TOP 5 – USL
A league from coast to coast
United Soccer League is composed of 24 teams divided into two conferences – East and West – in Canada and the United States.
A strong link with MLS
In 2013, the league put in place a strong partnership with MLS, allowing teams to affiliate with clubs in USL teams and also playing reserve games against USL opposition.
The following year, LA Galaxy was the first MLS club to field its own team in USL, LA Galaxy II. FC Montreal, Real Monarchs SLC (Real Salt Lake), Seattle Sounders FC 2 (Seattle Sounders), Portland Timbers 2 (Portland Timbers), Toronto FC II (Toronto FC), Whitecaps FC 2 (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) and New York Red Bulls 2 (New York Red Bulls) will join the Galaxy for the 2015 season.
Expansion
2015 will be a historical expansion year for the USL. Besides MLS clubs, six other teams will join the league:
- Austin Aztex
- Tulsa Roughnecks FC
- Charlotte Independence
- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Louisville City FC
- Saint Louis FC
Teams with history
Despite the new face of the league, many teams have been part of soccer history in North America:
- Charleston Battery (1993)
- Orange County Blues (1998)
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds (1999)
- Richmond Kickers (1993)
- Rochester Rhinos (1996)
- Wilmington Hammerheads FC (1996)
A new brand
A new name, a new digital brand and a new identity for 2015.
USL Rising
