After two great seasons in charge, James Riley has stepped away from Ballard FC. Although the club is sad to see Riley go, Ballard FC is excited to follow and support Coach Riley in his future endeavors.
The search for a new head coach has concluded, an announcement on the next Ballard FC head coach will be made soon.
Ballard FC thanks Coach Riley for all that he has done for the club. From guiding the club through its first two U.S. Open Cup appearances to now a second straight Northwest Division Title and another Western Conference Championship, the club is forever grateful for all of Riley’s work on and off the pitch. Some of the highlights under Coach Riley include:
- Western Conference Champion (2025)
- 2x Northwest Division Champion (2024 and 2025)
- National Final Appearance (2025)
- 22-7-5 (W-L-T) career USL League Two record
- 2.09 career points per match
- Achieved top ranking amongst over 140 USL 2 clubs
- Career +61 Goal Differential
- Nine players coached by Riley have signed pro contracts
As mentioned above, one of Coach Riley’s greatest accomplishments was not about wins and losses, but instead helping players move on to the next level. Nine players from Riley’s 2024 squad have signed professional contracts including a foursome of Tacoma Defiance teammates: Leo Burney, Charlie Gaffney, Demian Alvarez, and Peter Kingston. Reflecting on the club’s player development, Riley remarked, “We have created a pro-level environment for our players, while also emphasizing a pro mindset to help prepare all Ballard FC players for a professional soccer career. To me, these signings are some of the club’s biggest successes, and I can’t wait to see where the 2025 squad goes from here.”
Coach Riley already had a storied soccer career before Ballard FC. As a player, Riley won an MLS cup in 2014 with the LA Galaxy and also won five U.S. Open Cup titles (including three with the Seattle Sounders). Individually, Riley was named Prost Amerika’s Sounders Player of the Year in 2009. Off the pitch, Riley distinguished himself as a leader and role model, earning the MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Month Award in 2010 and being named the Seattle Sounders Humanitarian of the Year in both 2010 and 2011. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame. At Wake Forest, Riley started 79 of 82 matches and captained the Deacs to the No. 1 overall NCAA Division I ranking in his senior season. Ballard FC is proud to be part of Coach Riley’s ongoing journey, one shaped by leadership and a passion for developing young men not only as players, but as people.
The Ballard FC front office had nothing but praise for Riley. “James is an absolute top class professional and pushed the players and staff to be their best each and every day,” said club Co-Founder and President, Sam Zisette. “We are incredibly grateful for James’ hard work and dedication over the past two seasons, helping deliver success both on and off the field.”
Ballard FC co-founder and former teammate of Riley, Lamar Neagle, discussed his relationship with Riley: “I always enjoyed playing with James on the Sounders, and winning the 2011 U.S. Open Cup together is a memory I’ll never forget. Now that our playing careers are over, we’ve been able to win trophies together once again, but in much different roles. I’m proud to have shared these experiences with James and can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for Ballard FC.”
Coach Riley was definitely a fan favorite, and the feeling was mutual. When asked about the fans, Riley remarked that the “Ballard fans are the heartbeat of this club. Your passion, energy, and love for the game made every matchday unforgettable. You’re what makes Ballard FC truly special, for the players, the staff, and the entire community.”
From a player’s perspective, the squad rallied behind Riley. “Coach James was more than just a coach to me. He was a leader, on and off the field, and he taught us not only how to be top players but great men. He never played on the field with us, but no one worked harder than he did, he set the standard for our championship team,” said Christian Engmann, Ballard FC co-captain for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. “When I had knee surgery 9 months before the season, he consistently checked on me, and showed me how to be a good leader and lead my team through the summer. He prepared us for every match with top-level tactics and training sessions no matter the opponent. From the day we arrived on May 1 to the day we left, he never took a day off or cut a corner, and he equipped us with the knowledge and belief to be a championship team. It was truly an honor to play under him.”
In terms of the immediate future, Coach Riley is confident that Ballard FC will continue to be great. Riley stated “I have no doubt Ballard FC will continue to thrive. With a supportive ownership group, Sam leading the way as General Manager, and a new head coach stepping in, the foundation is strong and the future is bright. Up The Bridges!”
As stated previously the head coaching search is concluded with an announcement to be made soon. To stay up to date on the new coach and all things Ballard FC follow the club on social media (@goballardfc) or join the newsletter on the home page.
Written by Max Dresbach.
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin. 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin.
