Akron City FC Announces 2025 Season Schedule, Its Fourth Season Overall and First in USL League Two
Akron, OH – Akron City FC has officially announced its 2025 season schedule, marking its first campaign in USL League Two after moving up from the NPSL. The move to USL2 was met with great enthusiasm from the community, and the club looks forward to building on last season’s success. This season promises to rekindle a few old rivalries while kicking off the first chapter of many new ones.
A Titanic Clash in the Season Opener
Akron City FC will kick off the season on May 17, 2025, hosting familiar foe Steel City FC. The two sides have a history of hard-fought battles over the past three years in the NPSL. Last year, Akron City FC dropped its lone regular-season game to Steel City before rattling off eight wins in a row. Steel City got the best of ACFC again in the Great Lakes Conference Championship game, ending Akron's dream season. With the short season, this match will be circled by many to see who can jump out to an early advantage in the standings.
New Crosstown Rivalry
One of the biggest storylines of the season will be the birth of a new crosstown rivalry with Cleveland Force SC. The two clubs will meet three times throughout the season, with Akron City FC hosting the derby on June 14 while traveling to Cleveland for matches on May 24 and June 25. Many of the players on both sides of the pitch have grown up playing with and against each other. If you are a fan of soccer in Northeast Ohio, these games will be must-attend events.
Reigniting the FC Buffalo Rivalry
Akron City FC will also renew its rivalry with FC Buffalo, a team it faced in three highly competitive encounters back in 2022 in the NPSL’s Rust Belt Conference. With two quality teams supported by two of the best fan bases in the league, there is no doubt we’ll see some fireworks on the field.
New Opponents on the Schedule
The 2025 season introduces new matchups against Toledo Villa FC and Erie Sports Center Academy. These fresh faces bring added intrigue to Akron City FC’s campaign, offering new challenges as the club establishes itself in USL2.
A Season Full of Opportunities for Fans
With a 12-game schedule, including six home matches, two games in Cleveland, and three away matches within a two-hour drive, Akron City FC fans will have plenty of chances to see their team in action this season.
What They’re Saying
Head coach Andy Hoggarth shared his excitement about the upcoming season:
"We’re stepping into a new era for the club in USL2, and the competition will be at a high level. There are no easy opponents in this league. The schedule presents a great balance of familiar opponents and new challenges, and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves at this higher level."
Club owner Nick Turchan emphasized the importance of this transition:
"Moving to USL2 is a big step for Akron City FC, and we’re thrilled about the opportunities it brings. The rivalries, the local matchups, and the chance to play against new opponents will make this season an exciting one for our players and fans alike. We have come a long way in four years and are thrilled to continue to build Akron City FC into the fabric of the Northeast Ohio sports community."