Eastern Premier Soccer League

Last updated

Eastern Premier Soccer League
Eastern Premier Soccer League Logo.png
FoundedJuly 23, 2020;3 years ago (2020-07-23)
First season2020–21
CountryUnited States
Confederation CONCACAF
(North American Football Union)
Number of teams36
Relegation toMetroplitan Conference
Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Garden State Soccer League
Long Island Soccer Football League
Mid-Atlantic Conference
Maryland Major Soccer League
Northeast Conference
New England Champions League
Domestic cup(s) U.S. Open Cup
(via qualifying tournament & NAC)
National Amateur Cup
(via USASA Region I)
International cup(s) CONCACAF Champions League
(via U.S. Open Cup)
Current champions Northern Virginia FC (2nd title)
(2021–22)
Most championships Northern Virginia FC
(2 titles)
Website epslsoccer.com

The Eastern Premier Soccer League (EPSL) is a United States Adult Soccer Association and a National Independent Soccer Association affiliated Semi-Professional Elite League that includes teams from the Eastern United States. Currently the league has members from Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Contents

The league is a partnership between the New York City based Cosmopolitan Soccer League and the Maryland Major Soccer League. It is also an affiliate of the National Independent Soccer Association, a professionally sanctioned third division soccer association.

History

The league was announced on July 23, 2020, in a joint effort between the Cosmopolitan Soccer League and Maryland Major Soccer League to create a regional based multi-league promotion and relegation system in the United States. [1] [2] The league's goal is to have merit-based promotion from local amateur leagues, including champions, with the possibility of being relegated back into the local feeder leagues at the end of the season. The initial slate of members included many of the clubs that participated in the first division of the CSL the previous season. [3]

In the following months, the EPSL added teams from additional leagues such as the Woodbridge Soccer League and United Premier Soccer League. [4] On September 8, 2020, the league announced that the New Jersey-based Garden State Soccer League would become a feeder league for the EPSL. [5] A future promotion spot in the Metropolitan Conference of the EPSL will be determined in a playoff between the champion of the GSSL and the champion of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.

On September 4, 2020, the National Independent Soccer Association announced its latest amateur league affiliation with the EPSL. [6] [7] It joined the previously announced Gulf Coast Premier League and Midwest Premier League in having in having an affiliation with the third division association. The affiliation includes at least two merit-based spots in the NISA Independent Cup tournament and participation on the NISA Alliance Board.

2024 Spring Season Teams

Mid-Atlantic Conference

TeamCityStadiumFounded
Baltimore City F.C. Baltimore, MD Middle Branch Fitness Center 2023
Maryland Bobcats U23 Boyds, MD Maryland SoccerPlex2018
Columbia FC Columbia, MD Cedar Lane Park 2017
Estudiantes FC Fairfax, VA Edison HS 2020
Glenmont FC Gaithersburg, MD Laytonia Recreational Park2020
Golden Ball Soccer Academy Virginia Beach, MD TBA2019
Grove Soccer United Glen Allen, MD Deep Run HS2022
Northern Virginia FC Leesburg, VA Virginia Revolution Sportsplex1998
Patuxent FA EPSL Great Mills, MD Chancellors Run Regional Park2020
PW Nova Dumfries, VA Ali Krieger Sports Complex2021
VA Marauders Fairfax, VA Woodson HS2020

2020-21 Season Teams

Metropolitan Conference

TeamCityStadiumFounded
Clifton Elite FC Clifton, NJ Athenia Steel Complex2017
Doxa SC New Rochelle, NY Joseph F. Fosina Field1962
FC Westchester Yonkers, NY Tibbetts Brook Park 1986
KidSuper Samba AC New York City, NY Baker Athletics Complex 2017
Lansdowne Yonkers FC Yonkers, NY Fleming Field (Yonkers) 1997
New York Athletic Club S.C. Pelham Manor, NY New York Athletic Club 2008
New York Greek Americans New York City, NY Metropolitan Oval 1941
New York Pancyprian-Freedoms New York City, NY Belson Stadium 1974
New Amsterdam FC II New York City, NY Soundview Park 2002
Philadelphia Lone Star FC Philadelphia, PA South Philadelphia Athletic Super Site2001
Seft F.C. Nutley, NJ Frederick Douglass Field 2017
Zum Schneider FC 03 New York City, NY Jack McManus Field 2003

Mid-Atlantic Conference

TeamCityStadiumFounded
All Star United FC Baltimore, MD Milford Mill Academy
Columbia FC Baltimore, MD Milford Mill Academy 2017
DMV Rangers FC Baltimore, MD Milford Mill Academy
Fredericksburg City United Fredericksburg, VA Smith Lake Park2014
Maryland Bobcats FC II Boyds, MD Montgomery Blair High School 2016
Motorik FC Alexandria Alexandria, VA West Potomac High School 2017
Northern Virginia FC Leesburg, VA Evergreen Sportsplex1998
Steel Pulse FC Baltimore, MD Banner Field at Latrobe Park2018
Virginia United FC Woodbridge, VA Howison Homestead Soccer Complex2016

Northeast Conference

TeamCityStadiumFounded
Boston Siege FC Boston, MA The Rotch Park 2017
Castle Island FC Boston, MA The Rotch Park 2021
Connecticut Rush North Branford, CT Guilford High School 2020
Mass United Rush Gloucester, MA Gloucester High School 2009

2021-22 Season Teams

Northeast Conference

TeamCityStadiumFounded
Boston Rush Boston, MA Charlestown High School 2017
Fall River FC Fall River, MA Britland Park 2019
Fall River Marksmen Fall River, MA BMC Durfee High School 1922
International SC Nashua, NH Main Dunstable Field 1992
KO Elites Hartford, CT Annie Fischer School 2019
Mass United Rush Boston, MA Charlestown High School 2009
New Hampshire Bobcats Boston, MA Joe Moakley Park 2016
Ruggles FC Marlborough, MA ForeKicks Sports Complex 2020
Santa Cruz FC U23 Lowell, MA UMASS, Lowell 2021
Santa Cruz FC U20 Lowell, MA UMASS, Lowell 2021

Metropolitan Conference

TeamCityStadiumFounded
Doxa SC New Rochelle, NY Joseph F. Fosina Field1962
KidSuper Samba AC New York City, NY Baker Athletics Complex 2017
Lansdowne Yonkers FC Yonkers, NY Tibbetts Brook Park 1997
Manhattan Celtic FC New York City, NY Randalls Island Icahn Stadium 1998
New York Greek Americans New York City, NY Metropolitan Oval 1941
New York Pancyprian-Freedoms New York City, NY Belson Stadium 1974
New Amsterdam FC II New York City, NY Soundview Park 2002
Scots-American AC Kearny, NJ Kearny High School 1931
Seft F.C. Nutley, NJ Frederick Douglass Field 2017
Zum Schneider FC 03 New York City, NY Jack McManus Field 2003

Delaware River Conference

TeamCityStadiumFounded
Albion SC Delaware Middletown, DE DE Turf Sports Complex2021
Danubia SC Philadelphia, PA Bristol Township Municipal Park1957
International New Jersey FC Burlington, NJ Bristol Township Municipal Park2021
Kensington SC Kensington, PA Temple University Sports Complex 2010
Oaklyn United FC Oaklyn, NJ Rowan Soccer Complex 2018
Real Central New Jersey Trenton, NJ Mercer County Community College2020
Salone FC Philadelphia, PA John Bartram High School2001

Mid-Atlantic Conference

TeamCityStadiumFounded
AC Commonwealth Norfolk, VA Norfolk Collegiate School 2020
Columbia FC Columbia, MD Milford Mill Academy 2017
Dulles N-Lite FC Chantilly, VA Poplar Tree Park 2021
Fredericksburg City United Fredericksburg, VA Smith Lake Park2014
Motorik FC Alexandria Alexandria, VA Thomas Jefferson High School2017
Northern Virginia FC Leesburg, VA Virginia Revolution Sportsplex1998
Patuxent FA EPSL Great Mills, MD Chancellors Run Regional Park2020
Wheaton Lions S.A. Columbia, MD Cedar Lane Park2016

Year by year

Champions

SeasonChampionMetropolitan ConferenceMid-Atlantic ConferenceNortheast ConferenceDelaware River Conference
Regular SeasonPlayoffRegular SeasonPlayoffRegular SeasonPlayoffRegular SeasonPlayoff
2020–21 Lansdowne Yonkers FC [8] Lansdowne Yonkers FC [9] New York Pancyprian-Freedoms Steel Pulse FC DMV RangersConnecticut Rush Mass United Rush N/AN/A
2021–22 Northern Virginia FC Doxa SC New York Pancyprian-Freedoms Northern Virginia FC Northern Virginia FC Fall River Marksmen Fall River Marksmen International New Jersey FC Salone FC
2022-2023 Northern Virginia FC New York Pancyprian-Freedoms New York Pancyprian-Freedoms Northern Virginia FC Northern Virginia FC Fall River FC Fall River FC Philadelphia Heritage SC Oaklyn United FC

EPSL Tier League System

LevelEastern Premier Soccer League
5Delaware River Conference
9 clubs
Metropolitan Conference
12 clubs
Mid-Atlantic Conference
8 clubs
Northeast Conference
6 clubs
6CASA Select League
Liga 1
8 clubs
Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 1
10 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
Premier Division
10 clubs
Long Island Soccer Football League
Premier Division
10 clubs
Maryland Major Soccer League
Premier Division
10 clubs
New England Champions League
7Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 2
19 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
A Division North
11 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
A Division Central
11 clubs
Long Island Soccer Football League
Division 1
9 clubs
8Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 3
12 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
B Division North
10 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
B Division Central
9 clubs
Long Island Soccer Football League
Division 2
9 clubs
9Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 4
16 clubs

| | |}

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern Virginia FC</span> American soccer team

Northern Virginia FC is an American soccer club from Leesburg, Virginia competing in USL League Two, USL W League, Eastern Premier Soccer League and Major Arena Soccer League 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States soccer league system</span> Series of professional and amateur soccer leagues

The United States soccer league system is a series of professional and amateur soccer leagues based, in whole or in part, in the United States. Sometimes called the American soccer pyramid, teams and leagues are not linked by the system of promotion and relegation typical in soccer elsewhere. Instead, the United States Soccer Federation defines professional leagues in three levels, called divisions, with all other leagues sanctioned by the USSF not having an official designated level or division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cosmopolitan Soccer League</span> Regional soccer league consisting of semi-pro and amateur teams based in and around New York City

The Cosmopolitan Soccer League is a regional soccer league consisting of semi-pro and amateur teams based in and around New York City. Established in 1923, it is one of the oldest soccer leagues in the United States and has contributed greatly to the nation's soccer history.

The Canadian soccer league system, also called the Canadian soccer pyramid, is a term used in soccer to describe the structure of the league system in Canada. The governing body of soccer in the country is the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), which oversees the system and domestic cups but does not operate any of its component leagues. In addition, some Canadian teams compete in leagues that are based in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gulf Coast Premier League</span> Soccer league

The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) is a United States Adult Soccer Association affiliated Amateur Elite League that includes teams from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The regular season of the GCPL runs May through July. On August 13, 2020, it was announced that the GCPL would be the first "amateur league affiliation" of the National Independent Soccer Association after Gaffa FC and Louisiana Krewe FC competed in the NISA 2020 Independent Cup.

The USASA Elite Amateur Leagues are a group of amateur state and regional soccer leagues recognized by the United States Adult Soccer Association. They are considered to have a higher level of play than the other state league organizations recognized by the USASA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Independent Soccer Association</span> Third division American soccer league

The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) is a professional men's soccer league in the United States. The league is in the third tier of American soccer and began play in 2019. NISA initially used a fall-to-spring season format with a winter break but have switched to spring-to-fall which is more common in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lansdowne Yonkers FC</span> American soccer club

Lansdowne Yonkers FC is an American soccer club based in Yonkers, New York. Founded in 1997, the team plays in Region I of the United States Adult Soccer Association. The club, also known as the "Bhoys", was formed by Irish American immigrants in 1997 and wears the same colours as Celtic FC. While including Irish players on its teams, there is a distinct multinational feel to the club as they have featured players from the US, New Zealand, Ivory Coast, Germany, Jamaica, and Gambia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California United Strikers FC</span> American soccer team

California United Strikers FC is an American professional soccer club based in Orange County, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Jersey Teamsterz FC</span> American professional soccer club

New Jersey Teamsterz FC is an American professional soccer club based in Bayonne, New Jersey that plays in NISA Nation from 2021 and that will join the National Independent Soccer Association in 2022. The team formerly played in the United Premier Soccer League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maryland Bobcats FC</span> Soccer club

Maryland Bobcats FC, formerly World Class Premier Elite (WCPE), are an American soccer team and academy based in Montgomery County, Maryland, which was founded in 2016. The organization's professional team competes within the National Independent Soccer Association in the third division of U.S. Soccer. The Bobcats also field teams in both the Maryland Super Soccer League and Eastern Premier Soccer League.

The 2020–21 NISA season was the second season of the National Independent Soccer Association's third-division soccer competition. The regular season was split into two halves, Fall and Spring, with playoffs at the end of each, and a Championship Match that had the Fall champion host the Spring champion. This season also saw the introduction of a new cup competition, the NISA Independent Cup, that features independent clubs from various professional and semi-professional leagues across the United States.

The 2020–21 New York Cosmos season was the new Cosmos' sixth season of professional play and first playing in the National Independent Soccer Association. Including the previous franchise, it was the 20th season of a club entitled New York Cosmos playing professional soccer in the New York metropolitan area.

The 2020–21 New Amsterdam FC season was the club's first professional season and its first in the National Independent Soccer Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doxa SC</span> Soccer club

The Doxa SC are a soccer team based in New Rochelle, New York. They currently competes the Cosmopolitan Soccer League (CSL) and Eastern Premier Soccer League (EPSL).

The 2020–21 Maryland Bobcats FC season was the club's first in the National Independent Soccer Association and first as a professional team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flower City Union</span> Soccer club

Flower City Union is an American pre-professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States, that most recently played in the National Independent Soccer Association, a third tier league of the United States soccer league system and currently plays in the National Premier Soccer League. Its home stadium was Rochester Community Sports Complex Stadium. Flower City Union won their first championship in 2023, winning the 2023 National Independent Soccer Association Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NISA Nation</span> Semi-pro American soccer league

NISA Nation is a semi-professional men's soccer league in the United States. The league is below the professional leagues in the United States soccer league system and began play in 2021. NISA Nation is affiliated with the third tier professional league National Independent Soccer Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valley United FC</span> Football club

Valley United FC was an American professional soccer club based in Phoenix, Arizona that played in the National Independent Soccer Association, in the 3rd tier of the US soccer pyramid, from 2022.

The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 108th edition of the oldest soccer tournament in the United States. The tournament proper featured both professional and amateur teams in the United States soccer league system.

References

  1. Mwamba, Jay (September 2, 2020). "Lansdowne go semi-pro, join EPSL". Irish Echo. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  2. Lewis, Michael (July 24, 2020). "REGIONALLY SPEAKING: CSL, Maryland Majors join Eastern Premier Soccer League". www.frontrowsoccer.com. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  3. Mwamba, Jay (August 27, 2020). "Lansdowne keep active during crisis". Irish Echo. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  4. "EPSL Welcomes Northern Virginia FC". Eastern Premier Soccer League. August 26, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  5. "EPSL Announces Feeder League Agreement with New Jersey's Garden State Soccer League". Eastern Premier Soccer League. September 8, 2020. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  6. "NISA Expands Amateur Affiliations With the Eastern Premier Soccer League Agreement". nisaofficial.com. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  7. Lewis, Michael (September 4, 2020). "ANOTHER PARTNERSHIP: Between NISA, Eastern Premier Soccer League". www.frontrowsoccer.com. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  8. Battista, Mike (July 29, 2021). "OaM Lower League Round-Up: July 29, 2020". Once A Metro. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  9. Κήρυξ, Εθνικός (May 18, 2021). "Eastern Premier Soccer League: "Βράζει" με τη διαιτησία ο Παγκύπριος". ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ. Retrieved May 19, 2021.