The Muskegon Risers women’s outdoor team, which launched as an independent operation during the summer of 2019, will begin competition in United Women’s Soccer during spring/summer 2020. The move is credited to an overwhelmingly positive community and player response to the MKG women’s team in 2019, in addition to the desire for UWS to deliberately expand its footprint within the state of Michigan.
“We are excited to welcome the Muskegon Risers to United Women’ Soccer” commented UWS Commissioner, Joseph Ferrara, “The organization’s goals are perfectly aligned with UWS in growing the women’s game not only with a successful on-field product, but a dedication to be a part of the community. The display of a passionate fan base made this an attractive market for our Midwest expansion.”
MKG will be aligned in the UWS Midwest Conference, which currently includes Detroit City FC, Lansing United, Detroit Sun, Michigan Legends, AFC Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids FC, and Indiana Union. The addition of the Risers creates an even 8-team conference that will be split into 2 divisions, East and West. MKG will be grouped with Indiana, Lansing, and Grand Rapids playing a home-and-home with each, in addition to one crossover game against Detroit City FC, AFC Ann Arbor, Detroit Sun and Michigan Legends respectively.
“The opportunity to collaborate with strong organizations from across Michigan and the country is a strategic win for the Muskegon Risers, women’s soccer in our area, and the community as a whole” said Risers President, Matt Schmitt, who will manage the program during its inaugural UWS campaign. “The women on our 2019 team were a joy to work with, market response was tremendously positive, and we learned that the operations of our outdoor women’s team paired well with our existing men’s outdoor team. We’d like to thank UWS and its members for the opportunity and for their confidence in Muskegon.”
The Risers will hold a combine for its women’s program on Sunday, December 29 from 10am to noon at Shoreline Soccer Club. Interested players can register here: https://muskegonrisers.com/product/womens-tryout-arena-game-and-or-outdoor-season/
