Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/494191
84 In 2014, the LA Galaxy announced that the club had formed LA Galaxy II, a professional team that competes in USL PRO, a division of U.S. Soccer below Major League Soccer. The LA Galaxy were the first Major League Soccer club to own and operate a lower division professional team within the club's player development structure. The first of its kind program in MLS, LA Galaxy II provides playing time and development opportunities for players within the LA Galaxy player development structure. The side offers a 28-game season and will feature LA Galaxy first team players, players signed by Galaxy II and LA Galaxy Academy players. USL The USL is the strongest U.S. men's professional soccer league on the field and the most sophisticated one off the field below Major League Soccer (MLS). Focused on league stability and franchise performance longevity, the USL features 24 teams in 2015, including expansion teams in Austin, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, Louisville, Montreal, New York, Portland, Salt Lake City, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto, Tulsa, and Vancouver. Through aggressive and deliberate growth in adding teams fully capable of meeting USL and US Soccer standards, the USL is building a robust, national professional soccer league in a format that promotes the benefits of regional league play. In 2013 the USL began a groundbreaking partnership with MLS to grow the professional game at all levels in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to league play, USL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various domestic and international exhibitions. The USL is the longest-standing pro league affiliate member of US Soccer. LA GALAXY II