Long Island, you’re getting a pro soccer team. And one of our own is building it.
Sara Whalen Hess grew up in Greenlawn, played at Harborfields High, and won the 1999 Women’s World Cup with Team USA. Now she’s co-founder and president of USL Long Island, a new men’s club.
- What
- USL Long Island, a new men’s pro soccer club in USL League One
- Where
- James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University, Hempstead
- When
- Targeting a March 2028 debut
- Info
- usllongisland.com
League One is the third division of U.S. pro soccer. The club still needs final league and federation sanctioning.
She’s teaming up with principal owner and co-founder Glenn Schneider. A team name, crest and colors are coming in the next few months, along with a head coach, tickets and sponsorships.
The roster plan mixes young prospects and seasoned pros. Matchdays could bring music, food, giveaways and maybe fireworks. “I want the music to be awesome,” she told Greater Long Island. We like her already.
A Long Island story
Soccer was her safe space growing up here, and she wants the club to give that feeling back, starting in local communities well before opening day.
A women’s team is on her list too, once the men’s side is done right.
We’ll share the name, the crest and the kickoff date as soon as they drop. Keep it locked to WLIT.FM.
Source: Greater Long Island. Photo: USL Long Island.
