Xtreme Soccer League OKs affiliation with USL

The Xtreme Soccer League and the Ultimate Soccer League have formed a partnership that establishes the USL as a developmental league for the XSL.

Under the deal, Wave Armada, the developmental squad of the XSL's Milwaukee Wave, and Tormenta de Chicago, the developmental squad of the XSL's Chicago Storm, will join the USL for its fall indoor season.

USL players will receive additional exposure to the XSL and its coaches with the aim of identifying and grooming talent capable of playing at the highest level of indoor soccer.

USL also matches serve as a training ground for referees.

The USL All-Stars will play the Milwaukee Wave on July 8 and the Chicago Storm on July 15 in the Summer Soccer Showcase games, which take place at the home arenas of the Wave and Storm, respectively. The Storm plays its games at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.

"We're pleased to accept the Ultimate Soccer League as a developmental partner," said Brian Loftin, commissioner of the Xtreme Soccer League. "The opportunity to not just identify but also cultivate future players and officials for the XSL portends great things on the field, and the partnership is a perfect extension of the XSL's lifestyle brand." "This is a great opportunity for both leagues," said Daniel Castelan, president of the Ultimate Soccer League. "Tormenta and Armada are experienced teams with talented players. We are confident that this partnership will add quality and competency for all teams involved."

The USL launched in February to promote indoor and outdoor soccer in the Midwest. Five Chicagoland teams played the inaugural indoor season: Lake County Tsunami, Inter Chicago, Rockford Victory, Deportivo Indiana and Grand FC Mustangs. Each organization also entered a U16 team. Lake County Tsunami won the first championship over Deportivo Indiana on Sunday, April 26. Cruz Azul Chicago joins the league for the summer season.

For more information, visit ultimatesoccerleague.com and XtremeSL.net.