Stoppage Time Special: MLS, USL, and Beyond: Making Sense of American Soccer

Pitch to Pro

As the FIFA Club World Cup captivates soccer fans around the globe, it feels like the perfect time to take a step back and revisit one of the most confusing—and often misunderstood—aspects of the beautiful game: how soccer is structured here in the United States. In this Stoppage Time episode of Pitch to Pro, we’ve pulled together highlights from Episode 10 that shed light on the U.S. soccer pyramid, including how Major League Soccer fits into the global game, why promotion and relegation don’t work the same way here, and what it means for young American talent coming through the ranks.

With the Club World Cup spotlighting international club competition, this is a timely refresher on how American soccer clubs position themselves in the broader landscape. Whether you're a diehard supporter or a newcomer trying to make sense of leagues like MLS, USL, NISA, and beyond, this episode offers clarity—and a little history—to help ground your fandom.

We also touch on the development path for players in the U.S., from youth academies and college programs to domestic professional leagues and overseas opportunities. Understanding this system is key not just for fans, but for aspiring players, parents, and even coaches trying to navigate the best route to the pro level.

With a wave of high-profile soccer events coming to the U.S.—including the 2026 World Cup—there’s never been a better moment to deepen your understanding of how soccer works stateside. Consider this your pregame warmup for the years ahead.

Chapters

1. Welcome to Stoppage Time (00:00:00)

2. Major Tournaments Coming to America (00:00:19)

3. Understanding the US Soccer Pyramid (00:02:12)

4. USL Ecosystem and Ozark United FC (00:04:38)

5. Episode Closing and Next Show (00:06:56)