by Per Andrew McDonnell
LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — Size, pedigree, and international experience are defining the next phase of Lorain County Leviathan FC’s roster build, and nowhere is that more evident than along the back line.
The club has added two towering center backs — each bringing elite résumés from opposite sides of the world — signaling clear intent ahead of the upcoming season.
Leading the defensive additions is Andrew Portis, a 6-foot-4 center back arriving from the University of Portland after a decorated collegiate career that established him as one of the top defenders in the country. Portis earned two-time All-American honors at the Division II level in Los Angeles and was named California Defender of the Year, recognition that cemented his reputation as a future professional prospect.
Known for his composure on the ball, aerial dominance, and leadership qualities, Portis now makes the move east, joining a Leviathan squad that continues to attract talent from across the United States and beyond.
Towering alongside him will be Jordan Cheetham, a 6-foot-3 center back from Nassau, Bahamas, and a current starter for the Bahamas National Team. Cheetham arrives after competing internationally during the Bahamas’ CONCACAF campaign, where he played the full 90 minutes in multiple matches against regional competition.
A standout at VCU, Cheetham combines physical presence with international experience — a rare combination at the USL League Two level — giving Lorain County a defensive pairing built on strength, athleticism, and high-level match exposure.
From California to the Caribbean, elite defensive talent is converging on Lorain County.
Club leadership believes the pairing represents more than just roster depth; it reflects the growing reputation of the organization as a destination for ambitious players pursuing professional pathways.
“We’re building a team that’s going to intimidate opponents the moment we step off the bus,” said club executive Andrew McDonnell. “These guys are massive — size, speed, pedigree — and they’re joining an already impressive back line that has real depth and talent. Coach New has put together something special.”
McDonnell added that the defensive unit may be among the deepest in the league.
“We might be two-deep at every position across the back line, and honestly it could be one of the strongest defensive groups in all of USL League Two.”
The signings also come as the Leviathan hint at a forthcoming international partnership currently in development — one the club believes could bring additional global attention to both the team and Lorain County itself.
While details remain undisclosed, club officials say the initiative is designed to expand player development opportunities and further connect the organization to the worldwide football community.
If the early roster moves are any indication, the Leviathan are not simply assembling a team — they are building an identity centered on physical dominance, international reach, and professional ambition.
And with two giants now anchoring the defense, opponents may find breaking through Lorain County’s back line easier said than done.
