While the advent of the Galaxy II provided a boost for that organization, a broader benefit of the USL’s growth has been the expanded playing opportunities now available for the top young players in the United States and Canada.

The U.S. U20 National Team currently preparing for the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea, which kicks off on Saturday, includes nine players who have seen action in the USL, while the U17 National Team that advanced to the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year in India included five players who have competed in the league. Add in the number of Canadian U20 players competing consistently in the league, as well as top Academy players across both countries, and the framework the USL offers for the sport as a whole is evident.

“If we have the right development ladder, we’re going to see players from all parts of the country – from our academy programs to your national youth team programs – eventually be elevated to the senior national team,” said Arena. “We see now there are great opportunities, and a great platform for all of our young players. It speaks volumes of the development of the USL, the academy programs in Major League Soccer, and for Major League Soccer as well.”

With North American soccer officials now looking at where the sport could move into the next decade, there’s certainly a very bright future ahead.

“I think we’re making great progress with the sport in our country, and we’re excited about perhaps hosting a World Cup again in 2026,” said Arena. “The sport in our country has grown tremendously, and we should be real proud of where we are in 2017.”