Major Arena Soccer League expanding in Lehigh Valley

Pro soccer is returning to the Lehigh Valley with the announcement on Thursday that Major Arena Soccer League is adding a team in Allentown for the 2026-2027 season.

The team will share the PPL Center with the American Hockey League’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms and will be the first professional soccer team in the Lehigh Valley since Bethlehem Steel FC played their last game at Goodman Stadium in 2018. Previous outdoor professional teams included the Pennsylvania Stoners and the Lehigh Valley Steam.

“As kids growing up playing soccer, Jim and I followed Professional Indoor Soccer and attended many game,” Lehigh Valley Phantoms co-owner Rob Brooks said in a news release. “We’ve always admired the skill, intensity, and passion of the game and its players, and we’re excited to bring that same high level of talent and energy to the Lehigh Valley.”

The new Lehigh Valley team joins Harrisburg Heat in MASL. The Heat dropped down to MASL2 this season but plans to return to the top tier of the league in 2026-2027.

“Lehigh Valley has long established itself as one of the premier sports markets in the country—driven by passionate fans, a strong community identity, and a tradition of supporting high-level professional teams,” MASL Commissioner Keith Tozer said in a news release. “The leadership of Jim and Rob Brooks has been instrumental in building that culture. As owners of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League, they have created a flagship organization defined by professionalism, innovation, and a commitment to delivering a first-class experience both on and off the ice.

Opening night for the new team is scheduled for December 5. For more information, visit https://go.phantomshockey.com/masl.