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FC Buffalo will have a new coach for the 2025 USL2 season, as the club is happy to announce the appointment of a brilliant young soccer mind — men’s alum Carl Kennedy — to build on the a strong second season in USL2.
FC Buffalo’s men were led by coach Sean Hallas in 2024, and the club is very grateful for the on-field improvement and stability under he and his staff. We wish him the very best as he focuses on his rising D-II program at D’Youville University. We also thank Jack Napier, John Netter, Matt Burke, Andy Siviy, and Ryan Louis provided last season, as well as the organization of returning men’s director Cullen Dedrick.
“Sean’s future as a soccer mind and motivator is nearly limitless,” Mendola said. “His staff were professional and their preparation and care for our players were a great service to our club. They set a solid standard for 2025.”
Who is Carl Kennedy? New FCB coach (and former midfielder)
In Kennedy, the club has a new coach who has worn the blue and gold both here and abroad as a standout player in the 2019 NPSL season. The holding midfielder from Bolton, England, started every league game for the club and also represented FCB in its 10th anniversary trip to Germany.
| “Six years ago I was fortunate enough to play for FC Buffalo, an experience for which I will forever be grateful as the Summer of 2019 will stay with me forever,” Kennedy said. “I am thankful for FC Buffalo and the fans for giving me such an incredible experience.” “Since playing at FC Buffalo I have been able to gain some great coaching experience both in England and the United States. When Nick spoke to me about the head coach’s position coming available late last month I could not turn down the opportunity to come back to Buffalo and work for this amazing club. “I am hopeful that I can bring the success I’ve had at the collegiate level to FC Buffalo and I look forward to seeing you all again for the 2025 season!” |
Kennedy’s playing days took off in the Bolton Wanderers Academy, where he was a captain in their youth set-up before enrolling at Chowan University in NCAA D-II where he was an All-Conference performer. Kennedy transferred to Shaw University where he played for former FCB assistant Matt Brown and graduated with a degree in psychology.
Kennedy returned to the United Kingdom during the pandemic, where he earned UEFA coaching badges while coaching in the academy at Blackpool FC. He came back to American college soccer in 2022, serving on the staff of NAIA Top-25 side Missouri Baptist before taking the head job at Williams Baptist University. There he won the American Midwest Conference in 2023 and was named conference coach of the year before leading the Eagles to the second round of the 2024 NAIA National Tournament.
“When our head coaching position opened late last month there were a few names high on our list and Carl ticks so many boxes,” said FCB co-owner Nick Mendola. “Not only did he play for us with great dedication, but he was recommended to us as a player by a former staffer. He also sent us a high-character player last summer and, perhaps more vitally, his teams show up and will continue to fight — a characteristic we need to keep in our leadership.”
Kennedy’s teams went unbeaten against Top-25 opponents this season, something that will be invaluable in the big games to come this summer. Kennedy also guided midfielder Hugo Gil and forward Jacobo Obradors to NAIA All-American honors in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Coach Kennedy’s staff as well as the 2025 men’s USL2 schedule will be released later this month.
