USL Rhode Island FC

Rhode Island FC Signs Former San Diego Loyal SC Defender

Published on November 8, 2023 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rhode Island FC News Release


PAWTUCKET, RI - Rhode Island FC, the Ocean State's new professional men's soccer team, has signed USL Championship defender Grant Stoneman to its inaugural 2024 USL Championship season roster. Stoneman most recently played for San Diego Loyal SC alongside Koke Vegas, the first player to ever be signed by Rhode Island FC. Before joining San Diego, Stoneman played for USL League 1 side Lansing Ignite.

"We continue to build a roster that all Rhode Islanders will be proud of. Grant has years of league experience and has a strong presence with his teammates. We are focused on creating a culture on and off the pitch that prioritizes winning and connectivity. The pieces we are putting together will position our club to compete at the highest levels of the league from our opening match in March," said Khano Smith, head coach and general manager of Rhode Island FC.

Stoneman played four seasons with San Diego Loyal, showcasing his skills in 101 games for the club. Prior to his professional career, he played collegiate soccer at Loyola University in Chicago, earning numerous accolades. In 2018, he was honored as the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, Stoneman's performance earned him a spot on the First Team United Soccer Coaches All-West Region in both 2016 and 2018.

"I am excited to be one of the first players to join Rhode Island FC's roster, and to do it alongside my former teammate makes it even more special," said Grant Stoneman, Rhode Island FC. "I look forward to putting in the work alongside my teammates to make Rhode Island FC's inaugural season one that all of Rhode Island can be proud of. I'm thankful to Coach Smith and the entire Rhode Island FC front office for the opportunity to be a part of the club's inaugural roster."

Rhode Island FC will make its USL Championship debut in early March 2024 and will play its home matches during its inaugural season at Beirne Stadium at Bryant University while the state-of-the-art soccer stadium at Tidewater Landing is completed. Like all transactions in the USL Championship, Stoneman's signing will be finalized pending league and federation approval.

About Rhode Island FC Rhode Island FC, a club for all Rhode Island, is independently owned and operated and is the only homegrown men's professional team in the state. It is led by co-founders Brett Johnson and former MLS and USMNT player Michael Parkhurst, a Rhode Island native. The club will begin play in March 2024 in its temporary venue, Beirne Stadium on the campus of Bryant University, while its permanent home stadium is completed for the 2025 season. The Stadium at Tidewater Landing in downtown Pawtucket will be a state-of-the-art stadium with a 10,000+ capacity. More information at www.rhodeislandfc.com.

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