The Brooklyn FC men’s soccer team on Sunday scored a lean 1-0 victory against Indy Eleven in their inaugural home opener at Coney Island’s Maimonides Park.
The game marked a historic victory for the team, as Brooklyn FC is the borough’s only professional soccer club. The women’s team had its first season in 2024.
Juan Carlos “JC” Obregón, one of the two vice captains, scored the game’s lone goal through a penalty kick.
Brooklyn FC greeted its fans on an unusually warm, cloudy day with free hats for the first 1,000 fans. The stadium also had a face painting station and a DJ, as the day was as much about ushering in a new era as it was about soccer.
Although Brooklyn FC is projected to finish second-to-last in the league, Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc said they’re a scrappy team focused on building a strong culture within the borough.
“I don't think there's anybody that would ever disparage a team for rolling up their sleeves, fighting when they need to fight, especially in Brooklyn, right?” LeBlanc said. “Our identity is Brooklyn, which means that we've got a little bit of flair, we've got a little bit of fight. But certainly, there's a lot of passion and pride too."
Brooklyn native Obregón, who previously represented Honduras in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and internationally, said he was excited to bring his passion for the sport to the borough.
“Being from Brooklyn, I was once a kid who would go to stadiums and watch soccer matches,” said Obregón. “Fortunately, now, they have a Brooklyn team, you know, that they can come in every weekend. [I am] putting myself in their shoes, and just trying to be a role model and inspire them.”
Deon Lucien, a 5-year-old fan from Bay Ridge, came with his dad, Guichard, with a handmade sign that read “Go Brooklyn.” He said he was excited to cheer for Brooklyn and watch the ball fly high in the sky.
Friends Jose Chuchuca, Marcos Alcar, and Letty Gachupin said they came because they had followed the women’s team and were hoping to enjoy the rare sunshine after a long winter and cheer for a win.
Vuk Latinovich, a defender and vice captain, provides key leadership to the team. He has previously played for New York City FC after being drafted in 2021. Most recently, Latinovich played for Orange County SC in 2025. Latinovich has been essential in shaping the budding identity of the new club on and off the field.
“Honestly, since we’ve all been together from day one of preseason, we’ve all gotten to know each other really well, and there’s ups and downs every single day, but we’ve all been trending upwards,” said Latinovich.
Rounding out team leadership is captain Tommy McNamara. The midfielder is another New York native who brings years of experience to the team. During his time in the MLS, McNamara scored 22 goals and made 30 assists.
The team heads into the 2026 season with a lot to learn, but plenty of heart. Coach LeBlanc said the winter storms caused the team to lose practice time on their unique, pitch diamond field, and he is looking forward to leading the team to break free of their expansion reputation.
Still, the players and staff are eager to make a name for themselves in Brooklyn.
“I carry that Brooklyn attitude with pride,” said Obregón.
