Velocity’s Rapid Success

In the spring of 2021, when Spokane announced we were getting a Professional sports team, my brother and I were ecstatic. I want to share why you should be going to games and supporting them if you are not already. Spokane Velocity was the name announced in the summer of 2023, and soon after, they announced the hiring of English Head Coach Leigh Veidman. Leigh had only half a season of head coaching experience, which was during his tenure with the OKC Energy. In June of 2021, he took over halfway through the season before the club went on an indefinite hiatus in 2022. In Leigh’s first month with OKC, he led the team to a 3-0-1 record, winning more games than OKC had in all of 2020. Leigh then accepted an assistant head coach job with Charleston Battery, where he helped lead them to the USL Championship Final. He then signed with the Spokane Velocity as their first-ever head coach. 

One Spokane Stadium, which can hold 5,000 spectators, opened its gates for the first time on March 16, 2024, for its inaugural season, kicking off with a match against the Richmond Kickers. My brothers, father, and I attended the match covered from head to toe in Velocity gear. At this point, I was still learning soccer. This was the first professional sports game I had ever attended. The stadium rocked and roared as if there were double the number of fans. I remember being drenched, small sunburns, lost my voice… but I didn’t care. 

I got to watch MLS All-Star Romain Metanire score the first-ever home goal at the 4’ mark from the corner. Metanire later admitted he was not going for a goal, but an assist. Ahmed Longmire scored the second goal at the 15’, followed by a futile goal from Richmond at 20’. Spokane had just won their first home game. That’s when I knew I would go to as many games as I could. 

If you are ever curious what it will be like to be a part of the culture, you can visit Flatstick Pub, located downtown on Main Ave. This is where fans have watch parties, you can also join the march from the Rotary Riverfront Fountain to the front gates of One Spokane Stadium. All games will also be broadcasted on ESPN+ and locally through KHQ/SWX or KREM 2/KSKN 22, depending on the match.  

The west side of the stadium has comfier seats with backrests and has better protection from the elements. If you plan on going to a game, I encourage you to attend a match in the east stands. You are much closer to the match and players, creating a completely new and fun way to experience the game. I was able to attend 6 home matches in 2024, each one more exhilarating than the last. 

Leigh Veidman and team captain Luis Gil became pacesetters for the rest of the team. They receive great support from the electric Andre Lewis, Josh Dolling, and goalie Carlos Merancio. Velocity did endure some hard times, but finished the season as 7-6-9. Despite the record, they did something this year that no other team had done before. Something no one saw coming, except for the men in that locker room. Only one USL1 team had ever made the playoffs in their inaugural season before 2024. Velocity became the second. They also became the first team to win a playoff game in their inaugural season, crushing Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 3-0. Spokane went on to beat Forward Madison FC in the semi-finals with a penalty shootout after ending 0-0. Spokane Velocity made it to the USL1 final in their inaugural season, setting Spokanites ablaze. I was absolutely jumping out of my chair at home watching online with my brothers. Unfortunately, Spokane lost embarrassingly to Union Omaha 3-0, ending the historic run there in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Spokane was now on the map for something other than the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Bloomsday, or Hoopfest; we are USL1 contenders! I remember thinking at the end of that game, “oh we are so going back next year!” Velocity decided to step it up, going 14-9-7 thanks to the outstanding performance of Anuar Pelaez, captain Luis Gil, Neco Brett, Nil Vinyals, and Carlos Merancio. Spokane had two nail-biting matches in a row, both ending in a penalty shootout with South Georgia Tormenta FC and Portland Heart of Pine. Those two wins thrusted Spokane to their second USL1 finals appearance. Spokane would, heartbreakingly, be defeated again 2-0 by One Knoxville SC.  

Spokane Velocity is something I believe this city needs. It’s proving Spokane doesn’t suck! It’s bringing us together more as a city, and these players give us their all on the pitch every day. Attending a game is a must for any Spokanite. March 21st, Velocity returns to One Spokane Stadium, and I implore everyone to start attending and showing their support. If you don’t already love this team or the sport, I guarantee you that you will. The team took me from a passive learner to a full-blown enthusiast of the sport. Bring your friends and family, and help bring a championship to Spokane. The USL1 has expanded by adding five additional teams and four more next year. With all that, hopefully, Spokane will remain a consistent contender for years to come.