One Knoxville SC Captures 2025 USL League One Title in Front of Record Crowd

Jonathan Turner
1 day ago
3 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Goals from Nico Rosamilia and Kempes Tekiela on either side of halftime powered One Knoxville SC to the 2025 USL League One Championship, defeating Spokane Velocity FC 2–0 on Sunday night at a sold-out Covenant Health Park. A League One-record crowd of 7,500 witnessed Knoxville secure its first league title in club history.

With the win, Knoxville completed the historic double, adding the postseason crown to its Players’ Shield triumph after an outstanding regular season. The No. 1 seed becomes just the fourth club to sweep both trophies in the same year.

Match Recap

Knoxville wasted no time taking control. In just the 4th minute, Kempes Tekiela slipped Stávros Zarokóstas into space down the right wing. The Greek attacker beat his defender to the endline and slid a low cross toward goal, where Rosamilia calmly tapped home from close range to make it 1–0.

The early pressure continued, with Zarokóstas and Stuart Ritchie both threatening to double the lead. Spokane slowly settled in and generated chances of its own, highlighted by a deflected header from Camron Miller and a dangerous counterattack sparked by Luis Gil, whose through-ball narrowly missed the reach of Andre Lewis.

Knoxville goalkeeper Sean Lewis kept the hosts ahead with a save on Gil’s header late in the first half.

Eight minutes into the second half, Knoxville doubled its advantage. Ritchie was brought down just inside the penalty area, and Tekiela converted the ensuing spot kick into the right corner, sending Spokane’s Carlos Merancio the wrong way to make it 2–0.

Knoxville nearly made it three late on when Babacar Diene pushed a close-range chance wide, but the hosts’ back line remained disciplined as Spokane pushed numbers forward. One Knox closed out the match with composure, sealing a memorable championship run.

Takeaways

One Knoxville SC

The league’s top seed capped off a dominant year, finishing undefeated at home (14-0-4) across the regular season and playoffs. Kempes Tekiela continued his excellent postseason form, finishing with two goals and two assists, contributing to a goal in all three playoff matches.

Spokane Velocity FC

For the second straight year, Velocity fell short in the Final. An early concession — similar to the 2024 loss to Union Omaha — put Spokane on the back foot. The attack was limited to one shot on target and just two attempts in the second half as Knoxville’s defensive structure held firm.

Key Moment

Rosamilia’s 4th-minute opener, created by a brilliant solo effort and service from Zarokóstas, set the tone and forced Spokane to chase the game from the outset.

Key Stat

Knoxville center backs Sivert Haugli (11) and Jordan Skelton (9) combined for 20 clearances. Spokane sent 33 crosses into the area but managed only a single shot on target.

Final MVP: Nico Rosamilia, One Knoxville SC

Rosamilia delivered the opening goal and contributed across the pitch, winning 5 of 7 ground duels, making multiple defensive recoveries, and creating a scoring chance.