The Northwood Soccer team has joined a new league that is considered the best pre-college league in the United States. USL Academy has been created to enhance the level of play for hundreds of players throughout the United States.
The new league is an affiliate of the United Soccer League (USL). Originally founded in 1986, the United Soccer League has become, according to its web site, “one of the most sophisticated soccer organizations in North America over the past decade.“
The USL Academy League season is aligned with the pro calendars of Championship & League One, meaning play begins in April and continues, through the summer, until November. The league believes this alignment will make the transition from the youth to pro levels easier for the top pro prospects.
“The USL Academy League and Academy Cup will give our boys regular games against top competition and a proving ground to be evaluated for our USL League Two team,” head coach Jon Moodey said. Our goal is to win trophies and we expect to be competitive at the national level.”
Northwood’s soccer team competed in the USL Academy league’s inaugural season in 2021. Northwood (and Black Rock Football Club) is the only team in the league consisting of students attending the same school. Most of the other teams are affiliates of professional or club programs.
League play starts for the Huskies after spring break and continues into November, including numerous matches during the summer break.
