Redlands FC kicks off third season in USL League Two

You don’t have to leave Redlands to experience high-level soccer — it’s happening right here, under the lights at Dodge Stadium.

Redlands Football Club, the city’s own pre-professional men’s soccer team, brings together national-caliber talent and hometown pride in a fast-growing local sports scene.

Founded in 2022 by Redlands native Ryan Whiley and co-owner Christopher Driscoll, the club now competes in USL League Two — the top pre-professional league in North America — and is entering its third season with big goals and a loyal (but growing) fan base.

Leading the Team: Coach Cody Carlson

At the helm is Head Coach Cody Carlson, who joined Redlands FC at the start of its second season in January 2023 when the club entered USL League Two. Carlson brings a wealth of coaching and playing experience: he previously spent five years as an assistant coach at the University of Redlands, helped lead the Bulldogs to regional success, and served as Director of Operations for Men’s Soccer at the University of Portland. As a player, Carlson competed in the PDL with Ventura County Fusion and Pali Blues FC and earned SCIAC Athlete of the Year honors in 2011 after a standout career at the University of Redlands. His deep local ties and passion for player development have been key assets as the club grows.

Star Power on the Field

The 2025 roster is stacked with standout players:

• Luka Lukic, a towering center forward from Belgrade, Serbia, is a returning fan favorite and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. After previous stints at UC Riverside, Luka is wrapping up his college career at UC Berkeley, bringing experience and firepower to the Redlands attack.
• Troy Elgersma, a local dynamo and Redlands High School graduate, now shines at American University. As an attacking winger, Troy is known for his relentless pace and stamina. An absolute spark plug he can run up and down the field all game and doesn't tire.
  Javier Hernandez, a newcomer to RFC, was the 2023–24 Gatorade California Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Now a freshman at the University of North Carolina, Javier brings professional polish from MLS Next Pro, where he made waves with a hat trick for LAFC2.
• From the University of Portland, Redlands FC welcomes a tight-knit defensive unit: returning center back Andrew Portis, goalkeeper Miguel-Angel Hernandez (Javier’s older brother), and defender Sebastian Hernandez (no relation). Their shared chemistry is expected to solidify Redlands’ backline.

Schedule and ticket information

Building on a Winning Legacy

Redlands FC has quickly built an exciting track record: after finishing first place in its inaugural USL League Two season, the team followed up last year with a solid 6-4-4 record and a fourth-place finish, earning 22 points. As the club heads into Season 3, fans are eager to see Redlands FC chase new goals and reclaim the top spot.

The team plays at Dodge Stadium on the Redlands High School campus, creating an electric atmosphere for home games under the lights.

With a packed schedule from May through July, fans can expect high-energy matchups and plenty of community spirit.

MAY

• Saturday, May 17 @ 7pm vs Stars FC
• Saturday, May 31 @ 7pm vs KickABallPod (JuCo Select)

JUNE

• Thursday, June 19 @ 7PM vs Capo FC
• Saturday, June 21 @ 7PM vs FC Tucson
• Friday, June 27 @ 7PM vs Ventura County Fusion

JULY

• Saturday, July 5 @ 7PM vs Socal Eagles
• Saturday, July 12 @ 7PM vs City SC

For tickets and merchandise visit the official Redlands FC website

Off the Field: Community and Camaraderie

Redlands FC isn’t just about matchday — it’s about building a soccer culture year-round. Players, fans, and supporters often gather at Three Stags Restaurant in Redlands to watch playoff games during the postseason, turning it into a lively hub for soccer passion. Fans can also gear up in official Redlands FC merchandise, showing their pride with team scarves, jerseys, and branded swag available at games and online.

“Our ownership group is extremely proud of its roots in Redlands,” said CEO Ryan Whiley. “We want to give back to the community by providing a team they can rally around for years to come.”

Backed by sponsors like Harsh Law, La Volata Pizzeria, State Street Optometry, and the Crafton Hills College, Redlands FC reflects the passion of a city that loves its sports and supports its homegrown talent.

It’s not just about wins — it’s about community, teamwork, and giving fans a soccer experience they can truly call their own.

For tickets, schedules, merchandise, and the latest match recaps, visit the official Redlands FC website.

Community Forward Redlands is a proud media partner of the Redlands Football Club.