Six USL Teams That Deserve a Shot in MLS

Ever stop and wonder what Major League Soccer (MLS) is waiting for when it comes to giving some of the more promising United Soccer League (USL) teams a shot? Seriously, we’re talking about clubs that, year after year, keep knocking on the door, proving they’ve got what it takes.

If you’re still stuck thinking that the future of American soccer is limited to MLS’s big franchises, it might be time to rethink things. These six clubs absolutely deserve a chance to join the major league.

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6. Louisville City

When we talk about Louisville City, we’re not talking about a team that’s just here to play around. With a meteoric rise to success, they’ve shown they know how to win and aren’t afraid to fight for it. I mean, in just their first three years, Louisville won the USL twice, in 2017 and 2018, and even made it to a third straight final in 2019. What other club in the U.S. can boast that kind of achievement in such a short time? Louisville City plays like they were born to be in MLS.

5. Charleston Battery

But it’s not just Kentucky where we find teams deserving of a shot at the big time. Take a look at Charleston Battery, for example. Founded in 1993, they’re one of the oldest clubs in the country, and despite being off many people's radars, they’ve won four league titles. This team’s longevity is impressive. They don’t just survive—they thrive. Charleston’s one of those clubs you respect not just for what they’ve done, but for what they could still do. A ticket to MLS wouldn’t be a favor; it would be recognition of a job well done and a long, storied history of success.

4. North Carolina FC

And then, there’s North Carolina FC, the club that was once known as the Carolina RailHawks. They rebranded in 2016, and that was just the start of a bigger ambition. These guys want, and deserve, to be part of MLS. And they’ve got the right to think so. They’ve broken attendance records at their games and even faced off against Premier League’s West Ham United. It’s clear they’ve got a solid fan base, and North Carolina is more than ready to host a major league team.

3. Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC is the classic example of perseverance. These guys came out swinging in 2014, winning the USL in their first year. Since then, they’ve consistently made the playoffs, proving they’re worthy of a spot in MLS. They even had an expansion bid accepted in 2019, but due to various reasons, that entry has been delayed indefinitely. Sacramento is building a $226 million stadium. It’s like prepping for an epic party and not knowing if or when the guests of honor will show up. Frustrating, to say the least, but it also shows that this club is all in and won’t be giving up.

2. Phoenix Rising FC

Now, Phoenix Rising FC isn’t here to play games either. This club seems destined for greatness. Founded in 2014, they quickly became one of the most exciting clubs in the USL. Just for the record, they brought in stars like Didier Drogba, who didn’t just play but also invested in the club, and Shaun Wright-Phillips. The team took home the USL championship in 2023, proving they’ve got both the talent and the drive to compete in MLS. Oh, and they’ve got an international partnership with Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs. That alone gives you a glimpse of the global vision and professionalism they’re bringing to American soccer.

1. San Antonio FC

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got San Antonio FC. This team is like that fighter who never quits, no matter how many times they get knocked down. In 2022, they had the most successful season in their history, racking up five trophies. Among those titles, they took down Louisville City in the USL final and hoisted the league trophy. The city of San Antonio, already a sports powerhouse with the Spurs in the NBA, is more than ready to embrace soccer at the highest level.

The question isn’t whether these USL clubs have what it takes to compete in MLS. They’ve already shown they do. As MLS expands, looking for new markets and opportunities, we can’t overlook the fact that the real treasure in American soccer might be hiding in plain sight.