AV Alta FC

Did You Know?

• AV Alta's first match was a 2–0 loss away to South Georgia Tormenta FC.
• The stadium, Lancaster Municipal Stadium, was originally a minor league baseball park for the Lancaster JetHawks until 2020.

History

On October 4, 2023, the United Soccer League awarded Lancaster a USL League One expansion team set to debut in 2025. John Smelzer, an entrepreneur who worked with the United States Soccer Federation for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, was named founder and president. Brian Kleiban, who had held coaching roles with FC Barcelona, Los Angeles FC and Chivas USA, was announced as the inaugural head coach on May 16, 2024. The club's name and logo were unveiled the following day. Former U.S. international Miguel Ibarra, a local product, became the first player on December 9, 2024. AV Alta lost their first match 2–0 away to South Georgia Tormenta FC, but won their inaugural U.S. Open Cup match and first home game 3–1 over Ventura County Fusion, with Jerry Desdunes scoring the club's first goal.

Club identity, crest and colors

The club's name, crest and colors were unveiled on May 17, 2024. 'AV' refers to the Antelope Valley, while 'Alta' alludes to the high desert location, the aerospace industry, and Alta California. The official colors are Joshua Green and Desert Sand, the former referencing local Joshua trees. The crest shape resembles a California poppy, and the angled font of 'AV' was inspired by the B2 stealth bomber.