USL: 2018 Schedule and Conference Alignment Set

The USL is booming at the moment, hitting a new attendance record in 2017 and heading into 2018 with a record 33 clubs across the US and Canada.

As the clear, and now only, second division league in US soccer, the USL heads into 2018 having completed it’s best year to date. The league saw total attendance rise by 25% and average attendance up to 4,300 from 3,400 in 2016.

The league added Reno 1868 FC, and two from the NASL – Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury. FC Cincinnati caught headlines early with their massive crowds and team US Open Cup run. But it was area rivals Louisville City FC that went on to win the Eastern Conference as well as the 2017 USL Championship.

Here’s a look at the new alignment for 2018, opening weekend matchups, highlights from the full schedule and a list of the new expansion teams.

2018 Expansion Clubs

It was a busy off-season for the USL, seeing six new clubs join the league, while three halted operations. Following the NASL not receiving D2 sanctioning 2018 and beginning to collapse, North Carolina FC and the Indy Eleven both jumped over to USL. It is a smart business and soccer move. The USL is growing and more stable, while also providing both clubs with better regional rival matchups.

Four brand new clubs, are headlined by Nashville SC, which has already landed an expansion spot in MLS in the years ahead. Joining them for inaugural seasons are the Las Vegas Lights, Fresno FC, and Atlanta United 2.

The Vancouver Whitecaps folded their USL club, now pairing up with Fresno FC. While both the Rochester Rhinos and Orlando City’s B team have ceased operations for at least 2018.

New Conference Alignment

The USL will remain with two conferences for 2018, 16 teams in the East and 17 in the West. The new expansion sides were divided up as you would expect, but the surprise was around Saint Louis FC.

The club was moved from the East to the West and away from the Indy, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville region. Fans were not pleased with yet another shift for the team, and given the odd number of teams in one conference, the move seems unfounded at first.

Perhaps the league had already moved St. Louis to the West, before they found out Orlando City B would no longer operate in 2018. Or the move is looking ahead for the potential return of Rochester in the East next season. Or if you want to think further outside of the box, the league thinks it could land another east coast NASL club like the New York Cosmos or Miami FC.