salvage their season (they won the inaugural tournament between MLS and Liga MX sides in 2023 against Nashville).

The rest of the season begins today in the Bronx against a very good NYCFC side. The Pigeons enter the match atop the Eastern Conference standings with 10 points in four matches (tied with — who else? — Nashville); Miami is tied for third with seven points. Coach Javier Mascherano told reporters Saturday that the Herons can’t dwell on Wednesday’s result.

“We can’t change what happened, and there’s no point in dwelling on it and regretting it. Clearly, we’re still in the process of accepting and coming to terms with the disappointment of being eliminated,” Mascherano said according to Michelle Kaufman’s report in the Miami Herald. “That’s soccer. It happens. But I think it’s up to us to prove that what happened the other day was just a fluke. And well, the best way to prove it is to focus on the league now.”

Miami beat the Pigeons 5-1 in the Eastern Conference championship game in November, but NYCFC has won eight of the teams’ all-time matchups to just three victories for Miami. Los Garzas have just one win in six tries at Yankee Stadium. Form, as well as history, are against the Herons today. The undefeated Pigeons have scored 11 goals and allowed three in their four matches; the usually explosive Miami offense has produced just seven goals in six contests so far; the usually suspect defense, on the other hand, has allowed just seven goals.

The Herons will play without three starters this afternoon. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul suffered a bruised leg Wednesday and will sit out today’s match; center back Maxi Falcon (knee) and left back Sergio Reguilon (leg muscle strain) are out with injuries.

Messi is expected to play before joining the Argentina national team for friendly matches against Mauritania (Friday) and Zambia (March 31).

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The newest design is a black shirt accented with yellow elements including the club crest, player names, and Hummel chevrons. The simple design from a distance gives rise to a subtle map of the Charleston peninsula and surrounding Ashley and Cooper Rivers sublimated into the shirt.

The new kit is available for pre-orders right now on the club website and will be on sale at the team shop as the Battery take the pitch for the home opener on March 7 versus the Pittsburgh RiverHounds.

Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga embrace after Bouanga’s goal in LAFC’s 3-0 season-opening win against defending MLS Cup champion Inter Miami. CREDIT: Major League Soccer

Relax, Herons’ fans. Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to LAFC was Game 1 of 34 in the new Major League Soccer season; there’s a lot of soccer left to play.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons for concern; obviously there are. But there’s also plenty of time for coach Javier Mascherano and captain Lionel Messi to mold MLS’ most talented roster into its most formidable team.

“We clearly know we have a lot to improve,” Mascherano told reporters after Saturday’s match at the sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. “We need to keep building on the positive things we’ve done, correct the mistakes we made, and keep moving forward.”

A league-record opening day crowd of 75,673 watched the Black & Gold, led by superstars Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga, outshine the Pink & Black’s highly touted, Messi-led eleven. But, despite its many preseason plaudits, Los Garzas is a very different squad in 2026 than the side that lifted the MLS cup in December.

Generational talents Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retired. Key contributors Baltazar Rodríguez, Oscar Ustari, and Marcelo Weigandt are gone and playoff standouts Rocco Ríos Novo and Tadeo Allende started the season on the bench. Newcomers Dayne St. Clair, Germán Berterame, Sergio Reguilón (injured in a preseason friendly), Micael, David Ayala and Facundo Mura are learning Mascherano’s style and building chemistry with their new teammates.

Obviously, the 2026 Herons remain a work in progress. Based on Saturday’s performance in LA, here’s where that work should be focused:

REBUILDING FROM THE BACK — Alba and Busquets retired after Miami’s championship season, ending the Herons’ “Barca Boys” era at IMCF. They cannot be replaced; without Busi orchestrating play from the back and Alba pushing forward to support Messi, LAFC controlled the midfield and rarely threatened the home side’s goal.

Reguilón is expected to play left back when he returns, and Ayala is the heir apparent in the defensive midfield. Noah Allen started in Alba’s spot Saturday. Another possible solution in Reguilón’s absence is moving Mura to left back and starting Ian Fray on the right, although Fray started ahead of Mura against the Black & Gold.

Yannick Bright started beside DePaul on Saturday; Ayala was available off the bench but didn’t play.

CONFIDENCE IN GOAL — New net minder Dayne St. Claire won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year last year for Minnesota, but Miami plays a far more aggressive defensive style, pressing high and leaving its center backs and keeper vulnerable in transition. The Loons prefer a compact low block, surrounding their goalkeeper with defenders.

St. Claire is undoubtedly a talented player, but he will face more shots and be challenged one-on-one more often wearing the pink than he was in Minnesota. He needs to improve his positioning, make strategic decisions more quickly, and become more adept at dribbling and passing the ball.

His inexperience in the Herons’ system was on full display Saturday, especially on the second goal. St. Claire froze, neither attacking or retreating as a long ball bounced over his head to Bouanga, who scored easily.

If St. Claire doesn’t show improvement, Rocco “Block-o” Rios Novo is waiting.

LOONEY LINEUP — Mascherano got this starting lineup all wrong. The Herons were spectacular in last year’s playoffs using Messi as a false nine with Mateo Silvetti on the left and Allende on the right. Baltasar Rodríguez, Busquets and De Paul helped balance the field in front of wing backs Alba and Fray and center backs Allen and Maxi Falcón.

Saturday, Mascherano chose to go back to a 4-2-3-1, with newcomer Berterame up top, Telasco Segovia and Silvetti on the left and right wings flanking Messi, Miami homegrown players Allen and Fray the wing backs. Micael and Falcón were the center backs.

We already discussed the roster turnover, but Mascherano’s charges would have been more effective with Silvetti on the left wing and Allende on the right. Segovia should play more centrally, and I’d like to see him get a shot in the defensive midfield. He is a more attack-minded midfielder while Bright is a defensive beast. If Ayala is as good as advertised, Bright and Segovia both will be on the bench, but both are valuable pieces to Inter Miami’s puzzle.

I also would have liked to see whether Mura could play on the left ahead of Allen in Reguilón‘s absence with Fray on the right. Or keep Allen as a starter and give Mura the nod over Fray.

Having a deep roster is a luxury in MLS, and multiple options at every position is crucial to any team’s success. Ultimately, lineup debates are a good problem to have.

As the players become more familiar with the system and their new teammates, and Mascherano becomes more familiar with his players, the most effective eleven will emerge. With Miami beginning its CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign next week, I hope that eleven emerges sooner rather than later.

COMING UP

FINAL FRIENDLY — Inter Miami will play Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle at 7 p.m. ET Thursday at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The friendly match, originally scheduled Feb. 13, was postponed when Messi suffered a minor hamstring pull in preseason to ensure Puerto Rican fans might have a chance to see the international icon play.

SUNSHINE DERBY — The Herons and intrastate rival Orlando City SC meet at 7 p.m. Sunday at Inter & Co. Stadium in Orlando. The Lions, in the midst of a rebuild, lost their home opener, 1-2 Saturday against the New York Red Bulls. While the Purple Pride seem focused on younger talent, they reportedly are in talks to sign star striker Antoine Griezmann, 34, from Spanish side Atlético Madrid.

CHAMPIONS CUP — Inter Miami managing owner Jorge MAs has made it clear winning the region’s continental club cup is the team’s priority in 2026. That quest will begin March 11 in Nashville or Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Coyotes — Miami’s frequent rivals in high-stakes matches over the past several years, host Atlético Ottawa at 8 p.m. ET tonight leading the two-match tie 2-0. The winner will host the Herons March 11 and visit Chase Stadium for the second leg March 18.

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Will Lionel Messi win an unprecedented third-straight MVP?

Can Inter Miami become the first team to win consecutive MLS Cups since the 2012 LA Galaxy ?

Is Son Heung-min about to become the face of MLS?

For your edification and/or amusement, Southeast Soccer Report MLS writers Ken Garner (Inter Miami) and Ronan Briscoe (Nashville SC) do their best to answer these and other questions below.

Only one Southeast Soccer Report writer predicted Inter Miami CF would lift its first MLS Cup in 2025. Can the Herons repeat this year? CREDIT: Major League Soccer

The Year of Pink and Black and Gold?

Ken and Ronan agree, with many other MLS watchers, that Inter Miami and LAFC will meet for the MLS Cup title Dec. 18. Miami will be a contender as long as Messi dons the Herons’ colors, and the team of Son and Denis Bouanga is expected to elevate LAFC from a very-good squad to one threatening to win major trophies.

Who takes home the hardware? Ken likes the new-look champs, who lost iconic stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to retirement after Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup. Ronan expects the Black & Gold, who lifted the Cup in 2022, to win their second league title.

The guys also expect Messi to win a third-straight MVP, and Ronan thinks the Argentine great will win a second-straight Golden Boot (Ken gives Bouanga, who thrived after Son’s arrival last summer, his nod to lead goal-scorers).

PREDICTIONS

GARNER

CHAMPIONS CUP: Inter Miami

OPEN CUP: Chicago Fire

LEAGUES CUP: FC Cincinnati

EAST: FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, Nashville, Columbus, Orlando, Atlanta United, New York Red Bulls, Toronto, Charlotte, NYCFC, DC United, New England, Montréal

WEST: LAFC, San Diego, Seattle, Minnesota, Austin, Houston, Vancouver, LA Galaxy, Portland, Real Salt Lake, FC Dallas, San Jose, St. Louis City, Colorado, Sporting KC

SUPPORTERS’ SHIELD: LAFC

EAST FINALIST: Inter Miami

WEST FINALIST: LAFC

MLS CUP: Inter Miami

MVP: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami

GOLDEN BOOT: Denis Bouanga, LAFC

COACH of the YEAR: Greg Vanney, LA Galaxy

BRISCOE

CHAMPIONS CUP: Toluca

OPEN CUP: New York City FC

LEAGUES CUP: Inter Miami CF

EAST: Miami, Nashville, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, New York City, Charlotte, Columbus, New York Red Bulls, Chicago, Orlando, Atlanta, Toronto, New England, DC United, Montreal

WEST: LAFC, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Minnesota, LA Galaxy, RSL, Dallas, Austin, Minnesota, Houston, Colorado, St Louis, SKC

SUPPORTERS’ SHIELD: Inter Miami

EAST FINALIST: Inter Miami

WEST FINALIST: LAFC

MLS CUP: LAFC

MVP: Lionel Messi

GOLDEN BOOT: Lionel Messi

COACH of the YEAR: BJ Callaghan, Nashville SC

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A reconfigured conference line-up will shake things up in the 32-team South Region in 2026. Florida-based teams from last-year’s Sunshine Conference join the Gulf Coast Conference while clubs from the Mississippi Delta area move into a conference of their own. WPSL Championships semifinalists, Chattanooga FC return to defend its South Region crown, along with 2025 conference winners DECATUR FC and LA Crewe Rush. Joining the region for inaugural WPSL seasons are District Elite FC, Valdosta FC, Little Rock Rangers SC, while returning clubs NCFC and Arlington Soccer will join Pensacola FC in fielding multiple teams. The Southeast Conference will host the 2026 South Region Playoffs.

The remainder of the article can be found through this link on the National Soccer Network! Most, and eventually all, Southeast Soccer Report articles in full will begin to appear on NSN, with full website merger details arriving at a later date.

CHATTANOOGA, TN —- Former Chattanooga Football Club captain Richard Dixon was appointed as the team’s interim head coach on Monday afternoon after the sudden departure of Chris Nugent. Nugent’s exit comes just five days ahead of the side’s opening pre-season game (vs. Birmingham Legion, Feb 7) and a month out from the opening of the MLS Next Pro season.

The club has been clear that Nugent’s departure came from a ‘shared understanding that the club requires a different leadership profile’. Regardless of the inner workings of the organization and the specific reasons for this decision, it certainly doesn’t appear to be an acrimonious split, given the kind parting words offered by both Nugent and club officials.

The remainder of the article can be found through this link on the National Soccer Network! Most, and eventually all, Southeast Soccer Report articles in full will begin to appear on NSN, with full website merger details arriving at a later date.

Triumph to play first few home games at Stone Stadium

The Greenville Triumph will open the 2026 season hosting their first three matches at Eugene Stone Stadium on the campus of Furman University. This will give the fans one last group of games at Furman ahead of the spring opening of the new stadium GE Vernova Park at BridgeWay Station in Mauldin. The season opener versus Chattanooga on March 14, a mid-week clash versus the USL1 expansion Cosmos on March 25, and a Sunday night match against Westchester on March 29 will be the three matches at Stone Stadium. All three matches kickoff at 7 PM.

UPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference alignment announced

The UPSL Premier Mid-Atlantic Conference has announced the Spring 2026 teams vying for one of the most competitive UPSL crowns in the nation. Perennial powers Soda City and the SC United Heat will have new South Carolina foes Electric City (Spring 2025 UPSL D1 Promotion Champs) and the South Carolina Surf (rebranding of former Charleston United franchise) battling it out for state bragging rights. Boiling Springs United will skip the Spring UPSL season leaving South Carolina with four franchises. Fall expansion team the Coastal Kings are back from Savannah, Georgia with several clubs from North Carolina (Asheville FC, Ballers FC, Mint Hill, Charlotte SA, Gastonia FC, Combine Academy, and Pre-College DA) rounding out the 12-team conference. The spring season will kickoff in early March.

Battery transfer Viggo Ortiz to Independence

The Charleston Battery preseason roster build continues as Viggo Ortiz has been permanently transferred to the USL1 Charlotte Independence. Ortiz played two seasons with the Battery organization beginning his journey in the USL Academy side before making his professional debut in the US Open Cup versus Tormenta in 2025. His first professional goal versus the Colorado Springs Switchbacks on October 13 put him in the Battery record books as the second-youngest goalscorer in club history at 17 years, 4 months old. The Battery will host MLS Next Pro side Crown Legacy this Saturday at 5 PM in their next preseason match.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- A Happy New Year from the Scenic City. As we near closer to the beginning of the 2026 season across different leagues, we’re seeing some significant roster building going on across the teams in the local area. Added to this has been the release of a number of regular season schedules, and the excitement to Spring builds. Here’s the latest soccer headlines from Chattanooga and nearby for January.

Chattanooga Challenge

On January 21, the National Soccer Network (NSN) announced the NSN Chattanooga Challenge 2026. This will bring together several regional UPSL and APSL clubs while supporting charitable organizations in the local area. The tournament will take place in Chattanooga, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Chattanooga Sports Ministries and City Fields (Cleveland, TN), organizations that use soccer to positively impact youth and families throughout the region.

Cleveland United FC (Cleveland, TN), Tango FC (Athens, TN), Scenic City SC (Chattanooga, TN), Georgia United FC (Smyrna, GA), Potros FC (Marietta, GA), and Red Top SC (Cartersville, GA) will compete for the new tournament. While the full schedule has yet to be released, NSN confirmed the opening match will feature Scenic City SC hosting Cleveland United FC on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM, to be played at the Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts. We’ll have more coverage of the Tournament as details are announced.

The remainder of the article can be found through this link on the National Soccer Network! Most, and eventually all, Southeast Soccer Report articles in full will begin to appear on NSN, with full website merger details arriving at a later date.

CHATTANOOGA, TN — Chattanooga Football Club recently confirmed their squad numbers for the 2026 season. After making no less than 11 new signings and renewing deals with several more players, Sporting Director Sebastian Giraldo and Head Coach Chris Nugent now have a deep squad of 25 professionals to work with.

In advance of their pre-season getting up-and-running, it’s a good time to look at the squad in-full.

Goalkeepers

Eldin Jakupović (#1)

Age: 41
Nationality: Switzerland, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Contract expiry: End of 2026
2025: Chattanooga FC (31 apps)
Former Leicester City, Everton, and Hull City keeper Jakupović played every single minute of CFC’s 2025 campaign and finished as the league leader in clean sheets (10) and total saves (124). He was named MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year. First name on the teamsheet in more ways than one.

Michael Barrueta (#51)

Age: 23
Nationality: United States
Contract expiry: End of 2026
2025: Chattanooga FC (0 apps)
Local keeper Barrueta will be hoping to make some competitive appearances for the club this season after deputizing for Jakupović for all of 2025.

The remainder of the article can be found through this link on the National Soccer Network! Most, and eventually all, Southeast Soccer Report articles in full will begin to appear on NSN, with full website merger details arriving at a later date.

Recent soccer news from the Palmetto State.

The opening matches of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are set for mid-March. The Greenville Triumph will travel to USL2 Asheville City in the first round on March 18 in a rematch of last year’s scoreless draw that saw the Triumph advance 4-3 in penalties. The Charleston Battery will host the Florida Badgers of the UPSL in their first-round match also on March 18. The Battery advanced into the knockout stages in the 2025 USOC and were eliminated in the Round of 32 at DC United. Both matches kickoff at 6:30 PM.

The Charleston Battery played their first preseason match against Charlotte FC last weekend in North Carolina falling 1-3 to the MLS side. The Battery continue to build their 2026 roster by signing former Battery man Laurent Kissiedou (2017) to a multi-year deal. After his debut with the Battery, Kissiedou has played for Memphis 901, Detroit City, and in the Czech First Division for FK Pardubice.

Greenville continues their 2026 roster construction signing the experienced Jamaican goalkeeper Amal Knight to a multi-year contract. Knight recently featured in the nets for the Charlotte Independence and previously played for Lexington SC. The reliable shot-stopper already sits in 7^th place in the all-time USL1 league history in saves and will bring his leadership and calming presence to the Triumph defense this season.

Soda City FC opened their preseason dates with a 2-2 draw versus Carolina Core last weekend. Jose Flores and Caree Collier found the nets for Soda in the match.

The South Carolina United Heat will hold Open Tryouts on February 3 at 7:30 PM. The tryouts are Free and players can register in person the day of the tryouts. Tryouts will be held at the Southeast Freight Lines soccer park located at 115 Sunbelt Blvd in Columbia.

The South Carolina Surf will be the UPSL team in the Charleston area this spring. The Surf are taking over the operations of the former Charleston United franchise keeping the USPL active in the Lowcountry. Tryouts will be held February 7 and 8 at the Shea Family Fields in Awendaw. Tryouts start at 5 PM both days.

USL Preseason Notes:

The USL Preseason dates are set for both the Battery and Triumph. Both teams will see a mix of NCAA, USL, MLS Next Pro, and MLS competition as they prepare for their 2026 campaigns.

The Charleston Battery will play both closed-door and open-to-the-public preseason matches as Coach Ben Pirmann looks to blend a strong batch of new signings into his USLC powerhouse squad. Despite several key players from 2025 moving elsewhere in the offseason, the Battery return a strong nucleus of talent that seems poised to stay at the top of the USLC table.

The Battery open the preseason on the road at Charlotte FC on January 23 before hosting four matches at the Point from January 31 to February 15. Two matches are closed-door versus Carolina Core (Jan. 31) and Greenville Triumph (Feb. 11) but fans can see the matches versus Crown Legacy (Feb. 07) and Tormenta (Feb. 15). The Battery then visit USLC expansion side Sporting Jax on February 21 before wrapping up the preseason dates in a match open to the fans versus The College of Charleston on February 27.

The Greenville Triumph will play all closed-door preseason matches as new boss Dave Dixon looks to build his squad ahead of their move into GE Vernova Park. NCAA D1 opponents Furman, Clemson, and Presbyterian are on the schedule along with matches against the Battery and Crown Legacy. The first preseason match is versus Tecce Football Collective on January 31.

UPSL Tryout Updates:

Electric City FC have postponed their tryouts scheduled for this coming weekend due to the wintery weather in the forecast. The new tryout dates are January 31 and February 1 with both dates at the Michelin Athletic Fields in Anderson from 2-4 PM.

Steven De Luna is a North Texas native, from Plano, TX. While not having much experience in a corporate soccer role, he has spent time teaching soccer around the world during his time in the United States Navy; mostly in Japan. He has had a passion for Soccer his whole life and brings in an unique resume, including teaching History, coaching multiple sports, and an interesting leadership style that re-imagines how the team will run in the upcoming season.

This announcement comes after the reveal of Rodeo SC, sister-team of Texoma FC, and new expansion team in USL1 for the 2027 season. Ran by the same ownership group, Steven De Luna will be handling all things Texoma while other notable figures in the staff and community may be working with Rodeo SC more exclusively.

New Coaches!

Texoma FC announced new assistant coaches! Tristan England is a developmental, and licensed coach through the USSF, (United States Soccer Federation) who also worked with Texoma Youth from 2024-present.

Solomon Asante was a key player in the first half of their debut season in USL1 for Texoma. Asante would unfortunately suffer a season ending injury. He is a phenomenal player but could show real promise as a coach, especially on the offensive side of the bal.

Moving North

Originally built in 1940, Munson Stadium — once the subject of rumor and now officially the home of Texoma FC — has been confirmed as the club’s new venue for the upcoming season. We had previously reported early in the season of a potential move out of Sherman, TX.

Rodeo SC President and Texoma FC Co-Founder Ben Watson said that Munson was never an option for professional play in USL League One due to field regulations, such as size. However, once Texoma moved down to USL League Two, which is considered semi-professional, it opened up avenues to look at different venues in the area.

Academy to Pro

Watson outlined Texoma’s increased focus on community-oriented events as their main focus for its second year, and said the club now completes its “player pathway” through participation in USL League Two, giving youth and academy players a tangible opportunity to compete at the semi-professional and professional levels. He mentioned the importance of providing an additional developmental platform for young adults that could lead to college scholarships or professional opportunities.

He also emphasized the importance of Texoma’s role in the developmental pipeline with USL implementing promotion and relegation in the near future.

Rodeo SC News

Rodeo SC continues to build their brand and ingrain themselves into the community of Celina, TX. With constant events over a year away from beginning their debut season, it does seem like the team is starting to gain some traction and excitement. Celina is one of the top 5 fastest growing cities in the entire United States.

President Ben Watson explained how important it was that they lean into the culture of the city, bringing a brand that people can connect to, and creating fun experiences that bring the community together through Soccer.

NSN Announces 2026 Chattanooga Challenge Soccer Tournament Benefiting Local Charities

Chattanooga, TN — The National Soccer Network (NSN) has announced the NSN Chattanooga Challenge 2026, a men’s soccer tournament bringing together top regional clubs while supporting charitable organizations in the Chattanooga area. The tournament will take place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a portion of proceeds benefiting local soccer-focused nonprofits.

You can read more details of the event here on the National Soccer Network website. The Southeast Soccer Report is currently in the process of onboarding writers and moving content to the NSN website after the announced merger on January 1. More information on how readers and free subscribers will be affected by the transition will be released in the coming weeks.

Image credit: Werder Bremen

Last week's report started out with the news that Head Coach Mark Briggs had left Birmingham Legion, and has been replaced by Jay Heaps. That was unexpected news, just a few days before players reported to start preseason camp. Since then, the club has steadily released good news.

The good news started with the announcement that an agreement has been reached to send 17 year-old Ramiz Hamouda to Werder Bremen in the Summer (after Ramiz turns 18). It was known that Bremen was interested in him, after he spent time in November of 2024 training with them and being evaluated. Hamouda had a busy 2025, appearing for over 1000 minutes with Legion, and finishing the year competing for the United States in the U17 World Cup. It's a tremendous move for him, and another indication of the kind of development going on with Birmingham.

Two trialists were announced by the club as well. Winger Alhassan Alhassan (Chattanooga Red Wolves 2025), and GK Daniel Gagliardi (Miami FC 2024). Alhassan is likely a prospect as a project; he's 20 years old and has shown flashes of ability, but needs some polishing. Gagliardi is a 29 year-old (happy birthday today!) who spent 2025 without a club. It's hard to say where Gagliardi might fit into the mix due to the uncertainty surrounding the position. Matt van Oekel is certainly still with the club, but there's been no information regarding whether he'll still have an on-field role, or just be coaching. Fernando Delgado left the club and has landed with Monterey Bay, and Trevor McMullen has returned. McMullen has shown promise, but has appeared in just one game as a professional.

The other piece of good news was that Ronaldo Damus has been signed by Legion after being with the club on loan in 2025. Damus is a top-notch striker, and led Legion last year with 11 goals. His presence was expected, but he's a critical piece for a Legion attack that is shaping up to have a ton of potential.

Dothan United

Image credit: Dothan United

Dothan has announced Ricky Davey as their new head coach for the upcoming USL2 season. Davey is currently the Associate Head Coach at Mercer, and was previously a coach in the Atlanta United Academy system. He's expected to have a similar style to outgoing coach Carl Reynolds, and will be looking to continue building on the success they've seen so far in the Wiregrass.

Former Celta de Vigo forward Tadeo Allende, who played a key role in Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS Cup run while on loan from the Spanish club, has signed a five-year contract with the Herons. CREDIT: Inter Miami CF

Los Garzas acquire cup-hero Allende in latest major signing

The rich certainly seem to be getting richer.

Since winning its first MLS Cup in December with the league’s most expensive roster, Inter Miami has bid farewell to legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets and continues to add depth and talent with a series of high-profile signings.

Playoffs hero Tadeo Allende is the Herons’ most recent acquisition. The Argentine winger, on loan from La Liga side Celta de Vigo, set a league record with nine goals in the 2025 MLS postseason, including the clinching score in Miami’s 3-1 Cup win Dec. 6 against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Some pundits doubted whether Allende would wear the Pink and Black this season, given his heightened profile, but managing owner Jorge Mas made it clear on Saturday that resigning Allende, 26, was a priority.

“Tadeo was a key player for us; it was extraordinary what he did at the end of the year, so yes, he will be on our roster this season and will be returning to camp in the coming days,” Mas told reporters at the Herons’ first day of preseason training Saturday.

Miami signed Allende through 2030, with an option for 2031. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Herons started the offseason focused on fortifying the defense, adding wing backs Facundo Mura and Sergio Reguilón, center back Micael, defensive midfielder David Ayala, and 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair.

More recently, they’ve focused on restocking an offense that led MLS in scoring each of the past two seasons (league best goal totals of 79 in 2024 and 81 last season).

New deals with Allende and veteran striker Luis Suarez (10 goals and 11 assists in league play last year after a 20/9 season in 2024) were the first steps in ensuring Lionel Messi has help in the attack; the Herons also reportedly will sign striker Germán Berterame from Mexican-side Monterrey in the coming days.

Inter Miami begins a three-game South American preseason tour Saturday with a game against Alianza Lima in Peru, followed by a Jan. 31 game against Atletico Nacional in Colombia and a Feb. 7 game against Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador.

Los Garzas will open the 2026 MLS season Feb. 21 at Los Angeles FC. Inter Miami’s first five matches are away from home while Miami Freedom Park Stadium construction is finished.

The first home game in the new stadium is scheduled for Apr. 4 against Austin FC.

CLEVELAND, TN —- Late last October, Cleveland United announced the appointment of Adam Christensen as the first Head Coach in club history. It represented a key milestone in the history of the new club, due to kick-off in UPSL Georgia Division One this Spring. As co-founder Albert Murza explained last year, brining Christensen on board meant that “every meeting isn’t just about logistics anymore—it’s about vision”. And vision may indeed be the most important attribute for a Head Coach looking to build a first roster in club history.

I sat down with Coach Christensen in Cleveland over the MLK Day weekend to chat about his journey in the game, his approach to his new job, and his vision for Cleveland United on the field.

Adam, thanks so much for chatting with us and congratulations on the new role. Can you tell us about how the position with CUFC came about?

Yeah, I saw a link on Indeed saying they were looking for a coach. I love coaching in college, but I also enjoy being a head coach—running a sustainable program. I was looking for a Head Coach role I could do in addition to assistant coaching at the college level [with Lee University in Cleveland]. I had never been involved in the club game, except with club teams at the University of Florida and time with Brooke House FC in USL U20 and an assistant in USL W. That was fun—I enjoyed it.

I was also thinking about getting into USL and UPSL and increasing my coaching levels. I saw the ad pop up, applied, and hoped they’d respond. I sat down with Albert [Murza, co-Founder], we were supposed to talk for 20 minutes, but it turned into 2 hours. After that, I met all the owners for a second meeting. They shared their vision—they are "community first" so they knew what the community wants. We discussed how to build that from a soccer perspective, particularly recruiting and assembling a roster. They offered me the job after that conversation.

Can you tell us about your personal journey in soccer?

Well, I was a four‑sport athlete, playing a different sport every season. As a soccer player, I played anywhere up top—wherever they needed someone fast. Mostly striker or winger. When I got to college, I went to Lee my freshman year and ran track and cross country—two very different sports. Then I transferred to Trevecca Nazarene in Nashville, where I played soccer and ran track. I ended up in Hampden-Sydney in Virginia my last two years, playing soccer.

I moved to Florida where I started my first company. I figured I needed a life, to not be in the office all day and night—I did two different things, I got a puppy, and started coaching. At the University of Florida, I coached the club teams—men’s assistant my first year, women’s head coach my second. I moved into high school coaching, won a state championship with a Florida program, went 16‑0 in my first season. Eventually I became a college assistant, still coaching high school in the winters.

I progressed from there—Head Coach at the DII level in West Virginia on the women’s side, assistant for both men and women. I’ve coached in Conference Carolinas, at Trine University in Indiana (where we had the best season in school history—a conference championship), and in the Gulf South with Lee.

We moved here to Cleveland in October 2024. My wife works at Lee, so I connected with the soccer coach there and took on the Assistant Coach role. I went to Lee for one year running track and cross country, so I had some connections already. I’d always wanted to play for them, so to coach them and be a part of the program, its awesome.

Was there a particular part of your journey that really shaped you approach to soccer?

The high school I went to was very competitive with high expectations. I didn’t play until my senior year. In college I had seven head coaches in six semesters because of transfers and multiple sports. So I’ve seen the good, bad, ugly, and everything in between.

My Lee track coach was great. In soccer, Ian McMichael at Hampden‑Sydney—eventually at Barton—was the first person who gave me a break in college coaching. He didn’t play me much, ironically. I didn’t always agree with him, but he was a great mentor.

I learned what to do—and what not to do—as a coach from a lot of the coaches I’ve had. I learned that you’re not supposed to be the players’ friend, but they need to trust and respect you. The goal is to make players better every single day—not just yell at them. My philosophy: it’s nice if people like each other, but they *must* trust each other.

Do you plan to stay on as Lee’s assistant while being Head Coach at CUFC?

Yes, I’ll still do it. We have guys from Lee who will be on the Cleveland United team. So it’s a good transition—finishing their college careers while still playing at a high level. Many players get lost in the gap between college and the pros. The more bridges you create, the better. With players from nearby Lee, Bryant, Tennessee Wesleyan, and others, you get guys in the prime of their careers in one place.

So, how have the first few months been?

It’s gone well. We’ve had two tryout dates so far, about 30 guys at each one. I’m very happy with the turnout—lots of guys want a place to play in a professional environment. No matter the level, you want to create that environment. Every day, players and staff should get a little better.

Most of the guys are local, with a few from Lee and Tennessee Wesleyan, and many from Chattanooga. They have big clubs there, so it’s great they came out. We don’t have an academy yet, underlying clubs to hold things up. It’s unique. I’m happy with the quality—we’ll have a decent squad. Playing in UPSL Division 1 initially is good as it gives us a clear baseline and hopefully a path to the Premier Division.

We hope to start training in about a week and a half.

I’d read that in your time at Trine University, you specialized in player acquisition and ID. How does that experience help now?

Recruiting—college or semi‑pro—is about knowing the type of player your program attracts. Colleges often cast the widest net possible, but the best models develop a niche and target players who fit it.

You need a bedrock type of player and student. Don’t waste time on people who don’t fit your identity. That’s something I learned.

Do you have a preferred playing style? Or will it depend on available players?

I do have a preferred style. Coaches always do. If its simple that’s one thing, if it’s complicated, it takes a long time to teach. Over the last few years, I’ve developed a system that has evolved.

I like giving players freedom in the attacking third. I love the ideas of total football. Not in the sense of players running around wherever they want, but in using triangles and diamonds so players can move the ball more freely and be more creative, instead of rigid box‑shaped play that doesn’t fit with natural body movement. Box angles are 90 degrees which are hard to automatically play from. Triangles offer 120 degree movement and play.

In possession, I prefer three at the back, a single pivot, and wingers providing depth—more of a 3‑4‑3. In defense, it transitions into a 4‑4‑2 or 4‑2‑3‑1. We’ll look different in and out of possession. I want us to bait presses, create artificial transitions, attack quickly, and get in behind.

Unlike some other UPSL sides that more like Academy outlets, Cleveland United is a community club that is targeting fan presence. Fans expect to be entertained. Does that influence your style?

Soccer is supposed to be a game. Soccer is supposed to be fun. So why would we play scared? I don’t want a mentality of fear. We’ll chase the game—whether it’s the best or worst team in the conference. We’ll impose our identity.

If it’s not beautiful or fun, why would anyone watch? A community‑based team should be entertaining. Drama matters. There’s a quote I like [from Gian Piero Gasperini]; “if you win without danger, there's no glory to your triumph”.

I’d rather high‑press—and if the opponent beats us with skill, fine, they were the better team. But we won’t sit back.

Thoughts on the UPSL Division One you’ll be playing in?

We went to some games in the fall to see the competition level. The level is strong, but from what I’ve seen, I believe we can put a competitive team on the field. There’s no “team to beat”—just a goal to get the most points and push for first place.

We prepare for each opponent with a clean slate—what do they do well, what are their weaknesses? I’m excited. I think we’ll surprise people in our first year.

Do you have a message for the community in Cleveland? Why should they come support this team this Spring?

This is a team *from* the community, *of* the community, and *for* the community. You should be proud of the people you live with and the community you build. College towns let you choose your people—football clubs extend that.

Its like how football started in England—local players and communities. We’ll have players from all over, but the foundation is local talent. You’ve got to be proud of your community.

My thanks to Coach Christensen and to Cleveland United FC for taking the time to speak with the Southeast Soccer Report. You can follow the club’s journey by visiting their website or following them on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

CHATTANOOGA —- Chattanooga Football Club has confirmed its pre-season schedule and opponents in advance of the 2026 MLS Next Pro season. The schedule sees them welcome four sides to Finley Stadium across four matches, two of which will be behind closed doors. TECCE FC, Birmingham Legion FC, One Knoxville SC, and Georgia Southern are the visitors after a busy off-season in the transfer market.

Chattanooga FC v TECCE FC (Sunday, 25th January at 15:00pm)

Kicking things off will be the visit of the Tecce Football Collective on Sunday 25th January. This is not a soccer club per say, it plays in no league. Rather, it’s a sort of hub that provides training, exposure, and pro and college connections for young players in that nexus between youth, amateur, and pro soccer. In a sense, it’s a kind of agency mixed with an academy that plays friendlies and hosts combines. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, it is closely connected with South Carolina United of USL League Two. As well as visiting Finley, they will also be playing friendlies against Greenville Triumph, South Georgia Tormenta, Red Wolves, and Charlotte Independence of USL League One this pre-season.

This will be the first time CFC has played TECCE FC. The game is closed and fans will not be allowed to attend.

Chattanooga FC v Birmingham Legion FC (Sunday, 8th February at 15:00pm)

The afternoon of Sunday February 8th sees Birmingham Legion come to town in what will be CFC’s first open friendly. Legion began playing in 2019 and competes in the USL Championship. In 2025 they finished bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a 5-13-12 record and a goal difference of -14. This offseason, their Head Coach Mark Briggs departed the organization for a job on the coaching staff of FC Dallas. He was replaced immediately with former New England Revolution boss Jay Heaps, who has been working within the Legion organization since 2018. Haitian international Ronaldo Damus (on loan from GIF Sundsvall in Sweden) was their top scorer in 2025 with 11 goals.

This is the third year in-a-row that Chattanooga and Birmingham have met in pre-season. In 2024, the USL side were 3-0 winners at Finley Stadium in CFC’s penultimate exhibition match before their maiden MLS NEXT Pro season. Last year, Chattanooga were 3-2 winners over Legion in a preseason game played at the latter’s training facility in Alabama. An Ameziane Sid Mohand (retained for 2026) brace and a goal from substitute Robert Screen (recently released) gave CFC the win. Their first meeting, however, was back in 2021 when Birmingham ran out 2-0 winners at BBVA Field, the home of UAB’s soccer program.

The sides have met once in competitive circumstances. In April 2023 a penalty-shootout was all that separated them in the Third Round of the US Open Cup, controversially played in Tuscaloosa. Markus Naglestad (recently released) netted in a 1-1 tie that ended with a Legion shootout win 4 to 3.

The game on February 8th is open only to season ticket holders. It will be Legion’s second pre-season fixture after they host Nashville SC on January 31st. Chattanooga resident Alhassan Alhassan who has played for nearby sides Red Wolves and Kaistorms is among the Legion trialists. Another trialist familiar to some in the Scenic City will be goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi who played at Finley in the colors of Syracuse Pulse back in the 2022 NISA season.

Chattanooga FC v One Knoxville SC (Saturday, 14th February at 15:00pm)

One Knoxville’s Valentine’s Day visit to Finley Stadium will be the only CFC pre-season match open to the wider public. Following the demise of the NPSL’s Knoxville Force in 2018-19, One Knox first took to the field in 2022, fielding a side in USL League Two. After a successful debut season, they jumped to USL League One from 2023 and last year were crowned champions after beating Spokane Velocity 2-0 at home in the League One Final in November. They also won the Players' Shield after finishing the regular season in first place. Jordan Skelton and Sean Lewis won the league’s best defender and goalkeeper of the year awards respectively and were named to the All-League First Team of the Season.

This is the fourth time CFC and One Knox will contest the Tennessee River Showdown in pre-season. CFC won the first edition of the derby in 2023 thanks to an Olympic goal from captain Alex McGrath. In 2025, the clubs drew 1-1 at Finley Stadium. The visitors scored a penalty before new signing Keegan Ancelin equalized for Chattanooga with his first goal as a professional. A third meeting between the two teams in 2024’s preseason was not completed due to weather conditions.

This game is open to all and tickets can be purchased from CFC’s website HERE.

Chattanooga FC v Georgia Southern (Sunday, 21st February at 15:00pm)

Rounding out the club’s pre-season will be the visit of Georgia Southern Eagles on February 21st in what will be another closed game.

The Eagles are coming off an impressive 2025 campaign, finishing with an overall record of 13-4-1 and a Sun Belt Conference record of 6-3-0. They earned the fourth seed in the SBC tournament and achieved a national ranking for six weeks during the season. The season ended in the Sun Belt Conference tournament quarterfinals with a 3-2 overtime loss to UCF in November. Forward Ricky Louis was a standout player and selected as the second overall pick for FC Dallas in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. Midfielder Kevin Pierre was a second round pick for NYCFC. Head coach Lee Squires was given a three-year contract extension following the successful season.

To my knowledge, this will be the first time Chattanooga FC and Georgia Southern will have faced one another, but if I am wrong about that, please let me know in the comments below.

I expect the MLS Next Pro schedule for 2026 to drop within the next week meaning that by the time CFC kicks off its pre-season, the lay of the land for the regular season should be known. And while the club has been busy in recruitment, it is my understanding that more signings are still to come as CFC looks to establish a firm roster in advance of the season kick-off.

So, CFC fans should have the full season schedule and possibly new players by the time their side takes on TECCE on January 25th.

Georgia-side Kalonji Pro-Profile’s run in the UPSL Southeast Region came to an end Saturday afternoon as Miami United FC edged past the Georgia side 1-0 in the Regional Final, booking their place in the National Quarterfinals.

Played under cool temperatures, light rain, and a heavy sense of occasion, the match carried added weight for Kalonji Pro-Profile, who entered the final as Georgia’s lone representative. Miami United, finalists at this stage a year ago, arrived with experience and confidence, and ultimately relied on their control of possession and game management to see out the result.

The opening half was tense and evenly contested. Kalonji were handed an early opportunity from the penalty spot, but the Miami goalkeeper Franco Acerbi produced a double save to keep the match scoreless. The miss set the tone for a half defined by narrow margins, with chances appearing at both ends but no clear breakthrough.

Miami enjoyed more of the ball through the first 45 minutes, frequently building from the back and stretching Kalonji wide, while KSA relied on defensive discipline and moments of physicality to disrupt the rhythm. Kalonji’s goalkeeper was called into action several times and delivered a composed performance to ensure the sides entered halftime level.

After the break, Kalonji Pro-Profile emerged with renewed energy and pressed higher up the field. However, Miami remained patient, resetting through their back line and continuing to dictate tempo. As the second half wore on, Miami’s comfort in possession began to tell.

The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Sony Norde found space and finished clinically to give Miami United the lead. From there, Miami managed the match expertly, limiting Kalonji’s ability to settle the ball and build sustained attacks.

While the scoreline remained close, Miami’s control in the latter stages reflected their experience at this level. Kalonji struggled to regain momentum, often forced into direct play that Miami defended comfortably.

Despite the disappointment, Kalonji Pro-Profile’s run to the Southeast Regional Final stands as a significant achievement. The Lawrenceville-based side once again carried Georgia’s banner deep into the postseason, reinforcing the growing strength and visibility of the state’s soccer community.

Miami United advance to the UPSL National Quarterfinals, while Kalonji exit with their heads held high after another strong regional campaign.

There have been plenty of off-the-field moves around the Palmetto State since the beginning of 2026 and here are the headlines you might have missed.

Charleston Battery

New players, new coaches, and 2026 game day promotions highlight the recent news out of the Lowcounty. There has been a flurry of players joining the Battery over the past two weeks. MLS Veteran Miguel Berry, US U-19 Colton Swan, and 2025 USLC champ Sean Suber will all call the Point home for the 2026 season.

The Battery technical staff also added former Tormenta boss Ian Cameron, Rob Seaton from CoC, and Pete Calabrese from the Rowdies fitness staff to assist Head Coach Ben Pirmann this campaign.

All the match day theme nights were published earlier this week with Cinco de Mayo (5/2), Military Appreciation (5/30), Back to School (8/22), and fireworks (6/13) all highlighting game day promotions this season.

Greenville Triumph

In the Upstate, new Triumph boss Dave Dixon is busy building his staff and squad ahead of the club’s historic move into their new stadium GE Vernova Park. Joel Tyson joins the technical staff after helping NC State to their historic College Cup run in 2025. Former Triumph player and most recent member of Forward Madison, Devin Boyce returns to the club after playing around the USL for Forward, Omaha, and Memphis during his time away. The home opener for the Triumph is set for March 14.

UPSL Premier

It is tryout season for the UPSL teams ahead of the Spring 2026 season.

The defending Mid-Atlantic champs the SC United Heat are adding several positions including assistant coach, goalkeeper coach, strength and conditioning coach, and video analyst for the coming season. Contact the Heat at scuheat@gmail.com for information.

Soda City FC will hold tryouts on January 17 at 3 PM at Irmo High School. Check the Soda Socials for details on how to register.

Electric City will hold tryouts of both their UPSL D1 team and new UPSL Premier team on January 24 and 25 at the Michelin Athletic Fields in Anderson. Interested players can get the sign-up link from Electric’s Instagram.

UPSL Division 1

River City FC will take a break this spring from UPSL action but will still be fielding teams in SCASA Sunday League as well as playing NPSL, UPSL, and college friendlies. Details on how to be part of the River Family can be found on the River social media accounts.