Men's Soccer | 11/24/2025 4:48:00 PM

Avon, Ohio – Chairman for Northeast Ohio's newest pre-professional men's soccer team, Andrew McDonnell, announced on Thursday that Oberlin College head men's soccer coach Blake New will be the first head coach for the Lorain County USL League Two Team (USL2).
 
"He's kind of the perfect man for us, because of where we sit between collegiate and pro soccer," McDonnell said. "As someone who played professionally, he knows what it takes on that side, and he works with the 18-21 year-olds that will make up the bulk of the roster. His connection to the county and history in the area represents the kind of culture we want to build."
 
New was hired as the Crimson and Gold women's soccer coach in 1996. While there, he joined the Cleveland Caps, a team in the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues (USISL), initially as a goalie, and then as a player-coach. He transitioned to coaching the Oberlin men's team in 1999 and remains the longest-tenured coach at Oberlin College, having received Coach of the Year honors from various regional and conference organizations. New will continue at the helm of the Yeomen, noting that the 12-game USL2 season is mostly summer-oriented, and will not begin until Spring Commencement.
 
"I'm thrilled to be a part of this new project in Lorain County." New adds, "The opportunity to work with elite athletes and mentor them through the professional ranks of soccer is a passion of mine that I'm glad I can pursue in addition to coaching college soccer. I believe my experience with Lorain County will benefit our Crimson and Gold program, and vice versa."
 
While not yet named, the team is scheduled to begin play in May 2026 at ForeFront Field in Avon. Lorain County will be a part of the Great Forest Division, which includes nearby opponents from Toledo, Cleveland, and Akron.
 
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