Over the past several seasons, the trend of fielding a second-tier reserve squad has taken off among MLS clubs. Teams like the New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers, to name a few, have all established successful USL teams to provide roster flexibility at the senior level.
While every affiliation functions differently, the system allows players at the back end of MLS rosters—SuperDraft picks, rehabbing veterans and former pros vying for a fresh start—to fight for a senior roster spot while staying under the control of the parent MLS club.