Soccer, or football as it’s known in most parts of the world, is the most popular sport in the United States. With a rich history of professional leagues and a growing number of amateur and semi-professional leagues, the landscape of soccer in the US can be quite confusing for those unfamiliar with the sport. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the various soccer leagues in the US, from the top-tier Major League Soccer (MLS) to the grassroots level, and everything in between. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the world of soccer, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the soccer leagues in the United States. So, let’s get started!
Major Professional Soccer Leagues in the United States
The Major Leagues: A Quick Overview
The United Soccer League (USL)
- Founded in 2010, the USL is a professional soccer league that operates in the United States and Canada.
- The league is divided into three divisions: USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two.
- The USL Championship is the top tier of the league and features 27 teams across the country.
- The USL League One and USL League Two are the second and third tiers, respectively, and feature 10 teams each.
- The USL is known for its high level of competition and has produced numerous players who have gone on to play in MLS and other top leagues around the world.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
- MLS is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada.
- The league was founded in 1993 and currently features 26 teams, with plans to expand to 30 teams by 2023.
- MLS is known for its high level of competition and has attracted some of the top players from around the world.
- The league has also become increasingly popular with fans, with many teams playing in large stadiums and attracting passionate supporters.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
- The NWSL is the top professional women’s soccer league in the United States.
- The league was founded in 2012 and currently features 10 teams, including the Washington Spirit, Chicago Red Stars, and Houston Dash.
- The NWSL has produced numerous stars, including Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Carli Lloyd.
- The league has also gained a significant following, with many games being broadcast on national television and attracting large crowds to stadiums across the country.
MLS: The Top of the Pyramid
Founding of MLS
Major League Soccer (MLS) was founded in 1993, following the United States’ successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The league’s inaugural season began in 1996, with ten teams, including the LA Galaxy, New York/New Jersey MetroStars, San Jose Clash, and Kansas City Wiz.
Growth and Expansion
Over the years, MLS has experienced significant growth and expansion. In 2002, the league expanded to 12 teams, and in 2009, it reached its current size of 27 teams, with clubs located in major cities across the United States and Canada. In recent years, MLS has continued to expand, with new teams joining the league in 2015, 2017, and 2021.
Current State of MLS
MLS has firmly established itself as the top professional soccer league in the United States. The league has a strong fan base, with many games selling out and attracting passionate supporters. The level of play in MLS has also improved significantly over the years, with many players moving on to top European clubs. The league has also been successful in attracting high-profile international players, such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which has helped to raise the profile of the league both domestically and internationally.
In terms of competitive success, MLS has had its share of ups and downs. The league has produced some talented teams and players over the years, but it has also struggled to compete with top European leagues in terms of overall quality. However, MLS has made significant investments in player development and infrastructure, which has helped to improve the league’s overall competitiveness.
Overall, MLS has come a long way since its founding in 1993 and is now recognized as one of the top professional soccer leagues in the world. With its strong fan base, growing talent pool, and significant investments in player development, MLS is poised for continued success in the years to come.
USL: The Next Level
Structure and Teams
The USL (United Soccer League) is a professional soccer league in the United States and Canada that is divided into three divisions: USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two. The league was founded in 2010 as the USL Pro and was later rebranded as the USL in 2017. The league has seen significant growth in recent years, with the addition of new teams and the expansion of existing ones.
The USL Championship is the top tier of the USL and is considered the second tier of professional soccer in the United States, behind Major League Soccer (MLS). The league currently consists of 36 teams, with expansion teams set to join in the coming years. The USL League One is the second tier of the USL and currently consists of 10 teams, all of which are based in the United States. The USL League Two is the third tier of the USL and is comprised of 76 teams from across the United States and Canada.
Geographic Distribution
The USL is spread across the United States and Canada, with teams located in both large and small markets. The league has a strong presence in the southern United States, with teams in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, among others. However, the league has also expanded to the west coast, with teams in California and Washington, and to the northeast, with teams in New York and Pennsylvania. The league’s reach also extends into Canada, with teams in Ottawa and Toronto.
Quality of Play
The quality of play in the USL has improved significantly in recent years, with many top-level players and coaches moving to the league from MLS and other professional leagues around the world. The league has also attracted attention from major investors, with several teams being purchased by investors with ties to major European clubs. The league’s emphasis on player development has also led to the creation of academy systems across the country, with many players moving from these academies to the professional ranks.
Overall, the USL is a growing and dynamic league that is providing opportunities for players and coaches to develop their skills and compete at a high level. With continued growth and investment, the league is poised to become a major player in the professional soccer landscape in the United States and Canada.
NWSL: The Women’s Game Takes Center Stage
Origins and Evolution
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) was established in 2012, serving as the highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. The league’s inception came as a result of the disbandment of the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league, which had folded after the 2011 season due to financial difficulties. The NWSL was created with the backing of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and its founding members included the Washington Freedom, the Boston Breakers, and the Western New York Flash.
The NWSL has quickly become a showcase for top-level women’s soccer in the United States, with many of the world’s best players participating. The league boasts a strong commitment to player development, with a focus on creating a professional environment that fosters growth and success. The level of play in the NWSL has consistently improved since its inception, with talented players and competitive matchups drawing large crowds and garnering significant media attention.
Importance of the NWSL
The NWSL has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of women’s soccer in the United States. By providing a professional league for elite players, the NWSL has helped to raise the profile of the sport and has served as a model for other countries looking to establish their own professional women’s leagues. The league has also played a crucial role in the development of the next generation of soccer players, with many young women looking to the NWSL as a pathway to the national team and international success.
Semi-Professional and Amateur Soccer Leagues
Leagues Serving as Pipeline to the Pros
USL League Two
USL League Two, formerly known as the Premier Development League (PDL), is a semi-professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. The league serves as a critical developmental platform for aspiring professional soccer players, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills and progress to higher levels of the sport. USL League Two teams compete in a summer schedule, playing a total of 14 regular-season matches.
National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is an amateur soccer league in the United States. The league operates in four regional divisions, with teams competing in a spring and fall season format. The NPSL offers a unique platform for aspiring professional soccer players to develop their skills and gain exposure to professional scouts and coaches. Many NPSL players have progressed to higher levels of the sport, including Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United Soccer League (USL).
Premier Development League (PDL)
The Premier Development League (PDL) is a semi-professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, with teams primarily composed of college players and recent graduates. The PDL serves as a critical stepping stone for players seeking to advance to the professional ranks, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and gain exposure to professional scouts and coaches. The PDL operates in four regional divisions, with teams competing in a summer schedule, playing a total of 14 regular-season matches.
Amateur Leagues: A Vibrant Soccer Community
Adult Leagues
- Recreational leagues: cater to players of all skill levels, provide a fun and social environment to play the game.
- Competitive leagues: for players looking for a higher level of competition, often feature teams that compete against each other on a regular basis.
- Local leagues: provide an opportunity for players to compete against teams from their area, often organized by city or county.
Youth Leagues
- U6-U8: introduction to soccer for young children, focus on basic skills and having fun.
- U9-U10: transition to more structured play, continue to develop basic skills while introducing tactics and teamwork.
- U11-U12: more competitive play, with emphasis on developing individual skills and tactics.
- U13-U15: players begin to specialize in certain positions, focus on building teamwork and strategy.
- U16-U19: more advanced play, with an emphasis on preparing players for high school and college soccer.
College Soccer
- NCAA Division I: highest level of college soccer, features top programs and players from around the country.
- NCAA Division II: second tier of college soccer, offers a challenging environment for talented players.
- NCAA Division III: less competitive level of college soccer, emphasizes academics and student-athlete experience.
- NAIA: small private schools and liberal arts colleges, provides opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level.
- NJCAA: two-year community colleges, offers a pathway for players to transition to four-year programs.
Local and Community-Based Soccer Leagues
The Grassroots Soccer Movement
The grassroots soccer movement refers to the growing trend of small-scale, community-based soccer leagues that have emerged across the United States. These leagues often emphasize a fun, social, and inclusive approach to the sport, and are designed to be accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
One of the key features of the grassroots soccer movement is the emphasis on small-sided soccer games. These games are typically played on smaller fields, with fewer players on each team, and are designed to encourage more touches on the ball and more active participation from all players. This approach has been shown to be highly effective in developing technical skills and promoting a more fluid, creative style of play.
Another important aspect of the grassroots soccer movement is the promotion of co-ed and open leagues. These leagues are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to players of all genders, and often feature a range of age groups and skill levels playing together on the same team. This approach helps to foster a sense of community and belonging among players, and encourages the development of important social and teamwork skills.
In addition to promoting inclusivity and accessibility, the grassroots soccer movement also places a strong emphasis on community outreach and engagement. Many of these leagues are organized by local volunteers and are designed to be a part of the broader community fabric. They often partner with local schools, parks, and other community organizations to provide access to soccer for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Overall, the grassroots soccer movement represents a powerful force for change in the soccer landscape of the United States. By promoting small-sided soccer, co-ed and open leagues, and community engagement, these leagues are helping to create a more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable soccer experience for players of all ages and skill levels.
Recreational Leagues: Soccer for Fun
The Role of Recreational Leagues
Recreational leagues serve as the entry point for many aspiring soccer players in the United States. These leagues prioritize fun and participation over competitive success, making them an ideal environment for children and adults alike to learn the game and develop fundamental skills. Recreational leagues are often community-based, with teams consisting of local players who come together to enjoy the beautiful game without the pressure of high-stakes competition.
The Importance of Recreational Soccer
Recreational soccer plays a vital role in fostering a love for the sport among new generations of players. It provides an accessible and welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and skill levels to learn the game, build friendships, and stay active. Recreational leagues help nurture a lifelong passion for soccer, with many players eventually transitioning to more competitive environments as they progress in their abilities.
Safety and Fair Play
The primary focus of recreational leagues is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. To achieve this, leagues often implement various safety measures, such as mandatory player equipment, age-appropriate rules, and certified coaches. These measures help to create a fair and inclusive environment where every player has the opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their skill level or background.
Additionally, recreational leagues emphasize the importance of fair play and sportsmanship, teaching players the value of respect, teamwork, and respectful competition. By fostering a positive atmosphere, recreational leagues contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals who not only excel on the soccer field but also carry these valuable life lessons into their everyday lives.
Specialized Soccer Leagues
Futsal: The 5-a-Side Game
Futsal is a variant of soccer that is played on a smaller indoor court with a smaller, heavier ball. The game is widely popular in other countries, particularly in South America, where it is considered a key development tool for aspiring soccer players. In the United States, futsal has gained traction in recent years as a popular recreational activity and a competitive sport.
The U.S. Futsal Federation (USFF) was established in 1981 as the governing body for futsal in the United States. The organization is responsible for promoting the growth and development of futsal in the country, as well as sanctioning official tournaments and events. The USFF also oversees the U.S. national futsal team, which competes in international competitions.
The U.S. Futsal League (USFL) is the highest level of professional futsal in the United States. The league features teams from across the country, with players representing a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. The USFL season typically runs from November to March, with the playoffs and championship game taking place in April.
Futsal games are played with a smaller, heavier ball and a smaller court than traditional soccer. The game is played with five players on each team, with no substitutions allowed. The field of play is typically 50 yards long by 25 yards wide, with a goal at each end. The game is played with a 20-minute running clock, with a four-minute halftime break. The game is won by scoring more goals than the opposing team.
In terms of rules, futsal has some key differences from traditional soccer. For example, the ball is changed by the team that concedes a goal, and there are no offside rules. Additionally, futsal is a non-contact sport, meaning that players are not allowed to make physical contact with their opponents. The emphasis is on skill and technique, rather than physicality.
Overall, futsal is a fast-paced and exciting sport that is gaining popularity in the United States. With its emphasis on skill and technique, futsal is a great way for players of all ages and skill levels to improve their soccer abilities.
Indoor Soccer Leagues
Indoor soccer is a variation of soccer played on a smaller field with a smaller, heavier ball. The game is played with a smaller number of players and is typically played in a gymnasium or other indoor facility. There are several different forms of indoor soccer, including futsal, arena soccer, and 3v3 soccer.
The United Indoor Soccer League (UISL) is a semi-professional indoor soccer league that operates in several states across the United States. The league is composed of teams that play a 16-game regular season schedule, with the top teams advancing to the playoffs.
The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) is a professional indoor soccer league that was founded in 1980. The league has a history of success, with several teams winning multiple championships over the years. The MISL is composed of teams from several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Overall, indoor soccer leagues provide an opportunity for players to continue playing soccer year-round, and offer a unique and exciting experience for both players and fans.
Over-30 and Masters Soccer Leagues
The Need for Older Players
As people age, they may find it increasingly difficult to participate in competitive soccer leagues due to the physical demands of the sport. However, many older players still desire to stay active and play the game they love. This has led to the creation of specialized soccer leagues catering to older players, including the over-30 and masters soccer leagues.
The Over-30 and Masters Soccer Leagues
The over-30 and masters soccer leagues are designed for players who are no longer able to compete at the highest levels of amateur or professional soccer. These leagues cater to players who are looking for a more relaxed and enjoyable soccer experience, while still maintaining a high level of competition.
In the over-30 leagues, players must be at least 30 years old to participate, while in the masters leagues, players must be 35 or older. These leagues are often co-ed and offer a range of divisions based on skill level, allowing players to compete at a level that is comfortable for them.
Benefits of Playing Later in Life
Playing soccer later in life has numerous benefits, both physical and mental. Regular exercise can help maintain physical fitness, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, playing soccer later in life can provide an opportunity for socialization and camaraderie, as well as a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Many players find that soccer helps them stay connected to their youth and provides a sense of nostalgia and joy.
FAQs
1. How many soccer leagues are there in the United States?
There are numerous soccer leagues in the United States, both at the amateur and professional levels. The most prominent professional league is Major League Soccer (MLS), which currently consists of 27 teams. In addition to MLS, there are also several lower-tier professional leagues, such as the United Soccer League (USL) and National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). At the amateur level, there are various leagues and tournaments, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).
2. What is the difference between MLS and other professional leagues in the United States?
MLS is considered the top professional soccer league in the United States and features teams from major cities across the country. MLS teams compete in a regular season format, culminating in the MLS Cup, which determines the league champion. Other professional leagues, such as the USL and NISA, are considered lower-tier leagues and feature teams that may not be as financially stable or popular as MLS teams. However, these leagues still provide opportunities for talented players to compete at a high level and develop their skills.
3. Are there any international soccer leagues that have teams in the United States?
Yes, there are several international soccer leagues that have teams based in the United States. For example, the Mexican Liga MX has several teams located in the United States, including Club America and Chivas Guadalajara. Additionally, the Canadian Premier League has teams located in the United States, such as Forge FC and Cavalry FC. These leagues provide opportunities for players to compete against top-level international competition and further develop their skills.
4. What is the future of soccer leagues in the United States?
The future of soccer leagues in the United States is bright, with the sport continuing to grow in popularity. MLS has announced plans to expand to 30 teams by 2023, which will provide even more opportunities for top talent to compete in the United States. Additionally, the United States Women’s National Team has had significant success in recent years, winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019, which has helped to increase interest in the sport. As a result, it is likely that soccer leagues in the United States will continue to grow and become even more competitive in the coming years.
