As kickoff for the 2026 season approaches for the USL, there are a lot of updates to unpack. Let’s take a look at what to look forward to in the USL.
Schedule Change and NWSL Collaboration
While the season is set to begin on August 15, there will be a change in the USL schedule. After the 8 matches set for this fall, the league will move to a spring-to-fall set up. Similar to how the NWSL operates, the USL will parallel in scheduling.
Speaking of the NWSL, both leagues have discussed arranging a potential competition between the two. This would help elevate exposure for USL players and for the league in general as the NWSL continues to rise.
Free Agency and Successful Players
Along with this, the absence of a traditional draft makes the league more dependent on free agency moves. For instance, collegiate players have the ultimate deciding factor in determining where they will be playing. Teams need to be heavily involved in pushing for players they want to add to their organizations.
With this, players are seeking to land in spaces where they can make an immediate difference. Take Ashlyn Puerta for example: she played a single season for the Florida Seminoles and made an impressive move to Sporting JAX where she dominated in the midfield area and recorded 11 goals.
Another player who has shown amazing talent in the USL is Catherine Barry. She has proven to be a scoring threat after recording the most goals (17) across all matches. Her skillset has crossed over from her time as a Gamecock since she recorded the program’s highest goals scored at a staggering 50. Similarly, her game has transcended between the NWSL and the USL. Barry had a brief time with Chicago Stars FC prior to signing her long-term deal with Lexington SC.
Notable Teams
Lexington SC are the reigning 2025-2026 USL Champions, so they enter the new season with a target on their backs. Especially with players like Barry, Lexington SC should stress their opponents out a bit. Speaking of electric and threatening offenses, Sporting JAX is another team to be on the lookout for. They have shown to have a skillful offense that presses their opponents to the limit.
In all, the USL has their eyes set on expanding and exposing their league to more audiences. Collaboration with the NWSL is one way that will help players who electrify the league to be put in a wider spotlight. There’s a lot to look forward to as fans of the game and supporters of women’s soccer. Make sure to stay up to date with the USL and NWSL within the next coming months!
Featured image via @uslwleague
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