USL Philadelphia Union II

Bethlehem Steel FC Hire Managing Director of Business Operations

Published on December 11, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - Bethlehem Steel FC announced Friday it has hired Rich Searls to become the club's first-ever managing director. Searls will oversee all business operations for the expansion club, which will serve as the official USL affiliate of the Philadelphia Union. Searls joins the club from New York Cosmos, the reigning NASL champions, where he was the director of sales. He also previously worked for the New York Red Bulls.

"Rich's vast experience and knowledge in this industry was really a perfect fit for our organization," Philadelphia Union Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President Dave Rowan said. "We're excited to have him lead our operations in Bethlehem and know he has already hit the ground running with our first-year club."

Since December 2012, Searls has served as the director of sales for New York Cosmos, where he helped re-launch the iconic soccer brand before its first season back in competitive play in NASL. Under Searls, the Cosmos led the league in average attendance in 2013 and the club went on to win the NASL Soccer Bowl in its first season of existence. The Cosmos also won the NASL championship in 2015.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be able to join Bethlehem Steel FC, and I want to thank Jay Sugarman, Richie Graham and Dave for this opportunity," Searls said. "We have ambitious goals of becoming the standard bearer of our growing league, and I'm really looking forward to being a driving member of the cause. I can't wait to get started."

Prior to joining New York Cosmos, Searls worked for New York Red Bulls from 2003 to 2011. He served as the director of sales and service after being promoted from a senior account executive. Searls has also worked as a consultant for the Soccer International Network and for Van Wagner Dorna USA Sports Group. He received his bachelor's degree in communications from William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J.

Bethlehem Steel FC was officially announced on Oct. 27, 2015. They will serve as the Philadelphia Union affiliate in the United Soccer League and will play their home games at Goodman Stadium on the campus of Lehigh University. They will officially join USL for the 2016 season, alongside fellow expansion teams FC Cincinnati, Orlando City B, Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and Swope Park Rangers. Former Union assistant coach Brendan Burke was named head coach on Oct. 28 and will lead Bethlehem Steel FC in its first season.

Fans interested in season tickets can call 1-844-STEELFC or visit www.bethlehemsteelfc.com to see full ticket prices and view of a stadium map.

Check out the Philadelphia Union II Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from December 11, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central