Kranjc has been impressed with how far the sport has come since his playing days, noting the numerous options available to high-level players in the States today compared to those in years past. That is especially true in the Southeast, he says, as recent USL expansion into cities such as Nashville and Birmingham is giving players and fans in the region access to top-level soccer right in their backyard.

“I think it comes down to opportunities for these players because there are so many college players and players out there that maybe not all the time get those opportunities, and this [USL DIII] just provides another avenue but also provides more development for the game in our country,” Kranjc said.

“Now that we have the USL teams and the players that are playing within it – I went to an Orlando City B vs. Saint Louis, and the quality of that was great. You look at Cincy and the crowds they are getting and now Nashville coming into the mix. Now that you are adding in another layer, you are only developing the game, developing more professionals, developing these clubs. It will help grow the game in the States and get more people excited about the game in their community.”

Increasing excitement about the game, uniting those fans with a professional experience and providing opportunities for talented players across the nation is what Kranjc belives the USL’s DIII can provide. And, according to the Head Coach, it’s about time.

“When you look at other countries across the world, they have these leagues in place,” he said. “I had a player out of Hastings College play in Division III in Germany. He was able to prolong his career and have the opportunity to get promoted at one point and even had an opportunity to play in the league’s cup – with that opportunity he got to play against Frieburg, which was in the Bundesliga. So that gave him a chance to potentially find his way onto a first-team roster.”

And those are the opportunities Kranjc is eager to see more of in the U.S., as the USL’s DIII prepares to kick off in 2019.