July 24, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Spokane Velocity FC News Release
With temperatures eclipsing 100 degrees and the USL League One regular season well underway, Spokane Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman knew exactly how to keep his players motivated.
Veidman ended his July 11 film session by showing a scuffle that happened in the 85th minute of the club’s 2-1 victory over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on July 6, resulting in yellow cards issued against players from both sides.
Instead of condemning his team, Veidman used the clip as a way to highlight the unity that has developed during the expansion franchise’s inaugural season.
“I said, ‘That right there is the most important thing I want to show you today,'” Veidman said. “I don’t condone [violence], but when an opposing team crowds around one of our guys, you go in there together and that was important to see our team do that.”
Halfway through the season, it’s clear Veidman’s methods of fostering team cohesion have paid off, with Velocity sporting a 4-3-2 record and occupying the No. 7 spot in the USL League One standings. The club tops the league in several statistical categories, including average possession (53.0%), accurate long balls per match (36.0), interceptions per match (10.0) and successful tackles per match (13.2).
“The tradition shows expansion teams struggle in year one, but we are not settling for that stereotype,” Veidman said. “We’re pushing every day to make sure that we go above and beyond and then we’ll get what we deserve at the end of the season.”
Since taking the job in November, Veidman has embraced the challenge of running a first-year club, building a winning culture with completely new players and staff members.
“It’s really difficult bringing a group of players together who have generally never played together or don’t know each other, same with the staff,” Veidman said. “And it’s really hard, like trying to get them to gel and be friends.”
Veidman’s leadership and coaching styles were highly influential in assembling the club’s initial roster, often prioritizing a player’s fit within the system and personal character over raw talent.
One of Velocity’s most-prized offseason signings was team captain Luis Gil, who joined the club with over a decade of professional experience in Europe, Mexico, MLS, USL Championship and USL League One.
Gil, a 30-year-old midfielder, has been instrumental in helping the club navigate the ups and downs of a regular season that doesn’t end…