Inaugural seasons for expansion teams are usually a tricky proposition. Organizations are building full rosters, coaching staffs and team infrastructures from scratch while also trying to be competitive with established franchises.

The Spokane Velocity experienced that firsthand in 2024 during their first season playing professional men's soccer in USL League One. But after sneaking into the playoffs despite having a losing record (7-9-6), something flipped when the postseason rolled around. The Velocity made a surprising run to the final before eventually falling in the title game to Union Omaha. But it still wasn't clear if the team had begun to turn the corner or had hit a random hot streak.

As the Velocity hit the home stretch of the 2025 regular season, it has become clear that top

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