What to know about Peoria City's entry in USL League Two soccer
Here are some basics about the USL 2 Peoria City soccer team, which now is scheduled to begin play in 2022. Information taken from a longer release from the team.
Is Peoria City a professional team?
No. It competes in USL (United Soccer League) League Two, the “top pre-professional league in North America.”
Who's running the team?
Its general manager is former Bradley and MLS player Tim Regan, now also a Bradley assistant. Also involved in building the team is Jim DeRose, who has been head coach at Bradley for 26 seasons. Owners are Barry MacLean and John Dorn. Local developer Kim Blickenstaff also played a role in bringing the team to Peoria.
Coming in 2022: After COVID delay, Peoria's USL League Two soccer team set to begin in 2022
How will Peoria City build its roster?
All players are amateur. The roster will include local, domestic and international players, most of whom will be college athletes.
How does the season break down?
There are 16 divisions spread across four conferences. Peoria City is listed in the Deep North Division of the Central Conference along with the Des Moines Menace, FC Manitoba, Minneapolis City SC, St. Croix SC and Thunder Bay Chill.
How about the playoffs?
In each conference, the division winners and wild cards play in a final four of sorts. The winners of the four conferences meet in the USL 2 semifinals and play to one champion.
How can you get involved?
Peoria City wants organic growth of independent supporters groups, modeled after ones like Section 8 Chicago (Chicago Fire), Timbers Army (Portland Timbers) and Ralph’s Mob (Tampa Bay Rowdies). There is a fan registration form at peoriacitysoccer.com. More information is also on their social media @PeoriaCityUSL2 on Twitter and at facebook.com/peoriacitysoccer.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: What to know about the USL 2 entry Peoria City
