A Detailed Look at the Geography of US Soccer

Taking a look at the locations of the US's soccer teams can tell you everything from who has to travel the most to which states are closeted soccer lovers. Stateside Soccer is convinced that they will also tell you where the next 4 MLS teams will be located.

The announcement that the Montreal Impact would become the 19th team in Major League Soccer and that a second New York team would likely be the 20th team, there has been quite a bit of speculation high and low regarding just what the next 10 years will bring for top flight soccer in the United States.

MLS (click to enlarge)

The current 19 confirmed MLS teams are predominantly spread across the Mid Atlantic, Lower Plains and Pacific Coast. A second team in New York would make 20. The most notable geographical gap in the distribution of the teams is the total lack of teams in the Deep South. After that gap, the Northern Plains stand out.

USSF DIVISION 2 (NASL + USL-1) (click to enlarge)

This map pinpoints the locations of the second tier professional teams. Note that come 2011, there will be no second tier teams west of the Rocky Mountains.

USL DIVISION 2 (TIER 3) (click to enlarge)

This map sets out the locations of this year's USL Division 2 teams. It doesn't tell us much about national trends, particularly because of the USL's difficulties this year. The lower down a team is on the pyramid, the less budget it is likely to have for travel. Therefore, teams in any third tier league would need to be located close to each other. However, it is interesting to note where these are located. Once again, there is a splattering of teams in the Mid-Atlantic region with one team each for the Carolinas.

USL PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

NATIONAL PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE (click to enlarge)

This map shows the location of the 100 amateur clubs who play in either the USL PDL or the NPSL. The prevalence of these teams can be an indication of the foundation and interest in soccer in any given region. Note the concentrations around the Seattle and Philadelphia.

SO WHAT DO ALL THESE DOTS TELL US?

If you've stuck with me this far, you'll more than likely want to know what all of these maps mean. In my opinion, these maps make three main points:

A second New York Metro MLS team is inevitable.

With 9 amateur teams in the Tri-State Area, there is clearly a cultural foundation on which to build a successful, grass-roots franchise. Like it or hate it, the Big Apple is going to get a second MLS franchise.

Florida cannot be ignored.

Since both the Tampa Bay Mutiny and the Miami Fusion shut their doors in 2001, Flordia has seen the resurgence of two professional teams and three more amateur teams. Major League Soccer will return to Florida, it's just a question of when.

Where the next four MLS teams are likely to be located.

These maps outline clearly to me where the next four teams will come from, should the MLS elect for a 24 team league. I know where I think they'll come from, but which four cities do you think will be the next to open their doors to top flight professional soccer?