Lionsbridge Football Club, or Lionsbridge FC, is an American soccer club based in Newport News, Virginia. The club was founded in 2017, and play in USL League Two.[1] The club's colors are blue, black and white, and the club is named for the Lions Bridge, the iconic Peninsula landmark that has stood along the James River and in the Mariners' Museum Park since 1923.[2] The team plays its home games at TowneBank Stadium on the campus of Christopher Newport University.
The original founders include Mike Vest, Kevin Joyce, and Dan Chenoweth, all of whom are Virginia Peninsula residents.[3] Lionsbridge FC announced its launch on June 9, 2017, via a social media release. At the time of the team's announcement, the club invited fans to help determine its crest via a fan vote on social media. More than 600 people voted [4] and the team unveiled the winning design in July 2017. The crest integrates four identifying features of the Virginia Peninsula - the Lions Bridge, the team's location and launch year, the James and York Rivers, and the region's importance as a hub of the United States military.[5]
Lionsbridge FC announced its league affiliation (Premier Development League) and TowneBank Stadium (then known as Pomoco Stadium) agreement (with Christopher Newport University) during a press conference on November 14, 2017.[6][7]
The club named Chris Whalley as its first head coach on February 14, 2018.[8]
On May 5, 2018, Lionsbridge FC played their inaugural game against Evergreen FC at the Evergreen Sportsplex, which ended in 1-1 draw, with Jalon Brown scoring the first goal in the club's history. On May 16, 2018, the club played their first home game, securing a 5-1 victory over Evergreen FC, with Max Poelker being the first Lionsbridge player to score at home. [9] Lionsbridge finished their first season in the PDL South Atlantic Division in 3rd place, recording 4 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses.
In 2019, the PDL was rebranded into USL League Two as Lionsbridge continued to grow in popularity. The club broke a record for single-game attendance on July 3rd, 2019 against Tri-Cities Otters, drawing a crowd of 3,235, which was the largest attendance in USL League Two in 2019. On July 9th, Lionsbridge FC played against a professional team for the first time in their history, losing 0-5 to the Richmond Kickers in a friendly. LBFC finished the 2019 season in 5th place, with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses.
The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lionsbridge FC experienced a marked improvement in the 2021 season. They finished 2nd in the South Atlantic Division, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in the club's history. Attendance also continued to rise, with a new record set on July 3rd, 2021, when 3,417 people watched a 6-0 victory against Tobacco Road FC. Lionsbridge FC was eliminated in the Southern Conference Playoffs Quarterfinal with a 0-2 loss against Tormenta FC 2.
For the 2022 season, USL League Two underwent a restructuring, and Lionsbridge FC was placed in the Chesapeake Division. This season proved to be their most successful yet, as they went undefeated in the league and won the Chesapeake Division title, the first league title in the club's history. Their season record of 12 wins and 2 draws also meant they were crowned the USL League Two Regular Season title. The attendance record was once again broken on July 3rd, 2022, when 3,547 people came out to watch Lionsbridge FC defeat Virginia Beach United in the Coastal Virginia Challenge Cup.
In 2023, Lionsbridge FC successfully defended their Chesapeake Division title and also won the Eastern Conference title for the first time in the clubs history. They reached the USL League Two National Final but lost 1-2 to Ballard FC, with the decisive goal coming from a last-minute free kick by Peter Kingston.
Chris Whalley – Head Coach
Jamie Gunderson – Assistant Coach Josh Spencer – Assistant Coach Fernando Zuniga – Assistant CoachThis list contains former players who went on to play professionally after they left the club.
Tom Devitt – Gateshead FC, Blythe United, Stranraer FC, Hebburn Town[10] Josh Spencer – Hinckley A.F.C.[11] Joe Rice – Richmond Kickers, New England Revolution II, Loudoun United FC, Detroit City FC.[12]
Fortia Munts – Valentine Eleebana Phoenix (Australia),[13] Unio Esportiva Vic Simon Fitch – Richmond Kickers[14] Adrian Rebollar - Monterey Bay FC [15] JP Scearce – Union Omaha, Phoenix Rising FC[16]
Oscar Ramsay – Charlotte Independence, North Shore United[12][17] Luke Brown – Hitchin Town FC, Stowmarket Town FC[18] Rene White – Real Salt Lake[19]
Thibaut Jacquel – FC Dallas,[20] CS Fola Esch Emeka Eneli - Real Salt Lake[21] Alex Touche – New Mexico United,[22] Union Omaha Matthew Bentley – Minnesota United,[23] Dover Athletic, Richmond Kickers[24] Peter Dearle - Alfreton Town Matty Cornish – Darlington FC [25] Chris Whalley – (2018 - Present)The club’s official supporters group, known as The Defenders of the Bridge, occupies the supporters section dubbed, 'The Lions Den.' In addition to their vocal support through singing and chanting, the Defenders are known for waving flags and setting off smoke during matches. They also frequently travel to away games and are actively involved in community service.
Lionsbridge FC has consistently led its conference in attendance for each of its six seasons. Among over 100 USL League Two clubs, Lionsbridge ranked 4th nationally in attendance in 2018, 3rd in 2019, 3rd in 2021, and 2nd in 2022. [26]
League
Cup
Awards
Lionsbridge FC's inaugural season sponsors included Chick-fil-A (Official Jersey Sponsor), Riverside Health System (Official Sports Medicine Provider), Planet Fitness (Official Health Club), Nike (Official Apparel Supplier) and Financial Security Group.[27][28][29][30]