Shreveport Rafters FC

Shreveport Rafters FC was a soccer team based in Shreveport, Louisiana. Founded in 2016, the team most recently played in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), a national semi-professional league at the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid.[1] The team plays its home games at Independence Stadium.[2] The team's colors are blue, white, and yellow, based on the city's flag.

Shreveport Rafters FC
Full nameShreveport Rafters Futbol Club
Nickname(s)Rafters FC
Founded2016 (2016)
StadiumIndependence Stadium
Capacity49,565
OwnerMontgomery Cole
Head CoachGreg Palmer
WebsiteClub website

History

In 2015, Shreveport-based brothers announced they would be bringing the first professional soccer team in the history of the city.[3] The team is named for the infamous Great Raft log jam which clogged the Red and Atchafalaya Rivers from the 1100s to early 1900s.

Rafters FC played their inaugural season in 2016, garnering an 8–7–3 record.[4]

Rafters FC debuted a customized jersey that became a viral sensation in soccer media as it featured a printed seersucker jacket and pink bowtie.[5]

Stadium

Rafters FC currently play their home matches at Independence Stadium. They previously played at Graf Orthodontics Field at Messmer Stadium,[6] a local stadium used primarily for high school sporting events and community events. Max capacity of the stadium is estimated at 3,500 with the Rafters averaging 2,000–3,000 in attendance each match for the 2016 season.

Year-by-year
Year Conference League Regular season Avg. attendance Playoffs Open Cup
2016 South Central NPSL 7th, 8–7–3 2,000–3,000 Divisional Semifinals Did not qualify
2017 Lonestar NPSL 5th, 3–1–3 2,000–3,000

Coaches

As of October 23, 2016.[7]

  • Head coachUnited States Phil Bohn (2018–present)[8]
  • Head coachEngland Greg Palmer (2016–2018)[9]
    • Assistant Head coachUnited States Emmett Rutkowski (2016–present)[10]
    • Assistant Coach, Opposition Analysis United States Robert Stults (2016–present)[11]
    • Assistant Coach, Goalkeeping United States Colt Reichl (2016–present)[12]
    • Assistant Coach, Sports Science United States Ian Coyer (2016–present)[13]
    • Assistant Coach, Sports Science United States Scott LeBlanc (2016–present)[14]
    • Assistant Coach, Sports Science United States Todd Zachary (2016–present)[15]

Associated Clubs

Lady Rafters FC

In July 2016, the Rafters announced they would be fielding a Women's Premier Soccer League team, the Shreveport Lady Rafters FC, starting in 2017. The team will be coached by Northern Ireland native Ryan McConville.[16]

Rafters Reserves

In September 2016, the Rafters announced a reserves team, the Shreveport Rafters FC B team, would play in the Gulf Coast Premier League.[17]

References
  1. "Rafters FC FAQ's". Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  2. http://www.raftersfc.com/uncategorized/rafters-make-independence-stadium-new-home/
  3. Lyon, Chris (17 October 2015). "Shreveport to Field First Semi-Professional Soccer Team Since the 90s".
  4. "Inaugural season success sets bar higher for Rafters". Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  5. Mustard, Extra. "Soccer team unveils seersucker jerseys". Sports Illustrated.
  6. "Rafters unveil jerseys, announce plans for new stadium".
  7. "Rafters F.C. – Shreveport/Bossier's NPSL Soccer Team! » Staff".
  8. "Shreveport Rafters get new coach". shreveporttimes.com. Retrieved 2019-02-12.
  9. "Rafters F.C. – Shreveport/Bossier's NPSL Soccer Team! » Greg Palmer".
  10. "Rafters F.C. – Shreveport/Bossier's NPSL Soccer Team! » Emmett Rutkowski".
  11. "Rafters F.C. – Shreveport/Bossier's NPSL Soccer Team! » Robert Stults".
  12. "Rafters F.C. – Shreveport/Bossier's NPSL Soccer Team! » Colt Reichl".
  13. "Rafters F.C. – Shreveport/Bossier's NPSL Soccer Team! » Ian Coyer".
  14. "Rafters F.C. – Shreveport/Bossier's NPSL Soccer Team! » Scott LeBlanc".
  15. "Rafters F.C. – Shreveport/Bossier's NPSL Soccer Team! » Todd Zachary".
  16. "Northern Ireland native to coach Lady Rafters". Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  17. "Rafters Reserves Announce Coach, Schedule and Tryouts". Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  • (Official website)
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