The most popular sport in the world will soon kick off in Westchester - with the arrival of a new United Soccer League League One franchise.

Mitch Baruchowitz, the club majority owner of the Westchester Soccer Club, says he can't wait to bring it to the county.

"I'm so excited to see the first goal that's ever scored in our history and watch the people cheer," he says.

The new team owner from Rye sat down for his first interview since finding out his Westchester Soccer Club was tapped to join the USL, making it the county's first homegrown professional sports team.

"The community around soccer games is amazing, a professional soccer experience. And we thought by bringing that to Westchester, we would harness all of the creative energy," he says.

Baruchowitz says he is aware that soccer hasn't historically been seen as an American sport, but he's hoping they can develop a world-class development pipeline by nurturing local talent.

He says a professional men's team will start playing in the 2025 season, and a women's team is set to follow coming out of the World Cup.

It's an effort they hope will kick new life into Memorial Field, a storied Mount Vernon sporting venue.

"We plan on creating some amazing things at the stadium, and it's been like the most joyful experience building it so far," he says.

Baruchowitz says plans are already in the works for family-friendly events, community soccer clinics and fan meetups - along with plenty of merchandise.

"You can still love the Jets and Yankees and Mets, you can love all those things. When it comes to soccer, this is your team, and we want that to come through," he says.

Ticket prices are expected to range from $15 for a bleacher seat up to $100 for premium seating and access to a VIP hospitality tent.

For more information on the new team, click here https://www.westchestersc.com/