USL expands, 'just got a lot more competitive'

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/10/25/tampa-bay-rowdies-join-usl-2017/92726680/

USL expands, 'just got a lot more competitive'

Patrick Brennan

6:41 p.m. EDT October 25, 2016

America's shifting soccer landscape has likely resulted in an improved United Soccer League with the addition of two existing North American Soccer League (NASL) clubs to the USL.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC jumped ship on the second-division (NASL) for the USL, the leagues announced Tuesday. The additions, along with startup franchise Reno 1868 FC, bring the league to an even 30 teams for 2017.

The teams will complete the move to USL following the conclusion of the ongoing NASL season.

Tampa Bay brings with it a decades-long history in American soccer, while Ottawa is a relative newcomer to the North American game.

In a statement provided to The Enquirer, FC Cincinnati President and General Manager Jeff Berding said USL's Eastern Conference is more competitive with the addition of Tampa Bay.

“The continued expansion of the United Soccer League speaks volumes to the growth of soccer in this country," Berding said. “The addition of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, whom we met in the U.S. Open Cup action this year, means the Eastern Conference just got a lot more competitive. Ottawa Fury FC is also a club with respected ownership and a talented team and they will be a strong addition to our League in 2017.”