The 2024 season for The Town FC, San Jose Earthquakes' MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, was nothing short of a remarkable journey filled with growth, memorable moments, and the forging of a new identity in the soccer community. The Town FC marked its inaugural season under a new name, reflecting a significant partnership with The Town Group, aimed at enhancing community engagement and expanding the club's footprint in the East Bay. This rebranding
wasn't just a name change but a statement of intent to build something unique in the soccer
landscape. Here's a deep dive into how the season unfolded:
Overview:
Team Identity: The Town FC, formerly known as San Jose Earthquakes II, embarked on the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season with a new identity due to a pioneering partnership with The Town Group. This move aimed at deepening the roots of professional soccer within the East Bay community.
Regular Season Highlights:
Schedule & Venues: The Town FC played most of their home games at Saint Mary's Stadium in Moraga, with a few matches at PayPal Park, San Jose, transitioning from their previous identity. The season kicked off with an away match against LA Galaxy II on March 17, 2024, where Riley Lynch made an immediate impact by scoring the team's inaugural goal in the league against Ventura County FC.
Key Players and Moments:
Riley Lynch: A standout forward, Lynch's journey in professional soccer began with The Town FC after being drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft from Saint Mary's College. Here are some key moments from his season:
First Professional Goal: In his debut match against Ventura County FC, Lynch scored in the 54th minute, an equalizer that highlighted his determination and skill, although the match ended in a narrow loss.
Game-Winner Against Real Monarchs: Lynch scored an acrobatic goal in the 21st minute against Real Monarchs on April 14, showcasing his flair and adaptability to the professional game.
Assist against Houston Dynamo 2: In the team's first game at Saint Mary's Stadium, Lynch provided a critical assist to Roka Tsunehara, leading to a go-ahead goal that, although not resulting in a win, was pivotal in maintaining team morale.
Playoff Performance: Despite his team's loss in the Western Conference Semifinals, Lynch scored a crucial goal in the 67th minute against St. Louis CITY2, briefly putting The Town FC in the lead.
Other Key Players:
Cruz Medina: Played a central role in midfield, providing stability and creativity.
Jamar Ricketts: His versatility in defense was crucial, especially in playoff games.
Goalkeeper Mikołaj Biegański: His performances, including a clean sheet against Real Monarchs, were vital for points earned.
Season Progression:
Start of the Season: The Town FC started with a mix of results, adapting to their new environment and team dynamics. Their focus was on player development alongside competitive performance.
Mid-Season Surge: A series of strong performances in the middle of the season, led by players like Lynch, helped The Town FC climb the Western Conference standings, securing a playoff spot.
Playoff Journey: The team's playoff run was highlighted by a competitive match against Houston Dynamo 2 before facing St. Louis CITY2 in the Western Conference Semifinals. Although they were defeated in overtime, the season was marked by growth, with Lynch and others gaining invaluable experience.
Conclusion:
The 2024 season for The Town FC, while not ending with a championship, was one of significant development and community engagement. Riley Lynch, with his goals and assists, played a pivotal role in the team's narrative, transitioning smoothly from college soccer to the professional ranks. His performances not only contributed to the team's on-field success but also helped in building a narrative of local talent making it big. The season laid a strong foundation for future campaigns, with Lynch and his teammates looking to build on this year's learnings.
Personally, it was a privilege to be a part of The Town FC's media team for the entire season, covering all home games, including those held at PayPal Park. The team I collaborated with was exceptional, and numerous unforgettable moments were created during the 2024 season. This team is special, and I cannot wait to see what happens moving forward.