The USL-MLS Partnership: A Work in Progress

Sporting Kansas City has had a long history with USL. The MLS club has had three USL affiliates, once sent retired player Jimmy Nielsen to an affiliate to coach (he remains the head coach of Oklahoma City Energy), and Dom Dwyer used a memorable loan stint in USL to force his way into KC's first team thoughts.

In 2016, the newly-minted Sporting KC reserve team - Swope Park Rangers - made it to the USL's Championship game in its very first season of existence, ultimately falling to another MLS reserve side, New York Red Bulls II. Much like NYRB II, SPR was applauded for playing its soccer the way its parent club wants soccer to be played, providing a platform for prospects to prove themselves…