LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Coming off of an incredible and historic first season that ended in the Eastern Conference Final, Louisville City FC learned today who will join them in the Eastern Conference for the 2016 United Soccer League season. The league announced the alignment, regular season and playoff format for the upcoming season, with 29 teams set to compete in the league’s sixth season, in pursuit of the USL Cup.
The Eastern Conference will consist of 14 teams, having added three new opponents for Louisville City FC. In the club’s second year, Louisville will face Bethlehem Steel, Orlando City B, and FC Cincinnati.
Along with the aforementioned new Eastern Conference additions, three other new clubs will compete in the USL this season. Rio Grande Valley FC, the Swope Park Rangers and San Antonio have been added to the Western Conference.
Eastern Conference
Bethlehem Steel FC
Charleston Battery
Charlotte Independence
FC Cincinnati
Harrisburg City Islanders
Louisville City FC
FC Montreal
New York Red Bulls II
Orlando City B
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Richmond Kickers
Rochester Rhinos
Toronto FC II
Wilmington Hammerheads FC
Western Conference
Arizona United SC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
LA Galaxy II
OKC Energy FC
Orange County Blues FC
Portland Timbers 2
Real Monarchs SLC
Rio Grande Valley FC
Sacramento Republic FC
Saint Louis FC
San Antonio
Seattle Sounders FC 2
Swope Park Rangers
Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
The USL will continue in a two-conference format, with 14 teams making up the Eastern Conference and 15 teams making up the Western Conference. The 30-game regular season will be conducted over 27 weeks, which will kick off on March 25 and conclude on Sept. 25.
The team with the best record across both conferences will earn the 2016 USL Regular Season trophy. The top eight teams in each conference will then advance to the 2016 USL Playoffs, which will see a single-elimination bracket crown two conference champions. The two conference champions will advance to the 2016 USL Championship, to be hosted by the conference champion with the better regular-season record.
The 2016 United Soccer League schedule is expected to be released as early as next week.
Fans can stay up to date with all of Louisville City’s breaking news, roster updates and ticketing information by following the Club onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram. Season tickets are available for Louisville City’s historic second season via the Club’s officialwebsite.
