Today, USL League Two welcomes the Staten Island Athletic Sporting Club to New York. The Monarchs are set to play in their new home at Staten Island’s Wagner College this summer.

Formerly known as the Springfield Athletic Sporting Club, the Monarchs were granted approval by to relocate to New York, ahead of the 2024 season. The Monarchs played two seasons in the Heartland Division representing the City of Springfield, Illinois. And today, the Monarchs begin a new chapter in their history with a franchise representing the best of New York in the Metropolitan Division. 

“We are excited about this opportunity granted to us by the League. It gives us roots back in our home base, and a foundation to reach a larger market, in a city where there’s a need to service a community that has a strong desire for soccer to be played at a higher level,” Anthony Lambert, Monarchs co-owner, said.

Lauren Cramer, co-owner, echoes Lambert’s excitement about returning to New York. Cramer has collaborated with Lambert for nearly 15 years, as Chair of CHAMPS United, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing soccer to the underserved youth of New York. She sees the Club as a natural outgrowth of the nonprofit’s community work in the New York metropolitan area. 

“We have the opportunity to use the team’s platform to create a positive impact on the community through philanthropy and charity work.” Cramer says, “ I am really excited about the future opportunities in Staten Island and look forward to expanding the Club to include boys and girls, as well as men and women.”

Club officials also acknowledge the community of Springfield, Illinois, for their unwavering support over the last two years.

The Monarchs are ready to play in their new home at Wagner College starting this Spring. Please visit the website for further information.