The American Soccer Pyramid can look confusing, and that’s because, well it is. And it’s also difficult to really know the true level of play considering their is currently no promotion or relegation in the US Soccer Landscape. Promotion or relegation is the ability for a team to move up a league after a season if it performs well. In American terms it’s like having a division 2 NFL league where the top few teams would be promoted to the top NFL division after a successful season, and in turn the less successful teams would be relegated to the division 2 of the NFL. However, there are certain criteria that can allow teams to be eligible for entry into a higher league.
At the bottom of the pyramid is College soccer, on the second tier is the USL League 2, the league we, Sarasota Paradise, compete in. This league is also part of a bigger over all League called the USL, which consists of the USL 1 and the USL Championship. The USL League 1 and USL Championship are both fully professional leagues, while the USL League 2 is what’s called a pre-professional league. Many current professional athletes have migrated up to the professional leagues from playing and being scouted from USL 2.
The US Open Cup is a tournament where teams from all leagues, pro and semi professional can come together to battle it out. Last year, teams from Nisa’s top league played against USL-2 sides. Teams that are in lower leagues have to play more games in order to reach the higher level professional clubs. A recent example being Nona Soccer Club (USL 2) facing off against the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship). The Sarasota Paradise is hoping to become part of this prestigious competition next year. In order to do so, Paradise will have to win their division.
2 years ago, (Sacramento Republic ) a USL Championship side made it all the way to the finals of the US Open Cup against Orlando City (MLS). While Sacramento Republic lost, they had to beat MLS teams to reach the final. This outlines just how competitive the sport is getting along all aspects of the US Soccer Pyramid.
To catch Sarasota Paradise Games in 2024 get your season tickets today! Visit sarasotaparadise.us/seasontickets