USL League One debuted in 2019 with the goal of bringing professional soccer to the U.S. Within five years they’ve grown to 14 clubs around the country including the league’s latest addition, Westchester Soccer Club. The majority owner is Rye resident (and medical cannabis pioneer) Mitchell Baruchowitz. A lifelong soccer fan who played through his youth on Long Island, Baruchowitz was planning to play in college but a leg injury during his senior year of high school derailed that dream. When asked why he’s worked so hard to bring a soccer team to Westchester, he answered simply, “If not me, then who?” Westchester Soccer Club (WSC) is set to make its home debut on April 27 at Memorial Stadium in Mount Vernon. The venue holds just 4,000, but Baruchowitz believes this intimacy will enhance the spectator experience, giving fans more opportunities to engage with both the team and the community. With plans for a pop-up beer garden at halftime, gourmet food trucks, and player meet-and-greets after each match, this could end up being the hottest ticket in town—a hot ticket that could set you back as little as $15.
The county is home to diverse cultures, and WSC seems to be mirroring that spirit with recent signings. Former New York Red Bull Kemar Lawrence hails from Kingston, Jamaica, and plays at left back. Midfielder Daniel Bouman is a Dutch national who was raised in Sydney, Australia. America’s own Conor McGlynn is a USL League One veteran playing midfield; the Queens native is fresh offof winning the 2024 USL Championship Eastern Conference title with expansion side (a term for a new team in an expanding league) Rhode Island FC. The players’ varied backgrounds give supporters the chance to rally behind their neighbors and their fellow countrymen this season.
Leading the team is head coach and Wexford, Ireland native Dave Carton. For the past three years, he served as assistant coach of another League One franchise, Charlotte Independence. Before he interviewed for the head coach job, he had never been to Westchester but after flying in to meet with Baruchowitz, he felt like he could call it home. “It’s a beautiful part of the country,” says Carton. “To be so close to a major metropolis and still keep its uniqueness, it’s really impressive. A lot of the people I met with in the community had a natural drive that I really aligned with. I didn’t want to go somewhere where I could get away with being second best.”
And he wants the fans to be a big part of the football club’s winning future. “I want the visiting club to feel like they must get through the fans before they make it to the pitch,” he adds. “I want people in the stands to match the intensity that we play with. And I want everybody engaged, whether they’re 8 years old or 80. Each moment can help build an exciting atmosphere!”
For a schedule of games and to purchase tickets visit westchestersc.com
Related: Stretch and Tone at Pilates Studios Across Westchester County
