AMERICAN SOCCER CLUB NEW YORK TO OPEN 2026 NPSL SEASON ON SATURDAY NIGHT
The Flying Tomcats will host the New York Shockers at Mitchel Athletic Complex
Long Island, NY (May 1st, 2026) – American Soccer Club New York will open their 2026 National Premier Soccer League season on Saturday night when they host the New York Shockers in a 6pm kickoff at their new primary home, Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale. The Flying Tomcats are set to begin the second season in franchise history after just missing out of the postseason in their inaugural campaign a year ago.
“I’m very excited,” said Head Coach John Fitzgerald. “I know the boys are. We were able to train (at Mitchel) on Wednesday night. They like the facility and the atmosphere so it’s good for us to become a little familiar with it. We’re just hoping we get a nice crowd behind us and I think it’s going to help us push.”
Last season, ASC New York played the New York Shockers twice and both games ended in a 1-1 tie.
ASC New York returns to the North Atlantic Conference after finishing 2-4-4 in 2025. With 11 points, the Fighting Tomcats finished just one point out of a playoff spot. With the new season about to get underway, there is extra motivation to punch their ticket to the playoffs in 2026.
“I think we’re super-ready for the season just because we did come so close last season,” said defender Andrew Watson. “I think it lit a fire under the team and we brought it into our training sessions the past two weeks. I think we have a good basis from last year so I think we’re very ready to get going this season.”
This season, the Flying Tomcats will, once again, play a ten-game regular season schedule (five home and five away) and they will be joined in the North Atlantic Conference by the New York Shockers, New Haven United, Osner’s FC, AC Newport, and Santa Cruz FC.
ASC New York is ready to get things going on Saturday.
“I’m very excited,” said midfielder Jose “Chino” Mejia. “We have a great group of guys and the expectations are always high here so I’m very excited for the home opener.”
The Fighting Tomcats opened their inaugural season a year ago two losses and a draw in their first three matches before getting their first victory on May 31st when they defeated New Haven United 2-1.
In 2026, ASC New York will be looking to get off to a better start.
“It’s very important,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s one of those things where if things don’t go well at the beginning, it’s easier to get into stinking thinking, at least for the players, and we’re hoping that they don’t because we’re they’re very experienced. It is important because it gives you a little bit of momentum at the beginning to work from and it also builds a cushion, if you need it, for later in the season.”
Opening Night is LifeVac Night and the first 100 Fans will receive a LifeVac device and all players 10 years old and under receive #2 Complimentary Tickets, courtesy of LifeVac. Tickets can be ordered via this link…
Saturday’s match will be streamed live by Game in Frame on their YouTube channel with Josh Pratt handling the play-by-play. You can watch the game at 6pm ET by clicking on this link…
If you require a media credential for Saturday’s game, please send an email to Peter.Schwartz@ascnewyork.com. Mitchel Athletic Complex is located at 1 Charles Lindberg Boulevard in Uniondale. There is parking available in the lot next to the administration building and credentials can be picked up at the ticket booth just outside the entrance to the stadium.
Media seating will be in the press box on the west side of the stadium and can be accessed by the elevator under the seating area. A pre-game meal will be available in the press box and post-game media interviews will take place on the field with Head Coach John Fitzgerald and select players. If you need to speak to a specific player, please let us know during the second half. Media will not be permitted in the ASC New York locker room.
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.
