Arizona United Arizona United Soccer Club to compete in the USL PRO Western Conference in 2015

USL PRO split into 12-team Eastern and Western Conferences.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Wednesday, January 21, 2015) – With the addition of 13 expansion franchises, bringing the total number of teams in the USL PRO to 24 for the 2015 season, USL PRO announced on Wednesday a two-conference alignment with Arizona United SC competing in the Western Conference.

“Conference realignment creates regional rivalries that will be a key point in the growth of our team and the league in Arizona,” said Arizona United SC owner Kyle Eng. “Competing against teams in our geographical area allows our fans to attend matches where they can identify with our opponents.”

Teams will face each of their conference opponents in a home-and-home series during the 28-game regular-season schedule in 2015. The remaining six matches will be played against geographic rivals from either conference.

USL PRO has experienced unprecedented growth in four years. The league was East Coast heavy in its early years with only one team west of the Mississippi in 2012. That number increased to five in 2014 and has now ballooned to 12 for the 2015 season.

2015 Western Conference (12): Arizona United SC, Austin Aztex, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, LA Galaxy II, OKC Energy FC, Orange County Blues FC, Portland Timbers 2, Real Monarchs SLC, Sacramento Republic FC, Seattle Sounders FC 2, Tulsa Roughnecks FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

2015 Eastern Conference (12): Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, FC Montreal, Harrisburg City Islanders, Louisville City FC, New York Red Bulls, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Rochester Rhinos, Saint Louis FC, Toronto FC II, Wilmington Hammerheads FC

This year, 12 teams will qualify for the single-elimination playoffs, up from eight in 2014. Six teams from each conference will qualify for the playoffs with the top two teams receiving a first-round bye. Teams seeded three though six will square off against each other in the first round, with the winning teams advancing in each round. All matches will be played at the higher seeded club.

Arizona United SC wrapped up its inaugural campaign in September, and enjoyed a productive first season. Arizona United SC finished one position shy of a playoff berth, and became the first team from Arizona to advance to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. The club averaged 2,300 fans per home match.

For full season tickets prices, call the Arizona United Soccer Club front office at 623-594-9606 or email info@arizonaunited.com. Season tickets start as low as $178, or only $12 per game.

About Arizona United Soccer Club:

Arizona United Soccer Club was established in 2014 and is the only professional soccer team in the state of Arizona. Arizona United SC competes in the USL PRO, which is the strongest, best operated and most experienced North American men’s professional soccer league below MLS, both on and off the field. Stay up to date with latest Arizona United SC news by visiting the team’s website at arizonaunited.com. Like the team on Facebook at facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer and follow all the action on Twitter @AZUnitedSC.