Erie Commodores FC is an American soccer team based in Erie, Pennsylvania, competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. The team plays its home games at Saxon Stadium, located on the campus of Mercyhurst University.
The SeaWolves adopted the name "Commodores" to honor Oliver Hazard Perry, a U.S. Navy commodore who commanded forces from Erie's Presque Isle Bay during the Battle of Lake Erie, a pivotal event in the War of 1812. Perry's flagship, the USS Niagara, flew the iconic "Don't Give up the Ship" battle flag, both elements featured in the Commodores' logo. The Erie Maritime Museum now maintains the Niagara at Presque Isle Bay.
History In 2009, local soccer coach Pedro Argáez founded "Erie Admirals SC", building upon an existing youth program. John Melody, a former player at Mercyhurst University, initially served as head coach and later took full ownership of the club. On April 24, 2015, Melody rebranded the team as "Erie Commodores FC". He appointed Micky Blythe—a fellow Mercyhurst alumnus—as head coach for one season, followed by Neil Brown (holding a UEFA A License) for the 2015 NPSL campaign.
In 2021, they announced addition of a senior women's team to its overall program, to play in the United Women's Soccer League Two.
Player development Several Commodores alums have advanced to professional soccer, including: Adam Clement, signed by Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS) Sam Dorf, signed by Waterford FC (League of Ireland 1st Division) Jeremy Deighton, Greg Blum, and Neil Shaffer, who played with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL) Danny Deakin, drafted by Orlando City SC in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft
Rust‑Belt rivalries and venue changes The Commodores developed rivalries with fellow Rust Belt Conference teams, such as Cleveland SC. In 2020, the club participated in the NPSL Members Cup, alongside Cleveland SC, FC Buffalo, and Pittsburgh Hotspurs. They also contested the Erie County Derby against FC Buffalo until Buffalo's move to USL League Two in 2023.
From 2013 to 2021, the team played at McConnell Family Stadium on the campus of Gannon University. In 2022, the Commodores relocated to Saxon Stadium on the Mercyhurst University campus, a facility that seats approximately 2,300 spectators and features a synthetic turf playing surface.
Brewers Cup In 2024, Erie revived its rivalry with FC Buffalo through the Erie County Brewers Cup, sponsored by John Russell Brewing (Erie) and Big Ditch Brewing (Buffalo). The two-leg series featured a commissioned tropical IPA, "Lake Erie Life," released by the collaborating breweries.
2025 season During the 2025 NPSL campaign, Erie qualified for the Great Lakes conference playoffs by defeating Cleveland SC on July 5, marking another strong season under the club's continued leadership.
Current roster
Year-by-year YearTierLeagueRegular seasonGPWDLPtsPPGPlayoffsU.S. Open Cup20094NPSL1st of 6, Eastern Keystone10910282.80Won Division Final vs. Boston Aztec, 2-0Won National Semifinal vs. Rocket City United, 4-2Lost National Final vs. Sonoma County Sol, 2-1 (a.e.t.)ineligible20104NPSL2nd of 7, Northeast-Keystone121002302.50did not qualifydid not qualify20114NPSL1st of 8, Northeast-Keystone121011312.58Won Division Final vs. Brooklyn Italians, 1-0Lost National Semifinal vs. Jacksonville United, 4-2Won 3rd Place Game vs. Milwaukee Bavarians, 5-0did not qualify20124NPSL1st of 5, Midwest-Great Lakes12651231.92Won Conference Semifinal vs. Greater Binghamton FC, 1-0Lost Conference Final vs. AFC Cleveland, 1-1 (a.e.t.) (4-3 PKs)did not qualify20134NPSL3rd of 6, Midwest-Great Lakes12633211.75Won Conference Semifinal vs. FC Buffalo, 5-2Won Conference Final vs. Detroit City FC, 4-1Won Region Final vs. Quad City Eagles, 1-0Lost National Semifinal vs. RVA Football Club, 4-0declined20144NPSL2nd of 4, Midwest-Great Lakes East14626201.43did not qualifydid not qualify20154NPSL7th of 13, Midwest12507151.25did not qualifydid not qualify20164NPSL5th of 6, Midwest-Great Lakes East10244101.00did not qualifydid not qualify20174NPSL1st of 7, Midwest-East12633211.75Lost Region Quarterfinal vs. Dayton Dynamo, 1-0did not qualify20184NPSL1st of 7, Midwest-East12831272.25Lost Region Quarterfinal vs. Cleveland SC, 4-0Won First Round vs. Rochester River Dogz FC, 1-1 (a.e.t) (5-4 PKs)Lost Second Round vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, 2-120194NPSL3rd of 6, Midwest-East10442161.60did not qualifyLost First Round vs. Dayton Dutch Lions, 2-120204NPSLCancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic000000.00Not playedNot played20214NPSL4th of 6, Midwest-Rust Belt1014570.70did not qualifyNot played20224NPSL4th of 5, Midwest-Rust Belt12327110.92did not qualifydid not qualify20234NPSL5th of 7, Midwest-Great Lakes12516161.33did not qualifydid not qualify20244NPSL6th of 8, Midwest-Great Lakes10334121.20did not qualifydid not qualify20254NPSL4th of 8, Midwest-Great Lakes10604181.80Lost Conference Semifinal vs. Flower City Union, 3-1 (a.e.t.)did not qualify20264NPSL1st of 7, Great Lakes121011312.58Lost Conference Semifinal vs. Flower City Union, 2-1did not qualify
Honors National: NPSL National Runners-Up: 2009 NPSL National Semifinalist, 3rd Place Winner: 2011 Region/Historical Equivalent: NPSL Midwest Region Champions: 2013 NPSL Northeast Division Champions: 2011 NPSL Eastern Division Champions: 2009 Conference/Historical Equivalent: NPSL Midwest Region-East Conference Champions: 2017, 2018 NPSL Midwest Region-Great Lakes Conference Playoff Champions: 2013 NPSL Midwest Region-Great Lakes Conference Regular Season Champions: 2012 NPSL Northeast Division-Keystone Conference Champions: 2011 NPSL Eastern Keystone Division Champions: 2009 Rivalry: Erie County Derby Champions (vs FC Buffalo): 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2022
Note: Beginning with the 2025 NPSL season, conference champions are now determined by the playoffs, rather than regular season standings. In 2026, regions were discontinued, with conference champions now advancing to the National Playoffs.
Stadia Saxon Stadium (2022–Present) McConnell Family Stadium (2013, 2016–2021) Gus Anderson Field (2014–2015) Dollinger Field (2012–2013) Penn State Behrend Soccer/Lacrosse Complex (2010–2011) Family First Sports Park (2009–2010)
Notable former players The following players have either played at the professional or international level, either before or after playing for the team:
Martin Baudelet Calum Ferguson Syrus Connolly Ezana Kahsay Malcolm Shaw
References
External links