Corpus Christi FC has officially entered the professional soccer landscape, marking a major milestone for the sport along the Gulf Coast as the club prepares for its inaugural season in USL League One in 2026. The organization, nicknamed the Sharks, will be the first professional soccer team in the Coastal Bend, bringing high-level competition and new energy to South Texas fans.
At the heart of the club’s transition is the appointment of Eamon Zayed as head coach and sporting director. Zayed, a seasoned coach and former professional player, brings significant experience from his time leading Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in USL League One, where he guided the team to playoff success. Known for his tactical insight and leadership, Zayed will oversee both coaching duties and player recruitment as the Sharks embark on this new chapter.
To build a competitive roster for their first professional season, Corpus Christi FC has begun signing new players. One of the club’s first additions is midfielder Patrick Langlois, who previously played for the Portland Hearts of Pine. Other early signings include Jackson Dietrich and Alexis Cerritos, bringing a mix of midfield and attacking talent to the squad. These early moves show the club is focused on competitiveness and establishing a strong foundation for the professional level.
These initial additions set the tone for the club’s roster construction as it finalizes its squad ahead of the spring 2026 kickoff. Bringing together a mix of experienced professionals and promising contributors, the team hopes to compete from the outset while also connecting with the local community eager for high-level soccer.
As of this story’s publication, Corpus Christi FC did not respond to a request for comment by deadline. With a professional coach in place and the first wave of player signings underway, Corpus Christi FC’s leap into USL League One signals both growth for the club and a broader expansion of the sport in Texas. Fans are already looking forward to seeing how the Sharks perform in their first professional season.
The Sharks play their final preseason match at Cabaniss Field at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Their first regular season match will be against FC Naples on March 14 in Naples, Florida. Learn more about the team at https://www.corpuscfc.com/.
