Where did the idea come from?
“There has been a great need for a team like this in our area, for both soccer players and sports fans. This team will draw on talent from our area as well as from outside of the region.
Syracuse FC players will have the opportunity to train and play in a high level soccer environment. For our youth soccer community, Syracuse FC will offer younger players a nationally competitive local team to follow, to look up to, and to see themselves joining in a few years.
Soccer continues to increase in popularity throughout the US, and there are many passionate fans of the game in the greater Syracuse area. These fans deserve a team like Syracuse FC. We will cater as much to the passionate soccer fan who wants to watch high level, nationally competitive play, as to the casual sports spectator who wants to cheer on a local favorite. Syracuse FC will give people the opportunity to follow an outdoor soccer team competing in a national league. Our fans will be able to experience a high level soccer environment, with all of the rivalries, passion and excitement enjoyed by soccer fans around the world.”
- Jaro Zawislan, Syracuse FC President
When did this idea first come to you?
“Putting a project like this together takes a long time and there are many phases. The initial idea was conceived over a year ago — to bring a team like this to Syracuse, for both soccer players and sports fans. A lot of research was done before making the decision to move forward. Then there was the application process to the League, management group development, and preparation for the announcement. Now we are looking forward to team selection and the first kickoff in May.”
- Jaro Zawislan, Syracuse FC President
What's the direct future for this team?
"We have high expectations for our inaugural season in the NPSL. Our region is rich in soccer talent to draw from and our roster will be comprised of high level players with local ties as well as talented players from outside the area. We are building and expect to be a dynamic and exciting team that is competitive among the NPSL's elite."
- Matt Tantalo, Syracuse FC General Manager and Head Coach
Why OCC for the home field?
"As we looked around for a home field, OCC’s Murphy Field checked off many boxes for what was required. At this time it is the ideal venue for what we are trying to accomplish, and it meets all of the requirements that the League puts forward for its teams. The people at Onondaga Community College have been so good and easy to work with. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the OCC administration and everything they’ve been doing to work with us through this process of establishing our home venue."
- Jaro Zawislan, Syracuse FC President
Do you have any affiliations with Syracuse Soccer Association or Syracuse Silver Knights?
"While our NPSL team will operate as a separate and distinct entity, we look forward to working cooperatively and supportively with the local soccer community. Syracuse FC has no formal affiliations with any area soccer associations, teams or clubs. Our independence will allow us to work equally and inclusively with all local soccer organizations."
- Jaro Zawislan, Syracuse FC President
The Fair Cuse Sports Report will continue to follow any breaking developments and news concerning Syracuse FC.