League Two News

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO (June 18th, 2025) – Following a narrow loss at home, the Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati men will look to pick up three points when they remain at home to host Dayton Dutch Lions FC.

A 1-0 loss to division leaders Fort Wayne FC certainly stung for KHFC, especially considering they were the dominant team for much of the match. But they’ll now have to force the memories of that loss out of their mind when Dayton comes south to the Lindner Family Sports Complex.

Earlier this season, KHFC and Dayton played to a scoreless draw at DOC Stadium in Dayton. That mild affair started a four game winless run for KHFC, but they can’t afford another one of those if they hope to make the USL League Two Playoffs this season.

The Hammers sit nine points back from second place Lexington, but with five games to go, they aren’t necessarily out of it yet. A win here would go a long way in the table and for their confidence too as they are set to travel to Lexington after this game. Of course, the focus is solely on the nearest game ahead of them.

As far as Dayton are concerned though, any points will suffice as they find themselves where few would envy to be: second to last, just three points clear of last place KHFC Columbus. They do enter this game in Cincy on a bit of a high note though, after dispatching of KHFC Columbus 2-1 on the road in New Albany.

Will Dayton make it two straight wins against KHFC teams, or will KHFC Cincinnati continue their stellar play to a victory this time? Fans can find out by attending the game at the Lindner Family Sports Complex, which they are encouraged to do. Those unable to attend can, as always, stream the game via Sports Engine Play.

Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. kickoff can be found here!

Match Details:

Wednesday, June 18th – 7:00 p.m. – Lindner Family Sports Complex

Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati (2-3-2) vs Dayton Dutch Lions FC (1-4-1).Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2025 USL 2 League season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO (June 14th, 2025) – After a hard fought 90 minutes, the Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati men fell just short to Fort Wayne FC thanks in part to a late goal.

Entering the game off of a victory against rivals Columbus, spirits were high in the KHFC Cincinnati camp as they welcomed division leader Fort Wayne to town. And those high spirits were on full display early on as KHFC would earn a corner less than a minute into the game, although nothing would come from it.

Fort Wayne would get the first shot of the game though as Mamadou Diarra forced a save out of KHFC goalkeeper Jack Moxom in the 5th minute. Moxom would then start a beautiful counterattack the other way, finding Noah Amissah in the attacking half. Amissah would bring the ball down, and after some beautiful back and forth passing, midfielder Nick McHenry would have a chance from inside the box, but his shot would be saved by Fort Wayne goalie Aurie Briscoe.

McHenry would get another chance less than 10 minutes later as defender Wade Stinson would rise above the Fort Wayne defense to win a header, nodding it into the path of the midfielder, but McHenry’s shot would go over the top of the bar.

The game began to find a rhythm over the next quarter of an hour with both teams fashioning chances of their own, but none were better than KHFC forward Noah Amissah’s in the 30th minute. After being played through from a ball over the top, Amissah would strike the ball with pace, but once again Briscoe would save for Fort Wayne.

Despite KHFC having the more of the momentum, Fort Wayne continued to keep them honest in defence, especially in the 34th minute when a cross from the left side found Fort Wayne forward Matthew Catavolo unmarked at the back post. Catavolo would take a shot on the half volley, but Jack Moxom continued his stellar first half in goal by reacting quickly to make a close range save.

Early in the second half, Fort Wayne began to see more of the ball which led to two shots within the first five minutes from Mamadou Diarra, both of which resulted in saves. 

KHFC would still keep some of their momentum, as Wade Stinson once ahead got his head to a corner, except this time he drove it towards the far post, where it whizzed just inches wide of the upright.

The Hammers would continue to pile on the pressure, getting chance after chance from close range. But no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn’t find that breakthrough.

Fort Wayne were keeping themselves in the game, and then, late on, found a way to put themselves fully in control. After a scramble in the box off of an 81st-minute corner, Fort Wayne defender Thiago Dias would find the ball at his feet. Dias made no mistake about it, and ripped home a shot from just within the six yard box, rippling the back of the net and putting the visitors ahead 1-0.

KHFC would continue to push for a goal of their own, this time with a bit more urgency. Stinson would once again get his head to a ball, but couldn’t hit the target. McHenry would get a chance as well, but couldn’t beat Briscoe in goal.

Fort Wayne trickled away the last few minutes of stoppage time and walked away with all three points on the road.

The Hammers now find themselves in a precarious situation, sitting nine points behind second place Lexington SC with only five games remaining. This means, that mathematically speaking, KHFC needs to win three of their last five games. But after a very strong showing tonight– despite the loss– it’s reasonable to imagine that happening.

They’ll be back in action at home against Dayton Dutch Lions FC on Wednesday, June 18th, and fans are encouraged to cheer them on as they begin their run in!

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO (June 14th, 2025) – After crusading to Columbus to conquer fellow KHFC team Kings Hammer FC Columbus, the newly crowned Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati men will return to Cincy in hopes of getting revenge against Fort Wayne FC.

        A 2-0 victory in the inaugural “Crusade for the Crown” seems like it has the KHFC Cincinnati men back on the right track after being winless in their last four, albeit two of those ending in draws. Now, with four games to go in the season, the playoffs could be a very real possibility for KHFC.

        The Hammers sit eight points behind Fort Wayne FC, meaning that a win would put them only five points away with three games to go, a very realistic margin to overcome. That, of course, relies on a win against Fort Wayne. A loss, on the other hand, begins to paint a grim picture.

        Earlier this season, when the two met in Indiana, a very even first half ended 0-0. For a long time, KHFC was in the game before Fort Wayne eventually took control of the match after the break, winning 3-1.

        Now, back in Cincinnati, KHFC will no doubt be aiming to be the team with control in the second half. While this game may not demand a win mathematically for the Hammers to stay in contention, it would certainly be unhelpful to lose.

        As mentioned earlier, a loss makes the road to the playoffs a lot more difficult. Fort Wayne FC would go 11 points clear of third place. KHFC, meanwhile, would find themselves nine points behind Lexington SC, meaning the only way to the playoffs would be winning three of the last five while Lexington loses three of their last five. 

It’s not impossible considering KHFC and Lexington play each other on the final matchday, but it would take a lot of hard work and a bit of a blessing from lady luck.

All told, this upcoming match against Fort Wayne is the biggest game of the season to date. Fans are more than encouraged to head to the Lindner Family Sports Complex at CHCA and voice their support for the Hammers. A great backing from the fans could give them a boost that starts a magical run in.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and tickets for the match can be purchased here!

Match Details:

Saturday, June 14th – 7:00 p.m. – Lindner Family Sports Complex

Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati (2-2-2) vs Fort Wayne FC (5-0-1).

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2025 USL 2 League season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.

COLUMBUS, OH (June 12th, 2025) – The KHFC Cincinnati Men bring home the crown in the first-ever game in the Crusade for the Crown against KHFC Columbus!

Kings Hammer FC vs Kings Hammer FC, the first time these two sibling clubs have had the chance to play against each other either the USL League Two. KHFC Columbus is having it’s inaugural season this year in the USL League Two, making KHFC Cincinnati the favorite going into the match bringing in that previous experience. KHFC Columbus did put up a fair fight, and only falling to KHFC Cincinnati at the end of the match.

In the first opening minutes, Columbus received a through ball with a 1v1 against Jack Moxom, but the shot on goal was saved, keeping the score 0-0.

In the next 20 minutes of play, Columbus looked strong, with the ball not being able to leave Cincinnati’s half, but they started making reckless challenges.

In the 41st minute, KHFC Cincinnati’s Dominic Breidenbach scored a wonderful volley into the top right corner of Columbus’ net. This set the score to 1-0 with not much time left to go in the first half.

Going into the second half, KHFC Cincinnati’s Men were working to score again with a constant press, not allowing Columbus to get to their box. Cincinnati was able to keep Columbus down on the defense for the majority of the beginning of the half.

In the 70th minute, Columbus received a free kick, but it was quickly cleared away. In the 76th minute, with Cincinnati on the counter, the ball was shot on goal, but went wide and barely missed the left post.

In the 89th minute, Columbus had a header on target, but was intercepted by Moxom. A beautiful cross from across the field to KHFC Cincinnati’s Bennet Gerak allowed him to scored an easy goal in the 90th minute, which put Cincinnati up two and the score at 2-0.

Two minutes of added time were given, but to no avail for KHFC Columbus. The final score was 2-0, and Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati won the first-ever game in the Crusade for the Crown, making the all-time series score 1-0.

With three more points added to the leader board, Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati is in 3rd with 8 total points. We are looking forward to the KHFC Cincinnati Men playing this Saturday, July 14th, at home against Fort Wayne FC, who are hopeful to keep this momentum up to add some more points. Come on down to CHCA’s Founders Campus or watch the stream online to cheer the boys on!

NEW ALBANY, OHIO (June 11th, 2025) – USL League Two’s newest rivalry is set to explode into action when Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati travels two hours north to take on fellow KHFC club Kings Hammer FC Columbus.

The newly named “Crusade for the Crown” will see two teams from the same organization go head-to-head with three points up for grabs in the USL League Two Valley Division.

Both sides enter fresh off of draws over the weekend, both by scores of 2-2. KHFC Columbus will hope that their draw is a sign of good things to come, as that stands as the only points they have picked up in their four games to date. KHFC Cincinnati on the other hand hopes that their draw marks the end of a four-game streak in which they’ve dropped points.

The KHFC squads find themselves outside the playoff picture currently, and with only four games remaining for KHFC Cincinnati after this crusade, a win would keep them mathematically alive in the playoff hunt by landing them only eight points adrift from Fort Wayne FC. KHFC Columbus sits farther adrift and, barring something drastic, it seems as though their playoff hunt was over before it started, sitting fifth above Dayton on goal difference.

While there may be different end goals for the season when comparing the two teams, one thing remains certain: no one wants to lose their derby, especially the inaugural one. 

Two teams, two cities separated by 100 miles and one organization make the perfect formula for an explosive new rivalry that fans can catch in person by traveling to Columbus or streaming via Sports Engine Play.

Match Details:

Wednesday, June 11th – 7:00 p.m. – Veterans Field

“The Crusade for the Crown” – Kings Hammer FC Columbus (0-3-1) vs Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati (1-2-2).

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2025 USL 2 League season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (June 8th, 2025) – The KHFC Cincinnati Men end their loss streak with a tie against West Virginia United. 

The first 10 minutes of the first half were quiet, but as soon as the 11th minute hit, a shot on KHFC’s goal was saved by their captain, Jack Moxom. Immediately in the 13th minute, KHFC retaliated with a shot on goal, which West Virginia’s Crawley was able to save.

West Virginia snapped back with a goal in the 15th minute, scored by Kreik, putting them up 1.

On the counterattack, KHFC’s Bennett Painter was alone with a 1v1 to goal but was tackled in the 18-yard box and was awarded a penalty. Painter made it look easy when he scored the penalty, putting 1 on the board for KHFC and making the score level at 1-1 in the 25th minute.

For the rest of the half, the ball seemed to be stuck in the midfield. In the 41st minute, KHFC’s Drew Gaydosh was given a yellow card, and in the 45th minute, a penalty was awarded to West Virginia.

Up to this moment, Moxom had a flawless record in blocking penalties this season, and he was anxious to keep it. In the 1st minute of added time for the first half, Moxom was able to do it again, blocking the shot to keep the score level. The next 4 minutes of added time would pass quickly, and the first half ended with the score staying level at 1-1.

The second half started up with one change for KHFC: Diego Hoenderkamp coming on for Gaydosh. The second half began very quietly, with the ball being stuck in the midfield. Whenever it was passed forward, it was either met by a defender or the pass was offsides.

It wasn’t until the 65th minute, following a handful of substitutions, that we saw a change in tactics. KHFC’s Alen Kapic and Caleb Frakes came on for Noah Hall and Bennett Gerak. Frakes would received a yellow in the 72nd minute, but another substitution, KHFC’s Thomas Deroussel coming on for Thomas De Graaw, was able to breathe more energy into the pitch.

In the 75th, Kings Hammer FC’s Kapic scored a screamer of a free kick into the top left corner, putting the score to 2-1, Things were looking brighter for KHFC. In the 82nd minute, Noah Amissah was subbed off for Ben Griffis, and KHFC was looking for another goal to set their win in stone.

With four added minutes to the second half, KHFC just needed to hold out and park the bus. But West Virginia would score a header from a corner kick, leveling the score once again 2-2. 

For the next three minutes of added time, both teams eagerly searched for anything to put them up, but to no avail. The match ended 2-2, and the KHFC men were still able to bring back a point from the road. We now look forward to our next match up I-71 this Wednesday against KHFC Columbus, where our teams will play each other for the first time ever.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (June 7th, 2025) – After dropping their last two games, Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati men will look to claim three more points against a team they’ve already beat this season.

This matchup against West Virginia United marks the second meeting of the teams this year, with the first resulting in a 2-1 win for KHFC at home. But now, the venue shifts to the Trace Fork Soccer Complex in South Charleston, West Virginia for the Hammers’ third away game in the last four.

Both teams enter this game off of midweek losses by a final score of 3-0 at home against one of the top two teams in the Valley Division. And with KHFC sitting nine points out of second and West Virginia even farther adrift, this match could prove pivotal for either team if they hope to make the USL League Two playoffs despite it still being the middle of the season.

A draw against West Virginia would put the men level on points compared to this time last year, a season in which they ultimately missed the playoffs.

Meanwhile, West Virginia’s move to the Valley Division from the South Atlantic Division hasn’t been everything they’d hoped for and more. While they also missed the playoffs last year, this season has seen an equally slow start, posting only three points from three matches.

This is exactly the kind of game that could spring your season into life and start a march to the playoffs. But that bounce won’t come easy for either team as this match will no doubt be an all out scrap between two of the hardest working teams in the entirety of USL League Two.

Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. Fans can make the trip to South Charleston to show up and show out in support of the Hammers in a match that could define the season. Those unable to travel can watch the game via the stream on Sports Engine Play.

Match Details

Saturday, June 7th – 6:00 p.m. – Trace Fork Soccer Complex

West Virginia United (1-2-0) vs. Kings Hammer FC  (1-2-1)

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2025 USL League Two season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO (June 4th, 2025) – Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati men fought hard, but ultimately fell short against Lexington SC with a final score of 3-0.

Another hot and humid night in Symmes Township saw a dull opening 20 minutes after the kickoff. Both teams found possession on the ball, but couldn’t turn it into any attacking momentum with both goalkeepers being called into action to claim a few errant crosses and through balls.

The fixture would spring into life as a hard challenge from KHFC defender Caleb Frakes in the 20th minute would result in a yellow card and a Lexington free kick from about 30 yards out. Caleb Parrish would be the only SC player to stand over the ball, but couldn’t connect on the finish, whipping the ball wide of the post.

Lexington would continue to have the upper hand in the attack as a cross from wide found a streaking Lexington forward in Salvador Martinez. The striker met the ball well, but was only able to put the header over the bar.

Frakes would get himself into the action again for KHFC, but this time in the attacking end in the 26th minute. After a ball fell to his feet just inside the box, the defender took on a right-footed shot that ultimately wound up over the top of the net.

Not long after, the referee halted the game for a hydration break which is when the momentum began to swing the way of Lexington.

In the 37th minute, defender Cannon Scretchen drove down the left flank with the ball before whipping a low cross into the box where midfielder Luca Sowinski was waiting. Sowinski would control the ball with one touch before placing the ball past the outstretched arms of KHFC goalkeeper Jack Moxom, who almost got to the ball.

With Lexington up 1-0 and eight minutes plus stoppage time remaining in the half, KHFC began to push for an equalizer before they hit the locker room. Forward Noah Amissah would find himself in the box, but couldn’t beat the Lexington goalkeeper Pablo Vazquez Blanco, and after a coming together with a Lexington defender, he was shown a yellow card..

In the waning seconds of the first half, Lexington striker Salvador Martinez once again had a chance at a header, this time from within the six-yard box, but failed to put it on target, meaning the lead would remain at just a single goal.

Lexington would get the first opportunity of the second half as just two minutes in, they would win a corner on the left side. Midfielder Brandon Parrish whipped in a curling ball with his right foot, and despite the best efforts of KHFC players to get a head to it, the ball wrapped against the inside post and deflected in, giving Parrish an Olimpico goal off the corner.

Now trailing by two, KHFC would continue to up the pressure, and despite some serious efforts, they just couldn’t beat Vazquez Blanco in Lexington’s goal.

Lexington would continue to find attacking avenues off the counter of KHFC attacks. Defender Cannon Scretchen once again found himself with the ball on the left flank, but this time, he dribbled into the box before placing an inch-perfect pass onto Salvador Martinez’s right foot. Martinez would deftly switch the ball to his left foot before firing the ball into the back of the net, once again just barely beating the diving Moxom.

With only 25 minutes left to play, KHFC went for broke, attempting to cash in on one of their opportunities. They would continue to put Lexington under pressure for the remainder of the half, even forcing a back-to-back save from Vazquez Blanco.

KHFC forward Bennett Painter and midfielder Casey Welage would come closest for the Hammers, with Painter watching two of his powerful shots wizz just inches past the upright. Welage would strike a ball from about 35 yards out, and while Vazquez Blanco may have been beat by the dipping effort, the ball clattered off the outside of the post, keeping the Lexington lead at three.

In the 87th minute, Lexington thought they would have the chance to add another after winning a penalty, but forward Lewis Johnson couldn’t hit the target from just 12 yards out, hitting his grounded shot off the left upright to keep things at 3-0.

Even though a few extra yellow cards were handed out to Lexington players for time wasting, it wouldn’t be enough as KHFC fell 3-0 in a very unlucky game.

They’ll look to rebound on Saturday as they travel to face new division foe West Virginia United. The KHFC men will hope to recreate their opening fixture of the season when they topped WVU 2-1. Fans are welcomed to travel to West Virginia for the match, but are encouraged to watch via the stream on Sports Engine Play if they cannot make the trip.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO (June 4th, 2025) – After two games on the road, Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati men will return home for a Matchweek #4 tilt with Lexington SC.

The two-game road trip for KHFC saw them bring home a 0-0 draw against Dayton Dutch Lions FC and most recently a tough 3-1 loss against Fort Wayne FC who finds themselves atop the Valley Division. The Lindner Family Sports Complex has been a bit of a happy hunting ground for the KHFC team as they opened their season with a 2-1 win over West Virginia United there. They’re looking to get back in that win column, and there’s no place like home to do so.

Lexington meanwhile enters this game on the tail of two victories in back-to-back games against Dayton by scores of 1-0 and 3-0 respectively. This match will mark their first away game since Matchweek #1 when they traveled to beat Kings Hammer FC Columbus 2-1. These three wins partnered with a draw at home to Fort Wayne means Lexington finds themselves second in the table, trailing Fort Wayne on goal difference.

This game will mark a short home stay for the KHFC men as they’ll hit the road again for their next two matches after the bout with Lexington. Fans are encouraged to show their support at the Lindner Family Sports Complex as the next chance to see the men up close won’t be for a little while after this.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and tickets can be purchased here. For those fans unable to attend the game in person, a stream will be available via Sports Engine Play. We hope to see you at the Lindner Family Sports Complex!

Match Details

Wednesday, June 4th – 7:00 p.m. – Lindner Family Sports Complex

Kings Hammer FC (1-1-1) vs. Lexington SC (3-0-1)

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2025 USL League Two season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.