Thriving in the shadows: The survival, and success, of the United Soccer Leagues

By Charles Boehm, Potomac Soccer Wire Sr. Staff Writer

When Major League Soccer was created in the mid-1990s, organizers selected its name – which received a mixed reception on arrival – for the specific purpose of distinguishing it from the alphabet soup of smaller leagues, regional competitions and failed ventures which preceded it.
 
Finally, it was argued, the United States had a well-funded, top-flight league in which to develop talent and grow the domestic game. More modest ventures like the United Soccer Leagues, a loosely-bound confederation of seven competitions comprising some 100 clubs around North America, would essentially be consigned to “minor” or even “bush-league” status.
 
So why is it that more than a decade after the founding of MLS, dozens of young, home-grown players are passing on their country’s “premier league” and choosing USL instead?
 
Even more confoundingly, how have USL clubs prospered in the CONCACAF Champions League, the new regional tournament designed to determine the top clubs on the continent, while the same competition has proved a graveyard for MLS sides?
 
Though still prone to the fits, starts, failures and frustrations of its past, USL and its many clubs have survived and even thrived in recent years, often tapping into the game’s grass roots in dozens of vibrant soccer communities – and a steady stream of startup operators continues to queue up to try their hand in markets and locales with unfulfilled potential.
 
The comparison between USL and MLS is a complex topic and like all those pertaining to soccer in the United States and Canada, one that is subject to endless debate. In the coming days, Potomac Soccer Wire will be exploring the matter from a local perspective, starting with a look at the success enjoyed by several former D.C. United players who’ve recently made the move to USL-1.

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Editor's Note: Enjoy our entire series on United Soccer Leagues

Thriving in the shadows: The survival, and success, of the United Soccer Leagues
USL Focus Part I: DC United exes find greener pastures in Vancouver
USL Focus Part II: Season of success cues bullish outlook
USL Focus Part III: MLS expansion leaves United Soccer Leagues wary
USL Focus Part IV: Real Maryland looks to move past growing pains
USL Focus Part V: Real Maryland hoping to find rhythm in year two
USL Focus Part VI: Super Y-League provides foundation for USL’s “pyramid”