The Long Island Rough Riders want to thank Tom Bowen for three successful seasons as head coach.

Bowen is leaving the USL League Two team to pursue other coaching challenges.

“Tom had ability to connect to players and create a cohesive team culture that put players first,” said Tanner Sands, General Manager. “This was exemplified by the roster consistency and the ample examples of players continuing their pathway trajectory under his tenure. His unique ability to connect with players, while also helping in their development will be missed. We are very thankful for the last three years and what Tom was able to contribute to our organization.”

Bowen, who was an assistant coach for the Hofstra University women’s team, departs the USL League Two club as one of the most successful coaches in the team’s 30-year history.

During his three-year tenure with the club, Bowen guided the Rough Riders to a 32-4-6 regular-season record. In Bowen’s first season in 2021, Long Island finished atop the Metropolitan Division with a 9-1-4 mark. In 2022, the Rough Riders posted an 11-2-1 record and reached the league finals, losing to the Ventura County Fusion. It was more of the same in 2023, as the Rough Riders captured the Metropolitan Division crown again with a 12-1-1 mark.

To make the 2022 accomplishment more remarkable, despite playing all their postseason matches on the road, the Rough Riders competed in their third championship game in their three decades.

“It echoes what he was able to accomplish – by consistently competing on the national stage, it continued to show we are one of the top organizations across the USL landscape.” Sands said, “With the sustained success Tom brought, we were one of the most winning organization over the three years and we wish him nothing but the best.”

The Rough Riders wishes Tom Bowen good luck in his future endeavors and thanks him for his commitment to the club.