USL First Division
The USL First Division (USL-1) was a professional men's soccer league in North America, sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation as the second tier of the United States soccer league system from 2005 to 2010.[1] Operated by the United Soccer League (USL), it represented the organization's premier professional division during that period, featuring teams primarily from the United States and Canada, with occasional participation from Puerto Rico.[2] The league originated as a rebranding of the USL A-League, which had operated since 1988, but adopted the "First Division" name in 2005 to align with international soccer terminology and emphasize its status above the USL Second Division.[1] Seasons typically ran from spring to fall, consisting of a 28- to 30-game regular season followed by playoffs among the top teams, culminating in a championship final.[2] Notable franchises included the Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, Montreal Impact, and Rochester Rhinos, many of which later transitioned to Major League Soccer (MLS) or other USL properties.[1] Attendance grew steadily, reaching an average of over 4,500 fans per match by 2005, supported by investments in soccer-specific stadiums like PAETEC Park in Rochester.[1] Over its six full seasons, the league crowned five champions: the Seattle Sounders in 2005 and 2007, the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2006 and 2008, and the Montreal Impact in 2009.[2] The 2010 season was disrupted by a bitter dispute between USL and the newly formed North American Soccer League (NASL), leading the U.S. Soccer Federation to create a temporary unified USSF Division 2 Professional League that included teams from both organizations; the Puerto Rico Islanders won that year's title.[2] Following the 2010 season, amid ongoing conflicts and team departures to NASL, USL restructured by merging its First and Second Divisions into the new USL Pro league (later rebranded as USL Championship), effectively ending the USL First Division.[2] The era marked a pivotal phase in the development of professional soccer in North America, bridging the gap between lower-tier leagues and MLS expansion.[2]History
Background
In the 1980s, North American soccer operated through a patchwork of semi-professional and regional leagues that laid the groundwork for future professional structures. The Western Soccer Alliance (WSA), established in 1986 after evolving from the 1985 Western Alliance Challenge Series, focused on outdoor play in the western United States and Canada, emphasizing competitive matches among teams like the Hollywood Kickers and FC Portland.[3][4] Concurrently, the Southwest Indoor Soccer League (SISL), launched in 1986 as an amateur indoor circuit, provided expense reimbursements to players and grew to include teams across the Southwest, such as the Lubbock Lazers and Oklahoma City Warriors, while occasionally incorporating outdoor elements to broaden its appeal.[5][6] In Canada, the Canadian Soccer League (CSL), formed in 1987 following the country's inaugural World Cup appearance, operated as a professional outdoor league with eight inaugural teams, including the Calgary Kickers, aiming to capitalize on national momentum but struggling with limited infrastructure.[7][8] By 1990, these fragmented circuits contributed to the formation of the American Professional Soccer League (APSL) through the merger of the Western Soccer League—successor to the WSA—and the American Soccer League, creating a nationwide entity initially comprising 21 teams divided into eastern and western conferences.[9][10] The APSL positioned itself as the de facto top division for outdoor professional soccer in the United States, sanctioning national play and integrating Canadian elements, but it faced persistent financial instability, including sponsorship shortfalls and venue costs, leading to a sharp decline in membership to just six teams by 1995 amid stalled expansion efforts.[11] In response to the APSL's weakening position, the United States Interregional Soccer League (USISL)—which had roots in the SISL's expansion into outdoor play in the early 1990s—formalized its professional division in 1995 by splitting its 69 teams into a paid Pro League and an amateur Premier League, thereby accelerating the professionalization of second-tier soccer and filling the void left by the APSL's contraction.[12][13] This restructuring, later evolving into the USL framework, set the stage for broader league consolidation, including a brief merger with the APSL in 1997. Throughout this era, North American soccer leagues grappled with inconsistent levels of professionalism, where many teams relied on semi-pro rosters and expense-based compensation rather than full salaries, limiting talent retention and fan engagement.[14] Their regional focus—concentrated in the West, Southwest, or Canada—hindered national cohesion and media visibility, exacerbating financial vulnerabilities. The launch of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996 as the sanctioned first division intensified competition for resources, players, and audiences, further pressuring these emerging structures to adapt or risk obsolescence.[15]Formation and Merger (1996–2004)
The United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues (USISL) launched the Select League in 1996 as its top professional division, comprising 21 elite teams selected from the previous year's Pro League and other circuits to create a structured second-tier circuit below Major League Soccer (MLS).[16] This new entity was sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) as a Division III league, though it functioned as a developmental platform for professional talent amid the post-North American Soccer League (NASL) revival.[17] The season featured a regular schedule followed by playoffs and a Select Six Tournament for top performers, with the California Jaguars emerging as champions after defeating the Long Island Rough Riders.[18] In 1997, the USISL Select League merged with the American Professional Soccer League (APSL), absorbing its seven remaining teams to form the USISL A-League, a unified Division II professional circuit with 24 teams spanning the United States and Canada.[19] The merger integrated established APSL franchises such as the Montreal Impact, Vancouver 86ers, and Rochester Raging Rhinos, alongside expansions into new markets like Toronto (with the Toronto Lynx) and Hershey (Hershey Wildcats), enhancing geographic reach and competitive depth.[20] The inaugural A-League season divided teams into regional groups, culminating in playoffs where eight teams competed, with the Milwaukee Rampage claiming the championship via a 1–1 shootout victory over the Carolina Dynamo.[21] Financial stability improved through a continued sponsorship deal with Umbro, which supported league operations and marketing efforts.[22] By 1998, the A-League restructured into Eastern and Western Conferences, each subdivided into Northeast/Atlantic and Central/Pacific divisions, respectively, to accommodate expansion to 28 teams and streamline scheduling across a broader footprint.[23] This alignment facilitated balanced regional play, with the Rochester Raging Rhinos winning the league title after defeating the San Diego Flash 3–1 in the championship final.[24] Attendance figures peaked in the late 1990s, with stronger markets drawing over 4,000 fans per match, reflecting growing interest in professional soccer outside MLS.[25] The league introduced regulations allowing up to four foreign players per roster to attract international talent while prioritizing domestic development.[26] Throughout the early 2000s, the A-League sustained growth with incremental expansions, including the addition of the Puerto Rico Islanders in 2004 as the first Caribbean-based team, extending the league's influence beyond North America.[27] This period solidified the league's role as a key feeder system for MLS and the U.S. national team, with affiliates like the Los Angeles Blues (linked to the LA Galaxy) contributing to player pipelines and competitive success.[9] By 2004, the A-League had established a robust framework of 16 teams.[28]Rebranding and Expansion (2005–2008)
In 2005, the United Soccer Leagues rebranded the A-League as the USL First Division (USL-1), aiming to clearly establish its status as the second tier of professional soccer in North America below Major League Soccer (MLS).[1] This change was part of a broader restructuring that also renamed the Pro Soccer League as the USL Second Division, emphasizing a tiered professional pyramid to attract investment and talent.[29] The league began the season with 12 teams, focusing on improved marketing efforts, including enhanced promotion of matches and player development pathways to MLS clubs.[30] The rebranding period marked a phase of relative stability and modest growth, with expansion efforts adding new franchises to broaden geographic reach. In 2007, the league welcomed the California Victory in San Francisco and the Carolina RailHawks in Cary, North Carolina, maintaining a roster of 12 teams and signaling USL's ambition to cover both coasts.[31] By 2008, the league had 11 teams, incorporating additional markets like Miami FC (joined in 2006), which helped boost overall attendance to over 922,000 across 176 games.[32] Key successes during this era included notable championship runs by established clubs. The Seattle Sounders captured the 2005 title, defeating the Richmond Kickers in the final and solidifying their dominance in the Pacific Northwest.[33] Vancouver Whitecaps achieved back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2008, with the 2006 victory over the Rochester Rhinos highlighting their offensive prowess and the 2008 win against the Puerto Rico Islanders via headers from Charles Gbeke securing a 2-1 triumph.[34][35] In 2007, the Seattle Sounders repeated as champions, edging the Montreal Impact in a competitive final that underscored the league's rising competitive balance.[36] Governance evolved with USL assuming fuller operational control over its divisions, moving away from earlier shared models with predecessor leagues like the USISL to streamline administration and sanctioning under the U.S. Soccer Federation.[1] This centralization facilitated increased visibility, including expanded television coverage on Fox Soccer Channel, which broadcast select regular-season matches and playoffs starting in 2005, such as the Minnesota Thunder versus Montreal Impact game.[37] The network's involvement helped introduce USL-1 to broader audiences, airing highlights and live games to complement MLS programming. Despite these advances, the league faced challenges from escalating operational costs, including travel expenses across a geographically diverse footprint and player salaries amid competition for talent.[38] Additionally, the integration of the USL W-League for women's teams during this period required resource allocation for dual-gender operations, as many men's clubs fielded affiliated women's sides to develop pathways, though this sometimes strained budgets in smaller markets.[39]Decline and Dissolution (2009–2010)
In 2009, Nike, which had acquired majority ownership of the United Soccer Leagues through its purchase of Umbro in 2007, sold its stake in the organization to Atlanta-based NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC for an undisclosed amount.[40] The transaction, announced in late August, left USL founder and president Francisco Marcos with a minority share while placing new owners Rob Hoskins and Alec Papadakis in charge, with Tim Holt continuing as league president.[40] However, the sale exacerbated long-standing tensions between league management and team owners, who criticized Nike's minimal investment and Marcos's operational control, which they argued prioritized personal gains from franchise expansions over league stability amid chronic financial struggles.[41] Prominent owners, including Montreal Impact's Joey Saputo, voiced frustration over the lack of owner input in governance and the perceived undervaluation of the league under corporate ownership.[41] The USL-1 Team Owners Association, representing several clubs, publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the deal, demanding greater autonomy to professionalize operations and boost franchise values.[40] These disputes culminated in the formation of a breakaway faction led by the Team Owners Association (TOA), established in early 2008 to advocate for restructuring but evolving into a rival entity by mid-2009.[42] Six USL First Division teams—Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Puerto Rico Islanders, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, and Minnesota Thunder—announced their secession to launch the North American Soccer League (NASL), citing irreconcilable differences with Marcos's leadership and the new ownership's vision.[41] The TOA aimed to create a more owner-driven Division II league, free from what they described as exploitative contracts and inadequate marketing support that had contributed to stagnant attendance and team failures.[42] In response, USL filed breach-of-contract lawsuits against three of the defecting teams—Carolina RailHawks, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Montreal Impact—seeking to enforce existing agreements and prevent the split.[43] Faced with the potential collapse of Division II sanctioning, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) intervened in late 2009, rejecting independent applications from both USL and NASL for failing to meet the minimum eight-team requirement.[44] As a compromise, the USSF established a temporary interim league, the USSF Division 2 Professional League, for the 2010 season, comprising 11 teams divided into two conferences: the NASL Conference (Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Crystal Palace Baltimore) and the USL Conference (Portland Timbers, Puerto Rico Islanders, Austin Aztex, Rochester Rhinos, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Minnesota Thunder—though Minnesota folded mid-season).[44] The season proceeded under USSF oversight, with the Puerto Rico Islanders emerging as champions after defeating the Carolina RailHawks 3-1 on aggregate in the final.[45] Despite the temporary stability, underlying conflicts persisted, including ongoing litigation and uncertainties over future sanctioning, which highlighted the unsustainable model of the USL First Division.[43] By September 2010, amid the fallout from the breakaway and legal entanglements, USL announced the dissolution of its First Division structure, opting instead to pivot toward a reorganized professional tier.[41] The move effectively ended the league's top-flight ambitions, with NuRock's leadership consolidating operations into what would become USL Pro in 2011, merging elements of the former First and Second Divisions to focus on more viable markets.[41] In the aftermath, eight teams affiliated with the NASL breakaway group—including Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, FC Tampa Bay, Miami FC, Montreal Impact, Puerto Rico Islanders, and Vancouver Whitecaps—launched the new NASL as a sanctioned Division II entity starting in 2011.[41] Remaining USL teams, such as Portland Timbers and Rochester Rhinos, either transitioned to USL Pro, folded, or pursued MLS expansion, marking the end of the original USL First Division amid a fractured second-division landscape.[41]Format
Regular Season
The regular season formed the core of the USL First Division's competitive structure, spanning from April to September each year and typically consisting of 28 matches per team from 1998 to 2009 (30 in 2010), depending on league size and scheduling. This phase established team standings based on points accumulated, with the top performers earning playoff berths and awards recognizing regular-season excellence. The format evolved over the league's history, reflecting changes in team numbers and geographic distribution to balance competition and travel demands.[46] From 1998 to 2004 under the A-League banner, the league divided teams into Eastern and Western Conferences to accommodate expansion and reduce cross-country travel. Scheduling emphasized intra-conference matchups, with teams typically playing 3 to 4 games against conference rivals (including home-and-away doubles and occasional additional fixtures) and 1 to 2 games against cross-conference opponents. This conference-based approach culminated in separate conference standings, where the top team in each received recognition as the regular-season conference champion, often conferring seeding advantages in the playoffs.[46] Following the 2005 rebranding to USL First Division, the league shifted to a single-table format initially with 12 teams, varying to 11-13 in subsequent years. Each team played a near-full round-robin schedule of 28 games (30 in 2010), featuring multiple home-and-away matches against all opponents to ensure competitive balance. The overall regular-season leader, determined by the highest points total, was awarded the Commissioner's Cup from 2005 to 2009, granting a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage in postseason matchups.[47][48][49] Throughout its run, the league used a standard points system: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. Roster rules limited matchday squads to 18 to 20 players from an overall team roster of up to 26, promoting depth while adhering to professional standards. Ties in the standings were resolved first by goal difference across all regular-season games, followed by head-to-head results between tied teams. The top six to eight teams overall typically qualified for the playoffs (varying by year: 6 in 2005-2006, 8 in 2007, 7 in 2008-2009), with seeding based on regular-season performance.[46][50][51]Playoff System
The playoff system of the USL First Division crowned the league champion through a postseason tournament that rewarded regular-season performance while incorporating multi-game formats to determine advancement. Prior to the league's rebranding in 2005 (when it operated as the USL A-League), qualification typically involved the top four to six teams from each conference based on points accumulated during the regular season, with playoff rounds featuring conference semifinals, conference finals, and an inter-conference championship match, often using two-legged ties for earlier rounds and a single-game final.[52] From 2005 to 2009, following the consolidation to a single-table format, the top six to eight teams qualified for the playoffs based on regular-season standings (6 in 2005-2006, 8 in 2007, 7 in 2008-2009). In 2005 and 2006, the top two seeds received byes to the semifinals, with first-round matchups of #3 vs #6 and #4 vs #5 contested over two legs (home-and-away aggregate score), higher seed hosting the second leg; ties resolved by extra time and penalty kicks if needed. The two first-round winners advanced to the semifinals against the #1 and #2 seeds in additional two-legged ties. In 2007, the top eight teams played four two-legged quarterfinal matchups (#1 vs #8, #2 vs #7, #3 vs #6, #4 vs #5). From 2008 to 2009, the top seven teams qualified, with the Commissioner's Cup winner (#1 seed) earning a bye directly to the semifinals. The remaining six qualifiers were seeded 2 to 7 and paired for the first round (#2 vs #7, #3 vs #6, #4 vs #5) over two legs, with the higher seed hosting the return leg; ties after aggregate resolved by extra time and penalty kicks if needed. The three first-round winners advanced to the semifinals, facing the #1 seed and each other in two-legged ties (higher seed hosting second leg). Across all years, the championship final was a single elimination game hosted at the home venue of the higher-seeded finalist, with extra time and penalties used to break deadlocks.[47][53][54][55][56][57][58] In 2010, amid organizational changes, the league operated as the USSF Division 2 Pro League with teams from both USL and NASL affiliations, divided into two conferences of six teams each. Qualification expanded to the top four finishers per conference from a 30-game regular season. The playoffs featured eight teams total, structured as conference quarterfinals, conference semifinals (functionally the overall quarterfinals), conference finals, and a league final—all conducted as two-legged home-and-away series decided by aggregate goals, without away-goals rule or extra time in legs (ties after two legs proceeded to penalty kicks). This marked a shift to fully two-legged play throughout, emphasizing endurance over single-game drama. The league champion received the USSF Division 2 championship honor, equivalent to the prior USL First Division title.[59][60][61] Across all years, the playoff victor was awarded a championship trophy recognizing their status as USL First Division (or equivalent) champions, though the league offered no direct promotion to Major League Soccer. Success in the postseason often strengthened teams' affiliations with MLS franchises, facilitating player loans, development pathways, and operational support.[62]Teams
List of Participating Clubs
The USL First Division (including its predecessor, the A-League, from 1996 to 2004) comprised a total of approximately 53 participating clubs across its history, with 49 from the United States, 5 from Canada, and 1 from Puerto Rico.[63] The league structure emphasized independent professional outfits alongside reserve or affiliated teams from Major League Soccer franchises, but excluded any clubs from Mexico.[63] Relocations occurred in a few cases to sustain operations, such as the Hampton Roads Mariners moving to Virginia Beach and rebranding as the Virginia Beach Mariners in 2003, or the Albuquerque Geckos shifting to Sacramento as the Sacramento Geckos in 1999.[63] The 2010 season, temporarily sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation as the Division 2 Professional League amid disputes with the USL, featured a reduced roster of 12 teams drawn from prior USL First Division participants and select North American Soccer League entrants, including the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Miami FC.[59]United States Clubs
The following table lists all U.S.-based clubs that competed in the league, ordered alphabetically by primary city, with their locations and periods of participation.| Club | Location | Active Years |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Ruckus | Atlanta, GA | 1996–1997 |
| Atlanta Silverbacks | Atlanta, GA | 1998–2008 |
| Austin Aztex | Austin, TX | 2009 |
| Bay Area Seals | San Jose, CA | 2000 |
| Boston Bulldogs | Boston, MA | 1999–2001 |
| California Jaguars | Fresno, CA | 1997–1998 |
| California Victory | Fresno, CA | 2007 |
| Carolina Dynamo | Greensboro, NC | 1996–1997 |
| Carolina RailHawks | Cary, NC | 2007–2010 |
| Charleston Battery | Charleston, SC | 1997–2009 |
| Charlotte Eagles | Charlotte, NC | 2001–2003 |
| Cincinnati Riverhawks | Cincinnati, OH | 1998–2003 |
| Cleveland City Stars | Cleveland, OH | 2009 |
| Colorado Foxes | Commerce City, CO | 1996–1997 |
| Connecticut Wolves | Hartford, CT | 1997–2002 |
| Crystal Palace Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | 2006–2010 |
| El Paso Patriots | El Paso, TX | 1997–2003 |
| Fort Lauderdale Strikers | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 2006–2009 |
| Hampton Roads Mariners | Norfolk, VA | 1996–2002 |
| Hershey Wildcats | Harrisburg, PA | 1997–2001 |
| Indiana Blast | Indianapolis, IN | 1997–2004 |
| Jacksonville Cyclones | Jacksonville, FL | 1997–1999 |
| Lehigh Valley Steam | Allentown, PA | 1999 |
| Long Island Rough Riders | Uniondale, NY | 1997–2002 |
| Maryland Mania | Baltimore, MD | 1999 |
| Miami FC | Miami, FL | 2006–2010 |
| Milwaukee Rampage | Milwaukee, WI | 1997–2002 |
| Milwaukee Wave United | Milwaukee, WI | 2003–2004 |
| Minnesota Thunder | Blaine, MN | 1997–2009 |
| Nashville Metros | Nashville, TN | 1997–1998, 2001 |
| New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers | New Orleans, LA | 1997–1998 |
| New York Centaurs | New York, NY | 1996 |
| Orange County Waves | Irvine, CA | 1997–2000 |
| Orlando Sundogs | Orlando, FL | 1997 |
| Pittsburgh Riverhounds | Pittsburgh, PA | 1999–2003 |
| Portland Timbers | Portland, OR | 2001–2010 |
| Project 40 | Various | 1998–2000 |
| Raleigh Capital Express | Raleigh, NC | 1999–2000 |
| Richmond Kickers | Richmond, VA | 1997–2005 |
| Rochester Rhinos | Rochester, NY | 1996–2010 |
| Sacramento Geckos | Sacramento, CA | 1999 |
| San Diego Flash | San Diego, CA | 1998–2001 |
| San Francisco Bay Seals | San Jose, CA | 1998–1999 |
| Seattle Sounders | Seattle, WA | 1996–2008 |
| Staten Island Vipers | Staten Island, NY | 1998–1999 |
| Syracuse Salty Dogs | Syracuse, NY | 2003–2004 |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | St. Petersburg, FL | 2010 |
| Virginia Beach Mariners | Virginia Beach, VA | 2003–2006 |
| Worcester Wildfire | Worcester, MA | 1997–1998 |
Canadian Clubs
Canadian representation was limited but consistent in the early years, with clubs primarily from major urban centers.| Club | Location | Active Years |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary Storm | Calgary, AB | 2002–2004 |
| Edmonton Aviators | Edmonton, AB | 2004 |
| Montreal Impact | Montreal, QC | 1996–2010 |
| Toronto Lynx | Toronto, ON | 1997–2006 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | Vancouver, BC | 1996–2010 |
Puerto Rican Clubs
Puerto Rican participation began later in the league's history, adding Caribbean flavor to the competition.| Club | Location | Active Years |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Islanders | Bayamón, PR | 2004–2010 |
Timeline of Team Participation
The USL First Division, originally known as the A-League, began with a modest roster of 7 teams in its inaugural 1996 season, featuring clubs such as the Atlanta Ruckus, Colorado Foxes, and Montreal Impact.[64] This small scale reflected its status as a developing professional league within the United Soccer Leagues structure. The following year marked a pivotal expansion through a merger with the USISL Select League, swelling participation to 24 teams across Eastern and Western conferences, including newcomers like the Orlando Sundogs and Orange County Zodiac.[21][25] Expansion continued aggressively in the late 1990s, with 28 teams in 1998 following the addition of franchises like the Staten Island Vipers, San Francisco Bay Seals, and Cincinnati Riverhawks, alongside the traveling US Project 40 squad.[23] The league reached its zenith in 1999 with 30 teams, incorporating promotions and expansions such as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Maryland Mania, and Indiana Blast, spanning three conferences and highlighting broad geographic reach from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest.[65] However, financial pressures led to contractions, reducing the roster to 25 teams in 2000 amid folds like the Raleigh Capital Express and relocations such as the Albuquerque Geckos moving to Sacramento.[66][67] Subsequent years saw further flux, with 21 teams in 2001 after promotions like the Charlotte Eagles and a renaming of the Vancouver 86ers to Whitecaps, followed by a dip to 18 in 2002 due to folds including the Hershey Wildcats.[68][69] By 2003 and 2004, participation stabilized slightly at 19 and 16 teams, respectively, with additions like the Syracuse Salty Dogs and Puerto Rico Islanders offset by demotions and folds such as the Cincinnati Riverhawks.[70][28] The 2005 rebranding to USL First Division coincided with contraction to 12 teams, eliminating franchises like the Syracuse Salty Dogs and Milwaukee Wave United.[47] Stability held at 12 teams in 2006, though the Toronto Lynx relocated to the Premier Development League post-season.[53] In 2007, the league briefly grew to 13 teams with the entry of the Carolina RailHawks and California Victory—the latter folding after just one season due to operational challenges—while the Virginia Beach Mariners ceased operations.[31] Contraction accelerated in the league's final years, dropping to 11 teams in 2008 after the Seattle Sounders' promotion to Major League Soccer.[71] The 2009 season maintained 11 teams, including newcomers Austin Aztex and Cleveland City Stars, but post-season exits by clubs like the Minnesota Thunder (later relocated and renamed NSC Minnesota Stars) and several others foreshadowed turmoil.[72] In 2010, ongoing disputes led to a split, with 12 teams divided into USL and NASL conferences under the temporary USSF Division-2 Professional League; key departures including the Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Montreal Impact, Rochester Rhinos, and Vancouver Whitecaps formed the rival North American Soccer League, effectively dissolving the USL First Division.[61][2] Notable throughout were relocations like the Minnesota Thunder's rebranding to Minnesota Stars amid ownership changes, and the Atlanta Silverbacks' intermittent participation across multiple eras, underscoring the league's volatile team dynamics.[72]| Year | Number of Teams | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 7 | Inaugural season; core teams include Atlanta Ruckus and Rochester Raging Rhinos.[64] |
| 1997 | 24 | Merger-driven expansion; additions like Minnesota Thunder and Richmond Kickers.[21] |
| 1998 | 28 | Additions of 6+ teams including San Diego Flash (relocated from Colorado Foxes).[23] |
| 1999 | 30 | Peak expansion; joins like Pittsburgh Riverhounds; name changes such as Raleigh Flyers to Capital Express.[65] |
| 2000 | 25 | Folds of Bay Area Seals; rejoining of Montreal Impact.[66] |
| 2001 | 21 | Promotion of Charlotte Eagles; renaming of Tennessee Rhythm to Nashville Metros.[68] |
| 2002 | 18 | Return of Hampton Roads Mariners; folds of San Diego Flash.[69] |
| 2003 | 19 | Additions of Syracuse Salty Dogs; relocation of Hampton Roads to Virginia Beach.[70] |
| 2004 | 16 | Entry of Puerto Rico Islanders; multiple folds including Cincinnati Riverhawks.[28] |
| 2005 | 12 | Rebranding to USL First Division; folds of Syracuse Salty Dogs.[47] |
| 2006 | 12 | Addition of Miami FC; post-season relocation of Toronto Lynx.[53] |
| 2007 | 13 | Joins of Carolina RailHawks and California Victory (folded post-season).[31] |
| 2008 | 11 | Departure of Seattle Sounders to MLS.[71] |
| 2009 | 11 | Entries of Austin Aztex and Cleveland City Stars; prelude to NASL split.[72] |
| 2010 | 12 | League split under USSF D-2; multiple exits to form NASL, including Rochester Rhinos.[61] |
Seasons
Pre-Rebranding Seasons (1996–2004)
The pre-rebranding era of the USL First Division began with the inaugural USISL Select League season in 1996, marking the establishment of a professional second-division circuit under the United Soccer Leagues umbrella. Comprising 24 teams split between Eastern and Western conferences, the league featured a regular season of 18 matches per team, followed by playoffs and a "Select Six" tournament involving the top qualifiers. The California Jaguars emerged as champions, defeating the Richmond Kickers 1-1 (3-2 on penalties) in the final, highlighting the competitive balance among expansion franchises.[26] Total attendance reached 509,785 across 286 games, averaging 1,782 spectators per match, which underscored early enthusiasm for professional soccer outside Major League Soccer.[18] In 1997, the league underwent a significant transformation through a merger with the American Professional Soccer League, rebranding as the USISL A-League and gaining Division 2 sanctioning from the United States Soccer Federation. This consolidation expanded the roster to 24 teams organized into four divisions (Northeast, Atlantic, Central, and Pacific), with each playing 28 regular-season games before a multi-stage playoff culminating in a championship match. The Milwaukee Rampage secured the title with a 2-1 shootout victory over the Carolina Dynamo, setting a tone for regional rivalries.[73] The 1997 season produced 614 goals across 336 regular-season games, averaging about 1.83 per match, while the league's average team count hovered around 20 through 2000, reflecting steady growth amid the merger's integration challenges.[73] The period from 1998 to 2000 solidified the A-League's structure, with 21 to 28 teams competing in conference-based formats and playoffs emphasizing endurance through quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The Rochester Rhinos were prominent in this stretch, winning championships in 1998 (3-1 over the Minnesota Thunder) and 2000 (3-1 over the Minnesota Thunder), though they lost the 1999 final to the Minnesota Thunder 2-1, establishing themselves as a leading club of the era.[74][46] These seasons showcased an international dimension, as teams recruited heavily from Europe and Latin America to fill rosters with experienced talent ineligible for MLS, contributing to dynamic playstyles and goal tallies of approximately 600 per season.[46] Attendance remained stable at around 1,500 to 2,000 per game, supporting the league's role in broadening North American soccer's professional footprint. By 2001 to 2004, the A-League encountered headwinds, including economic factors. The Rochester Rhinos extended their success with a 2001 championship win over the Hershey Wildcats 2-0, but the Milwaukee Rampage reclaimed the title in 2002 against the Richmond Kickers.[46] In 2002, the league shifted to a single-table standings format within its two conferences (Eastern and Western) for the 18-team regular season of 28 games each, streamlining competition before playoffs, though the overall structure retained regional divisions. The Charleston Battery triumphed in 2003, edging the Minnesota Thunder 3-0, while the Montreal Impact closed the era as 2004 champions, overcoming the Seattle Sounders 2-0 in the final after a grueling semifinal run.[75] Attendance remained relatively stable, averaging 3,879 per match in 2004. Goal production stayed consistent at 500 to 600 per season, with the international player influx continuing to infuse tactical variety from overseas markets.[46][28]Rebranded Seasons (2005–2010)
The 2005 USL First Division season marked the league's rebranding from the A-League, featuring 12 teams including returning clubs like the Rochester Rhinos and newcomers such as the Puerto Rico Islanders. The Seattle Sounders captured the playoff championship with a 4-0 victory over the Richmond Kickers in the final, despite the Portland Timbers claiming the regular-season title. Attendance rose significantly that year, totaling 760,617 across all matches for an average of 4,527 per game, with several top draws exceeding 5,000 spectators, particularly for Sounders home games.[47][1] In 2006, the league operated with 14 teams, including strong Canadian representation from the Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact. The Whitecaps secured their first USL-1 title by defeating the Rochester Rhinos 3-0 in the championship final at PAETEC Park, following a semifinal win over Montreal on penalties. This victory highlighted emerging competitive balance, though Canadian clubs began asserting influence in the standings. The season saw playoff drama, such as the Impact's quarterfinal upset over higher-seeded opponents.[53][76] The 2007 campaign featured 12 teams, with the Rochester Rhinos rebounding to win the championship via a 3-2 aggregate victory against the Seattle Sounders in the final, after earlier playoff triumphs including a penalty shootout over Vancouver. Rochester's success underscored U.S. teams' resilience amid growing Canadian contention, as Vancouver and Montreal finished in the top four. Playoff upsets continued, exemplified by lower-seeded Atlanta Silverbacks advancing past expectations in the conference semifinals.[31] By 2008, expansion brought the league to a peak of 11 teams, incorporating additions like Miami FC and the Minnesota Thunder, which intensified regional rivalries. The Vancouver Whitecaps repeated as champions, edging the Puerto Rico Islanders 2-1 in the final at Swangard Stadium, with Charles Gbeke scoring both goals; Vancouver had finished second in the regular season behind the Islanders. This period reflected heightened competition, with Canadian teams like Vancouver and Montreal dominating Voyageurs Cup standings and contributing to playoff intensity.[35][77] The 2009 season contracted to 8 teams amid escalating tensions between USL ownership and several clubs, including the Montreal Impact, who sought to form a rival league. Despite the turmoil, Montreal clinched the title with a 6-3 aggregate win over Vancouver in the final, securing their first USL-1 championship under owner Joey Saputo. The league's instability was evident in legal disputes that disrupted planning, yet Montreal's run included key playoff victories that affirmed Canadian strength.[78][79] In 2010, the league transitioned to the USSF Division 2 Pro League structure due to ongoing conflicts, with 11 teams split between USL and NASL conferences. The Puerto Rico Islanders emerged as champions, defeating the Carolina RailHawks 3-1 on aggregate in the USSF D-2 final, including a 2-0 first-leg win followed by a 1-1 draw. This outcome capped a period of contraction from 12 teams in 2005, highlighting underdog playoff narratives like the Islanders' path through higher-seeded foes. Over the era, Canadian clubs won three championships (2006, 2008, 2009), signaling their increasing dominance, while upsets such as Richmond's 2005 quarterfinal elimination of top-seeded Rochester added unpredictability to the postseason format.[61][45]Records
Team Records
The Rochester Rhinos hold the record for the most league championships in the history of the USL First Division and its predecessor leagues, winning three titles in 1998, 2000, and 2001.[80] These victories established the Rhinos as the dominant force in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with each championship coming via the playoff format that determined the annual title holder.[81] The Montreal Impact claimed the most regular season titles, known as the Commissioner's Cup, during the USL-1 era, with two wins in 2005 and 2006.[82] Their 2005 season was particularly dominant, finishing with 17 wins, 7 ties, and 3 losses for 61 points, the highest single-season total in league history at the time.[47] The Impact's success in regular season play highlighted their consistent performance, often translating to deep playoff runs, including their 2009 championship.[83] In terms of all-time performance, the Rochester Rhinos lead with the most regular season wins across their tenure in the league from 1996 to 2010. This record underscores their longevity and consistency, as they qualified for the playoffs in 12 of 15 seasons during this period. The Vancouver Whitecaps earned 46 points in 2006, though later seasons like the Portland Timbers' 58 points in 2009 surpassed it in absolute terms under the 3-points-per-win system.[53][72] Attendance records reflect the league's growing popularity in key markets. The Portland Timbers recorded the highest average home attendance in 2006 with 5,989 fans per match, drawing 5,989 on average across 14 home games for a total of 83,846 spectators. League-wide, total attendance peaked in 2008 at 922,737 across 176 games, an average of 5,244 per match, driven by strong turnouts in Montreal (12,696 average) and Portland (8,567 average that year).[71]| Record Category | Team | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Championships | Rochester Rhinos | 3 (1998, 2000, 2001) | RSSSF |
| Most Regular Season Titles (USL-1 era) | Montreal Impact | 2 (2005, 2006) | CF Montréal Official |
| Highest Single-Season Points | Montreal Impact | 61 (2005) | A-League Archives |
| Highest Average Attendance (Season) | Portland Timbers | 5,989 (2006) | A-League Archives |
| Total League Attendance Peak | USL-1 (all teams) | 922,737 (2008) | A-League Archives |