Written by Michael Lewis

TAMPA, FL,— The Long Island Rough Riders might not have a men’s game until May, but the organization scored two huge wins on Monday.

The team was named USL League Two club of the year and assistant general manager Tanner Sands was chosen as executive of the year at the league’s winter summit on Monday afternoon at the State of the League virtual meeting.

“It’s an honor to be named as Executive of the Year and for the Rough Riders to be named Club of the Year,” Sands said. “I think it says a lot about our overall organization and front office. We worked hard last year to put together a competitive team on the field and an even better experience off it.

“We’re glad that was recognized by the league and other clubs. Our goal has always been to create a product that serves the Long Island community and extends beyond it. It is always exciting to be acknowledged and we look forward to building on successes like this in the coming season.”

The USL gave the Rough Riders high marks in several categories.

The club reached the USL League 2 final as the Eastern Conference winner. Long Island had two players on the USL League 2 All-League team. The Rough Riders also finished top five in the league for digital performance and its club operation and league communication was called excellent by the league. The team also was second in the league for home minimum stands and compliance.

Sands also was lauded by the league.

He led the organization to a USL League Two final appearance. The Rough Riders also were in the top five in the league for digital performance, had excellent club operation and league communication and was second in the league for home minimum standards and compliance.

The 2023 seasons of the Rough Riders men and women’s teams will kick off in USL League Two and USL W League in May, respectively.