Organizing body | United States Adult Soccer Association |
---|---|
Founded | 1998 |
First season | 1998 |
Country | United States |
Confederation | CONCACAF |
Divisions | 4 regions with 16 conferences |
Number of teams | 142 |
Level on pyramid | 4 (Unofficial) |
Current champion(s) | Charlotte Eagles (2023) |
Most championships | California Storm (4 titles) |
TV partners | Eleven Sports |
Website | wpslsoccer |
Current: 2024 |
The Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is an amateur women's soccer league in the United States.
WPSL is the top amateur league for women's soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, and considered the 2nd tier below only National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). [1] The WPSL is the longest-running active women's soccer league as it enters its 25th season in 2023. The WPSL is also the largest women's soccer league in the United States, North America and the world with 130 active teams as of 2023. [2]
The WPSL started as the Western Division of the W-League, before breaking away to form its own league in 1998. The league is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association, an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). WPSL players consists of collegiate and post-collegiate players, who currently or have played across all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. Former players of the WPSL have taken their playing careers to the next level by signing professional in the NWSL and top leagues overseas. [2] WPSL Alumnae have also reached international status by making international rosters seen in the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympics. Notable alumnae include Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly, Heather Mitts, Julie Foudy, Shannon Boxx, Alex Morgan and Leslie Osborne. [2] The Jerry Zanelli Cup is awarded to the champion of each WPSL season. [3]
When Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) suspended play in 2012, WPSL moved forward with its ambitions toward professionalism and created the WPSL Elite League. [4] The Elite League was a pro-am league, with at least four fully professional teams, including three former WPS teams. The Elite league operated for just the 2012 season, disbanding in 2013 with the formation of the NWSL, which the three former WPS teams joined. [2]
In 2021, the WPSL announced its second division, WPSL U21, which is scheduled to begin play in mid-2021. [5]
On February 8, 2023, WPSL announced plans to create a Division III professional league named WPSL PRO. The league plans to start in 2025 with ten teams. [6] In August 2023, five teams signed letter of intents to join the WPSL Pro. SouthStar FC, Sioux Falls City FC, Oklahoma City FC (WPSL), Austin Rise FC, and The Town FC will be five of the first ten teams to join WPSL Pro. [7]
On February 6, 2024, the league announced the sixth team will be Georgia Impact FC. [8] The league needs 6 teams to conform with US Soccer Division III Professional League Standards [9] On February 20, 2024, the league announce the seventh team signing a letter of intent was AC Houston Sur for the 2025 season. [10]
On February 22, 2024, the league announced the first team signing a letter of intent for the 2026 season was Dakota Fusion FC. [11]
On April 2, 2024, WPSL announced they had partnered with the Michigan Super League to provide support to the development of underrepresented leagues. The WPSL will partner with the United States Adult Soccer Association to provide support to these leagues. The Michigan Super League will consist of five teams for the 2024 season. [12]
As of November 23,2023 [update] . [13]
As of November 28,2023 [update] . [15]
As of November 28,2023 [update] . [15]
The league is divided into four regions - West, Central, South, and East. Each region is divided into conferences, with the West Region having four conferences, one of which has two divisions, the Central Region having four conferences, two of which has two divisions, the South Region having four conferences, one of which has two divisions, and the East Region having four conferences, one of which has two divisions,. [18]
Team | City | Stadium | Founded | First WPSL Season | Head coach |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
West Region | |||||
Desert Conference | |||||
Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club [19] | Mesa, Arizona | Bell Bank Park | 1992 | 2023 | |
El Paso Surf [20] | El Paso, Texas | David Lopez | |||
FC Tucson [21] | Tucson, Arizona | Kino North Stadium | 2013 | 2013 | Kelly Pierce |
Royals AZ [22] | Mesa, Arizona | 2023 | Tiffany Roberts | ||
RSL Southern Arizona [23] | Tucson, Arizona | 1974 | 2024 | Jason Flores | |
SC del Sol [24] | Phoenix, Arizona | 1998 | 2010 | ||
Northwest Conference | |||||
Portland Thorns FC II [25] | Portland, Oregon | 2024 | 2024 | ||
Seattle Reign FC II [26] | Seattle, Washington | Starfire Field | 2024 | 2024 | Reilee DuPratt |
Spokane SC Shadow [27] | Spokane, Washington | Joe Albi Stadium | Kevin Moon | ||
Vancouver Victory FC [28] | Vancouver, Washington | 2024 | |||
Westside Metros FC [29] | Beaverton, Oregon | Sherwood Middle School | 1993 [30] | Cory Hand | |
Pac North Conference | |||||
Pac North Division | |||||
BattleBorn FC [31] | Carson City, Nevada | 2023 | 2023 | ||
California Storm | Davis, California | 1995 | |||
FC Davis [32] | Davis, California | Playfields Sports Park | Pip Harragin | ||
Fresno Freeze [33] | Fresno, California | Keith Tice Park | 2015 | 2015 | Ivan Janssens |
Iron Rose FC [34] | Roseville, California | 2024 | |||
Lamorinda United [35] | Moraga, California | Miramonte High School | Mohamed Mohamed | ||
Napa Valley 1839 FC [36] | Napa, California | Dodd Stadium | 2016 | 2016 | Ben Solomon |
San Francisco Elite Soccer Club [37] | San Francisco, California | Kezar Stadium | 2023 | 2023 | |
San Francisco Nighthawks [38] | San Francisco, California | Kezar Stadium | 1995 | 1995 | Petra Kowalski |
San Ramon FC [39] | San Ramon, California | Tiffany Roberts Field | 2015 | 2015 | Mani Salimpour |
So Cal Conference | |||||
Coastal Division | |||||
Beach Futbol Club [40] | Long Beach, California | 2012 | 2024 | ||
FC Premier Women | Bellflower, California | St. John Bosco High School | 2020 | 2021 | Trevor Labuschagne |
LA Surf Soccer Club | Pasadena, California | 2014 | 2014 | Mike Davis | |
Miss Kick FC [41] | Los Angeles, California | 2022 | |||
Rebels Empire [42] | Rancho Cucamonga, California | 1982 | 2023 | ||
Southern California Eagles [43] | La Mirada, California | Al Barbour Field | 1983 | 2024 | |
Plymouth Division | |||||
ALBION San Diego [44] | San Diego, California | Eloisa Borreguero | |||
Rebels Soccer Club [45] | San Diego, California | 1982 | 2024 | Abel Martinez | |
San Diego Parceiro Ladies [46] | San Diego, California | 2018 | 2018 | ||
San Diego Strikers | San Diego, California | Mission Bay High School | 2018 | 2018 | Ray Taila |
San Diego Surf [47] | San Diego, California | 2023 | 2023 | Andres Deza | |
So Cal Union FC [48] | Temecula, California | Rancho Christian High School | 2016 | 2018 | |
SoCal Dutch Lions FC [49] | Carlsbad, California | Army and Navy Academy Stadium | 2022 | 2022 | Patricia Toledo |
Central Region | |||||
Heartland Conference | |||||
FC Wichita | Wichita, Kansas | ||||
Kansas City Scott Gallagher SC [50] | Kansas City, Missouri | Paragon Star | 2023 | 2023 | Dan Naidu |
Kansas City Courage II [51] | Kansas City, Missouri | Avila University | 2014 | 2022 | Wendy Louque |
Missouri Reign | Columbia, Missouri | ||||
Oklahoma City FC [52] | Yukon, Oklahoma | Lakeview Field | 2007 | 2007 | Daniel Gibson |
Side FC 92 [53] | Tulsa, Oklahoma | 2021 | 2024 | ||
Sunflower State FC [54] | Overland Park, Kansas | Rockhurst University | 2023 | Jose Ramos | |
Midwest Conference | |||||
Gateway Division | |||||
Dayton Dutch Lions WFC [49] | West Carrollton, Ohio | Dayton Outpatient Center Stadium | 2011 | 2016 | Ian Richardson |
FC Dayton [55] | Dayton, Ohio | Centerville Soccer Complex | 2022 | 2022 | Bradley Schluter |
FC Pride [56] | Indianapolis, Indiana | FC Pride Turf Stadium | 2014 | 2014 | Jamie Gilbert |
FC Spirit [57] | Evansville, Indiana | ||||
Junction FC [58] | Urbana, Illinois | 2024 | 2024 | Kip McDaniel | |
Lou Fusz Athletic [59] | Earth City, Missouri | Jeff Tottleben | |||
Lake Michigan Division | |||||
Chicago House AC [60] | Chicago, Illinois | 2023 | 2024 | Henry Cheung | |
Chicago KICS Football Club [61] | Chicago, Illinois | De La Salle Institute | 2021 | 2021 | Antonio Godinez |
FC Milwaukee Torrent [62] | Wauwatosa, Wisconsin | Hart Park | 2017 | 2018 | Andreas Davi |
Green Bay Glory [63] | Green Bay, Wisconsin | 2022 | |||
Quad Cities Rush [64] | Davenport, Iowa | St. Vincent's Athletic Complex | Randy Bollman | ||
Mountain Conference | |||||
Rockies Division | |||||
Broomfield Burn [65] | Broomfield, CO | Adam Loovis | |||
Colorado Blizzard FC | |||||
Colorado Pride [66] | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Washburn Field | 2014 | 2018 | Andi Waterhouse |
Indios Denver FC | Denver, Colorado | Juan Martinez | |||
PSD Academy [67] | Denver, Colorado | 2024 | Sean D. Kelty | ||
Wasatch Division | |||||
Griffins FC [68] | |||||
La Roca FC [69] | South Weber, Utah | Kelly Parke | |||
Northern Utah United [70] | Logan, Utah | 1987 | 2024 | Darin Christensen | |
Utah Avalanche [71] | Sandy, Utah | 2023 | 2023 | ||
Utah Red Devils [72] | Sandy, Utah | Dennis Burrows | |||
Utah Surf [73] | Utah County, Utah | 2021 | 2021 | Brad Silvey | |
Northern Conference | |||||
Dakota Fusion FC [74] | Fargo–Moorhead | Moorhead High School | 2016 | 2018 | Chris Andreasen |
Joy AC [75] | St. Louis Park, Minnesota | St Louis Park High School | 2022 | 2022 | |
Manitou F.C. [76] | White Bear Lake, Minnesota | White Bear Lake High School | Edi Buro | ||
Mankato United Soccer Club [77] | Mankato, Minnesota | Bethany Luteran College | Tudor Flintham | ||
MapleBrook Fury [78] | Maple Grove, Minnesota | Maple Grove High School | Igor Stosic | ||
Minnesota Thunder [79] | Richfield, Minnesota | Academy of Holy Angels | 2006 | ||
Rochester United FC [80] | Rochester, Minnesota | Rochester Community and Technical College | 2019 | 2019 | Bassem Fadlia |
Salvo SC [81] | Eagan, Minnesota | University of Northwestern | 2019 | 2019 | Greg Wheaton |
Sioux City Sol [82] | Sioux City, Iowa | 2024 | 2025 | Tom Maxon | |
Sioux Falls City FC [83] | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Bob Young Field, University of Sioux Falls | 2022 | 2022 | Dale Weiler |
St. Croix Soccer Club [84] | St. Croix County, Wisconsin | Stillwater Area High School | |||
South Region | |||||
Atlantic Conference | |||||
Carolinas Division | |||||
Charlotte Eagles [85] | Charlotte, North Carolina | Samantha Hope | |||
Neuse River Futbol Alliance | Raleigh, North Carolina | ||||
Port City FC [86] | Wilmington, North Carolina | 2021 | 2024 | Chad Medcalfe | |
Trinity Fire [87] | Raleigh, North Carolina | 2024 | Lynn Adams | ||
Women's Football Club of Charlotte | Charlotte, North Carolina | Scott Ginn | |||
The District Division | |||||
Alexandria Reds [88] | Washington D.C. | 1970 | 2024 | Scott Ginn | |
Arlington Soccer | |||||
McLean Soccer [89] | McLean, Virginia | 2024 | Nadir Moumen | ||
UK F.C. [90] | Richmond, Virginia | 2024 | |||
Washington Dutch Lions FC [49] | Washington, D.C. | 2021 | 2021 | Michel Vanderhart | |
Lone Star Conference | |||||
Austin Rise FC [91] | Austin, Texas | House Park Stadium | 2023 | 2023 | Tom Krall |
Classics Elite SA | San Antonio, Texas | ||||
Futbolera Select [92] | Houston, Texas | 2019 | 2024 | ||
Houston Aces [93] | Houston, Texas | Albion Campbell Road | 2012 | 2012 | Jonathan Giraldo |
San Antonio Runners [94] | San Antonio, Texas | 2024 | |||
SouthStar FC [95] | Addison, Texas | 2019 | 2019 | Casey Loyd | |
Southeast Conference | |||||
865 Alliance [96] | Knoxville, Tennessee | 2023 | 2023 | Laban Defriese | |
Atlanta Fire United [97] | Duluth, Georgia | Notre Dame Turf Field | 2023 | 2023 | Domenic Martelli |
Chattanooga FC [98] | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Finley Stadium | 2014 | 2014 | Randy Douglas |
Decatur FC [99] | Atlanta, Georgia | 2024 | |||
FC Birmingham Women [100] | Birmingham, Alabama | 2023 | 2023 | ||
FC Nashville Wolves [101] | Nashville, Tennessee | 2013 | 2021 | ||
Georgia Impact [102] | |||||
Nashville Rhythm F.C. [103] | Nashville, Tennessee | Giacosa Stadium | 2017 | 2017 | Scott Davidson |
UFA Gunners [104] | Atlanta, Georgia | 2010 | 2024 | ||
Sunshine Conference | |||||
Sunshine Division | |||||
AGC Football [105] | Miami, Florida | 2014 | 2024 | Mariano Trovato | |
Cape Coral Cyclones [106] | Cape Coral, Florida | CAPE CORAL SPORTS COMPLEX | Bajro Dizdarevic | ||
Dade County Football Club [107] | Miami, Florida | 2023 | 2024 | ||
FC Prime | Sunrise, Florida | Russ Morgan | |||
Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC [49] | Fort Myers, Florida | Paradise Coast Sports Complex | 2015 | 2015 | Katie Bond |
Fusion FC [108] | Miami, Florida | ||||
Jacksonville Armada FC [109] | Jacksonville, Florida | 2014 | 2024 | ||
Seminole Ice [110] | Sanford, Florida | ||||
West Florida Flames [111] | Tarpon Springs, Florida | Jamie McGuinness | |||
East Region | |||||
Great Lakes Conference | |||||
Great River Conference | |||||
Ambassadors Cleveland [112] | Cleveland, Ohio | 2021 | Caleb Fortune | ||
Beadling Soccer Club [113] | Bridgeville, Pennsylvania | Matt Fonagy | |||
Columbus Eagles FC [114] | Columbus, Ohio | Crew Stadium | 2014 | 2014 | Matt Ogden |
Corktown WFC [115] | Detroit, Michigan | 2022 | 2024 | Aaron Roy | |
Greater Toledo FC [116] | Toledo, Ohio | 1996 | 2024 | Danny Fisher | |
Lake Erie Division | |||||
BC United [117] | Binghamton, New York | 2017 | 2024 | Paul Marco | |
Cleveland Ambassadors [112] | 2017 | ||||
Erie FC [118] | Erie, Pennsylvania | ||||
Niagara 1812 [119] | Buffalo, New York | 2024 | Lucio Ianiero | ||
RNY FC [120] | Rochester, New York | RNY FC Soccer Complex | 2023 | 2023 | Katrin Kaarna |
Metropolitan Conference | |||||
Brooklyn City F.C. [121] | Brooklyn, New York | Aviator Sports and Events Center | 2021 | 2021 | Kim Wyant |
Downtown United Soccer Club [122] | New York, New York | Poly Prep | Paul O'Donnell | ||
New York Athletic Club [123] | Pelham Manor, New York | New York Athletic Club | 2006 | 2006 | Juan Gatti |
New York Dutch Lions FC [49] | Brooklyn, New York | Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus | 2016 | 2017 | Rogier Schultz |
NJ Wizards SC [124] | |||||
STA [125] | Randolph, New Jersey | 2005 | 2005 | Kelly Sims | |
SUSA FC [126] | Central Islip, New York | 2001 | 2001 | JR Bazlarini & Nicholas Flaim | |
Mid-Atlantic Conference | |||||
Colonial Division | |||||
Delaware Ospreys [127] | Frederica, Delaware | Joe Brown | |||
Fever SC [128] | Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania | Bob Wilkinson | |||
Penn Fusion SA [129] | West Chester, Pennsylvania | West Chester Rustin High School | 2016 | 2016 | Susan Barr |
Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals - Liberty [130] | |||||
Real Central NJ [131] | Trenton, New Jersey | Rider University | 2020 | 2021 | Brian Thomsen |
SJEB FC [132] | Sicklerville, New Jersey | 2021 | 2021 | Christos Economopoulos & John Thompson | |
West-Mont United [133] | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 1976 | 2024 | Daniel Clitnovici | |
Commonwealth Division | |||||
Hershey FC [134] | Hershey, Pennsylvania | ||||
Hex FC Tempest | |||||
Keystone FC [135] | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | 1980 | 2024 | ||
LVU Rush | Quakertown, Pennsylvania | ||||
PA Classics [136] | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | 2022 | 2022 | Todd Hoffard | |
Reading United A.C. [137] | Reading, Pennsylvania | 2023 | 2023 | Thomas Gosselin | |
Northeastern Conference | |||||
Clarkstown Soccer Club [138] | New City, New York | Daniel Samimi | |||
Force FC New York [139] | |||||
Merrimack Valley Hawks FC [140] | Boston, Massachusetts | 2024 | |||
New York Shockers [141] | Albany, NY | Kurtis Smith | |||
Rhode Island Rogues [142] | Bristol, Rhode Island | Roger Williams University | Brandon Iannelli |
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