LIONSBRIDGE FC
Community-Driven Soccer & Family Fun on the Virginia Peninsula
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LIONSBRIDGE ACADEMY EXPERIENCE
419 Players Registered for Inaugural Tryouts Lionsbridge Academy Experience is a selective 8-week summer development program for serious players ages 6–17, built around the daily standards and culture of Lionsbridge FC and led by USL League Two and NCAA college coaches. Tryouts begin March 1 at Christopher Newport University. Selection will be communicated following evaluations. Learn More About LAE |
START MAKING YOUR 2026 SUMMER PLANS... The 2026 Schedule is Out!
Lionsbridge FC returns for its ninth USL League Two season in 2026 under head coach Chris Whalley with another demanding Chesapeake Division slate that reflects the league’s continued growth and competitive depth.
The club will play 18 regular season matches, including 11 home fixtures at TowneBank Stadium, where one of the most passionate and consistent supporter environments in League Two continues to shape the matchday experience. Familiar regional rivalries, new opponents, and a schedule filled with high-stakes divisional matchups will again define the road to the postseason.
The 2026 campaign offers supporters multiple marquee nights throughout the summer, including rivalry fixtures, community celebrations, and signature Bowditch Ford Fireworks matches. Season jerseys and wristbands remain the club’s all-access pass, guaranteeing entry to every home match and providing the best overall value across the summer.
With playoff ambitions and another championship pursuit ahead, the 2026 schedule sets the stage for a summer built around competition, community, and the matchday atmosphere that defines Lionsbridge FC.
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WHALLEY RETURNS FOR NINTH YEAR AS HEAD COACH
Chris Whalley will lead Lionsbridge FC for a ninth season in 2026, continuing a tenure that has established the club as one of the premier programs in USL League Two. Since 2018, Whalley has guided Lionsbridge to five consecutive playoff appearances, three straight Chesapeake Division titles, two Eastern Conference Finals and a 2023 league final. His teams hold a 92-25-23 all-time record, including a 48-5-11 mark at TowneBank Stadium since 2021. During Whalley’s tenure, 31 Lionsbridge players have advanced to the professional ranks across MLS, USL and internationally, with alumni earning MLS first-round selections and U.S. Men’s National Team recognition. Whalley, a native of Nottinghamshire, England, brings 18 years of head coaching experience and also serves as head coach at Chowan University, where he is the program’s all-time wins leader. He will be assisted by assistant coaches Josh Spencer, Jamie Gunderson, Fernando Zuniga and co-goalkeeper coaches Rich Dearle and Dario Caetano. |
FANS CHOOSE 'PENINSULA NAVY' AS 2026 HOME & SEASON TICKET JERSEY
Lionsbridge supporters have spoken – loudly and clearly!
With more than 500 votes cast across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, the Peninsula Navy kit stormed to victory in our 2026 jersey fan vote. The bold blue-and-navy design captured more than twice as many votes as the runner-up, making it the runaway favorite and the newest chapter in our club’s tradition of fan-powered style.
The Peninsula Navy shirt will be our 2026 home jersey and the exclusive Season Ticket Jersey.
Lionsbridge supporters have spoken – loudly and clearly!
With more than 500 votes cast across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, the Peninsula Navy kit stormed to victory in our 2026 jersey fan vote. The bold blue-and-navy design captured more than twice as many votes as the runner-up, making it the runaway favorite and the newest chapter in our club’s tradition of fan-powered style.
The Peninsula Navy shirt will be our 2026 home jersey and the exclusive Season Ticket Jersey.
ELEVEN LIONSBRIDGE ALUMNI SIGN PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS ACROSS U.S., EUROPE
Lionsbridge FC has produced 11 professional signings this offseason, continuing the club’s progression pipeline across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, USL League One and Europe.
Headlining the group is Ricky Louis, who scored 11 goals in 17 matches in 2025, was selected second overall in the MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas. Midfielder Felix Ewald signed with Real Monarchs SLC after recording seven goals in eight matches.
Defender Javi Sanchez moved to FK Jerv in Norway following eight appearances in 2025. Defender Damean Dominguez signed with San Juan FC after starting 20 matches and contributing one goal and one assist.
Forward Denis Krioutchenkov joined One Knoxville SC after totaling 16 goals and seven assists across two seasons. Forward Taig Healy signed with Fort Wayne FC following a six-match stretch that included three goals and three assists during the 2025 postseason run.
Defender Davide Materazzi completed a four-year Lionsbridge career with 56 appearances and signed with New York Cosmos.
Goalkeeper Mitch Budler started three games for Lionsbridge during the 2025 season, and LBFC went unbeaten in those contests.
Three members of the 2024 team have moved onto the next level. Defender Jasper Winslow signed with Tacoma Defiance after appearing in 17 matches. Forward Claudel N’Goubou joined Forward Madison FC following a four-goal season. Defender Donovan Williams also signed with One Knoxville after featuring in four matches.
The 11 signings bring Lionsbridge’s all-time total to 32 players advancing to the professional ranks since 2018.
Lionsbridge reached the USL League Two Eastern Conference Final in both 2024 and 2025.
Lionsbridge FC has produced 11 professional signings this offseason, continuing the club’s progression pipeline across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, USL League One and Europe.
Headlining the group is Ricky Louis, who scored 11 goals in 17 matches in 2025, was selected second overall in the MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas. Midfielder Felix Ewald signed with Real Monarchs SLC after recording seven goals in eight matches.
Defender Javi Sanchez moved to FK Jerv in Norway following eight appearances in 2025. Defender Damean Dominguez signed with San Juan FC after starting 20 matches and contributing one goal and one assist.
Forward Denis Krioutchenkov joined One Knoxville SC after totaling 16 goals and seven assists across two seasons. Forward Taig Healy signed with Fort Wayne FC following a six-match stretch that included three goals and three assists during the 2025 postseason run.
Defender Davide Materazzi completed a four-year Lionsbridge career with 56 appearances and signed with New York Cosmos.
Goalkeeper Mitch Budler started three games for Lionsbridge during the 2025 season, and LBFC went unbeaten in those contests.
Three members of the 2024 team have moved onto the next level. Defender Jasper Winslow signed with Tacoma Defiance after appearing in 17 matches. Forward Claudel N’Goubou joined Forward Madison FC following a four-goal season. Defender Donovan Williams also signed with One Knoxville after featuring in four matches.
The 11 signings bring Lionsbridge’s all-time total to 32 players advancing to the professional ranks since 2018.
Lionsbridge reached the USL League Two Eastern Conference Final in both 2024 and 2025.
FROM ALL OF US AT LIONSBRIDGE FC...
Before we close the book on the summer of 2025, we’re taking a moment to say two words: Thank you.
This season was one for the books: 5th straight playoff berth and 3rd consecutive Eastern Conference Final. It is a rare set of achievements born from the dedication and support of our community, powering the exceptional talent and passion our players and coaches bring while representing not just this club, but this community as a whole.
If you've ever worn a Lionsbridge shirt as a player or a fan, volunteered at a game, hosted a player, sponsored the club, mowed the grass, put a Lionsbridge magnet on your car or come back at 1am for a game that's still in the first half, or helped in countless other ways big or small... you have helped create something more than a soccer club. You’ve built a place where success on the scoreboard is only part of the story.
Every part of this community makes the ’Bridge stronger. And it is our hope that we make our community stronger in return.
Lionsbridge Football Club. Made with Love.
Before we close the book on the summer of 2025, we’re taking a moment to say two words: Thank you.
This season was one for the books: 5th straight playoff berth and 3rd consecutive Eastern Conference Final. It is a rare set of achievements born from the dedication and support of our community, powering the exceptional talent and passion our players and coaches bring while representing not just this club, but this community as a whole.
If you've ever worn a Lionsbridge shirt as a player or a fan, volunteered at a game, hosted a player, sponsored the club, mowed the grass, put a Lionsbridge magnet on your car or come back at 1am for a game that's still in the first half, or helped in countless other ways big or small... you have helped create something more than a soccer club. You’ve built a place where success on the scoreboard is only part of the story.
Every part of this community makes the ’Bridge stronger. And it is our hope that we make our community stronger in return.
Lionsbridge Football Club. Made with Love.
This Is Lionsbridge FC
⭐ USL League Two National Finalist (2023)
🏆 USL League Two Eastern Conference Champion (2023)
⭐ USL League Two Eastern Conference Runner-Up (2024, 2025)
🏆 Chesapeake Division Champion (2022, 2023, 2024)
⭐ USL League Two Playoff Host (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
⭐ Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Qualifier (2023, 2024, 2025)
🏆 Coastal Virginia Challenge Cup winner (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
🏆 Commonwealth Cup Champion (2018)
🏆 USL League Two Eastern Conference Champion (2023)
⭐ USL League Two Eastern Conference Runner-Up (2024, 2025)
🏆 Chesapeake Division Champion (2022, 2023, 2024)
⭐ USL League Two Playoff Host (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
⭐ Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Qualifier (2023, 2024, 2025)
🏆 Coastal Virginia Challenge Cup winner (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
🏆 Commonwealth Cup Champion (2018)
LIONSBRIDGE FC NAMED USL LEAGUE TWO FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR
Lionsbridge FC was named the Franchise of the Year by USL League Two at the league's Winter Summit. (FULL ARTICLE)
Lionsbridge FC was named the Franchise of the Year by USL League Two at the league's Winter Summit. (FULL ARTICLE)
USL LEAGUE TWO RECOGNIZES LIONSBRIDGE FC FOR ITS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
(USLLeagueTwo.com) – The Hampton Roads area of Virginia has a well-documented passion for soccer. Though the interest in global soccer has been present for some time, the area hadn't recently had a club to call its own until two years ago. That changed when Lionsbridge FC was founded. (FULL ARTICLE)
(USLLeagueTwo.com) – The Hampton Roads area of Virginia has a well-documented passion for soccer. Though the interest in global soccer has been present for some time, the area hadn't recently had a club to call its own until two years ago. That changed when Lionsbridge FC was founded. (FULL ARTICLE)
