by Per Gary Moody
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the first and only men’s league designated by USASA as a Tier 1 national league, is proud to announce that Buffalo Stallions Soccer Club has joined the league. The club will begin play in the 2025 season.
“The NPSL is looking forward to adding a team in Buffalo,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “Queen City FC was one of our league’s earliest teams in the Midwest, and we expect that the Buffalo Stallions will add to that impressive legacy. With teams already announced for Brooklyn and Long Island, the league is showing a strong commitment to growing the game in New York State.”
The Buffalo Stallions are reviving a legacy that holds a special place in Buffalo’s soccer history. The original Buffalo Stallions (1979–1984) were a beloved Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) team, known for bringing world-class talent to Western New York. Legendary international players like Eusébio, Paolo Rossi, Iubo Petrovic, Stan Karasi, and Jimmy Sinclair graced the Stallions’ roster alongside local stars Rudy Pikuzinski, Jim May, Dave Sarachan, and Pat Occhiuto. This legacy serves as a foundation and inspiration for the club’s vision moving forward.
The club is led by a dedicated team of experienced leaders that includes Executive Director Tom Garigen, Director of NPSL Operations Jeff Hoerner, Director of Club and Soccer Operations Kevin O’Neil, and Head Coach Mark Spacone.
Garigen oversees strategic planning, builds relationships with sponsors, and manages key community partnerships to drive sustainable growth. Hoerner manages logistics and operational efficiency specifically for the NPSL team. O’Neil oversees the youth program while also leading marketing and operational efforts for the NPSL team. Spacone brings extensive coaching experience across NCAA Division I, Division II, and JUCO levels, along with leadership roles in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and MLS Next Academy with Empire United and Rochester NY FC Academy. He also served as a U.S. Soccer Youth National Team scout in the Youth Talent ID Department.
“The Buffalo Stallions bring a legacy of soccer excellence rooted in Western New York’s rich history of the sport,” Garigen said. “Our organization is dedicated to developing homegrown talent, fostering community engagement through outreach programs, and bringing a professional soccer experience to fans in our region. We believe in creating a lasting impact on the league and our community.”
Buffalo Stallions Soccer Club is a youth organization formerly known as Empire United Soccer Club. It’s a 501(c)(3) organization led by a close group of friends dedicated to children and the growth of the game. The small nature of the Buffalo soccer community and the home grown ownership group means a deep network of people will get behind this effort and lead to great success.
Fans and supporters can learn more by visiting buffalostallions.org or following the club on Facebook (@BuffaloStallions), Instagram (@buffalostallions), and Twitter/X (@buffstallions).
More information about expansion opportunities in the NPSL can be found at npsl.com/expansion.
