Alright, so far we’ve talked a lot about what’s new with Salem City FC, but what about the Salem City FC we all know and love? Don’t fret, we’ve still got six returners from our 2025 South Atlantic Divisional Championship squad. 

Starting with our hometown draftee, lead-returning goal scorer, Tate Lorentz. A true staple in the club’s impressive reputation, Lorentz produced a breakout season for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in his junior campaign with six goals, five assists, and 17 total points. After spending his underclassmen years at UNC-Chapel Hill, with five shots on target, Lorentz made an immediate impact for the Demon Deacons, helping them to a 7-4-6 overall record. 

One of our lead goal-scorers, Guilherme Fontes, has delivered season after season down here in Winston-Salem. The Brazilian produced two goals in 2024, along with four assists and a goal in 2025 for the club. The star forward for Converse University has shown incredible consistency over the years, starting in 51 games since his sophomore year, producing 17 goals and eight assists along the way. 

Raul Canas returns to Winston-Salem for the second time after an influential season at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Our 6th-most-played player in 2025, Canas, served an important role in Salem City’s midfield with three shots last season. Over his career at Lenoir-Ryne University, Canas has produced 11 goals, three assists, and 25 points over 42 games played. 

Another impressive international grab for the team comes from McKendree University, Henri Poll. A recent transfer to Hofstra University, Poll has been a consistent force on the pitch with six goals, three assists, and 41 games played over the last two years. With a goal and an assist in 2025 for Salem City, Poll will look to make an even bigger impact for the team in 2026. 

Speaking of Hofstra University, veteran goalkeeper Sean Bohan comes back to us for the third year in a row. With an impressive 15 saves over 563 minutes in 2025, Bohan has proven himself to be an essential member of this squad. During his 2025 collegiate campaign, Bohan played eight games, produced three shutouts, and boasted a 0.667 save percentage that helped carry Hofstra’s squad to the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. 

Burlington native, Mikey Hernandez comes back to us for his second straight year from Wofford College. The fullback for the Terriers appeared in 17 games, with two clean sheets in his 2025 campaign. Hernandez spent his freshman and sophomore years at UNC-Wilmington before transferring to Longwood College for his junior season. 

Greensboro native Kevin Stanton returns to the club as one of the few academy players on the roster. With a growing academy system here at Salem City, Stanton has the skills to make an immediate impact on the USL 2 level. A rising sophomore at Randolph-Macon College, Stanton will look to add valuable experience to his resume.

Such a large number of returners on a 24-man roster goes to show the culture and atmosphere that these players are surrounded by at Salem City. As Sean Bohan puts it, “it’s a great club…I don’t think many other people around the country are getting treated the way we are.” 

Tate Lorentz also had great things to say about the team’s culture, citing just how close all individuals in the administration are. That is the type of culture that head coach William Lennie works to encourage here at Salem City and on the academy level. 

With such an influential group of returners, the 2026 Salem City squad is in good hands. Not only are these returners well acquainted with each other, but they also know what it takes to succeed at both the NCAA and USL 2 levels. Such a skill promises to come in handy throughout the season with a challenging divisional battle ahead of us. 

Salem City will make its 2026 home debut tomorrow night at 7 PM against Appalachian FC. Appalachian FC comes to Winston-Salem after a win against the Charlotte Eagles and a tie versus Asheville City SC.