by Lorain County, Ohio — Lorain County Leviathan FC continues to build its inaugural USL League Two roster with the additions of brothers Patrick and Marty McLaughlin, along with nationally recognized midfielder Noah Handzel, bringing championship experience, elite production, and high-level development to Lorain County.y
Patrick and Marty McLaughlin arrive with a winning mentality forged at Ohio State University and St. Ignatius High School, two of the most accomplished soccer programs in Ohio.
The brothers were part of an Ohio State Buckeyes squad that captured the Big Ten regular season title, won the Big Ten Tournament championship, and advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 College Cup.
Patrick McLaughlin played a key role in goal, starting nine matches and finishing the season with a 6-1-2 record. He recorded a solo shutout at Akron (2–0) and contributed to additional shutouts against SIUE (4–0) and Penn State (5–0). Patrick totaled 16 saves on the season while posting a 1.13 goals-against average, providing consistency and leadership at the back.
Marty McLaughlin brings elite attacking quality and one of the most decorated high school résumés in the state. A three-year letterwinner at St. Ignatius High School, where he played under his father, Marty helped lead the Wildcats to Ohio state championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He was named Mr. Ohio Soccer and Ohio Division I Player of the Year in 2024 and earned All-America honors.
A dynamic playmaker, Marty led his team in assists as both a junior (12) and senior (9), earning All-Ohio honors in 2023 and 2024. He also competed at the club level with SPIRE FC under Sean Lane. His most memorable moment came in the 2024 state championship match, scoring the game-winning goal with one second remaining in double overtime.
Joining the McLaughlin brothers is Noah Handzel, a nationally recognized midfielder from Erie, Pennsylvania and current Bucknell University standout. A graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, PA, Handzel earned national attention after being named one of Sports Illustrated’s Top 20 High School Boys Soccer Players in the United States, following a dominant season that saw him record 32 goals and 21 assists in 25 matches. He has continued his development at Bucknell University in the Patriot League, gaining valuable Division I experience.
“The combined talent of these three players says a lot about what we’re building,” said Blake New, Head Coach of Lorain County Leviathan FC. “You have championship experience, national recognition, and different backgrounds all coming together. Blending top local players with high-level out-of-state talent creates a competitive environment every day, and that balance is critical to raising the standard across the entire squad.”
“When you look at programs like St. Ignatius High School, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and now Lorain County Leviathan FC, we find ourselves in very good company with iconic Ohio brands,” said Andrew McDonnell, Chairman of Lorain County Leviathan FC.
“Those programs represent excellence, tradition, and winning, and that’s exactly the level we want Lorain County Leviathan to be associated with in Northeast Ohio. Our goal is to be at that same level in the minds of fans across the region.”
The additions of the McLaughlin brothers and Handzel reinforce Lorain County Leviathan FC’s commitment to building a competitive, ambitious roster as the club prepares for its inaugural USL League Two season.
Lorain County Leviathan FC will kick off its first season this summer, bringing high-level pre-professional soccer to Lorain County for the first time.
