Brave SC

Brave SC or Brave Sporting Club, (formerly The Villages SC) is an American soccer club from Summerfield, Florida that plays in USL League Two.

History

The Villages SC

Brave SC began as a youth team in 2008 under the name The Villages SC, serving The Villages, Florida and the surrounding areas. In 2016, the club acquired the USL League 2 (formerly Premier Development League, PDL) operating license from Ocala Stampede and began operations of its pre-professional first team, initially branding themselves as The Villages SC Buffalo. That year, the team recorded its first-ever win in the U.S. Open Cup against Kraze United, 1–0, and later defeated USL professional side Charleston Battery in a second-round penalty shootout, though the result was forfeited due to an ineligible player. In their inaugural PDL season, the club won the Southeast Division title and advanced to the South Conference semifinals, losing 2–1 to Midland/Odessa Sockers.

In 2017, The Villages SC returned to the US Open Cup but lost 2–1 to Jacksonville Armada U-23 and failed to qualify for the PDL playoffs, the only season the club did not reach the postseason. The 2018 season marked the club’s most successful campaign to that point, winning the South Conference Championship by defeating Tormenta 2 and SIMA Aguilas, before losing 1–0 to Reading United in the national semifinals. In 2019, the club qualified for the US Open Cup for a third time, defeating Lakeland Tropics on penalties before losing 4–1 to Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second round. That season also saw The Villages SC secure a second Southeast Division title and reach the South Conference semifinals, losing 3–1 to Tormenta FC 2. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Villages SC returned in 2021, winning the Southeast Division title and reaching the South Conference semifinals, where they lost 4–2 to Tormenta 2. In 2022, they qualified for the US Open Cup, defeating Orlando Wolves 6–0 in the first round before losing 6–0 to Tampa Bay Rowdies. The team finished second in the Southeast Division and hosted a South Conference playoff pod, losing to Carolina Dynamo on penalties in the quarterfinals. In 2023, The Villages SC won the Southeast Division and the South Conference Championship for a second time, defeating Little Rock Rangers on penalties in the conference final before losing in a subsequent penalty shootout to Lionsbridge FC.

Brave SC

In December 2023, the club rebranded as Brave SC, dropping The Villages name to reflect the team's "brave" playing style and organizational approach. The club had previously broken ground on Brave Sporting Complex in 2019, establishing a permanent headquarters and training facility. Following the rebrand, Brave SC qualified for the US Open Cup, facing NISA side Savannah Clovers in the first round, losing 2–0. The club is currently the most successful USL League 2 team in Florida, with four Southeast Division championships (2016, 2019, 2021, 2023) and two Southern Conference championships (2018, 2023).

Year-by-year

Current squad

As of 27th July 2023

NOT CURRENT

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Brave SC II

In 2023, the club announced its intentions to field a United Premier Soccer League team in the Florida division starting in 2024. The team was branded as Brave Sporting Club II, and serves as a pathway for players to showcase their talent and work their way to play for the first team.

Brave SC Niterói

In 2023, the club announced a partnership with Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil based youth club Brave SC Niterói. The club rosters 80 futsal players and is competing in its first outdoor soccer season. The partnership allows for coaching materials and tactics as well as players to be shared between the two sides.

Honors

• USL League 2 Southern Conference Champions: 2018, 2023
• USL League 2 Southeast Division Champions: 2016, 2019, 2021, 2023