TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League announced today its 2025 USL League Two Team of the Year for each of the four conferences. The Southern Conference was ripe with high-octane teams and skillful players on every roster. Here are the top 11 in the south this year.

*The USL League Two Team of the Year is put together by the USL’s sporting team based on regular season performances and agreed upon by league officials.

GK - Jonny Mennell - Asheville City SC

Mennell had a regular season of dreams for a starting goalkeeper. For 923 of his 990 minutes in goal, he was holding onto a clean sheet. The Asheville native’s commanding presence helped his home club claim the best defensive record in League Two while earning himself the 2025 Golden Glove with a 0.27 goals-against average.

DEF - Alejandro Padilla - Little Rock Rangers

Padilla brings a deep toolbox from his defensive position. With the height and physical presence needed to impose his will on opponents, Padilla also has sharp technique that makes him a valuable asset on the wings. After winning the Mid South Division with Little Rock, Padilla signed a professional contract with Texoma FC in USL League One.

DEF - Lukas Kamrath - Sarasota Paradise

Kamrath earned valuable minutes and helped solidify a strong Sarasota backline all year, which kept seven clean sheets. Kamrath finished the season with a passing completion over 78% and was particularly strong in the middle third.

DEF - Guillermo Garcia - Louisiana Krewe FC

Garcia was an important part of the LA Krewe squad that took a big step in its fourth season in League Two, reaching the Southern Conference Semifinal. Garcia was an efficient passer all year, ending the season with a completion percentage over 80% in the defensive third and across the whole pitch.

DEF - Yurok Cho - Laredo Heat SC

Cho brought dynamic play to a Laredo squad that had an impeccable regular season. The South Korea national’s composure was key to Laredo only giving up more than one goal in two of its 12 games. Cho averaged 5.25 interceptions per game, peaking at 17 on July 3 vs. Twin City Toucans.

MID - Jack Clarkson - AHFC Royals

Clarkson established himself as a fixture in the Royals’ midfield and scored five goals this season. The Houston native turned up for matches against local rivals, registering three goals and four assists in six games against other Houston area teams. 

MID - Carlos Zambrano - Fort Lauderdale United FC - Conference Player of the Year

Zambrano took the league by storm to start the year and continued his strong play throughout the rest of the regular season to help Fort Lauderdale clinch a playoff spot in its final match. The Syracuse University midfielder scored seven goals assists. His dynamic play throughout the campaign lands him as the 2025 Southern Conference Player of the Year.

MID - Laurie Goddard - Dothan United 

Goddard had a stellar season for Dothan United who took a big leap this season to become the Southern Conference Champions. The Englishman scored seven goals this year for the Dragons and was a driver of Dothan's offense.

FWD - Rodrigo Lopes - St. Petersburg FC 

Lopes tore up scoresheets in the South Florida Division, ending the season with 11 goals in 12 games. The Portuguese forward scored goals in many ways with his powerful right-footed shot and accurate heading ability.

FWD - Ignacio Abeal - Corpus Christi FC

Abeal returned for his second season with Corpus Christi and lite up the Lone Star Division. The incoming UNC graduate student had 10 goals in League Two this season and two assists.

FWD - Edouard Nys - Asheville City SC

Nys was a key cog in Asheville’s undefeated regular season, bringing his potent individual skill to their strong team play. Nys scored six goals and assisted on four.