Jake Keegan Joins Corpus Christi in USL Expansion Season

Former Greenville Triumph star reunites with coach Éamon Zayed for new Texas club's debut

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jake Keegan, a 35-year-old striker with previous success in USL League One, has officially signed with the new Corpus Christi expansion team ahead of their inaugural season. Keegan will reunite with head coach Éamon Zayed, having previously played under him at North Carolina Hailstorm in 2024. The signing strengthens Corpus Christi's roster with an experienced goalscorer familiar with the demands of the third-division league.

Why it matters

Keegan's addition to the Corpus Christi roster signals the club's ambition to make an immediate impact in USL League One. The incorporation of internationally experienced players like Keegan, as well as other League of Ireland talents, reflects Corpus Christi's strategic approach to building a competitive team for their debut season.

The details

Before joining Corpus Christi, Keegan played alongside Paddy Langlois at North Carolina Hailstorm in 2024, and the two then moved to Portland Hearts of Pine. This signing marks the third former League of Ireland player that Zayed has brought on board, with James Talbot from Bohemians and Jack Keaney from Cliftonville also joining the Texas-based expansion team.

  • Keegan and Langlois played together at North Carolina Hailstorm in 2024.
  • Keegan and Langlois then moved to Portland Hearts of Pine following the 2024 season.
  • Keegan has officially signed with Corpus Christi ahead of their debut season in 2026.

The players

Jake Keegan

A 35-year-old striker who has previous success in USL League One, having led Greenville Triumph to back-to-back league finals in 2019 and 2020, winning the championship in the latter year.

Éamon Zayed

The head coach of the new Corpus Christi expansion team in USL League One, who previously worked with Keegan at North Carolina Hailstorm in 2024.

Paddy Langlois

A player who has previously worked with Keegan at North Carolina Hailstorm and Portland Hearts of Pine.

James Talbot

A goalkeeper who has joined Corpus Christi from Bohemians.

Jack Keaney

A player who has joined Corpus Christi from Cliftonville, where he won the FAI Cup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I can't wait to get things started in Corpus Christi this season,”

— Jake Keegan

“New clubs in this league have always been a fun experience and reuniting with Éamon Zayed is something I am really looking forward to.”

— Jake Keegan

“We were able to have a tremendous amount of success in Colorado with the Hailstorm and we plan on replicating some of that in Texas.”

— Jake Keegan

“What a career Jake has had and he's far from finished his playing journey.”

— Éamon Zayed, Head Coach, Corpus Christi

“Jake is a fighter with a never say quit attitude. He brings tremendous experience and if any young player in USL wants someone to look up to, it's Jake: a proven goalscorer at USL who adds an incredible work rate and professional attitude.”

— Éamon Zayed, Head Coach, Corpus Christi

What’s next

Corpus Christi will look to build on their roster of experienced and talented players as they prepare for their inaugural USL League One season.

The takeaway

Corpus Christi's strategic approach to assembling an experienced and competitive roster, including the signing of Jake Keegan, signals the club's ambition to make an immediate impact in USL League One and contribute to the growing reputation of the third-division league in Texas and beyond.