League Two News

Highland Heights, KY (August 20th, 2024) – The 2024 season for Kings Hammer FC’s USL W League, USL League 2 and USL Academy teams’ has come to an end. This year, Kings Hammer FC saw record attendances at our home games, hosted at Northern Kentucky University’s Scudamore Stadium. To close out the season, we caught up with a few members of our 2024 season staff as they took a look back at some of their favorite moments of the season.

Jacob Morrison, Kings Hammer FC USL W League head coach, spoke on the objectives the ladies had for the season, saying, “For our USL W-League program, we set out to achieve certain goals. One of these goals was to compete for the top two in the conference. We landed in second place and anchored ourselves by achieving excellent results against talented teams. Another goal was to change the narrative of how we envision ourselves here at Kings Hammer FC.” 

As the season came to a close, Morrison expressed excitement for the direction the team is headed. “We attracted professional level talent to our team, reinvigorated the excitement for high level soccer, and gave our youth programming a pathway to the highest level of soccer possible here in the United States.I am proud of the players, the coaching staff, and the support staff here at Kings Hammer to make this season possible.” 

Bronson Gambale, Kings Hammer’s national technical director and assistant coach to both the men’s and women’s team, was elated about the fan and staff support the USL program received this season. “First, I want to thank the fans, the operational staff, support staff, and all of our coaches for creating such an awesome environment for these players. It was extremely exciting to see our pre-professional pathway in full force this summer,” he said. “Our USL Women took a huge step forward this year with the introduction of an exciting staff, a lot of new faces, and huge contributions from our youth academy. Both teams continued to put highlights on each weekend in front of large crowds. As the National Technical Director, Kings Hammer is proud to provide a full player pathway and develop the future of soccer.”

Gambale was eager to discuss both teams. Speaking on the men’s team, he said, “A highlight from the season with the men was going toe to toe with Fort Wayne both times at home and showing everyone that, even with a young squad, Kings Hammer FC men will continue to play a great brand of soccer and be a clear development pathway.” Turning his attention to the women’s team, Gambale continued, “A clear highlight for me was the opening game of the season when the ladies traveled to Indy to take on the reigning national champs. We came back from being two goals down and stopped them in stoppage time.”

The KHFC USL Academy team finished up their first ever full-time season at the end of July. Head coach Tony Awor is proud of the growth he’s seen in his team this past season. “Overall, I am very pleased with our first year as a full-time member of the league. Competing in a U20 league, with our core players being from the 2006, 2007, and 2008 birth years, we held our own against formidable opponents, including the National Champions, Indy Eleven.”

Awor chose to reflect on a bittersweet moment that ended the USL Academy’s summer season. “Our final match against a strong Lexington SC team, that fielded 5 seasoned professionals, showcased the high level of competition in the USL A league. Although we faced a narrow 1-0 loss, I was proud of our boys’ performance. We demonstrated grit, tactical awareness, and the ability to create scoring opportunities while defending effectively.”

In addition to the amazing players and staff, our fans showed up time and time again to support our program. Kings Hammer FC is extremely grateful for the KHFC community that continues to grow here in the greater Cincinnati area. Thank you to all of our players, coaches, support staff and fans for another fantastic season in the books.

Highland Heights, KY (July 6th, 2024) – After their last home match against Toledo Villa FC, Kings Hammer FC’s USL League 2 team returns for a faceoff with Valley Division neighbors Dayton Dutch Lions FC. The match will take place at Scudamore Stadium on Saturday, July 6th at 7pm. Fans are invited to come and cheer on the men as they play their final home match or tune into the match via stream on Sports Engine Play.

Earlier this week, KHFC went head-to-head with Toledo Villa FC at Scudamore Stadium. The match was aggressive off of the get-go. As tensions rose on the pitch, Kings Hammer FC was able to secure the first goal of the match from a penalty kick. After barring Toledo Villa FC from scoring almost the entire match, Toledo was able to get the equalizer from a penalty kick in the 89th minute. KHFC’s head coach Paul Nicholson was pleased with the draw, saying the team was finally displaying the passion and desire to win he knew was there this season.

The last time that the KHFC men saw Dayton Dutch Lions FC, it was across the river in Dayton, OH. Both teams were feeling the heat of the sun, but a mindset block seemed to get the best of Kings Hammer FC. The Dutch Lions were able to secure a 3 pointer at home, their first win of the season. However, coming off of the team’s impressive performance this past Tuesday, Kings Hammer FC seems to be more determined than ever to show up and dominate the pitch today. 

Join us tonight for a 7:00pm kickoff at Scudamore Stadium to watch KHFC faceoff with Dayton Dutch Lions FC in our final home match of the season. Fans can also tune into the showdown on Sports Engine Play.

Match Details:

Saturday, July 6th, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. – Scudamore Stadium

Kings Hammer FC (1-5-4) vs Dayton Dutch Lions FC (2-7-0)

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2024 USL League 2 League season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.

Highland Heights, KY (July 5th, 2024) – The Kings Hammer FC Men’s match against Toledo Villa FC ended in a draw this past Tuesday, 1-1. 

Off of the whistle, there was an almost immediate foul called on Ben Painter as he made a slide right into Toledo goalkeeper, Sebastian Dopplehoffer. This first foul set the tone for the passion that would be on full display for the entirety of the match. Just a few minutes later, Kings Hammer FC’s Daniel Samways is able to take their first shot on goal, but Dopplehoffer is able to make the save. In another moment of tension, Kings Hammer’s Samway’s was trampled by Toledo’s Odal Brown as both went to the ground. The referee was quick to blow the whistle and break the two up. Toledo would take their first shot on goal in the 23rd minute as Eli Shope stepped up to the box, but KHFC keeper Chad Smith was able to make an incredible jumping save. 

As the match approached the 30 minute mark, both teams had a few goal opportunities, but neither had found the net. In the 33rd minute, the first yellow card of the match was presented to Toledo’s Francis Kwashie. Perhaps due to the disappointment in the previously issued yellow card, Toledo’s Cam Territo fouled KHFC forward Brock Kiper in the box, gifting KHFC a penalty kick. Kiper stepped up to take the kick and sunk it right into the back of the net, putting Kings Hammer on the board. While this would be the only goal of the first half, the remainder of the half was not without drama. Kings Hammer was issued 3 yellow cards and Toledo was issued 1 in the final 5 minutes of the half. As the teams returned to their locker rooms for halftime, the scoreboard read 1-0, Kings Hammer FC.

As the players returned to the pitch for the second half, the drive to secure a win against the other was still very evident. Both teams continued to play aggressively but neither could get a solid shot at the goal. In an attempt to flip the script in their favor, Toledo Villa FC decided to make a handful of substitutions in the 59th minute. Both teams subbed back and forth, Toledo was hoping to put a goal on the board and Kings Hammer was determined not to let that happen. KHFC received 2 more yellow card warnings in the second half as both teams continued to play with an unwavering assertiveness. 

As the clock inched towards 90 minutes, Toledo Villa FC would receive a penalty kick they could use to go for the equalizer. Toledo’s Taylor Dyson approached the ball to take the shot, and found the back of the net putting the score at 1-1 in the 89th minute. Neither team would find the goal again in the remainder of added stoppage time, and the match ended in a draw.

We caught up with head coach Paul Nicholson after the match. Reflecting on the most recent previous matches and how the team played Tuesday, Nicholson said,

“It was a tough game, but I was really proud of the boys. They did everything we asked of them before the game. There’s been a bit of a lack of desire to get results, but the boys were fighting today and really working hard for each other. I think the talent is clearly there, some of the football they’ve played this year has been fantastic…it’s just grinding out the results and getting the points that we probably deserve.”

Looking forward to their final home match of the season, he continued,

“I’m hoping to see more of what we saw tonight. It’s our last home game, last chance for them to play in front of our fans. The fights there, I know they can play football…they can play lovely football. It’s about showing more heart and more desire like they did tonight.”

Kings Hammer FC’s USL League 2 team will have their final home match of the season on Saturday, July 6th against Dayton Dutch Lions FC at 7pm. Fans can attend the game at Scudamore Stadium or tune into the stream on Sports Engine Play.

Highland Heights, KY (July 2nd, 2024) – After their match in Buffalo on Saturday, Kings Hammer FC’s USL League 2 team returns home to take on Toledo Villa FC. The match will take place at Scudamore Field on Tuesday, July 2nd at 7pm. Fans are invited to attend the match to cheer on the men or watch the match via stream on  Sports Engine Play.

This past Saturday, Kings Hammer FC made the trek to Buffalo, NY to face off with FC Buffalo. They played a tough match with Buffalo, but returned home without any points. Despite this and the quick turnaround, the men are excited to return home and play on their home turf again for the first time since mid-June.

The last time that the Kings Hammer FC men saw Toledo Villa FC, it was on the road in Toledo. Both teams were feeling the heat of the sun and the match as they went toe-to-toe on the pitch. Several yellow card warnings were issued during the match in response to the feisty energy brewing on the field. Both teams were able to find the net, but neither could score the match-winning goal, and the game ended in a draw, 1-1.

Join us tonight for a 7:00pm kickoff at Scudamore Stadium to watch KHFC rematch Toledo Villa FC and go for the dub. Fans can also watch the showdown on Sports Engine Play.

Match Details:

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. – Scudamore Stadium

Kings Hammer FC (1-5-3) vs Toledo Villa FC (4-2-3)

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2024 USL League 2 League season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.

Lexington, KY (June 29, 2024) – The Kings Hammer FC women solidified their place at #2 of the Valley Division as their final game of the season against Lexington SC ended in a win, 2-1!

The first half of the match started out slowly with constant back-and-forth action. Things started to pick up in the 25th minute when Kings Hammer FC’s Lily Yordy shot towards the net, but it was slightly overshot. KHFC’s goalie, Maria Galley, made a brilliant save for her team in the 28th minute. Ava Arengo scored Kings Hammer their first goal of the match giving them the lead 1-0. In the 40th minute, Lexington SC’s Katelyn Fishnick shot but missed the back of the net. Lexington SC secured an equalizing goal due to a KHFC error by setting their own ball into the net after a shot by Lexington’s Tatum Borman in the 43rd minute. 3 minutes of stoppage time was added to the first half of the match, and in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, Lily Yordy took another incredible shot. Lexington SC’s goalie, Madison Vukas reached for the ball resulting in a save to close out the first half.

The second half of the game started with a Kings Hammer substitution, resulting in Sydney Taylor coming into the game and Maddy Murphy coming out. In the 49th minute, Lexington’s Tatum Boreman took a shot to the net, but KHFC’s Galley made another brilliant save. Kings Hammer FC made more a few more substitutions including Rose Virgin, Faith Broering, Shannon Crogan, and Alexis Goins in the 59th minute. Lexington SC also substituted in the 59th minute including Mackenzie Tucker and Gianna Camuso.

In the 66th minute, KHFC’s Lauren Flax shot but Lexington’s Madison Vukas saved the ball. After the save, Vukas’ grip loosened on the ball giving KHFC’s Kylie Simmons a chance to shoot again. Simmons was able to take a shot and hit the back of the net. Following there second goal of the match, KHFC’s defensively was able to hold off any more scoring attempts by Lexington and Galley had multiple brilliant saves in the 85th and 90th minutes. The whistle blew and Kings Hammer FC had won their last match of the season.

Jacob Morrison, Kings Hammer FC’s head coach was able to reflect on this past season by saying 

“I am extremely proud that from day 1 to day 60 plus we’ve improved every moment that we had the opportunity to. From players, coaches, and our support staff we are building something special and worthwhile. “

He added that this game meant a lot to the team by saying,

“We set off on this season with a major pillar of this program to be in contention with the top 2. With this game, we solidified second and gave our community success and belief in the upcoming seasons. For all the players that were a part of this season they deserve all of the recognition and all of the praise from an incredible first year from our tenure.”

Thank you to everyone who supported our USL W Kings Hammer FC league this season! We look forward to the upcoming seasons to come. Our USL 2 Men’s team will be playing at Scudamore Field on Tuesday, July 2nd at 7pm. Click here to buy tickets!

Lexington, KY (June 29th, 2024) – Following the Men’s game in Buffalo, Kings Hammer FC’s USL W League team will be kicking off their final match of the season against Lexington SC at Toyota Stadium at 7pm this evening. Fans can join us in the stands or watch today’s matchup via stream on Sports Engine Play.

Earlier this week, Kings Hammer FC had their final home match at Scudamore Stadium against St Charles FC. Despite missing some usual firepower on their forward line, the KHFC ladies brought the heat and netted 9 goals in the full 90 minutes. It was an exciting, well-deserved conclusion to an awesome season at home for the Kings Hammer FC ladies.

As Kings Hammer FC heads into tonight’s match, they’re focused on continuing to fan the flames of their last match. The ladies want to be forward focused, starting key players like forward Lauren Flax, who has scored twice this season, and midfielder Lilly Yordy, who has scored three time this season with 2 assists. Both Lexington SC and Kings Hammer have been able to put quite a few goals on the board in their latest matches, so as KHFC looks to match Lexington’s forward line energy for the full 90 minutes, Maria Galley will return to goal tonight to strengthen their backline. 

Fans are encouraged to make the trip to Toyota Stadium if they are able or watch the match via stream on Sports Engine Play starting at 7:00pm to support our ladies in their last match of the regular season. 

Match Details:

Saturday, June 29th – 7:00 p.m. – Toyota Stadium

Lexington SC (4-3-2) vs Kings Hammer FC (5-2-2)

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2024 USL W League season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.

Highland Heights, KY (June 26th, 2024) – Kings Hammer FC had a rootin’, tootin’ time at their western themed final home match against St Charles FC. After finding the net nine times in the full 90 minutes, the KHFC ladies were ecstatic to lasso in another victory.

Upon the whistle, Kings Hammer FC dominated ball possession and put on the pressure. Kings Hammer FC was missing some key players, but they were undeterred, heading to the goal every chance they got. A foul on KHFC’s Mckenzie Carle from St Charles FC’s Natalie Gum gave them a penalty in the box. Starting wingback Lilly Yordy took the kick and made the shot into the far corner of the goal. The crowd erupted as Kings Hammer FC prepared to keep the goals coming.

As expected, Kings Hammer didn’t let up with the pressure following their first goal. In the 19th minute, Lauren Flax took a shot towards the goal and a deflection off of St Charles’ Chanel Barcom gifted Kings Hammer their second goal of the match. Feeling the heat of KHFC’s building momentum, St Charles FC’s forward line shot down the field upon restart in an attempt to net a goal of their own. They got close, but the shot was just a bit off target.

KHFC continued to maintain possession, and Shannon Crogan secures a hat trick in the 23rd minute, bringing the score to 3-0. Despite the 3 prior goals, St Charles FC’s goalkeeper Addison Miller continues to make some incredible saves, including a impressive save on the line following a shot from KHFC’s Crogan. Miller, along with St Charles defensive line, continued to make block after block but Kings Hammer didn’t let up. Kings Hammer was able to net three more goals in the remainder of the first 45 minutes. As the ladies made their way off the field for halftime, the scoreboard read 6-0.

Coming back into the second half, the goals didn’t stop. KHFC took a few minutes of the half to regroup and find their groove. Both teams made quite a few subs in the second half in hopes of shakings things up on the pitch. KHFC hit their stride again in the 63rd minute when Hannah Sawyer scored her second goal of the match. Crogan found the goal again herself just two minutes later. See an opportunity and finding a great connection, St Charles FC finally broke through KHFC’s defensive line. Redeeming herself from earlier’s unfortunate deflection, Barcom was able to score St Charles FC’s first goal of the match in the 67th minute.

For the remainder of the half, Kings Hammer FC continued to dominate possession of the ball and press into the box. Molly Cochran scored KHFC’s final goal of the match in the 90th minute, bringing the final score to 9-1. Kings Hammer FC was visibly thrilled to earn themselves a 3-pointer and finish out their season at home with a win. 

Kings Hammer FC’s USL W League team will have their final match of the season on the road against Lexington SC. Fans can attend the game and cheer the ladies on from the stands or tune into the stream on Sports Engine Play.

Highland Heights, KY (June 26th, 2024) – Kings Hammer FC’s USL W League team prepares to take on St Charles FC once again for their last home match of the season. Kickoff is set for 5pm at Scudamore Stadium. Fans are encouraged to join us in our “western” theme tonight and come out to cheer the ladies on from the stands. You can also watch the game via stream on Sports Engine Play.

This past Friday, the KHFC ladies hosted USL W League play-off bound Indy Eleven. In their third and final matchup against each other, KHFC was able to maintain possession for a good portion of the 90 minutes. Each team came away with one goal and KHFC was once again able to bar Indy from victory, sending them back to Indiana with only 1 point for the second time this season.

KHFC and St Charles FC last saw each other on June 8th, where Kings Hammer FC was able to score on the St Charles’ ladies 5 times, securing themselves a 5-0 win at their home stadium. Heading into tomorrow’s matchup, KHFC is notably missing a few key players but is hopeful to pull out a result nonetheless. 

We’re excited to see fans join us at 5pm tomorrow at Scudamore Field to cheer on the KHFC ladies and celebrate another great USL W League season. Click here to buy tickets!

Match Details:

Wednesday, June 26th – 5:00 p.m. – Scudamore Stadium

Kings Hammer FC (4-2-2) vs St Charles FC (0-9-0)

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2024 USL W League season. Find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC.