Written by Michael Lewis

Uniondale, NY, January 12, 2023 — The Long Island Rough Riders announced today that Matt Lannon will return as head coach of its women’s team for the 2023 USL W League season.

Lannon, then an assistant coach, took over the head coaching reins last June when Kelsey Hauser stepped down while expecting her first child.

“With the way the team finished the season last year, we knew Matt was the person for the job,” Rough Riders assistant general manager Tanner Sands said. “He brings experience, knowledge and professionalism that we know will lead to success on the field. He also promotes a positive culture for player welfare off the field and an insured confidence on the field. That is an important element for a successful team. We are confident in the direction of this franchise with Matt at the helm.”

The Rough Riders finished second in the Metropolitan Division with an 8-2-2 record and 26 points, qualifying for the postseason. They scored 35 goals in their final five regular season matches, in which the team went 4-0-1 to propel itself into the postseason

Long Island dropped a 2-0 decision to the Greenville Liberty in the playoff quarterfinals on July 13.

“I grew into [the role] and I really enjoyed it and I’m genuinely excited for next season,” Lannon said. “I think it’ll be great.”

Lannon said he wanted to keep the quality of the team high because the roster can change from season to season.

“Hopefully we get some fresh faces in and keep our strong core from last season,” he said. “I think it’ll be exciting to try and get some young and exciting players.”

At the very least, the goals of the team would be to reach the playoffs.

“We always want to do better than we did last season,” Lannon said. “I think it’ll be a super tough challenge to win a playoff game, especially considering the league we’re in when it gets those later stages.

He noted that the Rough Riders finished behind division champion Morris Elite.

“They’re our main rival,” Lannon said. “They had a really good team last season. If we can get up to that standard with them, I think we’ll be in good stead for the playoffs.”

Lannon also is the club’s technical director, overseeing the USL Super Y League Program.

The Rough Riders will return to action in the USL W League in May. Be on the look out for schedule announcement and brand new ticket packages expected to be announced in late Febraury.