Indiana University Athletics
Eleven Hoosiers Start Seasons in USL Championship, MLS NEXT Pro
3/7/2026 12:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — As the United Soccer League (USL) season kicks off this weekend, Indiana men's soccer highlights 11 Hoosiers playing between the USL and MLS NEXT Pro. The latter league started its season February 27.
All six Hoosiers in USL now play in USL Championship after five players made moves across or into the league's top tier during the offseason.
Karsen Henderlong moved from FC Naples in USL League One to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Championship after leading Naples with 16 goals and earning USL League One All-League First Team honors last season. Henderlong was also a finalist for league player of the year.
Justin Rennicks returns stateside after two seasons Finnish Veikkausliiga, which followed five seasons with New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.
After earning a first team deal with Atlanta United during and through last season, Nyk Sessock moved to USL Championship, signing with the Las Vegas Lights.
Following his freshman campaign at IU, Colton Swan elected to go professional with Charleston Battery. Shortly after his signing, Swan earned a call-up with the United States U19 National Team.
In MLS NEXT Pro, three Hoosiers signed with St. Louis CITY2 as recent alums Jack Wagoner, Palmer Ault and Patrick McDonald joined sides again in the Gateway City. Wagoner wore the captain's armband and McDonald scored in the team's 4-0 season-opening victory last weekend.
Hugo Bacharach (Rhode Island FC – USL Championship) and Tommy Mihalic (LAFC2 – MLS NEXT Pro) remained with their clubs.
#ProIU Hoosiers
MLS NEXT Pro
Palmer Ault – St. Louis CITY2
Alex Boler – Chicago Fire II (General Manager)
Patrick McDonald – St. Louis CITY2
Tommy Mihalic – LAFC2
Jack Wagoner – St. Louis CITY2
USL Championship
Hugo Bacharach – Rhode Island FC
Rece Buckmaster – San Antonio FC
Karsen Henderlong – Tampa Bay Rowdies
Justin Rennicks – New Mexico United
Nyk Sessock – Las Vegas Lights
Colton Swan – Charleston Battery
@IndianaMSOC
For all the latest on Indiana University men's soccer, be sure to follow the team at @IndianaMSOC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
#NeverDaunted
All six Hoosiers in USL now play in USL Championship after five players made moves across or into the league's top tier during the offseason.
Karsen Henderlong moved from FC Naples in USL League One to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Championship after leading Naples with 16 goals and earning USL League One All-League First Team honors last season. Henderlong was also a finalist for league player of the year.
Justin Rennicks returns stateside after two seasons Finnish Veikkausliiga, which followed five seasons with New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.
After earning a first team deal with Atlanta United during and through last season, Nyk Sessock moved to USL Championship, signing with the Las Vegas Lights.
Following his freshman campaign at IU, Colton Swan elected to go professional with Charleston Battery. Shortly after his signing, Swan earned a call-up with the United States U19 National Team.
In MLS NEXT Pro, three Hoosiers signed with St. Louis CITY2 as recent alums Jack Wagoner, Palmer Ault and Patrick McDonald joined sides again in the Gateway City. Wagoner wore the captain's armband and McDonald scored in the team's 4-0 season-opening victory last weekend.
Hugo Bacharach (Rhode Island FC – USL Championship) and Tommy Mihalic (LAFC2 – MLS NEXT Pro) remained with their clubs.
#ProIU Hoosiers
MLS NEXT Pro
Palmer Ault – St. Louis CITY2
Alex Boler – Chicago Fire II (General Manager)
Patrick McDonald – St. Louis CITY2
Tommy Mihalic – LAFC2
Jack Wagoner – St. Louis CITY2
USL Championship
Hugo Bacharach – Rhode Island FC
Rece Buckmaster – San Antonio FC
Karsen Henderlong – Tampa Bay Rowdies
Justin Rennicks – New Mexico United
Nyk Sessock – Las Vegas Lights
Colton Swan – Charleston Battery
@IndianaMSOC
For all the latest on Indiana University men's soccer, be sure to follow the team at @IndianaMSOC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
#NeverDaunted
Players Mentioned
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