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USL Reveals Conference Allignment and Format

USL 2016

Image courtesy of USL/USLsoccer.com


In what came as no surprise to those who follow Pittsburgh Riverhounds closely, the USL announced it will be using a two conference alignment with a total of 29 teams in the 2016 season.  There will be 14 teams in Eastern Conference and 15 in the Western Conference.
The USL will also announce the league schedule on Tuesday, January 26.
Six new teams will join the USL in 2016, as Bethlehem Steel FC, FC Cincinnati, Orlando City B, Rio Grande Valley FC, the Swope Park Rangers and San Antonio are all set to compete in the new season.
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 September 25.
Eastern Conference                                                        Western Conference
Bethlehem Steel FC                                                       Arizona United SC
Charleston Battery                                                         Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Charlotte Independence                                               LA Galaxy II
FC Cincinnati                                                                   OKC Energy FC
Harrisburg City Islanders                                             Orange County Blues FC
Louisville City FC                                                            Portland Timbers 2
FC Montreal                                                                      Real Monarchs SLC
New York Red Bulls II                                                     Rio Grande Valley FC
Orlando City B                                                                  Sacramento Republic FC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds                                                Saint Louis FC
Richmond Kickers                                                           San Antonio
Rochester Rhinos                                                             Seattle Sounders FC 2
Toronto FC II                                                                     Swope Park Rangers
Wilmington Hammerheads FC                                   Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
The team with the best record across both conferences will earn the 2016 USL Regular Season Title. 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.
In 2015, with 24 total teams split with two 12-team conferences, the top six teams in each conference earned playoff bids, including the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (11-9-8, 41 points). The Hounds were the fifth-seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, losing to NY Red Bulls II, 4-2, in extra time in the Quarterfinals at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ in September.
 
 
 
 
 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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