TAMPA, Fla. – Leadership from around the USL lauded the United States Soccer Federation’s decision to grant provisional Division 2 status to the league on Friday night, as fans from teams across the league celebrated the award ahead of the 2017 season.

After submitting its application and supporting paperwork to the Federation in early 2015, the league was awarded a landmark decision that supported the USL’s vision to become one of the most globally recognized second division professional soccer leagues. For those that have been integral to the league’s growth and success, the decision was an affirmation of the work by the USL and its ownership groups.

“In this sport, we are judged by our actions and not just our intentions. We are proud to be a part of a group that fulfills their commitments and does right by their clubs and fans," said Sacramento Republic FC President Warren Smith in a statement. "The USL committed to the soccer community they would invest and grow and they have done exactly that. Their vision started at the top and I want to personally thank [USL President] Jake Edwards, [USL Chief Executive Officer] Alec [Papadakis] and the entire USL staff for building one of the most globally recognized second division professional soccer leagues in the world.”