USL League Two

USL League Two (USL2), formerly the Premier Development League (PDL), is a semi-professional developmental soccer league sponsored by United Soccer Leagues in the United States and Canada, forming part of the United States soccer league system. The league features 122 teams for 2023, split into eighteen regional divisions across four conferences. USL League Two is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.[1]

USL League Two
Organizing bodyUnited Soccer League
Founded1995 (1995)
(as PDL) (1995–2018)
First season1995
CountryUnited States
Other club(s) fromCanada
ConfederationU.S. Soccer
Divisions18 divisions in 4 conferences
Number of teams122
Domestic cup(s)U.S. Open Cup
Current champion(s)Ballard FC (1st title)
(2023)
Most championshipsFlint City Bucks (4 titles)
TV partnersEleven Sports
Websiteuslleaguetwo.com
Current: 2023 USL League Two season

Ballard FC are the current champions, having defeated Lionsbridge FC 2–1 in the 2023 USL League Two Championship game on August 5, 2023.[2]

Competition format

USL League Two is divided into 4 conferences (Eastern, Central, Southern, and Western), comprising 18 divisions. The league season runs from May through July, with the playoffs decided through July and August. All teams play a regular season schedule of 10-14 games, up to seven home and seven away, within their division, depending on the size of the division.

Playoffs

The USL2 playoffs see division winners and each conference's best second-place finishers advance to the conference quarter finals. All matches in the playoffs are played in single match elimination format, with each conference winner hosting a four-team conference championship weekend. The four conference champions advance to national semi-finals and the league Championship, both played at the home of the higher seed.

History

1990s

In 1995 the United States Interregional Soccer League (USISL) changed its name to the United States International Soccer League, and split into two leagues, one professional (the 'Professional League', which ultimately became the USL Second Division) and one amateur (the Premier League). The purpose for the split was to expand into and improve the soccer capabilities of many urban areas throughout the United States and Canada, while offering current college soccer players the opportunity to continue playing during the summer months without losing their college eligibility. The inaugural season of the new USISL Premier League featured 27 teams, and the Richmond Kickers won the first title, beating the Cocoa Expos 3–1 in the championship game.[3] Gabe Jones of the Austin Lone Stars was the league's top scorer and MVP.

The United States International Soccer League changed its name again in 1996, to the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues, and before the season, there was substantial movement of teams between the Pro League, the Premier League and the newly created Select League (which would later merge with the A-League, and eventually become the USL First Division). The Premier League grew to 34 teams in its second year, with the Central Coast Roadrunners from San Luis Obispo, California, beating the San Francisco Bay Seals in the championship game to take the title.[4] Pasi Kinturi of the Nashville Metros was the league's top scorer and MVP.

Brian Ching was the PDL Rookie of the Year in 1998

The Premier League renamed itself the Premier Development Soccer League (PDSL) in 1997, and the Central Coast Roadrunners repeated as national champions, the first team to do so, beating the Cocoa Expos in the PDSL championship game.[5] Lester Felicia of the Jackson Chargers was the league's MVP, while Rodrigo Costa of the Detroit Dynamite was the leading scorer and the league's Rookie of the Year, tallying 21 goals and 2 assists for 44 points. In 1998 the PDSL took to the field with 33 teams, including four associate members from the Pacific Coast Soccer League who played shortened schedules after their PCSL season was over. In the championship game the San Gabriel Valley Highlanders upset regular season champions Jackson Chargers 3–2, taking the trophy to California for the third straight year. Rodrigo Costa of the Detroit Dynamite was the league MVP, Boniventure Manati of the Jackson Chargers was the league's top scorer, and a young striker by the name of Brian Ching from the Spokane Shadow was named Rookie of the Year.[6]

In 1999 the umbrella USISL changed its name to the United Soccer Leagues, and the Premier Development Soccer League dropped the 'soccer' part of its name and became known as the USL Premier Development League, or PDL. The league took in several teams from the D3 Pro league, expanding to 42 teams in six divisions. Expansion franchise Chicago Sockers ultimately won the league, beating Spokane Shadow 3–1 for the title in a tight championship game. Fabio Eidenwein of the Sioux City Breeze was named League MVP and was the top scorer, with 20 goals.[7]

2000s

The PDL expanded by a further eight franchises in 2000, and the Chicago Sockers won their second straight title, beating the Mid-Michigan Bucks in a close 1–0 championship game. The single goal was scored by Rodrigo Costa who, having received a pass from teammate Hamid Mehreioskouei, chipped Bucks goalkeeper Eric Pogue from 18 yards through a crowded penalty area. Fernando Salazar of the Los Angeles-based San Fernando Valley Heroes was the league's MVP, while his teammate Arshak Abyanli took the honors as top goalscorer.[8]

The league grew from 41 to 44 teams in 2001 through the usual mix of relegation from D3Pro, teams folding and new franchises being added. In the semi-finals, the Westchester Flames defeated Sioux Falls Spitfire 5–1 and Calgary Storm defeated Des Moines Menace 2–1; in the final, Westchester defeated Calgary 3–1 to take their first league title.[9] Des Moines and Chicago Fire Reserves dominated the 2002 regular season, but both teams stuttered in the playoffs; the PDL final saw the Cape Cod Crusaders defeating the Boulder Rapids Reserve 2–1 to bring the title to the Northeast for the second year in a row. 2002 also saw the debut of the soon-to-be PDL legend, Tomas Boltnar of Des Moines Menace, who secured an unprecedented triple-crown of PDL MVP, Top Scorer and Rookie of the Year.[10]

The mid-2000s was a period of steady growth and consolidation for the PDL. A TV agreement with Fox Soccer Channel saw the PDL Championship game being broadcast live on national television in North America for the first time, and professional teams began investing in the league by adding U-23 development sides as an addition to their senior rosters. Cape Cod repeated as PDL champs in 2003, beating the Chicago Fire Reserves in the final[11] (and despite the presence of Jürgen Klinsmann playing for Orange County Blue Star), while 2004 saw the title head to Florida for the first time as the Central Florida Kraze overcame perennial bridesmaids Boulder Rapids Reserve.[12]

Des Moines Menace took the PDL Championship trophy back to Iowa in 2005 after beating the El Paso Patriots 6–5 on penalty kicks, following a 0–0 draw in the PDL Championship game.[13][14] 2006 saw the beginning of two seasons of dominance for two teams: the Michigan Bucks and the Laredo Heat. Both teams made the PDL Final in 2006 and 2007, with the Bucks emerging victorious in '06 with a 2–1 win thanks to goals by Kenny Uzoigwe and Ty Shipalane,[15][16] only for Laredo to get their revenge the following year with an epic penalty kicks win after a 0–0 tie in regulation time.

Laredo became the first team to make three consecutive PDL championship games in 2008, but fell at the final hurdle to Thunder Bay Chill, who became the first ever Canadian side to win the PDL following their 4–1 penalty shootout victory.[17] The PDL had grown to 68 teams by 2009, and to reflect their growing reputation, introduced a new scheme called PDL-Pro, whereby certain teams would be allowed to act as professional clubs, paying players, while still adhering to NCAA collegiate eligibility rules, and the USL's own age restriction policy. Ventura County Fusion returned the PDL title to Southern California for the first time in over a decade with a stoppage-time victory over Chicago Fire Premier, and in doing so became the lowest-seeded team to claim the national title.[18]

USL League Two is located in the United States
Christos FC
Christos FC
Lionsbridge FC
Lionsbridge FC
Northern Virginia FC
Northern Virginia FC
Patuxent Football Athletics
Patuxent Football Athletics
Virginia Beach United
Virginia Beach United
Virginia Marauders FC
Virginia Marauders FC
Cedar Stars Rush
Cedar Stars Rush
FA Euro New York
FA Euro New York
Hudson Valley Hammers
Hudson Valley Hammers
Ironbound SC
Ironbound SC
Long Island Rough Riders
Long Island Rough Riders
Manhattan SC
Manhattan SC
Morris Elite SC
Morris Elite SC
FC Motown
FC Motown
New Jersey Copa FC
New Jersey Copa FC
Westchester Flames
Westchester Flames
Lehigh Valley United
Lehigh Valley United
Ocean City Nor'Easters
Ocean City Nor'Easters
Philadelphia Lone Star FC
Philadelphia Lone Star FC
Reading United AC
Reading United AC
Real Central New Jersey
Real Central New Jersey
West Chester United SC
West Chester United SC
AC Connecticut
AC Connecticut
Albany Rush
Albany Rush
Black Rock FC
Black Rock FC
Boston Bolts
Boston Bolts
Boston City FC
Boston City FC
Pathfinder FC
Pathfinder FC
Seacoast United Phantoms
Seacoast United Phantoms
Vermont Green FC
Vermont Green FC
Western Mass Pioneers
Western Mass Pioneers
Charlotte Eagles
Charlotte Eagles
Charlotte Independence 2
Charlotte Independence 2
FC Carolinas
FC Carolinas
North Carolina FC U23
North Carolina FC U23
North Carolina Fusion U23
North Carolina Fusion U23
Tobacco Road FC
Tobacco Road FC
Wake FC
Wake FC
West Virginia United
West Virginia United
Asheville City SC
Asheville City SC
Dalton Red Wolves SC
Dalton Red Wolves SC
East Atlanta FC
East Atlanta FC
North Alabama SC
North Alabama SC
SC United Bantams
SC United Bantams
Southern Soccer Academy Kings
Southern Soccer Academy Kings
Tennessee SC
Tennessee SC
Altitude SA Rush
Altitude SA Rush
FC Miami City
FC Miami City
Miami AC
Miami AC
Sarasota Paradise
Sarasota Paradise
Weston FC
Weston FC
AC Houston Sur
AC Houston Sur
AHFC Royals
AHFC Royals
Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C.
Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C.
Corpus Christi FC
Corpus Christi FC
Houston FC
Houston FC
Round Rock SC
Round Rock SC
Brevard SC
Brevard SC
Florida Elite SA
Florida Elite SA
Nona FC
Nona FC
Swan City SC
Swan City SC
Tampa Bay United
Tampa Bay United
The Villages SC
The Villages SC
Blue Goose SC
Blue Goose SC
LA Parish
LA Parish
Little Rock Rangers
Little Rock Rangers
Louisiana Krewe FC
Louisiana Krewe FC
Mississippi Brilla FC
Mississippi Brilla FC
Texas United
Texas United
Bavarian United SC
Bavarian United SC
FC Manitoba
FC Manitoba
Minneapolis City SC
Minneapolis City SC
RKC Third Coast
RKC Third Coast
Rochester FC
Rochester FC
St. Croix SC
St. Croix SC
Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill
Afc Ann Arbor
Afc Ann Arbor
Flint City Bucks
Flint City Bucks
Kalamazoo FC
Kalamazoo FC
Lansing City Football
Lansing City Football
Midwest United FC
Midwest United FC
Oakland County FC
Oakland County FC
South Bend Lions
South Bend Lions
Chicago City SC
Chicago City SC
Chicago Dutch Lions FC
Chicago Dutch Lions FC
Des Moines Menace
Des Moines Menace
Peoria City
Peoria City
Springfield Asc
Springfield Asc
St. Charles FC
St. Charles FC
FC Wichita
FC Wichita
Cleveland Force SC
Cleveland Force SC
Dayton Dutch Lions
Dayton Dutch Lions
FC Buffalo
FC Buffalo
Fort Wayne FC
Fort Wayne FC
Kings Hammer FC
Kings Hammer FC
Toledo Villa FC
Toledo Villa FC
Boulder County United
Boulder County United
CISA
CISA
Flatirons Rush
Flatirons Rush
New Mexico United U23
New Mexico United U23
Park City Red Wolves SC
Park City Red Wolves SC
Salt City SC
Salt City SC
Ballard FC
Ballard FC
Capital FC Atletico
Capital FC Atletico
Lane United FC
Lane United FC
Oly Town FC
Oly Town FC
PDX FC
PDX FC
United PDX
United PDX
Arizona Arsenal SC
Arizona Arsenal SC
Capo FC
Capo FC
FC Tucson
FC Tucson
Redlands FC
Redlands FC
Southern California Seahorses
Southern California Seahorses
Ventura County Fusion
Ventura County Fusion
Academica SC
Academica SC
Davis Legacy SC
Davis Legacy SC
Marin FC Legends
Marin FC Legends
Project 51O
Project 51O
Monterey Bay FC 2
Monterey Bay FC 2
San Francisco City FC
San Francisco City FC
San Francisco Glens SC
San Francisco Glens SC
Locations of USL League Two franchises.

Eastern Conference:
Chesapeake Division
Metropolitan Division
Mid Atlantic Division
Northeast Division
South Atlantic Division
Southern Conference:
South Central Division
South Florida Division
Lone Star Division
Southeast Division
Mid South Division
Central Conference:
Deep North Division
Great Lakes Division
Heartland Division
Valley Division
Western Conference:
Mountain Division
Northwest Division
Nor Cal Division
Southwest Division

2010s

The 2010s began with a record, as the Portland Timbers U23s ended the season as national champions, beating Thunder Bay Chill 4–1 in the 2010 PDL Championship game.[19] The Timbers also had the best regular season record, winning all their 16 games, scoring 53 goals and conceding just six along the way. In doing so the Timbers became the first team to post a perfect PDL regular season record since the Jackson Chargers in 1998,[20] the first regular season champion to win the playoffs since the Central Coast Roadrunners in 1996, and the first team in PDL history to go through an entire PDL regular season and playoff campaign without posting a loss or a tie. Portland Timbers U23s striker Brent Richards was named League MVP and Rookie of the Year for his stellar campaign with the national champions. Players from Canadian side Thunder Bay Chill led the majority of the statistical categories, with striker Brandon Swartzendruber leading the league with 15 goals, while his teammate Gustavo Oliveira led the league with 13 assists. Portland Timbers U23s goalkeeper Jake Gleeson enjoyed the best goalkeeping statistics, allowing just five goals in 15 games and earning with a 0.360 GAA average.[21]

Western Conference teams dominated the league in 2011 for the third year in a row, with the Kitsap Pumas ending the season as national champions, beating Laredo Heat 1–0 in the 2011 PDL Championship game. Kitsap, who lost just one game and conceded just ten goals all season, were the second team from the Northwest Division to win the national title in a row, while Laredo were contesting their fourth championship game in six years. Kitsap also were the first PDL-Pro team to win the championship, a milestone for the league. Kitsap's Western Conference rivals Fresno Fuego had the best regular-season record, posting an unbeaten 13–0–3 record. Fresno midfielder Milton Blanco was named League MVP, after leading the league in points (38) and assists (14) and helping his team to the Southwest Division title. Two Michigan Bucks players – Stewart Givens and Mitch Hildebrandt – were given end-of-season awards as Defender of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year respectively, while their coach Gary Parsons was named Coach of the Year. Jake Keegan of the Westchester Flames was named Rookie of the Year after tallying 16 goals in 16 games to take the league goal-scoring crown. Keegan accounted for 64 percent of Westchester's goals in 2011 and also finished third in the league in points with 34.[22]

The 2012 PDL season would see a resurgence of the Eastern Conference, as the Michigan Bucks would claim the regular season title, with Canadian rivals Forest City London winning their first ever PDL Championship in an East coast contest, defeating Carolina Dynamo 2–1.[23] Canadian clubs would also have another strong season in 2013, with four of eight Canadian clubs finishing in the final eight and two, the Victoria Highlanders and Thunder Bay Chill, advancing to the semi-finals.[24] After a final four finish in 2012, The Chill would repeat their strong season, winning the 2013 regular season title but falling to the Austin Aztex in the Championship final 3–1 in front of a crowd of 4,253 fans, the largest attendance for a final since 2007.[25][26]

In 2014, the Michigan Bucks would claim their second PDL Championship, defeating the Kitsap Pumas 1–0 on August 3, 2014, following a strong regular season campaign with a record of 9–2–3.[27]

With USL Pro re-branding as the United Soccer League in February 2015,[28] the PDL dropped the "USL" descriptor from their name, simply operating as the "Premier Development League".

The 2015 season would see league newcomers, New York Red Bulls U-23, put forth a very strong showing, finishing first in the Mid Atlantic Division and making it all the way to the Championship Final, before falling to the lower-seeded K-W United FC, who emerged from the very competitive Great Lakes Division, fending off perennial contenders and rivals Forest City London and the defending champions Michigan Bucks on their path to the final. United would come away winners 4–3 over the Red Bulls on August 3, 2015, at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Washington, to claim their first-ever championship and the third for a Canadian club.[29][30]

In May 2018, the league did not permit Calgary Foothills FC to sign Stephanie Labbé, a goalkeeper for the Canadian women's team, even though the team had offered her a position. The decision was made due to her gender.[31][32] Labbé filed a lawsuit against the league.[33]

In 2018, it was announced that the PDL would be renamed as USL League Two in advance of the 2019 season.[34]

2020s

The league was forced to cancel the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[35]

Organization

As USL League Two seasons take place during the summer months, the player pool is drawn mainly from elite college soccer players seeking to continue playing high-level soccer during their summer break, which they can do while still maintaining their college eligibility, as USL2 is not considered a professional league.[36]

Formerly, teams such as Laredo Heat, New Orleans Jesters, Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23, Kitsap Pumas and the Hollywood United Hitmen had embraced partial professionalism through the PDL-Pro program, whereby teams could choose to employ players who were paid for their performances,[37] but who still met the age eligibility criteria. This did not contravene NCAA rules, which state that college players cannot play alongside professionals, but may play against them. What this also meant, however, is that PDL-Pro teams could not have any active NCAA players on their rosters, but could employ NAIA and community college players, ex-NCAA players who have already graduated, or other local players who do not play college soccer at all.

Currently, all USL2 teams field amateur U-23 squads. Additionally, USL2 squads often also include standout high school and junior club players, as well as former professionals seeking to continue competing at a high level, often having been forced to retire from top flight competition due to age or injury. League rules dictate that a maximum of eight players on each team's 26-man roster can be over 23 years old, while at least three players on each team's roster must be 18 or younger.

Increasingly, League Two is seen as a 'shop window' for professional clubs looking to discover and identify aspiring professional players who may enter the MLS SuperDraft in future years. Many of the players currently playing in Major League Soccer and elsewhere began their careers in the league.

Teams

Current teams

The following teams are current members of USL League Two.[38]

Team City/area Stadium Founded Debuted Head coach
Eastern Conference
Northeast Division
AC Connecticut[lower-alpha 1] Hartford, Connecticut Dillon Stadium 2011 2012 England Alex Harrison
United States Joe Mingachos
Albany Rush Albany, New York Union College College Park Field 2021 2022
Black Rock FC Manchester Center, Vermont Applejack Stadium 2013 2018 United States Brad Agoos
Boston Bolts[lower-alpha 2] Newton, Massachusetts Alumni Field 2015 2016 Republic of Ireland Aidan Byrne
Boston City FC Revere, Massachusetts Harry Della Russo Stadium 2015 2022
Pathfinder FC[lower-alpha 3] Pleasant Valley, New York Pathfinder Field 2013 2021 England George Jermy
Seacoast United Phantoms[lower-alpha 4] Hampton, New Hampshire New England Sports Park 1996 2008 England Paul Baber
England Alex Ryan
Vermont Green FC Burlington, Vermont Virtue Field 2021 2022 United States Adam Pfeifer
Western Mass Pioneers Ludlow, Massachusetts Lusitano Stadium 1998 2010 Argentina Federico Molinari
Mid Atlantic Division
Lehigh Valley United Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Rocco Calvo Field 2009 2015 United States Andrew Adlard
Ocean City Nor'easters[lower-alpha 5] Ocean City, New Jersey Carey Stadium 1996 2003 Republic of Ireland Alan McCann
Philadelphia Lone Star FC Philadelphia, Pennsylvania South Philadelphia Athletic Super Site 2001 2020* Sierra Leone Fatoma Turay
Reading United AC[lower-alpha 6] Reading, Pennsylvania Don Thomas Stadium 1996 2004 United States Casey Moore
Real Central New Jersey West Windsor, New Jersey Mercer County Community College 2020 2021 United States Brian Woods
West Chester United SC West Chester, Pennsylvania Kildare's Field 1976 2020* United States Blaise Santangelo
Metropolitan Division
Cedar Stars Rush Teaneck, New Jersey Fairleigh Dickinson University 2018 2019 United States Juan Santamaria
FA Euro New York Brooklyn, New York Poly Prep Country Day School 2012 2013 Italy Joe Balsamo
Hudson Valley Hammers Newburgh, New York Mount Saint Mary College 2021 2022
Ironbound SC Newark, New Jersey Eddie Moraes Stadium 2006 2023
Long Island Rough Riders Hempstead, New York Hofstra University Soccer Stadium 1994 2007 Wales Tom Bowen
Manhattan SC New York City, New York Gaelic Park / Randall's Island 1997 2019 United States Colin Hodge
Morris Elite SC Livingston, New Jersey Livingston High School 2016 2021 Ecuador Javier Velasco
FC Motown Morristown, New Jersey Ranger Stadium 2012 2021 Northern Ireland Alan McClintock
New Jersey Copa FC Metuchen, New Jersey St. Joseph High School 2004 2021 United States Fernando Barboto
Westchester Flames New Rochelle, New York City Park Stadium 1999 1999/2005 United States Edson Buddle
Chesapeake Division
Christos FC Baltimore, Maryland Moose Athletic Center 1997 2022
Lionsbridge FC Newport News, Virginia TowneBank Stadium 2017 2018 England Chris Whalley
Northern Virginia FC[lower-alpha 7] Leesburg, Virginia Evergreen Sportsplex 1998 2006 England Ian Bishop
Patuxent Football Athletics Patuxent, Maryland Calverton School 2018 2022
Virginia Beach United FC Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach Sportsplex 2019 2019 United States Matt Ellinger
Virginia Marauders FC Winchester, Virginia Winchester Sportsplex 2023 2023 TBD
South Atlantic Division
Charlotte Eagles Charlotte, North Carolina Sportsplex at Matthews 1991 2015 United States Michael Kovach
Charlotte Independence II Rock Hill, South Carolina Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex 2019 2020 Republic of Ireland Dave Carton
FC Carolinas Waxhaw, North Carolina FCC Soccer Complex 2018 2023 TBD
North Carolina FC U23[lower-alpha 8] Cary, North Carolina WakeMed Soccer Park 2017 2002/2017 United States Tom Harris
North Carolina Fusion U23 Greensboro, North Carolina Macpherson Stadium 1993 2003 United States Chris Williams
Tobacco Road FC Durham, North Carolina Durham County Stadium 2013 2017 United States Cedric Burke
Wake FC Holly Springs, North Carolina Ting Park 2001 2019 United States Eddie Rodriguez
West Virginia United[lower-alpha 9] Dunbar, West Virginia Shawnee Sports Complex 2003 2003 Scotland Daniel Smee
Central Conference
Great Lakes Division
AFC Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, Michigan Saline Hornet Stadium 2014 2016 United States Eric Rudland
Flint City Bucks[lower-alpha 10] Flint, Michigan Atwood Stadium 1995 1996 England Andrew Wagstaff
Kalamazoo FC Kalamazoo, Michigan Soisson-Rapacz-Clason Field 2015 2021 United States Shane Lyons
Lansing City Football Lansing, Michigan Lansing Catholic High School Cougar Stadium 2016 2022
Midwest United FC Grand Rapids, Michigan Aquinas College 1990 2022
Oakland County FC Clawson, Michigan Clawson Stadium 2015 2020* United States Vincent Vasilevski
South Bend Lions FC South Bend, Indiana TCU School Field 2019 2020 Brazil Thiago Pinto
Heartland Division
Chicago City SC Chicago, Illinois Lions for Hope Sports Complex 2013 2022 United States Charlie Latshaw III
Chicago Dutch Lions FC Aurora, Illinois Spartan Athletic Park[39] 2020 2022 Italy Enzo Fuschino
Des Moines Menace Des Moines, Iowa Valley Stadium 1994 1994 England Dean Johnson
Peoria City Peoria, Illinois Shea Stadium 2020 2020* United States Ruben Resendes
Springfield Athletic SC Springfield, Illinois Lions for Hope Sports Complex 2021 2022
St. Charles FC St. Charles, Missouri TBD 2020 2023 Kenya Lawrence Olum
FC Wichita Wichita, Kansas Stryker Soccer Complex 2013 2021 Argentina Gonzalo Carranza
Valley Division
Cleveland Force SC Cleveland, Ohio TBD 2011 2022
Dayton Dutch Lions West Carrollton, Ohio DOC Stadium 2009 2010/2015 Netherlands Hans Pascoal
FC Buffalo Buffalo, New York Williamsville South High School 2009 2023 United States Dan Panaro
Fort Wayne FC Fort Wayne, Indiana Shields Field 2019 2021 United States Mike Avery
Kings Hammer SC Cincinnati, Ohio Corcoran Field 1993 2021 England Paul Nicholson
Toledo Villa FC Toledo, Ohio Paul Hotmer Field 2017 2021 United States Mathius Johnson
Deep North Division
Bavarian United SC Milwaukee, Wisconsin Heartland Value Fund Stadium 1929 2023 Scotland Calum Mallace[40]
FC Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex 2010 2011
Minneapolis City SC Minneapolis, Minnesota Edor Nelson Field 2016 2022 England Carl Craig
RKC Third Coast Racine, Wisconsin Pritchard Park Multi-Purpose Field 2023 2023 England Sean Hughes
Rochester FC Rochester, Minnesota RCTC Stadium 2018 2023 Colombia Sebastian Narvarez
Saint Croix SC Stillwater, Minnesota Stillwater Area High School 1984 2022
Thunder Bay Chill Thunder Bay, Ontario Tbaytel Place at Chapples Park 2000 2000 Canada Tony Colistro
Southern Conference
South Central Division
Asheville City SC Asheville, North Carolina Memorial Stadium 2016 2020* United States Mick Giordano
Dalton Red Wolves SC Dalton, Georgia Lakeshore Park 2018 2019 United States Saif Alsafeer
East Atlanta FC Atlanta, Georgia Friends Field 2019 2020* England Sam Walker
North Alabama SC Huntsville, Alabama Championship Soccer Stadium 2008 2023 United States Amar Amin
SC United Bantams[lower-alpha 11] Columbia, South Carolina SC United Soccer Center at Monticello Road 2012 2012 England Lee Morris
Southern Soccer Academy Kings Dallas, Georgia North Paulding High School 2012 2020* Republic of Ireland Kelham O'Hanlon
Tennessee SC Franklin, Tennessee Ravenwood High School 2012 2022
Southeast Division
Brevard SC Melbourne, Florida Melbourne Central Catholic High School 2020 2023 TBD
Florida Elite SA St. Johns, Florida Creekside High School 2014 2019 England Sean Bubb
NONA FC Orlando, Florida TBD 2021 2022 Brazil Guilherme Henry
Swan City SC Lakeland, Florida TBD 2016 2023 TBD
Tampa Bay United SC Tampa, Florida Ed Radice Sports Complex 2021 2021 United States Brian Johnson
The Villages SC Summerfield, Florida The Villages SC Complex 2016 2016 Brazil Anderson DaSilva
South Florida Division
Altitude SA Rush Port Saint Lucie, Florida TBD 2022 2023
FC Miami City Lauderhill, Florida Central Broward Park 2014 2015 Colombia Julian Pedraza
Miami AC Miami, Florida Various 2021 2022
Sarasota Paradise Sarasota, Florida Sarasota High Football Stadium 2022 2023 TBD
St. Petersburg FC St. Petersburg, Florida St. Petersburg High School 2023 2023 TBD
Weston FC Weston, Florida Weston Regional Park 2017 1998 Venezuela Luis Mendoza
Mid South Division
Blue Goose SC Shreveport, Louisiana Mayo Field 2021 2022
LA Parish AC Baton Rouge, Louisiana Various 2022 2022
Little Rock Rangers Little Rock, Arkansas War Memorial Stadium 2016 2016 Italy Adriano Versari
Louisiana Krewe FC Lafayette, Louisiana Clark Field 2019 2022 Spain Joan Oliva
Mississippi Brilla Clinton, Mississippi Clinton High School 2006 2007 United States Luke Sanford
Texas United Richardson, Texas University of Texas at Dallas Soccer Fields 2017 2017 United States Arez Ardalani
Lone Star Division
AC Houston Sur Houston, Texas The Village School 2021 2022 United States Amr Neamatalla
AHFC Royals Houston, Texas Campbell Road Sports Park 2017 2018 United States Josh Gardner
Corpus Christi FC Corpus Christi, Texas St. John Paul II High School Stadium 2017 2018 Italy Adriano Versari
Houston FC Houston, Texas Sorrels Field 2017 2017 United States Bruce Talbot
Round Rock SC Round Rock, Texas Round Rock Multipurpose Complex 2017 2021 Libya Malek Ben-Musa
Twin City Toucans FC[41] Bryan, Texas Edible Field 2017 2017 United States Gareth Glick
Western Conference
Mountain Division
Boulder County United Lafayette, Colorado TBD 2021 2023 TBD
Colorado International Soccer Academy Aurora, Colorado Englewood High School 2012 2022 United States Camilo Valencia
Flatirons Rush SC Arvada, Colorado North Stadium 1998 2020* United StatesBrad Camp
New Mexico United U23 Albuquerque, New Mexico Various 2022 2022 United States Luke Sanford
Park City Red Wolves SC Park City, Utah Dozier Field 2018 2019 England Scott Mackenzie
Salt City SC Herriman, Utah Zions Bank Real Academy 2017 2018 United States Eric Landon
Northwest Division
Ballard FC Seattle, Washington Interbay Stadium 2021 2022 Republic of Ireland Ethan O’Neill (interim)
Capital FC Atletico Salem, Oregon John Chambers Field 2008 2009 United States Matt Broadhead
Lane United FC Eugene, Oregon Civic Park 2013 2014 Portugal Manny Martins
Oly Town FC Olympia, Washington South Sound Stadium 2014 2022 United States Liviu Bird
PDX FC Portland, Oregon Hilken Community Stadium 2017 2021 United States Luke Babson
United PDX Portland, Oregon TBD 2018 2023 TBD
Nor Cal Division
Academica SC Turlock, California Academica Field 1972 2023 Sergio Sousa
Davis Legacy SC Davis, California Davis Legacy Stadium 1989 2022
Marin FC Legends Marin County, California San Rafael High School[42] 2004 2022
Monterey Bay F.C. 2 Salinas, California Rabobank Stadium / Cardinale Stadium[43] 2023 2023 United States Ramiro Corrales
Project 51O Oakland, California UCSF Health Training Facility 2020 2021 Mexico Dannylo Ayllon
San Francisco City FC San Francisco, California Kezar Stadium 2001 2016 Turkmenistan Berdi Merdanov
San Francisco Glens SC San Francisco, California Skyline College 1961 2018 United States Jimmy Conrad
Southwest Division
Arizona Arsenal SC Mesa, Arizona Legacy Sports Park USA 1992 2023 United States Adam Burke
Capo FC San Juan Capistrano, California JSerra Catholic High School 2006 2023 TBD
FC Tucson Tucson, Arizona Kino North Sports Complex 2010 2012/2023 United States Mark Biagi
Redlands FC Redlands, California Redlands High School 2022 2023 United States Cody Carlson
Southern California Seahorses La Mirada, California La Mirada High School 2001 2001 United States Todd Elkins
Ventura County Fusion Ventura, California Ventura College 2006 2007 United States Rudy Ybarra

Future teams

Team City/Area Stadium Founded Debut Head Coach
Hill Country Lobos[44] Kyle, Texas TBD 1996 2024 TBD
Utah County USL[45] Utah County, Utah TBD 2023 2024 TBD
Charlottesville Blues FC[46] Charlottesville, Virginia TBD 2023 2024 TBD
River Light FC[47] Aurora, Illinois TBD 2020 2024 TBD

Champions

Season Playoff champions Regular season champions
USISL Premier League
1995 Richmond Kickers San Francisco All-Blacks United
1996 Central Coast Roadrunners Central Coast Roadrunners
USISL Premier Development Soccer League
1997 Central Coast Roadrunners Spokane Shadow
1998 San Gabriel Valley Highlanders Jackson Chargers
USL Premier Development League
1999 Chicago Sockers Jackson Chargers
2000 Chicago Sockers Mid-Michigan Bucks
2001 Westchester Flames Calgary Storm
2002 Cape Cod Crusaders Des Moines Menace
2003 Cape Cod Crusaders New Orleans Shell Shockers
2004 Central Florida Kraze Chicago Fire Reserves
2005 Des Moines Menace Orange County Blue Star
2006 Michigan Bucks Carolina Dynamo
2007 Laredo Heat Hampton Roads Piranhas
2008 Thunder Bay Chill Michigan Bucks
2009 Ventura County Fusion Reading Rage
2010 Portland Timbers U23s Portland Timbers U23s
2011 Kitsap Pumas Fresno Fuego
2012 Forest City London Michigan Bucks
2013 Austin Aztex Thunder Bay Chill
2014 Michigan Bucks Des Moines Menace
2015 K–W United FC Michigan Bucks
2016 Michigan Bucks Michigan Bucks
2017 Charlotte Eagles New York Red Bulls U-23
2018 Calgary Foothills FC Des Moines Menace
USL League Two
2019 Flint City Bucks Des Moines Menace
2020 Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic[48]
2021 Des Moines Menace Des Moines Menace
2022 Ventura County Fusion Lionsbridge FC
2023 Ballard FC[49] Chicago City SC

Championships

(Defunct teams in italics)

Playoff championships

USL League Two MVPs

Season Player Club College
1995 United States Gabe Jones Austin Lone Stars Davidson
1996 Finland Pasi Kinturi Nashville Metros Campbell University (TN)
1997 Trinidad and Tobago Lester Felicia Jackson Chargers Bellhaven University (MS)
1998 Brazil Rodrigo Costa Detroit Dynamite Union College (KY)
1999 Brazil Fabio Eidelwein Sioux City Breeze St. Edward's University (TX)
2000 Mexico Fernando Salazar San Fernando Valley Heroes N/A
2001 United States Beau Brown Lafayette Lightning West Texas A&M
2002 Czech Republic Tomas Boltnar Des Moines Menace California University of Pennsylvania
2003 Czech Republic Tomas Boltnar Des Moines Menace California University of Pennsylvania
2004 United States Ruben Mingo South Jersey Barons Mercer County Community College (NJ)
2005 Mexico Daniel Frias El Paso Patriots N/A
2006 Canada Frederico Moojen Augusta FireBall Lincoln Memorial University (TN)
2007 Brazil Pablo Campos Fresno Fuego Fresno Pacific University
2008 Mexico Junior Garcia Yakima Reds Wenatchee Valley College (WA)
2009 United States Aaron Wheeler Reading Rage Lenoir–Rhyne University (NC)
2010 United States Brent Richards Portland Timbers U23s University of Washington
2011 United States Milton Blanco Fresno Fuego Fresno Pacific University
2012 Brazil Sullivan Silva Thunder Bay Chill Oklahoma Baptist
2013 United States Kris Tyrpak Austin Aztex Houston Baptist
2014 Bosnia and Herzegovina Dzenan Catic Michigan Bucks Davenport University (MI)
2015 Jamaica Anthony Grant Seacoast United Phantoms Bowling Green State University
2016 Jamaica Chevaughn Walsh Ocean City Nor'easters Jefferson College (MO)
2017 United States Brian White New York Red Bulls U-23 Duke University
2018 Japan Ryosuke Kinoshita Des Moines Menace Marshalltown Community College (IA)
2019 England Deri Corfe Ocean City Nor'easters Wright State
2020 Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Argentina Nicolás Molina West Virginia United University of North Carolina Wilmington
2022 Trinidad and Tobago Samory Powder Hudson Valley Hammers University of Detroit Mercy
2023 United States Logan Farrington Ventura County Fusion Oregon State University

References

  1. "CONTACT". USL PDL. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
  2. "Ventura County Fusion capture USL League Two national title with 2-1 victory". Ventura County Star. August 7, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  3. "United Soccer Leagues, Part 2 (1994–1996)". Homepages.sover.net. February 13, 2010. Archived from the original on July 13, 2013. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  4. "The Year in American Soccer, 1996". Homepages.sover.net. Archived from the original on August 2, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  5. "United Soccer Leagues, Part 3 (1997–1999)". Homepages.sover.net. February 13, 2010. Archived from the original on November 21, 2014. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  6. "The Year in American Soccer, 1998". Homepages.sover.net. Archived from the original on November 5, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  7. "The Year in American Soccer, 1999". Homepages.sover.net. Archived from the original on February 6, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  8. "United Soccer Leagues, Part 4 (2000–2003)". Homepages.sover.net. February 14, 2010. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  9. "United Soccer Leagues, Part 4 (2000–2003)". Homepages.sover.net. February 14, 2010. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  10. "United Soccer Leagues, Part 4 (2000–2003)". Homepages.sover.net. February 14, 2010. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  11. "Cape Cod repeats as champion with 1–0 shutout of Chicago". Soccertimes.com. August 9, 2003. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  12. "Cook scores late to send Central Florida past Rapids Reserve for title". Soccertimes.com. August 7, 2004. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  13. "Des Moines captures PDL title in seven rounds of penalties". Pdl.uslsoccer.com. August 13, 2005. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  14. "Gruenebaum, Frieberg lead Menace past El Paso for title in penalty kicks". Soccertimes.com. August 13, 2005. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  15. "Uzoigwe, Shipalane power Michigan to first championship 2–1 over Heat". Soccertimes.com. August 12, 2006. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  16. Demosphere International, Inc. (August 12, 2006). "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  17. "Chill stay cool to win PDL title". Uslsoccer.com. August 9, 2008. Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  18. "Fusion overcome Fire for PDL title". Uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  19. "Perfection in Portland". Pdl.uslsoccer.com. August 7, 2010. Archived from the original on August 17, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  20. "Timbers Make History at Kitsap; Portland Becomes First Unblemished Team Since 1998". Uslsoccer.com. July 18, 2010. Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  21. "Chill Dominate Season Honors". Pdl.uslsoccer.com. July 27, 2010. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  22. "Bucks Highlight PDL Award Winners". Uslsoccer.com. August 5, 2011. Archived from the original on August 18, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  23. "FC London Claims PDL Championship". USLPDL.com. August 4, 2012. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  24. "Canadian clubs turning heads with PDL success". WakingTheRed.com. July 29, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  25. "Clubs set for PDL Championship". USLPDL.com. August 1, 2013. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  26. "Aztex Claim PDL Championship". USLPDL.com. August 4, 2013. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  27. Nicholas Mendola (August 3, 2014). "Michigan Bucks top Kitsap Pumas in PDL championship match". NBCSports.com. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  28. "USL Rising – United Soccer League". USLSoccer.com. February 10, 2015. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  29. Dave Rowaan (August 3, 2015). "KW United win club's first ever PDL Championship". WakingTheRed.com. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  30. Paul Kennedy (August 3, 2015). "Ontario's K-W United FC takes PDL crown". SoccerAmerica.com. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  31. "Men's soccer league refuses top Canadian goaltender because she's a woman – CBC News". Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  32. "Female footballer barred from men's league". BBC. May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  33. "Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé taking legal action against Premier Development League – CBC Sports". Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  34. "USL Unveils New Structure: One Central Brand, Three Leagues, Evolving for the Future". United Soccer League. September 25, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  35. Hojnacki, Jenny (April 30, 2020). "USL cancels 2020 League Two season, extends pro league suspensions". sbisoccer.com. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  36. Bird, Liviu (July 24, 2012). "In the P.D.L., Looking Up From the Bottom of the Food Chain". The New York Times. New York Times Soccer Blog.
  37. "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Pdl.uslsoccer.com. December 17, 2008. Archived from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  38. "USL League Two Teams". www.uslleaguetwo.com. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  39. @@ChicagoDLFC (February 19, 2023). "We are pleased to announce our new 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 and multi-year deal with Aurora University & their Spartan Athletic Park 🏟️ @uslwleague @uslleaguetwo" (Tweet). Retrieved February 19, 2023 via Twitter.
  40. @@BavarianSoccer (February 15, 2023). "Calum Mallace picked to lead our new USL League 2 team this Summer. 🔹Loyola University Assistant Coach 🔹Former MLS & USL Pro 🔹Marquette University Alumni #BavsDNA #USL2 #WIsoccer #wisconsinsoccer" (Tweet). Retrieved February 19, 2023 via Twitter.
  41. "The rebranded Twin City Toucans to begin play on June 1st at Edible Field". KBTX-TV. May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  42. Marin FC Legends | The Marin Football Club
  43. "MBFC2 Announces Home Venue in Salinas, Open Tryout Dates". Monterey Bay Football Club | USL Championship. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  44. "Hill Country Lobos to join USL League Two in 2024". USL League Two. September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  45. "USL League Two club coming to Utah County in 2024". USL League Two. September 19, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  46. "Charlottesville Blues FC to join USL League Two and USL W League in 2024". USL League Two. September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  47. "River Light FC to join USL League Two and USL W League in 2024". USL League Two. October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  48. "United Soccer League Provides Update on 2020 Seasons". United Soccer League. April 30, 2020.
  49. "Ballard FC claims dramatic victory in 2023 USL League Two Final". www.USLLeagueTwo.com. USL League Two. August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.

Notes

  1. AC Connecticut was known as CFC Azul until the end of the 2014 season
  2. Boston Bolts was known as FC Boston until the end of the 2018 season
  3. Pathfinder FC was known as FC Málaga City New York in 2021
  4. Seacoast United Phantoms was known as New Hampshire Phantoms until the end of the 2011 season
  5. Ocean City Nor'easters were known as South Jersey Barons until the end of the 2009 season
  6. Reading United AC was known as Reading Rage until the end of the 2009 season
  7. Northern Virginia FC was previously known as Northern Virginia Royals, D.C. United U-23, and Evergreen FC
  8. North Carolina FC U23 has previously been known as Raleigh CASL Elite, Carolina RailHawks U23s, and Cary Clarets while in the PDL
  9. West Virginia United was previously known as West Virginia Chaos and West Virginia Alliance
  10. Flint City Bucks were known as the Mid-Michigan Bucks from 1996 to 2003 and the Michigan Bucks from 2004 to 2019
  11. SC United Bantams was known as Palmetto United Bantams until the end of the 2014 season
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.