TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League announced today its 2025 USL League Two Team of the Year for each of the four conferences. The Central Conference put together a best XI with quality up and down the lineup of players who like to show up in the big moments. Here are the top 11 in the central 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 - Aurie Briscoe - Fort Wayne FC

Briscoe had a rock-solid season for Fort Wayne who conceded the least goals of all teams in the Central Conference. Briscoe himself only gave up three goals and held onto seven clean sheets from his nine games played.

DEF - Ryan Quintos - River Light FC

Quintos was a huge asset for River Light this year, providing strong play on both sides of the ball. The incoming University of Louisville Cardinal scored three goals for River Light this season and had a 70% passing completion rate in the middle third.

DEF - Christian Shannon - Midwest United FC

Shannon had a solid season for Midwest United, helping the club reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Shannon finished the year with a 71% passing completion rate.

DEF - Tiago Dias - Fort Wayne FC

Fort Wayne’s success this year was bolstered by their defensive line that, with Tiago Dias’ leadership, was one of the most impenetrable in the league. The Portuguese defender led the charge in achieving seven clean sheets.

DEF - Ellis Jones - Flint City Bucks

Jones’ experienced play on defense was a key to success for Flint. The Englishman played a role in six clean sheets and helped Flint end the regular season tied for the third lowest goals against total in the conference.

MID - Jackson Kirsch - Minneapolis City SC

Kirsch provided high quality play throughout the season for Minneapolis in a roster that was not short on talent. The Crows flew high this season, winning the Heartland Division, and Kirsch was regularly at the center of it. The Drake University midfielder scored seven goals this year and assisted on four.

MID - Nicholas Graeca - Steel City FC 

Graeca led Steel City to new heights this season, winning the Great Forest Division title during the club’s first season in League Two. Graeca delivered six goals, four of which were game winners.

MID - Antonio Costabile - Sueño FC

Costabile was a consistent playmaker for Sueño FC this season. The Illinois native had four assists and averaged 13 medium-range passes per game.

FWD - Donavan Phillip - Flint City Bucks - Conference Player of the Year

Phillip was nearly unstoppable this season, scoring 12 goals en route to a co-Golden Boot award. The North Carolina State University striker also collected nine assists in 2025. His prolific play throughout the season earns him the honor of Central Conference Player of the Year.

FWD - Dominick Bachstein - Des Moines Menace 

Bachstein was a threat to every defense that faced him, using his size, speed, and skill to score nine goals for the Menace this season. The Drexel University graduate’s ability was recognized as he signed a professional contract with FC Naples in USL League One a few weeks after Des Moines’ season ended.

FWD - DJ Koulai - Peoria City 

Koulai took charge of Peoria’s offense, scoring 10 goals. He was able to get 20 of his 27 shots on target this season as defending national finalists Peoria marched back to the playoffs.