With the addition of Fox Soccer Channel (FSC) to my digital cable lineup, I have been able to finally delve into the lesser known aspects of the American professional soccer pyramid.
As it turns out, the pillars holding up the foundation of professional soccer in America take the form of the United Soccer Leagues (www.uslsoccer.com). Consisting of two tiers (straight-forwardly named USL-1 and USL-2), the USL serves two immediate but incredibly important purposes.
The first is to provide a kind of professional reserve system for the comparatively limited teams in the MLS. Much like the minor leagues in baseball, some players find themselves gaining much needed playing experience while trying to catch the eye of coaching staffs on the mainstream professional teams.
The second function served by the USL is to widen the scope and exsposure of professional soccer in America. The Seattle Sounders built an incredibly fan base while in USL-1 and have carried it to the MLS. The Portland Timbers seemed poised to do the same.
Along with being able to watch at least one live USL-1 match each week on FSC, you can watch nearly every USL-1 match live online at www.usllive.com.
For my part, I've found myself to be a Cleveland City Stars supporter ... but I'm pretty aggravated that I can't find a jersey online to buy! Somebody need to fix that and soon before the season's over.
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