D — Entry level for scouted prospects that have been identified as having potential to be professional referees. C — Initial stepping stone out of the developmental tier.
B — Carefully selected pool of officials who are very close to reaching the pinnacle of the PRO2 program. A — Identified as the best prospects for potential promotion into MLS. Post-game officials receive feedback, and the PRO2 coaches spend at least half the week reviewing matches and guiding the officials on how to improve.
PRO2 has been tasked with finding the next generation of referees and will play a significant role in the future of soccer in this country. Read more: How to become a referee. Skip to content. How does it work? There are four tiers for referees and assistant referees: A, B, C and D. What is the bigger picture? After seeing his season brought to a premature end by injury, Metzger is eager to get back to the positive form he showed to help the Red Bulls II find success in his first professional season.
With eight caps for the U. U23 National Team, Metzger brings strong experience to the side, which will be needed after a large change in roster from Energy FC took a massive jump forward both on and off the field in as it moved into historic Taft Stadium as its permanent home, and reached the Western Conference Final of the USL Playoffs after missing out of the postseason in its inaugural year.
Led by a strong local ownership group headed by Bob Funk Jr. With a standout product on the field under Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen, and strong community ties with local businesses and organizations, Energy FC has struck a deep connection to Oklahoma City that is second to none.
A breakout star in the USL after scoring 21 goals and leading Energy FC to the Western Conference Final in his first season with the club, the Danish forward will provide attacking impetus to what looks like a strong returning group. With a season under his belt, an increase in assists to his six goals a season ago will likely be the goal for the year-old. After an offseason overhaul led by General Manager and Head Coach Oliver Wyss, the Blues were a club transformed in as it finished first in the Western Conference standings after a second-to-last finish in A member of the USL since its inception in , the Blues have been to the playoffs in three of their five seasons of action, and this year will be hoping to not only retain their place at the top of the Western Conference, but add postseason success after falling in the Western Conference Semifinals to local rival the LA Galaxy II a year ago.
Thanks to the dedicated ownership of Ali Mansouri, the Blues may have only just begun on the path to consistent success on and off the field in Orange County. Springs Switchbacks FC. The veteran Swiss midfielder put together a strong first season with Orange County as he recorded seven goals and three assists for Coach Oliver Wyss.
As he enters his second season, the Blues will now look to Crettenand as they face the challenge of being the side others are looking to knock off their perch. Orlando City SC won a pair of league championships, and three regular-season titles, between and before it joined MLS last season, setting a standard for other clubs to try and reach.
With a group of players that includes a number of USL veterans, OCB will aim to make waves as their predecessors did, and hope the next Kevin Molino or Luke Boden emerges to lead the club to success. After leaving Maryland early to sign with the Austin Aztex, Ambrose makes the move to Orlando after a solid first professional season that saw him appear in 26 games and finish second on the club in minutes.
The year-old Cameroonian had a solid season for the New York Red Bulls II this past season with a team-high six goals and three assists. He now arrives in Orlando looking to push higher, with the opportunity to fill one of the attacking midfield roles as the Lions look to emulate their previous success at the USL level. The Riverhounds returned to the USL Playoffs in after a season that saw remarkable entertainment at Highmark Stadium, and the laying of a strong foundation for the future under Head Coach Mark Steffens.
The year-old will now aim to step his game to a higher level as he looks to help replace the production that Vincent brought to Highmark Stadium a season ago. As a club that was reborn in the USL in before making the move to Major League Soccer in , the Portland Timbers introduced T2 last season, and the club quickly found a following, and made a home, at Merlo Field.
If he lives up to his potential, Portland could have a star in the making in its ranks. The club set the single-game season-high for attendance as more than 13, fans came to Rio Tinto Stadium to see the club earn a victory against Seattle Sounders FC 2, one of two occasions that saw five-figure crowds come to see the expansion side. While early-season struggles put a berth in the playoffs out of reach late in the season, the Monarchs also ended as arguably the hottest team in the league as it closed with a five-game winning streak.
With a strong returning group for Coach Freddy Juarez, the Monarchs are eager for success this season. After leaving Louisville a year early, Velazco had two goals and four assists, and will look to build on that performance this season as the Monarchs look to earn a first playoff berth. With the Cardinals, Brody recorded nine goals and 15 assists in 61 appearances, and will hope to carry that success into the professional ranks. The club also saw its attendance continue to rise at City Stadium, as new initiatives that saw the organization continue to grow partnerships with local business helped embed the club in the community.
This season, expanded hospitality will be available as the club continues to grow off the field. On the field, meanwhile, the regular-season champions will be hoping to take their consistency during the regular season and apply it to the playoffs. After being one step from the championship game on three occasions, Kickers fans will be hopeful this is their year to break through.
A consistent threat for the Kickers since joining them in , Yeisley had a career year as he earned All-League honors last season to push the Kickers into the playoffs for a fifth consecutive year. The powerful target forward will look to emulate his 13 goals a season ago as Richmond looks to maintain its tradition of success.
The veteran defender has maintained a high standard season after season for the Kickers, and will likely be a key figure again this season as the tandem he has formed with Hugh Roberts continues to grow. The year-old is one of the appearance leaders in USL history, and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. A first of its kind in the USL, the Toros enter their inaugural season with a new 10,seat stadium to call their home, a strong local ownership led by Alonzo Cantu, and the expertise of the Houston Dynamo providing technical leadership for the club based in Edinburg, Texas.
Cantu, also the owner of the RGV Vipers of the NBA D-League, brought professional soccer to one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States last year, and will tap into a passionate fan base that has been an underserved soccer market for a number of years.
With former MLS and U. Youth National Team Coach Wilmer Cabrera appointed to lead the squad, the Toros are set to bring an exciting product to the field, including U. The U. After a good first professional season for the Austin Aztex, Perales will bring a reliable presence at the back for the Toros.
A PDL champion with the Aztex prior to the club moving to the professional ranks, Perales posted a 1. Claiming both the regular-season title and the USL Championship, the Rhinos put together a historic season at the defensive end, setting league records for shutouts and fewest goals conceded. Coach Bob Lilley and an outstanding squad lifted the club back to the top of league with a thrilling overtime victory against the LA Galaxy II capping a remarkable season.
Local real estate developers David and Wendy Dworkin completed the purchase of the club in March, and have already overseen the start of work that will help the Rhinos thrive for years to come. Van De Casteele earned only two yellow cards in 23 appearances last season, which matched his goals total for the season.
The Cape Verde native brought a new flair to the Rhinos attack, which reached the goal mark in a regular season for the first time in a decade with Dos Santos leading the way.
After more strong performances in the playoffs, Dos Santos should be taking aim at double-digit goals this season. One of the figureheads in the USL since the club joined the league in , and the league champion in its inaugural season two years ago, Republic FC has become one of the model clubs in the USL. Founded by Warren Smith and Joe Wagoner, the club has brought out the best in its local community on and off the field, with an active game sellout streak at Bonney Field providing one of the most exciting backdrops to a professional soccer game in the country.
Led on the field by Coach Paul Buckle, who enters his first full season at the helm after joining the club midway through the campaign, Republic FC will look for a second championship in three seasons this year after falling in the Western Conference Quarterfinals to in-state rival the LA Galaxy II last fall. While the team had an up-and-down first season on the field, the high moments during the Lamar Hunt U. With the club showing strong signs toward the end of last season, and a group of new recruits that bring extensive MLS and international experience, STLFC appears to be on an upward trajectory as it joins the Western Conference in A member of the St.
The attacking midfielder had a strong season for the New York Red Bulls II a season ago with four goals and one assist in the regular season, and another goal as the Red Bulls II reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the playoffs.
With the club finding success on the field, and building a following of its own at the intimate setting Starfire provides, more success should be expected from S2 in the years to come.
The former Charleston Battery central midfielder brought a solid presence to S2 in its inaugural season, making 20 appearances to help the club reach the postseason. With a strong roster that includes a number of familiar faces, the club could contend for a playoff position, and maybe more in Duke made 19 appearances for Energy FC last season to help the club reach the Western Conference Final, and will hope to have a similar impact for the Rangers this season.
Kelly scored double-digit goals in each of the past three seasons in Charleston, and teamed with former Austin Aztex forward Kris Tyrpak and other should provide a strong threat throughout the season. The mid-season opening of the stadium at the Ontario Soccer Centre gave the club a boost, however, and some late-season results provided room for optimism entering the new season.
With the experience of a full season under their belts, TFC II should be expected to fare better in their second year as players like Skylar Thomas, Wesley Charpie and Luca Uccello prepare to lead the way for the side. After a trying year, Thomas will look to lead an improved defense while also remaining a threat from attacking set pieces. The Canadian U20 international had a goal and assist in 22 appearances for TFC II a season ago, and will look to use that experience to his advantage as Toronto aims to push further up the Eastern standings than a season ago.
After earning nomination for USL Rookie of the Year a season ago, Ballew will look to push to new heights this season. A fan favorite after scoring the first goal in club history against OKC Energy FC last year, Ballew finished with six goals and four assists, totals that could increase this year. After helping push players like Tim Parker and Kianz Froese forward on the field, WFC2 will look to take a step forward as a team in After spending part of on loan with the Charleston Battery, Farmer was one of only two players to log more than 2, minutes for WFC2 last season alongside veteran midfielder Tyler Rosenlund.
After reaching the playoffs in three of the previous four seasons, the Hammerheads struggled in and finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
That brought about numerous changes this offseason, including the appointment of former player Mark Briggs as the new head coach. A standout midfielder, Briggs was part of the side that reached the USL Championship before falling to rival Charleston in the final.
Well loved by the fans in Wilmington, Briggs has worked to piece together a side that hopes to rebound and return to playoff contention this season. One of the longest-standing members of the USL after its foundation in , the Hammerheads will aim to bring success back to Legion Stadium this season.
The year-old Nigerian showed flashes of what he can do in stints with Seattle Sounders FC 2 and Wilmington last season. Soccer has played an integral part in charting the course for the sport in the USA for years. Soccer-specific stadiums have opened their doors to resounding success. Soccer Development Academy, which kicked off at the state-of-the-art complex with much fanfare in In , the U. Soccer was playing games in small stadiums that did not reach capacity, few matches were televised, soccer-specific stadiums were yet to be created and there were no high-level professional outdoor leagues.
Since that time, the state of U. Soccer has evolved significantly. Entering , the U. The United States has also hosted three World Cups with the support of its members and strong organizational abilities. From a coaching standpoint in the United States, more classes are continually being offered around the country, and the number of licensed, well-educated trainers and managers is larger than ever. The education level among coaches has been tailored to match the expanding pool of talent in the U.
Soccer continues to set positive trends for referees in CONCACAF, with reinvigorated focus on education and training, including the realm of professional referees. In , U. The creation of PRO has been designed to increase the quality of officiating in U. Participation in soccer continues at high levels among both youth and adults, with more than 4. For more information on all U. Soccer programs, visit the official organization website at ussoccer.
Open Cup proved to be a defining moment for the league, highlighted by an impressive third-round performance from the entire USL field. The date that gained national attention was May 27, Elsewhere in that third round, the Richmond Kickers posted the most assertive win by building a three-goal lead early in the second half and maintaining that advantage for a victory against the Jacksonville Armada.
However, the run came to a close in suburban Chicago as the Fire struck once before the break and added two in the second half for a victory. Each team shall play 30 games.
Eastern Conference teams shall play home and away against every conference opponent and four extra games. These extra games are against regional opponents and can be against opponents from the other conference. No team may face each other more than three times in one season. Western Conference teams shall play one game against every conference opponent and three to four games against a group of regional opponents. The group of regional opponents will be approximately five to eight teams.
Teams may play teams from the other conference. No team may face each other more than four times in one season. The USL season shall commence on the weekend of March , and the regular season shall last 27 weeks. Point System Teams will be awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. League standings include wins, losses, ties; goals scored for, goals scored against, and total points.
The following guidelines will be used to implement the USL tiebreakers for all ties involving three or more teams: 1. The tiebreaker will determine the winner first. The tiebreaker will continue within the same category to determine if other ties can be broken. If a tie is broken by one team, but other teams remain tied, the remaining teams will continue down the list to the next tiebreaker until all of the ties are broken.
Teams will not revert to the start of the list to break ties. Total wins in League games. Goal difference in League games. Goals scored in League games. Ranking based on points earned against top four Conference finishers.
If number of games is unequal, then point percentage applies. If number of games is unequal, points will be divided by games played to arrive at a common basis for comparison. Lottery conducted by USL.
Minimum Number of Players Required The home team and the visiting team must dress a minimum of 14 eligible players for each game. Substitutions USL teams are allowed a maximum of five substitutions.
Substitutes shall report to the Fourth Official or Assistant Referee at midfield and may not enter the field without the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced by a substitute may not return to the field in the same game. Any player re-entering the game will be deemed an ineligible player. Any player that enters the game after the substitution allotment has been used will be deemed an ineligible player.
Two 15 minutes periods of extra time will occur and if the match is still tied penalty kicks will follow to determine a winner. The top eight teams from each conference make the playoffs. The teams are seeded one through eight within their own conference based off of how many points they accumulated during the season. Tiebreakers will be used if necessary.
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