Three new USL Premier Development League (PDL) teams have recently taken root in New England, bringing the total number of PDL teams to seven, plus the Ottawa Fury, who also compete in the Northeast Division. In 2011, the USL had nine divisions to accommodate their 64 PDL teams.
The three new teams, Worcester Hydra FC, Boston Victory SC and Connecticut FC Azul, will join MPS Portland Phoenix, New Hampshire Phantoms, Vermont Voltage and the Western Mass Pioneers. The teams will play 16 games between May and August and are comprised mostly of NCAA college-eligible players, some working towards a pro career.
Phong Le, president of the Worcester Hydras, has said he hopes to advance this PDL team to Division 3 USL PRO within five years and progress to the MLS after that. Currently, the team will play in Foley Stadium.
On December 6, the USL introduced the Boston Victory, who also launched a youth club and also have plans to advance the PDL side to USL PRO. The Victory will play their home games in Quincy, Mass. Sergio Taborda, head coach of Boston Victory, has more than 26 years of soccer experience in professional leagues, playing 15 years in European clubs in Portugal and Germany.
On December 12, the USL announced the addition of Connecticut FC Azul to the PDL and a home field has yet to be established. FC Azul is the only PDL team in Connecticut but already has a successful 70-plus team youth system in place.
The Portland Phoenix are affiliated with NASL FC Tampa Bay as a reserve and feeder club. Read about that here.
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