It will be a great season for Ballistic United Soccer League players when it comes to local professional soccer teams.
The Oakland Roots are members of the United States Soccer League (USL), the largest and fastest-growing professional organization in North America.
It was recently announced that former BUSC star Nico Lemoine has been loaned to the Roots for the season from the Houston Dynamo where Lemoine has been under contract for the past two seasons.
The USL Championship division is classified as United States Soccer Federation II – one level below MLS.
Lemoine signed his first professional contract with Rio Grande Valley of the USL, the affiliate of the Houston Dynamo.
In 2019, he played in 19 games for the RGV, scoring twice. The next two seasons he was a member of the Dynamo, appearing in 12 games.
He spent a lot of the 2021 season hurt. Coming into this season, Lemoine made a decision that he felt was in his best interests.
After missing two months with the torn groin injury, as well as a new coach and new General Manager with the Dynamo, there was only one way for Lemoine.
“I wanted to get more games this year and I didn’t see that happening in Houston,” said Lemoine. “I requested a loan, and it was granted.”
Now, Lemoine gets the best of both the personal and the BUSC world.
“It’s absolutely great to be playing in front of my family,” said Lemoine. “Getting to re-connect with the Ballistic coaches and to be to help with the teams when I can, is great as well.”
The Roots are also ecstatic to have Lemoine in the fold.
“We are very excited to have Nico home in the East Bay with us for the 2022 season,” said Jordan Ferrell, the Technical Director for the Roots. “His relationship with the area and some of the local clubs is a bonus to his ability on the field that we will have available for us this season”.
For more information on the Oakland Roots, please visit www.oaklandrootssc.com.
