AMERICAN SOCCER CLUB-NEW YORK RE-SIGNS MIDFIELDER DYLAN LOPEZ
17-year-old Long Island native returns to the Fighting Tomcats for the 2026 season
Long Island, NY (April 8th, 2026) – American Soccer Club-New York has announced the re-signing of midfielder Dylan Lopez to a one-year deal for the 2026 National Premier Soccer League season. Lopez joined the Fighting Tomcats last season as a 16-year-old and is back for another summer with ASC New York.
“I’m extremely excited to re-sign with American Soccer Club-New York,” said Lopez. “I am very grateful to be in that type of environment to grow as a person and as a player. My expectations are always high and that is to win every game we play and most importantly dominate. I want to be a factor in the success of the Fighting Tomcats this season.”
Lopez began his soccer career playing with his twin brother Brandon at St. Joseph’s CYO before going on to play at Lake Grove-Newfield Soccer Club, now known as Atlantic United FC. The Ronkonkoma native played for Connetquot High School and will be graduating in June.
“Dylan was presented to us mid-season last year, as an up-and-coming young prospect,” said American Soccer Club-New York Head Coach John Fitzgerald. “He attended a few training sessions and immediately impressed the coaching staff. We brought him on and he eventually earned the opportunities to dress and feature for us, which was a great accomplishment for a then16-year-old. He’s a year older, more experienced now, and is showing the maturity and patience to keep progressing. We’re looking forward to him being with us again this year, happy to support him, and really excited for his continued journey.”“We are proud to re-sign this hard-working and talented young man and to continue supporting his development here with American Soccer Club-New York,” said Fighting Tomcats Managing Partner and General Manager Jim Kilmeade. “When Dylan first joined us in 2025 at just 16 years old, it was clear he had both the talent and the character to grow within our program. His progression over the past year has been a testament to his work ethic and the environment created by our coaching staff.”
“Dylan’s journey reflects exactly what our club is about,” added Kilmeade. That is identifying and providing meaningful opportunities for the best young players across Long Island to develop and succeed at the highest levels. It also speaks to the strength of our immersion and the relationships within the local soccer community. Clubs like Atlantic United and Lake Grove Newfield Soccer Club play a vital role in that pathway, and we’re proud to work alongside them in supporting players like Dylan. He contributed on the field in 2025 and we’re excited to see him take that next step up in 2026.”
Lopez saw limited action during the 2025 season and experienced the culture that is being built within the club.
“I’m super grateful for the culture the club has,” said Lopez. “Everyone is just great and we all share the same goal of winning and succeeding. It is a nice feeling to be a part of a team where everyone is helpful and always looking out for you.”
American Soccer Club-New York will be making additional announcements in the upcoming weeks including player signings and new partnerships. The Fighting Tomcats open their 2026 National Premier Soccer League on May 2nd against the New York Shockers at historic Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, the club’s primary home venue.
About American Soccer Club-New York
Founded in 2024, the American Soccer Club-New York (ASC NY), known as the “Fighting Tomcats,” are a Long Island-Metro NY team, competing in the National Premier Soccer League. The club’s identity pays tribute to the region’s aviation heritage through the iconic Grumman F-14 Tomcat. ASC NY is committed to developing local talent and signed 16-year-old Dylan Lopez in its inaugural 2025 season. The Club’s focus is on engaging the community and elevating Long Island as the epicenter for American soccer development. The organization played its home matches at Hofstra University’s Captains Field in 2025 and has already made its mark with early competitive success, US Open Cup qualification and charitable partnerships, and a strong focus on youth development and regional pride.
For more information about American soccer Club- New York, please Contact ASCNY.
