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Press Release

WATCH: 2019 USL Championship Final Press Conference

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Join us for live coverage of the 2019 USL Championship Final Press Conference from the Hotel Distil in downtown Louisville ahead of Sunday’s 2019 USL Championship Final between Louisville City FC and.Real Monarchs SLC at Lynn Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2 | ESPN Deportes).

Scheduled speakers include USL President Jake Edwards, Louisville City FC Head Coach John Hackworth, Real Monarchs SLC Head Coach Jamison Olave, Louisville City FC captain Paolo DelPiccolo and Real Monarchs SLC captain Jack Blake.

Queensboro FC To Join USL Championship In 2021

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NEW YORK – The world’s game is coming to the world’s borough.

Queensboro FC (QBFC) has been awarded a United Soccer League (USL) franchise, establishing a professional men’s soccer team in Queens, New York. The club will kick off in 2021 and play in the USL Championship, the top tier of the USL. QBFC’s ownership group is led by New York businessman Jonathan Krane, CEO of KraneShares, an asset management firm based in New York City, and international soccer star, World Cup champion and all-time leading Spanish national team goal scorer David Villa.

“I lived and played in New York for four years. I know what a special place Queens is,” said Villa. “I love the cultures, the food, the people and their passion for life and, of course, soccer. There is no other place like it in the world. It’s a dream to help build this football club in Queens and I couldn’t choose a better location.”

QBFC will unite the city’s diverse population around a shared passion for soccer and will build the club from the ground up with input from the community every step of the way. As Queens’ own soccer team, QBFC will represent the borough’s diversity, promote inclusivity, embody its shared values and strive at all times to be a source of civic pride.

“We are excited to bring a USL Championship club to Queens,” said Krane. “Queens has a large, passionate and knowledgeable community of soccer supporters and players from all over the world and deserves a club to call its own. We look forward to working closely with the community to establish Queensboro FC as not just a leading organization in professional soccer but also as a proud ambassador of Queens. Together we will accomplish great things on and off the pitch.” 

QBFC will look to build its foundation with local talent and partner with local businesses and officials to promote the diverse culture and identity of the borough.

“We are thrilled to bring professional soccer to Queens,” said Alec Papadakis, USL CEO. “Soccer is second nature to many who call this borough home, and with a strong sense of community in the most culturally diverse area in the world, a USL Championship club in Queens is the perfect fit.”

“As a passionate soccer fan who has also played my entire life, I know how this game gives back,” said Francisco Moya, New York City Council Member. “Soccer teaches so many great lifelong lessons: the value of teamwork, hard work and perseverance, to name a few. These are qualities that embody the Queens community and having a team of our own is very exciting.”

QBFC plans to begin playing in 2021 and intends to host its home matches in a new stadium at York College in Queens, and also intends to hold select matches at Citi Field.

QBFC calls on everyone to join the QBFC fan movement. Follow the team on social media through @Queensborofc and #QBFC on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can also visit the club website at queensborofc.com.

USL eCup: Rocket League Edition to Stream via ESPN Digital Platforms

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today that its relationship with ESPN will extend to the esports realm, with the organization becoming the official streaming platform for USL eCup: Rocket League Edition, which will kick off on Wednesday afternoon on the ESPN app and ESPN.com.

The 32-team World Cup-style tournament features clubs from across the USL Championship and League One competing for bragging rights in the digital arena, and will also benefit local charities nominated by each club to receive donations from fans tuned into the broadcasts and the tournament over the next month.

“We are excited our first esports venture will be brought to fans on ESPN’s digital platforms,” said USL Sr. Vice President, Digital, Emerging Technology & Strategy Lizzie Seedhouse. “While we can’t wait to see our teams return to action on the field, this tournament will serve as a fun diversion that does a tremendous amount of good in communities across North America.”

READ MORE: How to watch the USL eCup Rocket League tournament 

The ESPN app provides sports fans with exclusive content covering the National Football League, College Football, Major League Soccer and more since its launch. The service will give all fans of the USL and esports with a Pay TV subscription the opportunity to watch every game in the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition.

USL on ESPN Game of the Week broadcast team Mike Watts (PBP) and Devon Kerr (Color) will provide commentary for every game of the tournament. The tournament’s broadcasts will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida. 

United Soccer League Unveils USL eCup: Rocket League Edition

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League and teams from the USL Championship and League One are getting set to square off in a new arena.

On Wednesday, the USL announced the inaugural edition of the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition, which will see 32 teams from across the organization’s professional ranks meet in a month-long tournament featuring one of the most successful and highly-awarded games of all time.

“We just wanted to create something fun and entertaining,” said USL Senior Vice President of Digital Lizzie Seedhouse. “More than anything, this tournament will be a great way to give clubs and supporters the ability to come together, compete and have some fun.”

Launched in 2015, Rocket League has become one of the premier games in esports. With a head-to-head format that models soccer in many ways, the game sees players navigate their vehicles to drive the ball toward the net and score goals. Claiming Best Sports Game at E3 in 2015, Rocket League has continued to accumulate awards in the years since thanks to its immense playability.

The 32 clubs will square off in a one-on-one duel format and each team will be represented by a team captain, who will serve as the primary player, with two alternates available to each team over the course of the tournament. The clubs will be drawn into eight groups of four teams, which will be revealed later today, with the tournament’s group stage set to run between Tuesday, March 31 and Friday, April 10.

Each group stage match will be a best-of-three between the two players. Each team will play once during Week 1 of the group stage, and then twice in Week 2. The winner of each best-of-three series will receive three points in the group standings while the loser departs empty-handed. 

The top two teams from each group will then advance to the knockout stage of the tournament, which will be held between Monday, April 13 and Saturday, April 25. Knockout round matches will be staged in a best-of-five series through the Round of 16, Quarterfinals and Semifinals, with the Final to be staged over a best-of-seven series to crown the winner of the tournament’s inaugural edition on the final day.

In addition to the action on the virtual field, the tournament will also offer the opportunity for each club participating in the tournament to have a charitable tie-in locally. Clubs will nominate a charity of their choosing and a link to a donation page will be available for fans to chip in and support throughout the Twitch streams and on club and league websites.

Every game of the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition will be streamed live on Twitch, the world’s leading live streaming platform for gamers, allowing fans to interact with teams and players throughout the action. Daily coverage will also be available on USLChampionship.com and USLLeagueOne.com following the teams and players throughout the event. 

United Soccer League Launches Official League App

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TAMPA, Fla. – It’s the USL Championship and USL League One, only in the palm of your hand.

The United Soccer League today unveiled its official league app, allowing fans of the 47 clubs across the Championship and League One to connect with the leagues and their clubs at a direct level as the 2020 season kicks off.

Developed through the organization’s collaborative relationship with FanThreeSixty, the app is now available for download through the Apple App Store and Google Play Marketplace.

Fans will have the ability to customize their experience on the app by following their favorite teams, tailoring their content to bring every piece of news and live game updates directly to them as it happens.

“We are extremely excited to bring fans a direct path to all of the best action and content from the Championship and League One,” said USL Senior Vice President of Digital, Emerging Technology & Strategy Lizzie Seedhouse. “In today’s world, the ability to control your content is paramount for fans. We’re ready to deliver throughout the 2020 season and beyond.”

“Today’s rollout stands as a landmark moment in the ongoing collaboration between FanThreeSixty and the USL,” said FanThreeSixty Chief Solutions Officer Sasha Victorine. “The launch of the USL App, and continued expansion of the USL App Network, will bring fans across the Championship and League One closer to their clubs, providing customized content and unique experiences wherever they are.”

Key features of the USL App include:

  • Live Goal Feed – Real-Time highlights pushed into a video feed covering every goal across the Championship and League One.
  • Exclusive Content – Go behind the scenes throughout the Championship and League One for interviews and hype videos you can’t get anywhere else, and play contests to win prizes available only through the app.
  • Stats, Scores & News – As-it-happens updates on news from around the league, plus live scores and stats powered by Opta
  • Team News & Alerts – Every Championship and League One club will have its own custom page with highlights, schedules, player statistics, club social feeds, and more.
  • USL Pick ‘Em – Win tickets to see your favorite club in action through our weekly Pick ‘Em contest.

In conjunction with the launch of the App, the USL will be running an exclusive jersey giveaway covering every team in the Championship and League One. To participate, all fans need to do is download the app and follow their favorite team. One fan from every club will win a jersey.

The 2020 USL Championship Season kicks off on Friday night with a 16-game slate of games across the opening weekend of the season, including the ESPN Game of the Week on Saturday night as newcomer San Diego Loyal SC and Head Coach Landon Donovan host Las Vegas Lights FC and Head Coach Eric Wynalda on ESPNews at 10 p.m. ET.

The 2020 USL League One season kicks off on Friday, March 27 with all 12 teams in action on the opening weekend, including North Texas SC’s opening game of their title defense against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m. ET.

DOWNLOAD THE USL APP

HyperX Sponsors Online USL eCup: Rocket League Edition

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FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced its sponsorship of the USL eCup: Rocket League Division tournament. The tournament was launched to engage fans and create a fun online competition while live on-field matches are postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. HyperX will be providing Cloud Alpha S gaming headsets to each of the 32 captains representing teams from the USL Championship and USL League One. The 16 teams that make it to the knockout stage will receive additional headsets to give away to their fans.

As part of the sponsorship, HyperX will participate in advertising activations during both the group and knockout stages. USL will also include HyperX in social posts and outreach during the Rocket League tournament, while tournament broadcasters will give HyperX shoutouts during the event. Visually, the scoreboard with include a HyperX clock wrap and other visuals during gameplay. 

“We are excited to be part of the USL eCup and supporting online match play,” said Stephanie Winkler, strategic marketing manager, HyperX. “During this time where social gatherings are being hosted virtually, HyperX shares the sentiment of the gaming community to help ensure the safety and health of gamers and their families.”

Group stage competition follows a best of three matches rule with winners moving on to the knockout stage, which are scheduled to be best of five matches. The tournament is held online and can be viewed across the United States on ESPN Digital Platforms. Additional details about the USL Rocket League tournament can be found at its online hub. For more information about HyperX and its gamer grade headsets and accessories, visit www.hyperxgaming.com/us.

USL Announces Extension to Training Moratorium

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today it has extended its training moratorium for USL Championship and League One clubs through, and including, Sunday, April 19th.

USL continues to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other local, state and national health authorities, the USL Players Association, and professional sports organizations from across the country to ensure the health and wellness of players, staff and supporters remains our top priority. In close coordination with the league’s Board of Governors, USL will also use the time to reassess its current temporary suspension timeline. Additional updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

As an organization, we continue to be incredibly appreciative of the support and understanding of all USL Championship and League One fans across the country and look forward to being back in action again soon.

USL Academy League Set to Launch in Spring 2021

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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League unveiled for the first time Wednesday details on the new USL Academy League, set to launch in Spring 2021. With the goal of providing a new professional pathway for youth players in USL communities across the country, the first-of-its-kind pre-professional league will align with the United States’ professional calendar, complement existing local youth organizations and allow players extensive access to the First Team.

“At its core, the launch of our Academy League is about providing the opportunity for elite local youth soccer players to look down the street at a USL stadium and know that if they work hard enough, train hard enough, and believe in themselves, there is a pathway for them to achieve their dreams of becoming a professional soccer player and one day wearing a U.S. national team jersey,” said USL CEO, Alec Papadakis. “Additionally, we aspire to create a unique community connection by building an engaging, respectful and trusting relationships between our clubs and the local Youth Soccer Organizations that are already serving our communities admirably.”

Based upon conversations with stakeholders from across the country over an 18-month period, the USL Academy League has been constructed to provide an elite pre-professional environment for all players through regionalized competition that is complementary to existing youth soccer organizations, and most importantly, provides opportunity and professional pathways to both new and previously overlooked communities across the country.

Comprised exclusively of clubs from across the USL’s network of 129 Championship, League One and League Two teams, the inaugural Academy League preseason is set to kick off in February 2021 – including a period of full integration with a club’s First Team – followed by a regular season that will align with the USL Championship and USL League One seasons spanning from March to November. The league will then conclude with the USL Academy League Playoffs, as well as the first-ever Academy League Final.

Unique to any other pre-professional set-up in the United States, USL Academy League teams will field a single elite youth team, geared towards top local players within the U15 to U19 age range, and built with a direct connection to the club’s First Team. The model is designed to allow identification and integration of elite youth players into a pre-professional environment at a younger age, giving them exposure to a higher level of play than they would normally experience, access to the resources and teaching of USL First Teams, all the while serving as a complement to the work being done by other youth clubs in USL communities.

With minimum standards in place for facilities, coaching, staffing, training and development, as well as other resources that will help accelerate top youth prospects towards a potential career in professional soccer, the USL Academy League is well-positioned to be a major contributor to the development of professional talent across the United State in the run up to the 2026 World Cup and beyond. 

In addition, the USL Academy Cup – which kicked off in 2019 – will continue to strengthen the Academy League model, with dates and venues for the 2020 events set to be announced in the coming months.

“For the past year-and-a half, we’ve been working extremely hard to better understand how USL can best serve the youth soccer landscape” said Liam O’Connell, USL Senior Director of Youth Development. “Those conversations painted a very clear picture for us: There has been massive demand for an elite, pre-professional training environment that is acting in collaboration with existing local youth soccer organizations. The USL Academy League will fill that void.”

“When it comes to the development of future professionals in the United States, we’re all in this together,” continued O’Connell. “And we have no doubt that our league will allow high-level talent to flourish through meaningful competition and learning, all within a model that is cost-effective and sustainable for clubs. The future of this endeavor is incredibly bright.”

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USL Permits Return to Training in Small Group Settings on May 11

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TAMPA, Fla. – Operating under the guidance of local and state health authorities, the United Soccer League today announced a modification to the previously announced training moratorium that will allow Championship and League One clubs, at their option, to open outdoor fields for non-contact training in small groups as well as training rooms for player treatment.

Small group settings will be limited to up to four players, with no more than one athletic trainer and one member of a club’s technical staff allowed on each field during a session. Teams in areas where local and state recommendations for stay-at-home orders have not been lifted should not train or allow treatment that is prohibited by their jurisdiction. In addition, all clubs will notify the league of their plans to return to the team’s training facility prior to re-opening and training is voluntary for players.

The USL previously extended its training moratorium through May 15 for all of its professional clubs.