Uniondale, NY — The Long Island Rough Riders have announced that Matt Lannon will return for his second full season as their women’s head coach for the 2024 USL W League season.

In 2023, Lannon directed the Rough Riders to a second-place finish in the Metropolitan Division with a 10-1-1 record, scoring 34 goals and conceding only 13.

“We strive for consistency,” Rough General Manager Tanner Sands said. “And that’s what Matt brings to the field. He did a great job here and lead the team to the USL playoffs. We’re confident he can continue to build off what we did last year. He’s a strong coach and has built a good culture amongst the players. We’re just glad to have him on board for year two and are excited to see what’s next.”

The Rough Riders lost to Morris Elite SC in the Eastern Conference semifinals, 3-2.

Lannon took over the Rough Riders reins in late June 2022 after head coach Kelsey Hauser stepped down ahead of giving birth to her first child. Serving as Hauser’s assistant coach and the club’s technical director at the time, Lannon enjoyed a smooth transition into head coaching position.

Long Island finished second that season in second place in the division, registering an 8-2-2 mark, while outscoring its opposition, 45-7. The Rough Riders dropped a 2-0 decision to Greenville Liberty SC in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.

A Wigan, England native, Lannon has created strong ties with multiple soccer clubs on Long Island. He has overseen all soccer operations at Babylon Soccer Club and serves as a coach for the Long Island Soccer Club.

The women’s team will return to action in the W League in May. Tryouts for the team will take place this winter and will be announced by the club in the coming weeks.