Chicago Mustangs, first-ever MASL 2 champions, returning to the fold in 2026-27

TAMPA, Florida – As Major Arena Soccer League 2 gets ready to celebrate it's 10th season of play, the original league champions will be welcomed back into the fold.

The Chicago Mustangs, who played four years in the league and compiled a30-14-2 record, will start play this fall in MASL 2.

The Mustangs bring back a record and history of excellence on the field, inducing winning the first ever MASL 2 championship season. After completing a 10-1-1 regular season, the Mustangs defeated the Cincinnati Swerve in the semifinals, 9-2, and then pitched a shutout in the title game, a 7-0 win over the San Diego Sockers 2.

“There is a history and an expectation that comes with wearing the Chicago Mustangs badge,” said founder Armando Gamboa. “This organization has always been about competing, developing players, creating opportunities, and building teams capable of winning championships. This is a new chapter for the Mustangs, but the expectations remain the same: to compete, to win and to represent the Chicago soccer community with pride.”

With a club history that dates back to 2012, Commissioner Chris Economides said Chicago's successes on and off the field bring a welcome addition to the league.

“Armando and his group have long been dedicated to a top quality team so I fully expect them to hit the ground running in 2026-27,” Economides noted. “Their history goes well back even beyond their winning the league's first ever championship. It's a proud group that will likely content for a title again right away in MASL 2 and we are happy to welcome them back to where they enjoyed so much previous success.”

The Mustangs will play a 12-game regular season schedule starting late this fall, with a national playoffs to determine a league champion scheduled for early spring, 2027. For more information on the Mustangs, visit www.chicago-mustangs.com. For more information on the league, visit www.masl2.com.