USL: What Happened?

What does it mean to be a second division soccer league? The textbook definition is obvious, but trying to describe and contrast the gap between the divisions, from the quality of play to the visibility of the teams, is something else entirely. For countries with relegation and promotion, the proof is always determined by the success on the field and the intent to play at the highest possible level. In the USL, things are never quite as clear. No chance of movement and a league which is owned by investors instead of the teams themselves set up conflicting priorities and mixed signals. The league in which the Timbers have played for the last 9 seasons is known as much for its schizophrenia as anything else. On one hand, the talent on the field has increased considerably and lower league teams have delivered consistent results against MLS opponents in the US Open Cup. On the other hand, the league has kneecapped itself many times, whether through incompetence or by design. From failing franchises to a publicly stated unwillingness to compete with the MLS to restraining teams from aggressively marketing themselves, the league itself has always been satisfied to run a distant second to the MLS even as some teams chafed about the lack of drive. This came to a spectacular head during the off-season as teams tried to abandon the USL and form their own league.