An official with the United Soccer League’s D3 – professional soccer’s soon-to-be-launched third division – is set to meet with local business leaders on Wednesday.

The goal? To bring professional soccer to Greenville.

“We’re excited about this opportunity,” said Steven Short, vice president of the USL’s newest division. “Greenville is right there at the top of our list.”

Short is scouting cities that meet certain criteria, he said, and Greenville checks all the boxes.

“The list of what we like about Greenville is long,” Short said. “It’s a growing city, a hidden gem, the population is young. It has a global economy. It’s a soccer city. There are 11 college (soccer) programs within 50 miles and South Carolina has over 22,000 registered youth soccer players. There are a lot of elements at play, and there’s already a desire for soccer here.”

At least eight D3 teams are scheduled to begin play in April of 2019.

Short, who made an initial visit to Greenville last spring, says the league will consider three primary factors when determining franchise locations – market size, securing local ownership, and finding a place to play.

Short visited Fluor Field last spring and on Tuesday toured Furman University’s soccer facilities, including Eugene Stone Soccer Stadium. He plans to visit Sirrine Stadium on Wednesday.

“We’re looking at everything that could be an option,” Short said.

Short said the league is looking at 11 markets, including Columbia, Asheville, North Carolina, Lexington, Kentucky, and Knoxville, Tennessee, among others.

No timetable has been set for a decision.

“We’re willing to take the time needed – we don’t want to rush it,” Short said. “We’re using the model that USL has used to make D2 successful. It’s something that is proven, a proven model. We want to put the team in great position from Day 1. When we find the right owner and the right facility it will come off and come off well.”

Short also cited a grassroots movement that indicates support for pro soccer in Greenville, citing a petition at change.org that had collected approximately 800 signatures of support as of Tuesday evening and a supporting Twitter account at @usl2gvl

“There definitely is an interest in pro soccer here,” he said.