USL League Two Commits to Scouting Network Development
USL League Two will expand its scouting network in 2019 in order to provide top prospects with a clear pathway to the professional ranks.
League Two has been the professional development platform for countless players throughout the league’s history. More than 70 percent of all MLS SuperDraft selections since 2010 have League Two experience, including a record 66 alumni chosen in 2018.
USL Soccer News: As the league’s 25th season starts this May, USL League Two has announced the expansion of its USL Scouting Network.
Now an integral aspect of the league’s Path2Pro initiative, the USL Scouting Network has utilized the insight and knowledge of scouts across League Two clubs since its inception in 2015.
This season, the USL Scouting Network will feature 25 scouts from across the United States and Canada.
Four Conference Directors have been appointed to represent each region for the 2019 League Two season. The selected directors include SC United Bantams’ Lee Morris (Eastern Conference), Alan McCann of Reading United AC (Southern Conference), Des Moines Menace’s Mark McKeever (Western Conference) and Portland Timbers U23’s Aaron Lewis (Central Conference).
“I am very excited to be partnering with the USL to help locate and promote the next generation of professionals coming through our league,” said Lewis. “League Two does an excellent job of developing and pushing its players to reach new heights, and I and thrilled to be involved deeper in that process starting this summer.”
While the Scouting Network serves a valuable role in identifying top players throughout the league, the program will include monthly reports sent directly to coaches and scouts at the professional level.
“USL League Two provides a pathway for a professional soccer career for many young players,” said Morris. “To be part of the USL Scouting Network team that helps players achieve their dreams is an incredible honor, and one I’m excited to be a part of.”
The Scouting Network implements a direct connection with clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS), the USL Championship and USL League One, which enhances the pathway for players to reach the professional level.
“The USL Scouting Network is a massive benefit to the league as it serves as the main source for talent identification within USL League Two,” said Jason Collister, Operations & Technical Development Director. “This network provides us with the opportunity to identify and develop the talent within our league and provide players the pathway to USL League One, the USL Championship, Major League Soccer, and U.S. Soccer’s National Team programs.”
The USL League Two regular season takes place from early May to mid-July. Each team plays a 14-match schedule in conferences with three divisions. Playoffs occur in late July, and the League Two Championship is held in early August.
