Less than a month after the United Soccer League announced plans to develop a new third-division league, the USL’s Division III expansion team – led by USL Division III Vice President Steven Short – visited potential markets in the southeast.

From April 25-May 3, Short traveled to five cities in the region, starting in Lexington, Kentucky, and ending in Columbia, South Carolina. He visited Knoxville, Tennessee, for two days and also traveled to Ashville, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina.

“Each city impressed me in different ways,” Short told USLD3.com. “However, the consistent message throughout the entire trip was the growth occurring in each market. Populations are increasing at tremendous rates, tourism continues to increase and the desire for more entertainment options continues to drive development of facilities.”