Description: This article provides a detailed overview of the various soccer leagues in the United States, including professional, amateur, and youth leagues. It covers the history, structure, and organization of each league, as well as the teams and players that have made an impact on the American soccer landscape.
Soccer, or football as it’s known in many parts of the world, is one of the most popular sports in the United States. But what is the US soccer league called? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the various leagues and tournaments that make up the US soccer landscape. From the top-tier Major League Soccer (MLS) to the lower divisions of the USL and NASL, we’ll explore the history, structure, and significance of each league, as well as the teams and players that have made them famous. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the world of American soccer, read on to learn more about the US soccer league system.
Overview of the US Soccer League System
Professional Leagues
The United States Soccer League System is a complex network of leagues that span from the amateur to the professional level. The professional leagues in the system are the Major League Soccer (MLS), the United Soccer League (USL), and the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).
Major League Soccer (MLS)
The Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become one of the most successful soccer leagues in the world. The MLS features 26 teams, with 23 based in the United States and three in Canada. The league is known for its high level of competition and has produced many world-class players.
The MLS season runs from March to October, with each team playing 34 games. The regular season is followed by the MLS Cup Playoffs, which culminate in the MLS Cup final. The MLS Cup is the league’s championship game and is held in December.
United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is a professional soccer league that was founded in 2010. It is the second tier of soccer in the United States, below the MLS. The USL is divided into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference, and features 36 teams.
The USL season runs from March to October, with each team playing 32 games. The regular season is followed by the USL Cup Playoffs, which culminate in the USL Cup final. The USL Cup is the league’s championship game and is held in November.
National Independent Soccer Association (NISA)
The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) is a professional soccer league that was founded in 2019. It is the third tier of soccer in the United States, below the USL. The NISA features 10 teams and is known for its focus on independent ownership and community-based soccer.
The NISA season runs from September to May, with each team playing 28 games. The regular season is followed by the NISA Playoffs, which culminate in the NISA Cup final. The NISA Cup is the league’s championship game and is held in June.
Amateur Leagues
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a non-profit organization that governs sports at the college level in the United States. The NCAA organizes various soccer tournaments and championships for both men and women’s teams across different divisions.
United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA)
The United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) is a national organization that promotes and governs adult soccer leagues and tournaments in the United States. The USASA has different regional and state associations that organize and manage adult soccer leagues, with different levels of competition and skill.
United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA)
The United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) is a national organization that promotes and governs youth soccer leagues and tournaments in the United States. The USYSA has different age groups and levels of competition, ranging from under-8 to under-19, and provides a platform for young players to develop their skills and compete at a high level. The organization also provides coaching education and resources for youth coaches.
Youth Leagues
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Development Academy
The USSF Development Academy is the highest level of youth soccer in the United States. It was created in 2007 by the USSF and is made up of 166 clubs across the country. The academy focuses on player development and serves as a feeder system for the professional leagues.
The academy has a strict policy of not allowing high school games during the fall season, as they believe it can interfere with the development of the players. The academy also has a mandatory college placement program for all players, ensuring that players have an opportunity to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level.
The USSF Development Academy has been successful in producing top-level talent, with many players moving on to play professionally in the MLS and abroad. The academy’s emphasis on player development and the use of elite coaches has led to its success.
US Club Soccer
US Club Soccer is one of the largest soccer organizations in the United States, with over 500,000 players registered. The organization was founded in 1994 and is a member of the USSF.
US Club Soccer offers various levels of play, from recreational to elite, and serves as a feeder system for the USSF Development Academy. The organization also offers various tournaments and events throughout the year, including the National Cup and the Regional Leagues.
Super Y-League
The Super Y-League is one of the largest and most competitive youth soccer leagues in the United States. The league was founded in 1998 and is made up of over 300 clubs across the country.
The Super Y-League offers various levels of play, from recreational to elite, and serves as a feeder system for the USSF Development Academy. The league also offers various tournaments and events throughout the year, including the National Championships.
The Super Y-League is known for its high level of competition and the opportunity it provides for players to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and professional scouts. Many players have gone on to play at the collegiate and professional levels after participating in the Super Y-League.
History of the US Soccer League System
Early Years of Soccer in the US
Founding of the US Soccer Federation (USSF)
The earliest beginnings of organized soccer in the United States can be traced back to the late 1800s, when the first soccer clubs began to form in major cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago. These clubs played by a set of informal rules, which eventually led to the creation of the first official soccer league in the United States, the American Cup, in 1884.
However, it wasn’t until 1913 that the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) was officially founded, becoming the governing body for soccer in the United States. The USSF was instrumental in establishing the first set of standardized rules for the sport, which helped to create a more organized and competitive soccer landscape in the United States.
Formation of the North American Soccer League (NASL)
Despite the establishment of the USSF, soccer remained a relatively niche sport in the United States for many years. However, this began to change in the 1960s, when a new professional soccer league known as the North American Soccer League (NASL) was formed. The NASL was created with the backing of several wealthy investors, who saw the potential for soccer to become a major sport in the United States.
The NASL brought in a number of high-profile international players, including legendary soccer stars like Pele, Giorgio Chinaglia, and Johan Cruyff, which helped to generate excitement and interest in the sport. The league also attracted significant media attention, with games being broadcast on national television and attended by large crowds.
The NASL experienced a period of rapid growth in the 1970s, with teams expanding to new cities and drawing in even larger crowds. However, financial troubles and a lack of stability eventually led to the league’s collapse in 1984. Despite this setback, the legacy of the NASL remains an important part of the history of soccer in the United States, paving the way for the development of subsequent professional leagues and helping to establish soccer as a major sport in the country.
The Rise of MLS and the Decline of NASL
Establishment of MLS
In 1993, the United States witnessed the establishment of Major League Soccer (MLS), which marked a significant turning point in the country’s soccer landscape. The league was created as a response to the United States Soccer Federation’s (USSF) desire to launch a top-tier professional soccer league that would compete with other major sports leagues in the country. MLS was formed through a collaboration between the USSF, the Professional Soccer League (PSL), and the American Soccer League (ASL). The initial aim of the league was to promote the growth of soccer in the United States and to increase the popularity of the sport among American audiences.
Financial Challenges and Collapse of NASL
Prior to the establishment of MLS, the North American Soccer League (NASL) was the highest level of professional soccer in the United States. However, the league faced numerous financial challenges throughout its existence, including low attendance and declining revenues. Despite efforts to revive the league, it ultimately collapsed in 1984, leaving a void in the American soccer landscape. The collapse of NASL paved the way for the creation of MLS, which was designed to address many of the issues that had plagued the previous league.
The Evolution of the US Soccer League System
Formation of USL and NISA
The evolution of the US Soccer League System began in the early 1980s with the formation of the United Soccer League (USL). Initially, the league consisted of a handful of teams scattered across the country, with the majority of them based in the northeastern United States. Over time, the league expanded and evolved, eventually becoming the USL Championship in 2017.
In 2017, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) was also established. This league was created to provide a professional option for teams that were not interested in joining the United Soccer League or Major League Soccer (MLS). The formation of NISA allowed for the growth of soccer in the United States, as it provided an alternative to the traditional professional soccer leagues.
Growth of Amateur and Youth Leagues
As the professional leagues in the United States continued to grow, so too did the amateur and youth leagues. The growth of these leagues can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in interest in soccer among young people and a greater emphasis on developing homegrown talent.
One of the most significant developments in the growth of amateur and youth soccer in the United States was the establishment of the Development Academy (DA) by Major League Soccer in 2007. The DA was designed to provide a comprehensive player development program for elite youth players, with the ultimate goal of producing players capable of competing at the professional level.
Another significant factor in the growth of amateur and youth soccer in the United States was the establishment of the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) in 1999. This organization was created to oversee the development of soccer at the youth level, and it has since become one of the largest youth sports organizations in the country.
Overall, the evolution of the US Soccer League System has been characterized by a gradual expansion of professional and amateur leagues, as well as a growing emphasis on developing homegrown talent at the youth level.
Significant Teams and Players in the US Soccer League System
MLS Teams
Seattle Sounders FC
Seattle Sounders FC is one of the most successful teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). The team was founded in 2009 and has since won two MLS Cups and four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups. The team has a large and passionate fan base, known as the “Sounders FC Rhapsody,” who often pack the stadium to watch their team play. The team’s roster includes several high-profile players, including Jordan Morris, Nicolás Lodeiro, and Raúl Ruidíaz.
LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy is one of the most successful teams in MLS history, having won five MLS Cups and four Supporters’ Shields. The team was founded in 1996 and has since become a powerhouse in the league, thanks in part to its star-studded roster. Some of the most famous players to have played for the Galaxy include David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Robbie Keane. The team’s fan base, known as the “Galaxy Army,” is known for its passion and enthusiasm.
New York City FC
New York City FC is a relatively new team in MLS, having been founded in 2015. Despite its short history, the team has already made a big impact in the league, thanks to its star-studded roster and passionate fan base. The team’s roster includes several high-profile players, including David Villa, Maxi Moralez, and Alexandru Mitriță. The team’s fan base, known as the “NYCFC Nation,” is known for its dedication and support of the team.
Notable MLS Players
Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in the history of the United States. He began his professional career with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2001 and went on to play for several other teams in the MLS, including the San Jose Earthquakes and the Houston Dynamo. Donovan was a six-time MLS All-Star and won multiple MLS Cups and Supporters’ Shields during his career. He also holds the record for most goals and assists in MLS history.
David Beckham
David Beckham is a British soccer player who played for the Los Angeles Galaxy from 2007 to 2009. During his time in the MLS, Beckham became a global ambassador for the league and helped to raise its profile around the world. He was a three-time MLS All-Star and won the MLS Cup in his final season with the Galaxy. Beckham’s time in the MLS was marked by his charitable work and his efforts to promote soccer as a positive force for social change.
Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic is a young American soccer player who has already made a big impact on the MLS. He began his career with the youth teams of the Portland Timbers and the LA Galaxy before signing with the German club Borussia Dortmund in 2015. Pulisic returned to the MLS on loan in 2016 and quickly became one of the most exciting young players in the league. He has since gone on to play for Chelsea in the English Premier League and has represented the United States at the international level.
USL Teams
Louisville City FC
Louisville City FC is a professional soccer team based in Louisville, Kentucky. The team was founded in 2015 and plays in the United Soccer League (USL). Louisville City FC has been one of the most successful teams in the USL, consistently finishing at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The team has also had success in the USL Cup playoffs, reaching the final in 2017 and 2018.
Sacramento Republic FC
Sacramento Republic FC is a professional soccer team based in Sacramento, California. The team was founded in 2012 and plays in the United Soccer League (USL). Sacramento Republic FC has been one of the most successful teams in the USL, consistently finishing at the top of the Western Conference standings. The team has also had success in the USL Cup playoffs, reaching the final in 2014.
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Tampa Bay Rowdies is a professional soccer team based in Tampa, Florida. The team was founded in 1974 and plays in the United Soccer League (USL). Tampa Bay Rowdies has a long history in American soccer, having played in various leagues over the years. The team has had success in the USL, winning the league title in 2017. The team has also had success in the USL Cup playoffs, reaching the final in 2018.
Prominent USL Players
Emmanuel Ekpo
Emmanuel Ekpo is a Nigerian-born attacking midfielder who has made a name for himself in the United Soccer League (USL). He started his career with the Houston Dynamo before moving to the USL and has since played for several teams, including the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and the San Antonio FC. Ekpo is known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He has been a key player for the San Antonio FC and has helped the team to reach the playoffs in the past few seasons.
Sean Okpo
Sean Okpo is a versatile defender who has played for several teams in the USL. He started his career with the LA Galaxy II before moving to the Oklahoma City Energy and then to the Austin Bold. Okpo is known for his physicality, his ability to read the game, and his skill in one-on-one tackles. He has been a key player for the Austin Bold and has helped the team to win several matches with his solid defending.
Walter Restrepo
Walter Restrepo is a Colombian-born attacking midfielder who has made a name for himself in the USL. He started his career with the Charleston Battery before moving to the Louisville City FC and then to the Indy Eleven. Restrepo is known for his technical skills, his ability to score from long range, and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He has been a key player for the Indy Eleven and has helped the team to reach the playoffs in the past few seasons.
Youth Leagues and National Teams
Successes and Challenges of US Youth Teams
The United States youth soccer system has seen both successes and challenges over the years. The country’s youth teams have had notable achievements, including winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1999 and reaching the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup in 2017. However, the system has also faced criticism for its lack of development and support for young players, with many talented players leaving the country to pursue opportunities in Europe.
Emergence of Homegrown Players in MLS
The Major League Soccer (MLS) has made a significant effort to develop homegrown players in recent years. The league’s homegrown player rule requires teams to sign at least one player from their youth academy to a first-team contract each year. This has led to the emergence of young players like Christian Pulisic, who rose through the ranks of the LA Galaxy’s academy to become one of the top young players in the world. Other notable homegrown players in MLS include Darlington Nagbe, Jordan Morris, and Tyler Adams.
Future of the US Soccer League System
Continued Growth and Expansion
Potential MLS Expansion Teams
The Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen significant growth over the past few years, with the addition of new teams such as Nashville SC, Inter Miami CF, and Austin FC. The league is looking to continue this growth with plans to expand to 30 teams by 2026. Cities such as Sacramento, St. Louis, and Charlotte have been mentioned as potential expansion locations. Additionally, the league is considering the addition of a new team in Las Vegas, which would be the first professional sports team in the city.
USL and NISA Expansion Plans
The United Soccer League (USL) and National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) have also announced plans for expansion in the coming years. The USL has announced that it will add six new teams by 2024, including teams in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Fresno, California. The NISA has also announced plans to expand, with the addition of six new teams by 2023. These new teams will include teams in Baltimore, Maryland, and Hartford, Connecticut.
In addition to expansion, the USL and NISA are also looking to grow the number of teams in existing markets. The USL has announced plans to add teams to existing markets such as Louisville, Kentucky, and Tampa, Florida. The NISA has also announced plans to add teams to existing markets such as Los Angeles, California, and Detroit, Michigan.
Overall, the future of the US Soccer League System looks bright, with continued growth and expansion on the horizon. Whether you’re a fan of the MLS, USL, or NISA, there is plenty to be excited about as these leagues continue to grow and evolve.
Integration with Global Soccer
Participation in International Competitions
The US Soccer League System has been continuously evolving and expanding its presence on the global stage. In recent years, the league has been participating in various international competitions, such as the CONCACAF Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. This participation has allowed US-based teams to compete against top clubs from other countries, providing valuable exposure and experience for the players and teams involved.
Furthermore, the league has also been actively seeking to increase its involvement in international competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. These competitions offer even greater challenges and opportunities for growth, and participation in them would significantly enhance the reputation and visibility of the US Soccer League System on a global scale.
Collaboration with International Clubs and Leagues
In addition to participating in international competitions, the US Soccer League System has also been collaborating with international clubs and leagues. These collaborations have taken various forms, such as friendly matches, player exchanges, and joint training sessions.
One notable example of this collaboration is the partnership between Major League Soccer (MLS) and the English Premier League (EPL). This partnership has included friendly matches between MLS and EPL teams, as well as player exchanges and other joint initiatives. This collaboration has not only helped to strengthen the relationships between the two leagues but has also provided valuable opportunities for players to gain experience and exposure in different competitions.
Furthermore, the US Soccer League System has also been exploring other collaborations with international clubs and leagues, such as those in Europe and Asia. These collaborations would provide additional opportunities for growth and development for both the US-based teams and their international counterparts.
Overall, the integration of the US Soccer League System with global soccer has been an ongoing process that is likely to continue and expand in the future. Through participation in international competitions and collaboration with international clubs and leagues, the league is able to broaden its horizons and gain valuable experience and exposure on a global scale.
FAQs
1. What is the US soccer league called?
The US soccer league is called Major League Soccer (MLS). It is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada.
2. How many teams are in the MLS?
The MLS currently has 26 teams, with 23 based in the United States and three in Canada.
3. How does the MLS compare to other soccer leagues around the world?
The MLS is considered to be a strong and competitive league, but it is generally considered to be below some of the top leagues in Europe and South America in terms of overall talent and level of play. However, the MLS has been improving in recent years and has attracted more high-profile players from around the world.
4. Who won the MLS Cup in 2021?
The 2021 MLS Cup was won by the Portland Timbers, who defeated the New York City FC in the final.
5. When does the MLS season start and end?
The MLS season typically starts in late February or early March and ends in October or November.
6. How can I watch MLS games?
MLS games can be watched on a variety of television networks and streaming services, including ESPN, FOX Sports, and DAZN.
7. Are there any foreign players in the MLS?
Yes, the MLS has a limit on the number of foreign players that each team can sign, but many teams have players from around the world. In recent years, the MLS has attracted more high-profile international players, including players from Europe and South America.
8. Can I play soccer in the US?
Yes, there are many opportunities to play soccer in the US at all levels, from youth leagues to adult leagues. The US Soccer Federation is the governing body for soccer in the US and provides information on local leagues and clubs.
