A New Chapter for Force USL 2: Introducing our New Coaching Staff for 2027 Season
The pathway continues.
Cleveland Force SC is excited to announce the next chapter of its USL League Two (USL 2) men’s pre-professional program, with Everett Palache named Head Coach, Kyle Veris as Associate Head Coach, Geneo Oberst returning as Assistant Coach, and Denny Ciornei returning as Goalkeeper Coach.
This leadership transition reflects a renewed focus on one of the program’s core objectives: creating a meaningful pre-professional pathway for Cleveland Force players and talented youth and collegiate players throughout Northeast Ohio.
USL 2 provides a valuable opportunity for players to compete at a high level during the summer, train in a competitive environment, and continue developing as they pursue collegiate and professional opportunities.
Building a Pathway Beyond Youth Soccer
Force USL 2 is about more than fielding a competitive team. It is about creating a destination for ambitious players who want to challenge themselves, continue their development, and take the next step in their soccer careers.
The program will bring together current and former Force players, collegiate athletes, and other high-level talent from across the region in an environment built around development, competition, and opportunity.
For Cleveland Force players, USL 2 represents another important step in a connected player pathway:
Force Youth → USL 2 → College Soccer → Professional Opportunities
The vision is to give players a clear opportunity to remain connected to the Force organization as they advance through the game, while creating a competitive environment that prepares them for the demands of the next level.
Experienced Leadership for the Next Era
Everett Palache will lead the program as Head Coach, bringing extensive coaching, technical leadership, and player development experience, highlighted by his current role as Head Coach of the U.S. Soccer Deaf Men's National Team. A former collegiate player at Philadelphia University, Palache holds a USSF A National License, USSF Academy Director License, NSCAA Director of Coaching License, and USSF Instructor License. His deep roots in Northeast Ohio soccer include more than a decade of leadership with Cleveland Force SC, where he also serves as the Regional Technical Director overseeing 3,500+ players from throughout Ohio. His experience building development pathways, leading programs at every level, and connections with professional clubs world-wide makes him uniquely positioned to guide the next chapter of Force USL 2.
Kyle Veris joins as Associate Head Coach, bringing an impressive professional playing career and extensive coaching experience at the collegiate, academy, and high school levels. A former MLS player selected 25th overall in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by the LA Galaxy, Veris also competed professionally in Norway, Puerto Rico, and across the United States. His collegiate career included two MAC Championships at the University of Akron and an accomplished tenure at Ohio State, earning two First Team All-Big Ten selections, a Big Ten Championship, and Second Team All-American honors. A former U.S. U-20 Youth National Team pool selection, Veris holds a USSF National B Coaching License and currently serves as the Head Coach of the U17 and U19 Cleveland Force ECNL Boys teams and also as the Head Boys Varsity Soccer Coach at Strongsville High School. A Cleveland United SC alumnus, he brings valuable local ties and a wealth of playing and coaching knowledge to the next chapter of Force USL 2.
Geneo Oberst returns as Assistant Coach, bringing a strong background in coaching and player development, along with collegiate playing experience at Gannon University and coaching experience across Northeast Ohio. A USSF D License holder, Oberst also serves as Assistant Athletic Director at Villa Angela–Saint Joseph High School.
Denny Ciornei returns as Goalkeeper Coach, bringing nearly two decades of goalkeeper development experience and an impressive track record of preparing players for collegiate and professional opportunities. During his time coaching at Cleveland State University, Ciornei guided both the men's and women's programs to Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2010. He also coached Brad Stuver, the No. 1 goalkeeper selected in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, and Alec Ferrell, the No. 1 goalkeeper selected in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft following an ACC Championship career at Wake Forest. With more than 80 collegiate players developed over the past 18 years, along with experience coaching professional players and two NPSL championships, Ciornei brings a wealth of specialized knowledge and experience to Force USL 2's goalkeeping department.
Together, this staff will lead a program focused on developing talent, raising competitive standards, and strengthening the pathway from youth soccer to the collegiate and professional levels.
Thank You, Carl Nolan and Nick Felician
Cleveland Force SC would also like to recognize and thank Carl Nolan and Nick Felician for their leadership of the USL 2 program over the past two seasons.
Their dedication, time, and investment in the players and organization helped establish an important foundation for the program. The club appreciates their contributions and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.
The Future Starts Now
Force USL 2 is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for ambitious players ready to take the next step in their soccer careers. From current and former Force players to collegiate athletes and high-level talent from across the region, the program provides a competitive summer environment built around development, competition, and opportunity.
Ready to compete? Join us for our upcoming 2027 USL 2 tryouts:
Wednesday, December 30, 2026
3:00–4:30 PM
TOCA Northfield
4505 Northfield Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
Click the button below to learn more about the Force USL 2 program and register for tryouts!
Your next opportunity starts with Force.
