The Little Rock Rangers kicked off their 2025 preseason with an impressive 4-0 victory over Tyler FC, a League of Clubs side, as they prepare for their upcoming debut in the USL League Two Championship.

The match served as an early opportunity for the Rangers to begin establishing their playing style. Head Coach Nick Doyle emphasized the importance of the preseason opener, saying, “The first preseason game is to teach younger guys our style and for older guys to teach them too.” With nine academy players on the roster, the game was also a proving ground for the club’s up-and-coming talent. “There are some new guys that want to prove themselves,” Doyle added.

The Rangers controlled the match from the opening whistle, dominating possession and consistently threatening Tyler FC’s goal with wave after wave of dangerous attacks. The attacking trio of Jon Koka, Liam Corr, and Drew Hardin proved too much for the visitors to handle, using their pace and movement to exploit spaces behind the defense and create constant pressure in the final third. 

Despite several promising chances early on—and some strong saves from Tyler FC’s goalkeeper—the breakthrough finally came. A perfectly timed through ball released Koka behind the defense, and in a 2v1 situation with the keeper, he laid it off to Corr. With a clever fake to the keeper, Corr calmly chipped the ball over him to give the Rangers a deserved 1-0 lead, underlining their early dominance.

The Rangers maintained their high tempo throughout the remainder of the first half, refusing to ease up on the pressure. Their relentless attack paid off again when Jon Koka delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Drew Hardin controlled it brilliantly with his first touch and fired a sharp finish inside the goalkeeper’s near post to double the lead.

Heading into halftime with a commanding 2-0 advantage, the Rangers showcased an exciting brand of soccer, combining quick, purposeful possession with direct, pace-driven attacks. Their ability to control the tempo while striking decisively in key moments highlighted the team’s early cohesion and attacking potential. 

The second half picked up right where the first left off, with the Rangers continuing to dominate. Sticking with their starting lineup after the break, they struck again quickly. Jon Koka, capping off a brilliant night as the playmaker, sent a low-driven cross into the box that Ethan Blake met with a smart run to the near post, slotting home the Rangers’ third goal.

Not long after, Drew Hardin sealed his brace and the Rangers’ fourth goal, once again assisted by Koka. The forward fired a powerful shot to the near post, leaving the Tyler FC goalkeeper with no chance. Though he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, Jon “The Kreator” Koka delivered a masterclass in creativity, finishing the night with four assists and earning Man of the Match honors. 

With about 30 minutes left, Coach Doyle made a full-squad change, bringing on 11 academy players to give them valuable minutes. While the scoreline held steady at 4-0, the young players showed flashes of promise, creating good moments and leaving a strong impression on the coaching staff for future opportunities. 

Coach Doyle expressed pride in his team’s performance, particularly in seeing new faces step up and make an impact. “They did everything we asked of

them,” he said. “We could’ve been a bit more clinical, but they got ahead early, so it was great.” 

He was also encouraged by the atmosphere around the squad, praising the energy and spirit among the players. “The youngsters got in and there were a lot of great moments—lots of smiles, lots of good energy. It was just fun all around,” Doyle added, clearly pleased with both the result and the team culture taking shape ahead of the season.

The Little Rock Rangers will return to action for their second preseason match this Saturday, March 10th, as they take on the Arkansas Wolves. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium.