USL News

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – On Wednesday, Principal Owner Peter B. Freund and team President Craig Unger announced that Tim Howard has signed to play for Memphis 901 FC in the 2020 USL Championship Season, pending league and federation approval.

On signing his contract Howard said, “Since my retirement in October, my obsession for football has grown. The desire to win continues to drive me. I love to play and I love to compete, this gives me the opportunity to do both.”

Howard will assume multiple roles at 901 FC, combining his position as both minority owner and sporting director with his new responsibilities as a player.

 “As both an owner and our Sporting Director, Tim’s deep desire to win, driven by outworking the competition, is what has come to define 901 FC’s culture,” said Freund. “Today's announcement, that Tim will represent the city of Memphis as our goalkeeper, shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who understands the fire that still burns inside of him.”

Head Coach Tim Mulqueen believes that this sentiment will extend to the rest of the squad; “When he’s in the locker room as a player, he will act as a player. His focus is only going to be on winning. There will be very clear lines that the players will recognize.” said Head Coach Tim Mulqueen.

Howard’s decision to come out of retirement comes from his passion for Memphis. He wants to represent this city and help soccer grow here. He said, “I’ve made a commitment to the City and people of Memphis to build a perennial playoff team. One whose goal continues to be lifting the Eastern Conference trophy and ultimately bringing the USL Cup to AutoZone Park.”

Howard began his career in MLS with the New York MetroStars, before moving on to the Premier League and amassing 399 league appearances for Manchester United and Everton. During this time, he collected 121 caps for the USMNT and appeared at three World Cups – most notably in 2014 against Belgium – where he notched a record 16 saves.

Fans will have their first chance to see Howard take the field this Saturday at 6 p.m. as the team opens their season at AutoZone Park. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.memphis901fc.com/tickets or by calling (901) 721-6000.

Memphis 901 FC hopes to build on a successful inaugural season where they averaged over 6,500 fans per game—the ninth highest attendance in the league, second among expansion teams.

For the latest information on the team, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To secure season tickets for the 2020 season, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com/seasontickets or call a 901 FC representative at (901) 721-6000.

About Memphis 901 FC
Memphis 901 FC is an American professional soccer team embarking on its second season in the United Soccer League Championship. 901 FC, led by Principal Owner Peter Freund, Minority Owner Tim Howard, President Craig Unger and Head Coach Tim Mulqueen, represents a market that includes over 8,000 youth soccer players, an established American Outlaws chapter and strong collegiate programs.

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – On Wednesday, Principal Owner Peter B. Freund and team President Craig Unger announced that Tim Howard has signed to play for Memphis 901 FC in the 2020 USL Championship Season, pending league and federation approval.

On signing his contract Howard said, “Since my retirement in October, my obsession for football has grown. The desire to win continues to drive me. I love to play and I love to compete, this gives me the opportunity to do both.”

Howard will assume multiple roles at 901 FC, combining his position as both minority owner and sporting director with his new responsibilities as a player.

 “As both an owner and our Sporting Director, Tim’s deep desire to win, driven by outworking the competition, is what has come to define 901 FC’s culture,” said Freund. “Today’s announcement, that Tim will represent the city of Memphis as our goalkeeper, shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who understands the fire that still burns inside of him.”

Head Coach Tim Mulqueen believes that this sentiment will extend to the rest of the squad; “When he’s in the locker room as a player, he will act as a player. His focus is only going to be on winning. There will be very clear lines that the players will recognize.” said Head Coach Tim Mulqueen.

Howard’s decision to come out of retirement comes from his passion for Memphis. He wants to represent this city and help soccer grow here. He said, “I’ve made a commitment to the City and people of Memphis to build a perennial playoff team. One whose goal continues to be lifting the Eastern Conference trophy and ultimately bringing the USL Cup to AutoZone Park.”

Howard began his career in MLS with the New York MetroStars, before moving on to the Premier League and amassing 399 league appearances for Manchester United and Everton. During this time, he collected 121 caps for the USMNT and appeared at three World Cups – most notably in 2014 against Belgium – where he notched a record 16 saves.

Fans will have their first chance to see Howard take the field this Saturday at 6 p.m. as the team opens their season at AutoZone Park. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.memphis901fc.com/tickets or by calling (901) 721-6000.

Memphis 901 FC hopes to build on a successful inaugural season where they averaged over 6,500 fans per game—the ninth highest attendance in the league, second among expansion teams.

For the latest information on the team, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To secure season tickets for the 2020 season, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com/seasontickets or call a 901 FC representative at (901) 721-6000.

About Memphis 901 FC
Memphis 901 FC is an American professional soccer team embarking on its second season in the United Soccer League Championship. 901 FC, led by Principal Owner Peter Freund, Minority Owner Tim Howard, President Craig Unger and Head Coach Tim Mulqueen, represents a market that includes over 8,000 youth soccer players, an established American Outlaws chapter and strong collegiate programs.

TAMPA, Fla. – The 2020 national broadcast schedule for the USL Championship across ESPN networks was released today featuring 20-plus games on ESPN2, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes in the league’s 10th anniversary season. Coverage runs from March through November and will include 19 regular season games and the 2020 USL Championship Final on ESPN linear television networks.

TAMPA, Fla. – The 2020 national broadcast schedule for the USL Championship across ESPN networks was released today featuring 20-plus games on ESPN2, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes in the league’s 10th anniversary season. Coverage runs from March through November and will include 19 regular season games and the 2020 USL Championship Final on ESPN linear television networks.

The first of seven games on ESPNews takes place the opening weekend of the Championship season, pitting San Diego Loyal SC and Head Coach Landon Donovan against Las Vegas Lights FC and Head Coach Eric Wynalda at Torero Stadium in San Diego as the hosts compete in their first competitive game on Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

As part of the new rights agreement reached between the USL and ESPN this past August, the Championship will have Spanish-language coverage of 10 games on ESPN Deportes, beginning with the Tampa Bay Rowdies hosting Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The league’s ESPN2 coverage kicks off on Wednesday, April 29 when Memphis 901 FC welcomes the Charleston Battery to AutoZone Park before San Diego Loyal SC returns to host El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday, August 12 at 10 p.m. ET.

Overall, more than 590 games from the USL Championship will air on ESPN+, the industry-leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming platform, with coverage beginning on the opening day of the season, Friday, March 6. In addition, ESPN+ will feature more than 170 games from USL League One when its season kicks off on Friday, March 27.

About USL
The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America, possessing nearly a decade of experience in bringing the world’s game to communities across the United States and Canada. Overseeing the USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two, the organization is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 100 clubs in its membership.

Based in Tampa, Fla., the USL has grown over the past decade into a model organization with strong corporate partnerships, stable organizational leadership, and a dedicated staff that provides outstanding support to member clubs and outside partners. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association, the USL is #UnitedForSoccer, moving the game forward in the United States and Canada.

About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 3.5 million subscribers in 18 months, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com. It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.

The first of seven games on ESPNews takes place the opening weekend of the Championship season, pitting San Diego Loyal SC and Head Coach Landon Donovan against Las Vegas Lights FC and Head Coach Eric Wynalda at Torero Stadium in San Diego as the hosts compete in their first competitive game on Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

As part of the new rights agreement reached between the USL and ESPN this past August, the Championship will have Spanish-language coverage of 10 games on ESPN Deportes, beginning with the Tampa Bay Rowdies hosting Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The league’s ESPN2 coverage kicks off on Wednesday, April 29 when Memphis 901 FC welcomes the Charleston Battery to AutoZone Park before San Diego Loyal SC returns to host El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday, August 12 at 10 p.m. ET.

Overall, more than 590 games from the USL Championship will air on ESPN+, the industry-leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming platform, with coverage beginning on the opening day of the season, Friday, March 6. In addition, ESPN+ will feature more than 170 games from USL League One when its season kicks off on Friday, March 27.

About USL
The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America, possessing nearly a decade of experience in bringing the world’s game to communities across the United States and Canada. Overseeing the USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two, the organization is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 100 clubs in its membership.

Based in Tampa, Fla., the USL has grown over the past decade into a model organization with strong corporate partnerships, stable organizational leadership, and a dedicated staff that provides outstanding support to member clubs and outside partners. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association, the USL is #UnitedForSoccer, moving the game forward in the United States and Canada.

About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 3.5 million subscribers in 18 months, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com. It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.

TAMPA, Fla. – On a historic day for the evolution of soccer in North America, the United Soccer League has unveiled a new structure and brand identity for each of its top three leagues ahead of the 2019 season.

“Today’s announcement comes at the dawn of an exciting new era for our sport,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “The USL has spent the past eight years transforming our league to meet the evolving needs of our team owners, players, coaches, fans and partners. We have established our place in the U.S. soccer landscape while blazing the trail for professional soccer’s future by introducing a new third division, completing the nation’s professional soccer structure.

“We are bringing three leagues under one central brand that will uniquely represent the USL’s vision for the future and give rise to local passion in new cities currently without professional soccer. The new brand and logos are inspiring and convey a new direction. They are innovative and modern and tell a story but more importantly, refuse to let others define us. The USL will now be modelled after a tried and respected international structure. One central brand, three leagues: USL Championship – the pinnacle of competition; USL League One– the foundation of professional soccer; and, USL League Two – the Path to Pro.

“We are repositioning the competition under MLS with a new strategy, new names and logos,” concluded Papadakis. “As we look to the future, the USL is ready to put its fingerprints on U.S. Soccer’s drive toward becoming the best in the world, and its pursuit of winning a FIFA Men’s World Cup.”

The new structure and branding will go into effect in advance of the 2019 season, at which point the USL will also unveil a modernized league website in order to showcase new, engaging digital content and help to better tell the organization’s story as it continues to push the limits of what is possible for professional soccer in North America.

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

The USL’s new corporate logo symbolizes the growth of professional soccer in North America, incorporating 13 stripes to represent the U.S. flag. The blue letters pay homage to the league’s past while the new, modern logo and the white sphere represents a soccer ball in motion – propelling our sport forward into the future.

USL CHAMPIONSHIP

The pinnacle of competition – the USL Championship features a new gold design and represents the ultimate goal for players, coaches, fans and communities, all of whom aspire for excellence both on and off the field.

The USL Championship is one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world, reaching a population of more than 84 million across more than 35 markets in 2019, and fueling the growth of the game across North America. At its core, the Championship is community. It’s the commitment of passionate and financially secure owners and talented players to embrace their hometowns, to create opportunity and to grow together through the beautiful game.

USL LEAGUE ONE

The foundation of professional soccer – USL League One makes its mark with a vibrant, colorful identity, as it gears up for its debut in the 2019 season with league leadership and ownership that will forge a unique identity – driven by determination, unity and inspiration.

League One brings discovery – delivering professional soccer to communities without a team, offering the first chance for new fans to dance and sing for 90 minutes, to fall more in love with the game every single week. League One also provides the opportunity and the first step in the professional ranks for players and coaches yearning to climb and pursue their dreams.

USL LEAGUE TWO

The #Path2Pro – the PDL will become USL League Two – the elite pre-professional tier in North American soccer and the established developmental platform for U-23 and collegiate players, fans and communities.

Maintaining its heritage with a bold, red logo, League Two will continue to forge the game’s future, delivering the first taste of premier competition in an authentic national soccer environment with a hyper-local focus. It is the gateway to stardom for those who prove they belong and have the desire to advance into the professional ranks, providing more than 70 percent of players selected in the MLS SuperDraft over the past eight years.

ABOUT THE UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America, possessing nearly a decade of experience in bringing the world’s game to communities across the United States and Canada. Overseeing the USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two, the organization is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 100 clubs in its membership.

Based in Tampa, Fla., the USL has grown over the past decade into a model organization with strong corporate partnerships, stable organizational leadership, and a dedicated staff that provide outstanding support to member clubs and outside partners. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association, the USL is #UnitedForSoccer, moving the game forward in the United States and Canada.

TAMPA, Fla. – On a historic day for the evolution of soccer in North America, the United Soccer League has unveiled a new structure and brand identity for each of its top three leagues ahead of the 2019 season.

“Today’s announcement comes at the dawn of an exciting new era for our sport,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “The USL has spent the past eight years transforming our league to meet the evolving needs of our team owners, players, coaches, fans and partners. We have established our place in the U.S. soccer landscape while blazing the trail for professional soccer’s future by introducing a new third division, completing the nation’s professional soccer structure.

“We are bringing three leagues under one central brand that will uniquely represent the USL’s vision for the future and give rise to local passion in new cities currently without professional soccer. The new brand and logos are inspiring and convey a new direction. They are innovative and modern and tell a story but more importantly, refuse to let others define us. The USL will now be modelled after a tried and respected international structure. One central brand, three leagues: USL Championship – the pinnacle of competition; USL League One– the foundation of professional soccer; and, USL League Two – the Path to Pro.

“We are repositioning the competition under MLS with a new strategy, new names and logos,” concluded Papadakis. “As we look to the future, the USL is ready to put its fingerprints on U.S. Soccer’s drive toward becoming the best in the world, and its pursuit of winning a FIFA Men’s World Cup.”

The new structure and branding will go into effect in advance of the 2019 season, at which point the USL will also unveil a modernized league website in order to showcase new, engaging digital content and help to better tell the organization’s story as it continues to push the limits of what is possible for professional soccer in North America.

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

The USL’s new corporate logo symbolizes the growth of professional soccer in North America, incorporating 13 stripes to represent the U.S. flag. The blue letters pay homage to the league’s past while the new, modern logo and the white sphere represents a soccer ball in motion – propelling our sport forward into the future.

USL CHAMPIONSHIP

The pinnacle of competition – the USL Championship features a new gold design and represents the ultimate goal for players, coaches, fans and communities, all of whom aspire for excellence both on and off the field.

The USL Championship is one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world, reaching a population of more than 84 million across more than 35 markets in 2019, and fueling the growth of the game across North America. At its core, the Championship is community. It’s the commitment of passionate and financially secure owners and talented players to embrace their hometowns, to create opportunity and to grow together through the beautiful game.

USL LEAGUE ONE

The foundation of professional soccer – USL League One makes its mark with a vibrant, colorful identity, as it gears up for its debut in the 2019 season with league leadership and ownership that will forge a unique identity – driven by determination, unity and inspiration.

League One brings discovery – delivering professional soccer to communities without a team, offering the first chance for new fans to dance and sing for 90 minutes, to fall more in love with the game every single week. League One also provides the opportunity and the first step in the professional ranks for players and coaches yearning to climb and pursue their dreams.

USL LEAGUE TWO

The #Path2Pro – the PDL will become USL League Two – the elite pre-professional tier in North American soccer and the established developmental platform for U-23 and collegiate players, fans and communities.

Maintaining its heritage with a bold, red logo, League Two will continue to forge the game’s future, delivering the first taste of premier competition in an authentic national soccer environment with a hyper-local focus. It is the gateway to stardom for those who prove they belong and have the desire to advance into the professional ranks, providing more than 70 percent of players selected in the MLS SuperDraft over the past eight years.

ABOUT THE UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America, possessing nearly a decade of experience in bringing the world’s game to communities across the United States and Canada. Overseeing the USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two, the organization is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 100 clubs in its membership.

Based in Tampa, Fla., the USL has grown over the past decade into a model organization with strong corporate partnerships, stable organizational leadership, and a dedicated staff that provide outstanding support to member clubs and outside partners. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association, the USL is #UnitedForSoccer, moving the game forward in the United States and Canada.