Cleveland, OH — May 8, 2026 — Northeast Ohio’s rapidly growing soccer scene is getting a new summer tradition.

Today, the three USL League Two clubs based in Northeast Ohio announced the creation of the Orange Barrel Cup, a new competition that will see the region’s top teams battle for local bragging rights throughout the summer season.

The Orange Barrel Cup will feature Akron City FC, Cleveland Force SC and Lorain County Leviathan FC, all of whom compete in USL League Two’s Great Forest Division. The home and away league matches between the three clubs will also count toward the standings for the new trophy. At the end of the season, the club with the best point total will be crowned champion and take home the Orange Barrel Cup.

The new competition comes at a moment when soccer in Northeast Ohio is experiencing tremendous growth. With participation at youth levels booming, professional pathways expanding, and the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup arriving in the United States this summer, the region’s soccer community continues to build momentum.

Across the country, USL League Two has also evolved beyond simply being a developmental league. Many clubs now draw strong crowds and create vibrant matchday environments that combine high level soccer with a fun, affordable entertainment experience for fans of all ages.

Part of what makes soccer so special around the world, particularly in Europe and the United Kingdom, is the tradition of fierce rivalries between clubs located just miles apart. Some of the most historic matches in the sport are played between neighboring towns or clubs within the same city, where local pride and community identity turn each game into something bigger than just a match.

The Orange Barrel Cup aims to bring a little of that spirit to Northeast Ohio. 

“I’ve been part of our local soccer community since I first started playing in 1987, the sport has grown tremendously and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down,” said Akron City FC Owner Nick Turchan. “Between the growth of the youth game, the excitement surrounding the World Cup, and the energy around our local clubs, it felt like the perfect time to create something fun that brings our communities together while sparking a little friendly, or maybe not so friendly, rivalry.” 

The name Orange Barrel Cup reflects an infamous Northeast Ohio tradition. Anyone who has driven the region’s roads knows the familiar sight of bright orange construction barrels that at this point are essentially permanent fixtures in our daily life. While road construction may slow down traffic, the new cup competition promises to bring a little extra speed, intensity, and excitement to the soccer field. 

“Anyone who lives in Northeast Ohio knows construction season never really ends,” said Andrew McDonnell, Chairman of Lorain County Leviathan FC. “Since the Orange Barrel Cup is all about community, we thought it was important to highlight the good and also poke a little fun at the things that make this region unique. The orange barrel is something everyone here recognizes, so it felt like the perfect symbol for our local soccer rivalries.” 

For supporters across Northeast Ohio, the message is simple: come watch the region’s best battle for the newest cup in town. 

“Only in Northern Ohio can you hit three potholes, five construction zones, and still make it just in time for kickoff, but that’s what makes the Orange Barrel Cup special. It’s a cup built on resilience, passion, and a little bit of humor about the roads that bring us together,” said Marko Raduka, Executive Director at Cleveland Force SC. “What makes it even more exciting is the way it brings our three clubs into a true rivalry, adding an extra layer of competition not just for the players, but for the coaches, the staff, and all of our collective fans. It’s competitive, it’s spirited and it something our entire soccer community can rally behind.” 

With packed summer schedules, growing fan bases, and the global spotlight on soccer, the Orange Barrel Cup aims to celebrate everything that makes soccer special in Northeast Ohio while creating a new tradition for years to come. 

Fans can follow each club’s social media accounts for updated standings throughout the summer and the unveiling of the Cup’s trophy! 

Grab your tickets for the Cup matches now by visiting each respective club’s website. www.clevelandforcesc.com/usl, www.akroncityfc.com and www.loraincountyleviathanfc.com