Downtown United Soccer Club

Dear DUSC Families, Friends and Supporters, Creating this year's annual report has once again been an insightful journey of reflection and progress. It is fitting that I acknowledge the driving force behind our accomplishments: YOU, the thriving community that epitomizes the core of DUSC. First off, I am honored to extend my appreciation for the continued dedication demonstrated by our extraordinary team of coaches and staff. Their deep commitment to cultivating the growth of our players stands as the developmental pillar of TheDUSCWay and is foundational in instilling the playing philosophy that resonates throughout the club. They are the real MVPs, bringing passion to the playing fields, no matter the conditions and challenges unique to coaching in NYC. Furthermore, the steadfast support from our devoted volunteers, the DUSC Board, committee members, and Team Parents is nothing short of invaluable. Your time, resources, and expertise in all things NYC help us build an environment of excellence for your children, strengthen our core values, and shape the identity of our club. Whether it be in a committee meeting or when I informally meet parents on the sidelines of Pier 40, I am heartened by your enthusiasm, desire, and insightful support to help the club. As we reflect on the 2022/2023 DUSC campaign, it becomes clear once again that the essence of our mission lies in the purpose and values that guide us daily. DUSC is a thriving club, constantly growing and evolving toward a future defined by inclusivity, community engagement, joy, and fulfillment through soccer. We are privileged to be part of a soccer collective that seeks to make a positive impact on the neighborhoods we call home. This leads me to our donors, whose trust enables us to find safe local spaces to play, highlights the pivotal role you play in fostering accessibility for all and is essential in supporting our inclusive values. DUSC mirrors the pride and diversity reflected by our players, coaches, families, and the people that comprise NYC. In this, we find strength, vibrancy, and a shared spirit that resonates with the very essence of the club and city we proudly call home. Together, we look ahead inspired by the richness of our shared experiences on and off the field, propelled by the unwavering community support that has defined the unique identity of DUSC. Kevin McCarthy View the Annual Report: https://bit.ly/474gJaM

Last week, DUSC Board members and staff attended the 9th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon, hosted by Hudson River Park, where DUSC was honored for our contributions to the community. Board member, Emily Hunt, accepted the award on behalf of the club and filled the room by sharing DUSC's triumphs and continued dedication to the park and families. Additionally, Hudson River Park created and shared a wonderful video featuring CNN Anchor and DUSC mom, Bianna Golodryga, that highlighted Pier 40 and the clubs commitment to making the beautiful game more accessible in a supportive environment. It was a day filled with celebration and we look forward to our continued partnership with Hudson River Park Trust. https://lnkd.in/erA2rGsH

Wow. It has been an incredible week for DUSC! We are thrilled to celebrate two of our homegrown players committing to outstanding schools and soccer programs. Fiona McGeough is heading west to study and play at UCLA, while Langston Byrd will continue his journey as a student-athlete at Brandeis! And today, we are proud to announce that?DUSC has been granted @MLSNext Full Pathway (U13-U19) status starting Fall 2025! These achievements embody the?#DUSCWAY. Fiona and Langston’s success is a testament to their long-standing dedication and trust in our developmental process—one that prioritizes individual player growth and helps every athlete become the best soccer version of themselves. This philosophy aligns with our acceptance into the full MLS Next platform. We first applied five years ago, knowing this would be a journey. Instead of focusing solely on the outcome, we committed to becoming the best version of our club—one that creates opportunities for all players, including those with aspirations to compete at the highest levels. At DUSC, we are never the victims of our environment; we embrace the challenges we face and become the architects of our destiny. Success requires patience and process, and we know that with every challenge comes an opportunity to grow. At DUSC, we understand that the most powerful outcomes take time whether on the pitch or off...this is truly #THEDUSCWAY.

DUSC has been granted MLS NEXT Full Pathway (U13-U19) status starting Fall 2025!?This invitation marks yet another milestone in our mission to provide the NYC soccer community with the most comprehensive access, support, and player development opportunities possible. This news comes alongside the announcement of a?strategic alliance between MLS NEXT and the Girls Academy (GA),?fostering collaboration on membership opportunities, event integrations, and technical standards. Additionally,?MLS has introduced a Tier 2 league program set to launch in Fall 2025,?meaning DUSC will have both its first and second teams competing in MLS youth platforms. DUSC is the only club in NYC that is a member of both?GA and MLS NEXT,?offering the most comprehensive playing opportunities in the city that never sleeps.

Fiona's recruitment and commitment to study and play soccer at UCLA is a testament to the fulfillment of DUSC's vision and mission. Simply put, DUSC is honored to have educated, trained, and inspired Fiona over the past decade. A few months ago, I wrote about how, at DUSC, everyone matters. Together, we are more than a club—we are a community where every contribution counts, every journey is valued, and every child belongs. Fiona's journey embodies that message more powerfully than words ever could. While many boys and girls have moved on from DUSC to play college soccer and compete at higher levels, Fiona represents the very best of what we stand for—as both a competitive club and a tight-knit community. Fiona has been part of DUSC since she was seven years old. She has worked at our summer camps, helped set up game-day operations, and her sisters play in the club. The McGeough family has consistently answered the call to volunteer and support DUSC in countless ways. On the field, Fiona has grown each year into a model of?#TheDUSCWay, earning recognition from professional scouts and ultimately committing to one of the top soccer programs in the nation. Around DUSC, I’m known for using the phrase,?"Raise the ceiling of possibilities."?I say it so often that our staff probably groan?every time they hear it. But now, Fiona is leading the way—raising the ceiling for so many of our players who dream of playing beyond DUSC. Over the past few years, she practically lived at Pier 40—always playing, always showing up, and always flashing that signature grin. Her relentless dedication and commitment to self-improvement have compounded into something extraordinary. And now, she takes the next step in her journey at UCLA, showing all of us what is possible. Congratulations, Fiona! Kevin McCarthy, Executive Director

Last year we hosted our very first College ID Event in an effort to help our players forge relationships with coaches, get the opportunity to showcase their skills in a high level environment, and answer any questions they might have about the college recruitment process. This past weekend was another successful event as NCAA coaches ran training sessions and walked through Q&A’s with players. It was a great opportunity for the athletes to build connections and learn about the next steps for their soccer playing career. The exposure these players get is invaluable and we are happy we can provide these experiences for our community. Thank you so much to all of the coaches and players that attended! Thank you, Maxwell Watson for helping to forge this program and its success over the past year. We couldn’t have done it without all of you and look forward to future events.

View the 2023/24 Annual Report: https://bit.ly/4fySuWw At DUSC, Everyone Matters At Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC), we are united by a shared belief: every player, no matter their level, deserves to feel valued, supported, and inspired. Whether you're part of our elite teams competing at the highest levels or playing for fun and connection in our community programming, your place here matters. This past year, through the hard work of our players, coaches, and staff, we were proud to earn eligibility and an invitation to join MLS NEXT and Girls Academy League (GA) for the 2024/25 season. These platforms further expand our ability to offer high-level soccer opportunities to players in their local communities—eliminating the need for long-distance travel to practice and play. This milestone aligns perfectly with our core principle of “Soccer for All”, ensuring that talent and ambition can flourish right here at home. We take immense pride in the achievements of our players—those who have represented their country, played for youth national teams, gone on to play professionally, or continued their soccer journeys in college. For these athletes striving to raise the ceiling of their possibilities, we are committed to providing the best coaches, ample field space, and a safe, challenging environment where dreams are pursued and achieved. At the same time, we celebrate the young players who show up at Pier 40 for their very first soccer experiences—whether it's learning the basics at our summer camp, joining friends in our recreational league, or simply falling in love with the game. Our mission remains clear: to ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, has access to soccer and the chance to grow on and off the field. Success at DUSC is about more than goals scored—it’s about friendships built, lessons learned, and personal growth achieved. Together, we are more than a club—we are a community where everyone contributes, every journey matters, and every child belongs. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey as we continue to strive, grow, and raise the ceiling of possibilities for all. Kevin McCarthy Executive Director

We're thrilled to be partnering with Northwell Health, an organization that cares about the performance and well being of our players and families!

Over the past few weeks, we have kicked off our new season with teams participating in their new leagues. B2011 and B2012 have been competing in MLS NEXT games that are proving to motivate our players to perform at a higher level. Many of our girls teams have been rising to the challenge of playing in Girls Academy League and are showcasing their skill and the fact that they deserve to be there. It's an exciting time for the club and we are so proud of our teams for rising to the occasion and playing their best. We look forward to the rest of the season! #WeAreDUSC #MLSNEXT #GirlsAcademyLeague

Congratulations to the three #DUSCWomen players named to the BEST XI Team for the East Region Metropolitan Conference! Claire Pinnie, Dylan Jovanovic, and our very own DUSC Academy player, Monica Viveros! We are thrilled to have such strong women represent the club and look forward to seeing their future playing careers!