KENOSHA, Wis. — Wisconsin’s newest soccer club is hoping to showcase the talented players in the Southeast corner of the state.

Kenosha is a new franchise in the premier arena soccer league — which includes Milwaukee’s ‘Brew City Legends.’ The majority of the players are Kenosha and Racine natives.

They’re not out here for a paycheck, but for the club’s founder and his coaches, Kenosha United FC is all about opportunity, as they hope to build what they call a “pathway to their pros.”

Head Coach Franco Tenuta will cherish these moments forever. The Buenos Aires native was a nervous wreck throughout the World Cup Final.

“I couldn’t look," said Franco Tenuta. "I was waiting for the fans’ reaction.” 

The winning penalty kick brought an explosion of emotion to Tenuta and everyone back home in Argentina.

“When Messi was celebrating on the field, I began to cry, as well. It was amazing.”

It was the end of a long wait for the lifelong fútbol fanatic.

But at the Sturtevant Sportsplex, he’s helping write a new soccer story — the inaugural season for Kenosha United FC.

“They work so hard and after college they want to pursue a career. You know what? You can work and still pursue your dreams,” said Kenosha United FC Owner Franco Tenuta.

That includes veteran goalkeeper, Chris Fannin. At 51, Fannin signed on to help mentor this young squad.

“To become part of something we all think is going to be something very, very special and lead to opportunities above and beyond here, especially for young guys like Isaiah," said Chris Fannin, Kenosha United goalkeeper.

Fannin finished his college career at UW-Platteville well before Isaiah Alaniz was born.

Alaniz calls Wales, Wisconsin home, but he’s part of the academy team for a club in Argentina. He’s training with Kenosha United during a winter break.

"Everyone has their own path," said Isaiah Alaniz, Kenosha United forward. "Everyone has their own route. Soccer is a beautiful game. It’s a beautiful sport. A lot of surprises, a lot of things out of the way. You could get scouted from anywhere.’”

With the regular season about to kick off, Tenuta hopes to attract local families to fast-paced, high-scoring home games. And he’s ready for his players to earn attention, perhaps even contracts, from higher division clubs.

“It’s just been an awesome month, and I’ll never forget this month ever in my life,” said Tenuta.

Kenosha United will host its regular season home opener Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Sturtevant Sportsplex.