Some more changes for the USL in 2019, as Toronto FC II will shift from the Division II circuit to USL Division III, as we expect more shifts to be announced in coming weeks.
TFC II is operated by Major League Soccer’s 2017 MLS Cup Champions Toronto FC and is owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Group.
“With our inaugural kickoff just around the corner in 2019, we are thrilled to add an experienced and championship-caliber club like Toronto FC II to USL Division III,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “Today’s announcement is the perfect blend of championship pedigree with future opportunity. TFC II has had a strong track record in the USL, and we look forward to working with the club to support its success both on and off the pitch. We also welcome Bill Manning and his team of executives to USL Division III, and look forward to their contributions to the league’s success. Additional new market announcements will be made over the coming weeks and months as we prepare for our inaugural season.”
“We believe USL Division III represents a great opportunity for our organization and will play an important role in our long-term strategy for continued success,” said Manning. “Player development is critical for us as we look to build on our recent first team success and develop a winning culture throughout the organization. This league is a perfect fit for us, and we look forward to working with the new league to help it achieve the levels of success already established by the USL.”
Toronto FC II originally joined the USL in 2015. TFC II joins South Georgia Tormenta FC (Statesboro, Georgia), FC Tucson (Tucson, Arizona), Greenville Pro Soccer (Greenville, South Carolina) and Madison Pro Soccer (Madison, Wisconsin) as founding members ahead of the professional league’s debut season in 2019. The move is the second announced one for the USL, with FC Cincinnati set to move to MLS in 2019.