Riverside County Elite were an American
soccer team established in 1998 that spent the 2000 season in the
USISL D-3 Pro League.
History
In 1998, Jack Fielding founded the Riverside County Elite as a U-21 team with the intention of eventually entering it into the
USISL.[1] He and his wife created the Riverside Soccer Development Corporation and entered into a partnership with the San Diego Soccer Development Corporation which operated the
San Diego Flash. Fielding initially owned, operated and coached the team. In late 1999, Jan K. Skwara became the club CEO.[2] In January 2000, the team hired Tom Evans as head coach.[3] On April 16, 2000, the team replaced Evans with Rob Manriquez.[4] In May 2000, it qualified for the
U.S. Open Cup.[5] The team played its home games at
West Valley High School in
Hemet, California.[6] Although successful on the field, the team never drew many fans and finished the season deeply in debt.[7] Owner Jack Fielding folded the club in December 2000.
^Riverside Elite faces pro team at San Diego Press-Enterprise, The (Riverside , CA) - Tuesday, April 6, 1999
^His passion a life preserver: Fielding's love of soccer has bolstered his fight against multiple sclerosis, and his latest challenge -- owning and running a developmental team -- is keeping him especially focused. Press-Enterprise, The (Riverside , CA) - Friday, December 17, 1999
^Elite club brings in veteran coach Evans Press-Enterprise, The (Riverside , CA) - Friday, January 21, 2000
^New coach, first victory for Elite Press-Enterprise, The ( Riverside , CA) - Sunday, April 16, 2000
^Elite wins its way into U.S. Open Cup Press-Enterprise, The ( Riverside , CA) - Sunday, May 7, 2000
^Elite has place to hang hat trick Press-Enterprise, The (Riverside , CA) - Saturday, December 18, 1999
^Elite saddled with debt, litigation Press-Enterprise, The (Riverside , CA) - Wednesday, December 6, 2000