by Per Andrew McDonnell
Photo credit St Bonaventure SID
Local Roots, Global Reach: Lorain County Leviathan FC Announces First Two Signings
Avon, Ohio — Lorain County Leviathan FC announced today its first two player signings for the upcoming inaugural USL League Two season, introducing Avon Lake native Brendan Sheehan and Hungarian attacker Tamás Nagy. The club’s first roster moves reflect its commitment to blending local talent with international experience while building a competitive, high-scoring team that will embody the spirit and ambition of Lorain County.
Sheehan, a 6-foot-2 forward and Health Science major at St. Bonaventure University, returns home after a standout high school and collegiate career. At Avon Lake High School, he set single-season records with 27 goals and 69 points, earning Lorain County Soccer Coaches Player of the Year honors and First Team All-Conference and All-Greater Cleveland recognition. Sheehan further developed with Cleveland Force across ECNL, USL Academy, and USL League Two competition before making 12 appearances and six starts as a freshman with the Bonnies, including a starting role against Mercyhurst.
“This signing is exactly why Lorain County Leviathan exists,” said Chairman Andrew McDonnell. “He’s a Lorain County kid who has already proven himself at the high school, club, and college levels. Bringing players like Brendan home gives them meaningful minutes, strong competition, and a chance to keep building toward the next step in their careers while representing their community.”
Joining Sheehan is Tamás Nagy, the first international-born player in club history. A native of Szár, Hungary, Nagy developed at the renowned Puskás Ferenc Academy and began training with Komárom FC’s first team at 16. After moving to the United States to attend Roberts Wesleyan University, he became one of the most productive attacking players in Division II soccer history, tallying 43 goals and 29 assists over 78 matches while earning multiple regional and national accolades.
“This is a landmark signing for our club — it was a player we wanted and we got him — but it’s only one piece of what we’re building,” said Chairman Andrew McDonnell. “Alongside Tamás, we’re adding several high-level players, including multiple athletes who were born and raised in Lorain County. Representing this community on the field is a core part of who we are.”
“Joining Lorain County means a lot to me as an international-born player,” Nagy said. “It’s an opportunity to bring my experience, passion, and culture to the game here. I want to put on a show for the fans every time I step on the field, help grow soccer in the community, and give back to the people who support us.”
Nagy has also competed semi-professionally with Flower City Union and currently plays professional indoor soccer with the Cleveland Crunch, where he scored in front of more than 2,500 fans earlier this season, underscoring his ability to perform in high-energy match environments. He currently has 3 goals and 1 assist in the Crunch first 4 games.
Lorain County Leviathan FC will compete in USL League Two, the premier pre-professional soccer league in North America that provides elite collegiate and pre-professional players a platform to develop, compete at a high level, and showcase their talent while maintaining NCAA eligibility. USL League Two features hundreds of clubs across the United States and Canada and serves as a pathway for players pursuing careers in higher professional leagues, with many League Two alumni advancing to MLS, USL Championship, and professional opportunities abroad.
Head Coach Blake New emphasized the importance of striking a balance between local connections and offensive firepower.
“These players represent exactly what we want Lorain County Leviathan to be,” New said. “Brendan brings local pride and goal-scoring instinct, while Tamás adds creativity and proven finishing ability. Together, they give us a strong attacking foundation as we prepare to challenge for results in USL League Two.”
Leviathan FC will play its home matches at ForeFront Field in Avon, Ohio, a 5,000-seat venue that previously hosted the Lake Erie Crushers. Sharing this well-regarded facility helps create an electric matchday experience for fans and a professional environment for players.
Owner Adam Stalnaker highlighted the growing fan momentum surrounding the club.
“This stadium is going to be loud,” Stalnaker said. “Our season ticket sales are on pace to break the USL League Two record, and that energy is going to matter. Lorain County is going to be a place where our players feed off the crowd and where opposing teams are going to feel pressure the moment they step onto the field.”
USL League Two seasons run through the summer months from May to July, featuring regional competition and setting the stage for intense rivalries — including matchups against nearby clubs from Akron, Cleveland, and Toledo in the Great Forest Division.
Additional player signings will be announced in the coming weeks as Lorain County Leviathan FC finalizes its roster for the 2026 USL League Two season at ForeFront Field.
For more information and roster updates, follow Lorain County Leviathan FC on social media.
