What Is 2019 USL League One season

Overview

The 2019 USL League One season marked the first official campaign of the United Soccer League's newly established third-division professional men's soccer competition in the United States. Designed to bridge the gap between amateur leagues and the fully professional USL Championship, the league aimed to provide competitive, community-based soccer with lower operating costs.

With a focus on geographic concentration and sustainable club models, the inaugural season featured 10 teams from across the U.S., primarily in the South and Midwest. The season kicked off on May 4, 2019, and concluded with a playoff final on October 19, 2019, culminating in Greenville Triumph SC claiming the title.

• The inaugural season included founding members such as Greenville Triumph SC, Lansing Ignite FC, and Chattanooga FC, all playing their first professional campaigns.
• Each team played a 28-match regular season schedule, with 14 home and 14 away games, ensuring balanced competition across the league.
• Chattanooga FC finished atop the regular season table with 41 points, earning the title of Regular Season Champions.
• The playoff format included the top four teams, with Greenville Triumph SC entering as the second seed and ultimately winning the championship.
• Individual honors included Maxi Rodriguez of Chattanooga FC winning the Golden Boot with 12 goals during the regular season.

How It Works

The structure and operational model of USL League One were designed to support long-term growth while maintaining financial viability for smaller-market clubs.

• League Format: The 2019 season used a single-table standings system with no divisions, where all 10 teams competed for playoff spots based on total points.
• Regular Season: Spanning from May to September, each club played 28 matches, facing opponents home and away in a balanced schedule.
• Playoffs: The top four teams advanced to a single-elimination postseason, culminating in a final hosted by the higher-seeded team.
• Player Roster Rules: Teams maintained a maximum of 22 active players, with at least 12 U.S. citizens or permanent residents on each roster.
• Home Market Focus: Clubs were required to represent specific communities, with an emphasis on local ownership and fan engagement in cities under 1 million population.
• Pathway to Pro: The league served as a development platform, with affiliations to MLS clubs such as Toronto FC II and FC Cincinnati 2.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 USL League One with other North American professional leagues in terms of structure, team count, and level in the soccer pyramid.

This tiered structure highlights USL League One’s role as a critical development tier, offering a more accessible entry point for clubs compared to higher-division leagues. Its smaller team count and regional focus allowed for tighter competition and reduced travel costs, making it ideal for emerging soccer markets.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season laid the foundation for professional soccer expansion in underserved U.S. communities and demonstrated the viability of lower-division leagues.

• The launch of USL League One provided a proven pathway for players transitioning from college or semi-pro leagues to professional contracts.
• Clubs like Greenville Triumph SC achieved immediate success, drawing over 5,000 fans per game, setting attendance records for third-division soccer.
• The league emphasized local ownership and identity, helping strengthen community ties and fan loyalty in smaller cities.
• Its success encouraged further expansion, with three new teams joining in 2020, including Fort Lauderdale CF and Union Omaha.
• The league also introduced a women’s counterpart, USL W League, in 2022, building on the 2019 momentum.
• By establishing a clear third-division standard, USL League One influenced U.S. Soccer’s professional league sanctioning framework.

The 2019 season proved that a well-structured, community-focused league could thrive in the U.S. soccer landscape, paving the way for future growth and professionalization at all levels.