After announcing his departure from UCFC after four seasons earlier in the week, forward Tim Goldman spoke with NEWSChannel 2, Thursday, about the decision to continue his journey within the sport as the Manager of Referee Operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
UTICA, N.Y. — The Golden — or Goldman era — for Utica City FC has come to an end, at least for now, as forward Tim Goldman is leaving the team after four seasons to pursue a different dream within the sport.
The fan favorite announced on Tuesday that he has accepted a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to join FIFA in its preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup here in the United States.
Goldman will serve as the Manager of Referee Operations, in charge of the logistical planning and procedures for the World Cup’s group of on-field officials including transportation, food, security, and more.
As part of his new role, the Manlius native will be relocating to Miami, Florida, leaving on Saturday bound for the Sunshine State and the next step on his soccer journey.
Over the next few months, Goldman will also be traveling the world in order to help organize and run regional referee seminars, visiting countries such as Argentina, United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland.
However, no matter where in the world his next chapter takes him, Goldman said he will always feel at home in Utica.
Joining UCFC in 2018 after spending time working with U.S. Soccer in Chicago, Goldman quickly became a staple within both the organization and community.
He played in 51 games for Utica, recording 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points.
However, while he won fans over with his heart-and-hustle style of play on the turf, it was his entertaining personality, accessibility, and involvement within the community that really endeared him to the Adirondack Bank Center faithful.
Goldman said he felt the love from the Utica fans right away, which helped him reciprocate the love for the community very quickly.
In fact, the 31-year-old relocated from the Syracuse area to Utica recently in order to be closer to the team’s facilities, which he describes as second to none, and to truly engrain himself within the fabric of the community.
The love that Goldman developed for Utica made the decision to leave very difficult, but ultimately this was an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.
Despite having to say goodbye to his adopted home, and the people who made it special, he said that it’s not a permanent departure and that he doesn’t feel as though his involvement with Utica City FC is over for good.
His new position with FIFA is for a fixed time interval, ending at the end of 2026. While, he hopes for the opportunity to remain with FIFA beyond the term for this role – or to perhaps rejoin U.S. Soccer to assist in its preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. However, Goldman said that he will always leave the door open to return to Central New York.
As he reflects on his time with UCFC, Goldman said he is so thankful for the chance to live out his dream as a professional soccer player for a community that became his own.
He said he owes a debt of gratitude to people in the early stages of his MASL playing career who were instrumental in making his time with Utica City FC possible, including former teammates: Nate Bourdeau, Ben Ramin, Joey Tavernese, Darren Toby, and Gordy Gurson.
While acknowledging that change of scenery could be a positive following the passing of his father due to brain cancer a few years ago, Goldman said that no matter where in the world he ends up, he will always make it a point to make his way back to Utica in the years ahead.
So, while it may be bittersweet for him to depart Utica right now, it’ll never truly be goodbye. It’s only see you soon.
Check out NEWSChannel 2’s full exclusive interview with Goldman below:
Former Utica City FC forward Tim Goldman speaks with NEWSChannel 2’s Spencer Davidson about his decision to leave UCFC after four seasons after accepting a ‘dream’ opportunity to become the Manager of Referee Operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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