Coming off a breakthrough season that included the franchise’s first playoff appearance, St. Louis FC has been busy this offseason, looking to build on last summer’s success.

“The challenge, as always, is to move forward and to get better,” coach Anthony Pulis said. “But that’s not going to be easy. This league gets stronger and more competitive every year and it’s important that we’re prepared for that.”

Pulis acknowledged that talk of Major League Soccer possibly coming to St. Louis has added to the excitement surrounding STLFC. But that will not affect this team or its upcoming season.

“In general, I think people are excited about the possibility of MLS coming and about soccer overall,” he said. “But no one knows when or if that’s going to happen. For us, it’s business as usual. Our focus is completely on our season and making sure we’re as prepared as possible.”

Founded in 1986, the rebranded United Soccer League will bring the sport to more than 100 markets this summer with three leagues — USL Championship, USL League One and the USL League 2, formerly known as the Premier Development League.