Pre-Season Report

By Julissa Alvarado

Overview of River Light’s 2025 Pre-Season Kickoff for USL2 and USL W

River Light FC is set to kick off its 2025 season this weekend, with matches scheduled for both the USL League Two and USL W leagues. The season opener for the USL League Two team will be against Chicago City Dutch Lions (CCDLFC) on Saturday, May 17, 5:00pm at Spartan Athletic Park at Aurora University. The women's USL W League team will also play CCDLFC following day on Sunday, May 18 at 4:00pm.

Earlier this year, River Light announced David Caban as the new head coach for the USL League Two team. David's background in men’s soccer began at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played throughout his undergraduate studies. His passion for coaching developed during this time, and he later served as an Assistant Coach for the men's soccer team.

River Light FC also welcomed Jared Appel as the new head coach for the USL W League team. With over 20 years coaching experience within the Chicagoland area and having worked with various RLFC players in the past - he brings a wealth of knowledge and a desire to work with top level talent.

With David & Jared, River Light FC is welcoming a fresh new perspective for the 2025 season. Supporting the teams in assistant coaching roles are Tony Youhana, AJ Moyes, EJ Kirn, LJ Vartanian, Pablo Arriaga, Miki Rab & Katie Sullivan.

"As we gear up for this exciting season, I'm incredibly proud of the developments we've made at River Light FC. While we recently bid farewell to Charlie, who moved on to Des Moines Menace as their USL League Two Head Coach, we're excited for fresh new perspective from head coaches David Caban & Jared Appel. Their past and wealth of experience in the Chicagoland area will continue to build on the foundations from 2024 and continue to excel our programming. We are committed to excellence and look forward to keep raising the levels of pre professional soccer in Chicagoland" - Heather Bickerton, General Manager

In the previous season (2024), River Light finished third in the USL League Two Heartland Division and second in the USL W League Heartland Division. The women clinched the wild card spot for playoffs and competed against a strong Detroit City team, but ulitmately fell short.

With the season kicking off this weekend, we welcome returning players as well as new players for both the men's USL League Two team and the women's USL W League team. Each season with River Light represents the start of new chapters and goals, and there is much excitement about what lies ahead.