by Per Andrew McDonnell
AVON, OHIO — November 25, 2026 | 2:00–5:00 p.m.
The Northern Ohio Soccer League (NOSL), in partnership with USL League Two clubs Akron City FC and Lorain County Leviathan, will host the first-ever NOSL Soccer Combine on November 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at ForeFront Field in Avon, Ohio.
The inaugural event will bring together coaches from more than 22 pre-professional soccer teams across Ohio for a unique opportunity for players to showcase their talent and compete for roster positions at both the USL League Two and NOSL levels.
With NOSL clubs representing the Cleveland, Akron-Canton, Mansfield, Toledo and Columbus areas, the combine positions Lorain County as a central hub for soccer development and player recruitment across the state.
Unlike traditional team-specific tryouts, where only a handful of roster spots may be available, this multi-team combine will give players the opportunity to compete for potentially more than 100 roster opportunities across participating clubs. Coaches from both USL League Two organizations and NOSL teams will be on hand to evaluate talent and identify players suited to their programs.
“We had 75 players attend our tryouts last year, and we took five,” said Andrew McDonnell, chairman of Lorain County Leviathan FC. “This year, working with the NOSL, if we have 175 players come out, there is a good chance most of them will find a home. Instead of asking players to chase down individual teams and tryouts, we are bringing the opportunities together in one place. That is a win for the players and for soccer in Ohio.”
Nick Turchan, representing the Northern Ohio Soccer League, emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for players beyond the traditional youth and college pathways.
This combine gives players at different stages of their careers, including those who have finished college, a chance to compete for opportunities at two levels,” said Turchan. “There’s a real need to grow the game for players over 18. Most college players won’t go on to play at the highest professional levels, but many still want to compete. We’re creating more opportunities for them to keep playing, improving and challenging themselves.”
Building a Pathway for Ohio Soccer
The NOSL has established a growing network of competitive clubs throughout Northern and Central Ohio, providing opportunities for players to continue competing beyond youth and college soccer. The league has already seen one player drafted into Major League Soccer during its relatively short history.
USL League Two, meanwhile, serves as a significant stepping stone for aspiring professionals. The league has helped hundreds of players reach the professional ranks, including 69 players selected by MLS clubs in the previous season.
Together, the NOSL and USL League Two offer players multiple competitive pathways, whether their goal is to pursue a professional career, continue playing at a high level after college or find a new competitive home.
Player ages across the participating pathways generally range from 16 to 38, with the majority of players falling between 18 and 26. Final eligibility and roster requirements will depend on the individual club and competition.
The combine is designed to accommodate players at different stages of their development, giving coaches the chance to evaluate talent in a shared setting while allowing players to explore opportunities across multiple organizations in a single afternoon.
Registration and Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Time: 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Location: ForeFront Field, Avon, Ohio
- Registration fee: $40
- Included: Tryout gear, field access and coaching evaluation
Players interested in competing for opportunities with USL League Two and NOSL clubs are encouraged to register in advance. The $40 registration fee covers participation in the combine, including gear, use of the facility and evaluation by participating coaches and name is added to the free agent database for all teams to contact.
The event represents a collaborative effort to strengthen Ohio’s soccer ecosystem, expand opportunities for players and establish Lorain County as a destination for soccer development and recruitment.
About the Northern Ohio Soccer League (NOSL)
The Northern Ohio Soccer League is a growing competitive soccer organization connecting clubs across Northern and Central Ohio. With men’s and women’s teams and multiple competitive levels, the league provides a pathway for players to continue developing and competing beyond traditional youth soccer.
About Akron City FC and Lorain County Leviathan FC
Akron City FC and Lorain County Leviathan FC compete in USL League Two, a pre-professional league that provides a competitive platform for emerging talent and a pathway toward professional soccer. Both organizations are committed to developing players, growing the sport and expanding soccer opportunities throughout Northeast Ohio.
