Structure of US men's professional soccer leagues
There are three professional leagues of soccer teams sanctioned by the Professional Division of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF or U.S. Soccer). The top level league is Major League Soccer, (MLS). The A-League is a 2nd division league and the USL Pro Soccer League is a 3rd division league. The A-League and USL Pro Soccer are part of the United Soccer Leagues (USL).
Since 1914 there has been a domestic cup championship, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Major League Soccer (a 1st division league)
A-League (2nd division)
USL Pro Soccer League (3rd division)
Women's professional soccer in the US
The pro division of U.S. Soccer first sanctioned a 1st-division women's league in 2001. However, due to overwhelming debts, it ceased operations on September 15, 2003 after 3 seasons in the league.
Women's United Soccer Association (1st division pro)
United Soccer Leagues -- W-League (2nd division pro)
External Links
(to official websites)
(to unofficial websites)