USL Adds Teams in Riverside, Reno and Space Coast

United Soccer League continues to expand its footprint, with recent announcements that teams will be planned in Riverside, California, Reno, Nevada, and the Space Coast of Florida.

Riverside, California

In Riverside, USL has partnered with Riverside Pro Soccer, to bring professional men’s and women’s soccer to the California destination.

In addition to building a professional soccer club, Riverside Pro Soccer and its partners plan to construct a soccer-specific venue and explore opportunities for a larger destination that could bring restaurants, retail, housing, sports and community spaces to Riverside.

“As part of a fast-growing region with a passionate fan base and one of the strongest traditions of youth soccer in the country, Riverside is ready for a professional club to call its own,” USL deputy CEO and chief real estate officer Justin Papadakis said. “With a dedicated local champion in Greg Scott, and plans for a soccer-specific venue and an accompanying mixed-use development, Riverside Pro Soccer will serve as a true community asset to enhance quality of life and drive economic growth.”

Riverside Pro Soccer is led by Greg Scott, a local entrepreneur and 11-year resident of Riverside who has built businesses in logistics, electrical contracting and development. Scott is also a minority investor of Orange County Soccer Club, a professional soccer club that competes in the USL Championship League.

Reno, Nevada

In partnership with Reno Pro Soccer, USL will bring professional soccer to northern Nevada.

Reno Pro Soccer closed on the former Jones West Ford site at Kietzke Lane with plans to transform the vacant parcel into a new sports and entertainment district that will revitalize the area and serve as a community gathering place. A soccer-specific stadium will become home to a USL professional men’s team.

“As the USL continues to expand in the Western U.S., we’re excited about the potential of bringing professional soccer to northern Nevada,” said Papadakis. “Reno is one of the fastest-growing mid-size cities in the country with a passionate soccer fan base. Add in a dedicated local ownership group with plans for a soccer-specific stadium in a prime location, and you have the foundation needed to build a successful club and raise Reno’s profile across the region.”

Space Coast

USL, in partnership with Space Coast Pro Soccer, will bring professional men’s soccer to the Space Coast region of Florida, with plans for a professional women’s team at a later date to further enhance the club’s value and community footprint.

In addition to bringing professional soccer to Brevard County, Space Coast Pro Soccer will focus on developing a new soccer stadium that will serve as a home for professional soccer matches, as well as a hub for hosting community events and local youth soccer programs. Space Coast Pro Soccer intends to explore all viable options for a stadium site.
 

“We’re thrilled to expand USL’s presence to Florida’s Space Coast,” said Papadakis. “Brevard County is a thriving soccer community that’s ready to embrace a professional club of its own. The Space Coast Pro Soccer team is driven by a deep passion for growing the game and building a club that’s rooted in community. As we enter a transformative moment in American soccer, now is the perfect time to bring a professional club to the region.”