FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JAN. 26, 2026
BOISE, Idaho — Athletic Club Boise has signed 12 players as the club continues to build its inaugural roster ahead of the 2026 USL League One season. The group represents a blend of professional experience, international backgrounds, and emerging talent, positioning the club to compete immediately while establishing long-term standards.
“A lot of work has gone into this recruitment process, and we are very pleased with the core group of players we have been able to sign,” said Head Coach Nate Miller. “Building ‘Team 1’ of Athletic Club Boise is a crucial project to get right, and a building block that will set a successful tone for the long term.”
“It was really important for us to recruit a team that has the potential to win now and compete at the highest level, while also setting a foundation we can build upon for long-term success,” Miller added. “Recruiting the highest quality of men to build the culture we want was of the utmost importance. We are very grateful to these talented players who have chosen this club, and we look forward to building together.”
The team arrived in San Diego over the weekend for two weeks of preseason training at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, a 155-acre training facility for Olympic athletes, marking the next phase of preparation as the roster comes together on the field.
A Full-Circle Moment in San Diego
Preseason in San Diego carries special significance for Miller, who previously coached alongside Landon Donovan at San Diego Loyal SC. Athletic Club Boise will train on the same fields used during those preseason camps — now preparing a new club and a new identity in a familiar environment.
While in San Diego, Athletic Club Boise will also play a limited slate of preseason friendly matches against Los Angeles Football Club 2 (LAFC2) — the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate of Major League Soccer’s LAFC — as well as San Diego State University, providing valuable competitive minutes as the roster comes together and prepares for the season.
Open- and Closed-Door Tryout Update
Last week, the club held a closed-door tryout featuring a targeted group of players the technical staff has been tracking for an extended period. In total, seven players from the closed-door tryout — including two open-tryout standouts — traveled with the team to San Diego on trial, with final roster decisions to be made during and following camp.
INAUGURAL ROSTER SIGNINGS (TO DATE)
All signings are pending league and federation approval
Goalkeeper
Javier Garcia | McAllen, Texas | Former Texoma FC
- Proven USL League One and Championship goalkeeper
- Known for shot-stopping, penalty saves, and command of the box
Defenders
Jonathan Ricketts | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Former Miami FC
- Experienced across USL League One and Championship
- Reliable, versatile defender with strong work rate
Jake Dengler | Baltimore, Maryland | Former FC Naples
- 6’5” center back and elite aerial presence
- 2025 All-USL League One Second Team honoree
Jake Crull | Heiligenkreuz, Austria | Former Forward Madison FC
- Consistent League One defender and All-League selection
- Tactical, disciplined, and reliable across the back line
Benian Yao | Waxhaw, North Carolina | Former UNC Asheville
- Physical, commanding defender with leadership qualities
- Strong organizer and set-piece presence
Midfielders
Blake Bodily | Boise, Idaho | Former Tampa Bay Rowdies
- MLS and USL Championship veteran and Boise native
- Two-way wide midfielder with leadership and hometown pride
Charlie Adams | Hendon, England | Former Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Veteran midfielder shaped by European and U.S. professional play
- Controls tempo and provides leadership centrally
Nick Moon | Waukesha, Wisconsin | Former Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Versatile wide midfielder with pace and two-way impact
- Proven contributor across League One and Championship
Philip Mayaka | Nairobi, Kenya | Former Huntsville City FC
- Former MLS SuperDraft No. 3 overall pick
- Technical midfielder with vision and work rate
Tumi Moshobane | Soweto, South Africa | Former Charlotte Independence FC
- Creative attacking midfielder with Championship experience
- Dynamic playmaker with proven production
Denys Kostyshyn | Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine | Former FC Drita
- Experienced European attacking midfielder
- Goal-threatening playmaker with experience in European top divisions
Forward
Omar Yehya | Redlands, California | Former Ballard FC
- WAC Golden Boot winner with pace and attacking versatility
- Creative option capable of impacting games in advanced areas
Boise and the Beautiful Game
“This club is being built for Boise, and Idaho, and the people on the field are key to how this club shows up,” said Athletic Club Boise CEO and Cofounder Brad Stith. “These players represent different backgrounds, different paths, and a shared love for the game — and now they’re bringing that to our community. We’re excited for fans in Boise to get to know them, to watch how they compete, and for these players to experience the passion and support that already exists here. Soccer is the world’s game, and we believe it belongs in this city in a real, meaningful way.”
Athletic Club Boise will continue preseason preparations in Idaho starting mid-February ahead of the club’s season opener on March 7 and its home opener on April 4 at the Athletic Club Boise Stadium at Expo Idaho.
For more information, visit acboise.com or follow @acboise on Instagram and X.
About Athletic Club Boise
Athletic Club Boise is Idaho’s first professional soccer club, competing in USL League One. Founded with deep roots in the community, the club is building a privately funded stadium at Expo Idaho through a 30-year partnership with Ada County. AC Boise will debut its men’s team in 2026, followed by a women’s Gainbridge Super League team in 2027. All men’s matches will be broadcast nationally on the ESPN and CBS Sports family of networks — a first for Boise pro sports. The club’s mission is to celebrate Idaho’s identity through sport, grow access to the game, and become a lasting source of pride for the Treasure Valley.
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