Staff

Joshua Auden, a passionate entrepreneur and dedicated advocate for

soccer. Mr. Auden graduated from Westminster College in 2014 with a

degree in business, complemented by a minor in music, which has

provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of

creativity and commerce. His journey in the soccer world began many

years ago, and in 2014, taking a significant leap, he founded the

Youngstown Nighthawks. This year, they proudly celebrate a decade of existence, reflecting on the growth and community impact they've made in that time.

Since 2009, Mr. Auden has embraced the life of a serial entrepreneur,

launching and managing various businesses that reflect his diverse

interests and dedication to excellence. Each venture has taught him

invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the importance of

nurturing talent—lessons he applies daily in his work with soccer organizations around the globe. Engaging with the World Football Organization and other entities has broadened his understanding of the sport's dynamics and the potential for growth at both grassroots and

professional levels.

Auden’s vision extends beyond merely managing teams; he is committed to elevating the Major Arena Soccer League 3 and the Major Arena Soccer League W. He believes that with the right support and strategic guidance, we can transform these leagues into household names. Mr. Auden's goal is to assist teams in enhancing their visibility and impact within their communities, while also providing pathways for

players and organizations aspiring to reach the next level.

Soccer is not just a game to Mr. Auden; it’s a platform for change, growth, and unity. He sees it as an opportunity to inspire the next generation, and is very excited about the prospects that lie ahead--looks forward to collaborating with fellow leaders and visionaries

in the soccer community to create a brighter future for their sport. Together, we can build a legacy that resonates far beyond the field.

Economides brings a wealth of experience to the league as the MASL 2 Commissioner. He has over 30 years of experience in professional soccer, starting with the Rochester Rhinos of the USL where he led them to league and U.S. Open Cup championships. 

The Rhinos are the only non-MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup since Major League Soccer (MLS) was established. After Rochester, Economides founded the Carolina Railhawks (now North Carolina FC) before moving to the USL front office to help establish and grow the league as a Senior Director and Commissioner of the MISL when it was managed by the USL.

In addition to his experience in the outdoor game and league office, Chris has also managed indoor teams with the Kansas City Attack and most recently Florida Tropics, both of which won championships under his leadership.

Brian Cushing will serve as Deputy Commissioner for MASL 3, marking a return to his indoor soccer roots..

Cushing was a defensive standout for the Wichita Wings and Wichita B52's in the PASL, MASL and NPSL. A defender, he appeared in 100 games, scoring 21 goals and adding eight assists while also recording 34 blocks. He also dressed for 11 playoff games, all for the Wings and all in the NPSL, adding two goals and one assist. He also played two years in the Eastern Indoor Soccer League for Biloxi and Lafayette.

He has been active in the sport off the field as well. In 2005, he joined Let's Play Sports, a national operator of indoor soccer facilities in Colorado, Texas, Utah, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, California, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Since 2013, he has been a regional manager, with responsibilities for indoor soccer facilities in three states.

He and his wife Emily have two sons, Parker and Logan.

Over the past 27 years Florance has been a professional indoor referee in the NPSL, PASL, MISL as well as the MASL. Graeme has been a registered referee with the US Soccer Federation for 30+ years, and is currently a regional emeritus Grade Referee. Graeme is also a US Soccer Assignor and Instructor.

He is a World Minifootball Federation (WMF) International Grade Referee. He has officiated at WMF World Cup tournaments in the USA and Australia, and qualifying events in South America.

Other soccer referee achievements include former NISOA National Referee.

Ackley – whose newspaper career spanned over 40 years, covering everything from the Winter Olympics, to Super Bowls to Mike Tyson – spent seven years as the Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting for the MASL Florida Tropics, serving as the "Voice of the Tropics" on their home game broadcasts.

He brings a long history of covering and broadcasting indoor soccer beginning in the second year of the original Major Indoor Soccer league when he covered the Buffalo Stallions. He later covered the Columbus Capitals of the American Indoor Soccer Association, and spent four years as a color analyst and play-by-play voice of the Buffalo Blizzard of the National Professional Soccer League.

A long time broadcaster of high school football in Western New York, he also spent several seasons as the color analyst for NCAA Division I University at Buffalo football and as the play-by-play announcer for UB basketball. He continues to be the play-by-play voice for the Florida State High School Athletic Association’s girl’s basketball championships, boy's and girl's lacrosse championships and softball championships; and he worked for almost five years as Athletic Director at Hilbert College, an NCAA Division III school in Hamburg, N.Y., where he helped create the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. 

Hanlon, who will serve as MASL 3's rule coordinator.  As a youth player, Hanlon won at the state, regional, and national levels, eventually both playing and coaching in the Olympic Development program. Additionally, he still ranks in the top ten all-time goalkeeping categories at the University of Pittsburgh.

Following his playing career that included time in the USISL, MISL, and PASL Pro, he assumed coaching roles at Drake University, Grandview College, and Missouri State University. In 2004, he founded the Demize Soccer organization, which claimed the PASL national title in 2020 and the MASL 3 Midwest title in 2022.