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Demise of Lansing Ignite FC Shows the Difficulties of Growing the USL League One

For MLS teams, the off-season is a time to reassess the roster and determine what changes need to be made to contend for an MLS Cup. In the lower leagues, the off-season sometimes includes more important decisions.

The American soccer pyramid was missing a third division the last few years. To fill that gap, a new league started in 2019, the USL League One. The 2019 season was made up of three existing independent clubs, three MLS developmental teams, and four new clubs. Only one fully professional team from 2018 joined the league, the Richmond Kickers, while South Georgia Tormenta FC and FC Tucson moved up from the fourth division.