Ryan Hodek

Sources: Liga MX set to reinstate pro-rel system Liga MX will announce on Thursday the return of the promotion and relegation system for next year, following a Court of Arbitration for Sport decision that ends a six-season suspension, sources told E...

Big news here from ESPN colleagues @lizzybecherano.bsky.social & Omar Flores

Liga MX is set to reinstate promotion and relegation with the conditions of the format and date of return to be announced soon by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, sources confirmed to ESPN

www.espn.com/soccer/story...

Valor Nash takes a closer look at the tactical side of Sacramento’s defeat in El Paso over the weekend, breaking down the decisions, adjustments, and key moments that shaped the outcome of the match.

If you're going to call up a goalkeeper from a second-tier league, it should be @sacrepublicfc.com's Danny Vitiello.

Danny Vitiello (2024-25): 51GP, 74% save pct., 10.41 Goals Prevented, fearsome beard
Jonathan Klinsmann (2024-25): 28GP, 69.4% save pct. 2.0 Goals Prevented, no beard

#USL-C

I took a deep dive into Republic FC’s future. With Wilton Rancheria at the helm, a new stadium on the way, MLS expansion still possible, and USL launching Division One with pro/rel, Sacramento sits at a true crossroads.

When asked about his thoughts after Republic FC’s match in Loudoun, Nick Ross kept it blunt, “These Cup games are just about winning–it doesn’t matter how.”

It wasn’t their best performances but Sacramento move on to the semifinals of the USL Jäegermeister Cup.

This is incredible support in the Bay, I wish I was available to make the trip for this match!

USL’s Division One and the Battle Between Merit and Market When USL owners voted in March 2025 to launch a Division One league with promotion and relegation, they set in motion a transformation that could reshape American soccer.

USL’s vote to launch a Division One league with promotion and relegation could reshape American soccer. But U.S. Soccer’s strict Division One requirements mean it may not be decided by results alone. In my latest piece I look at which clubs are ready, which aren’t, and how this compares to England.

I think truly that USL and its new Pro/Rel structure will offer the fans better competition than MLS. Owners look at MLS as a better investment as it guarantees a return even if you’re a mid-table team who never wins a trophy.

I don’t disagree, i’ve been very vocal about my support of staying in the USL. I feel the league does a much better job of growing the sport for the better in this country based on merit rather than money.

The assumption was today was about USL and its new Division One league.

But when you look at the details:
- Configurable capacity to 15k for USL
- Expandable to 20k for MLS
- Ownership courting more investment

…it’s clear: Sacramento is still building with MLS in mind.

The price tag? $217M total — fully privately financed. No taxpayer burden, no city subsidies. Exactly the kind of stability and commitment MLS looks for.

The stadium was announced as 12,000 seats with a Phase 2 expansion to 20,000.

But it’s designed to be reconfigured to 15,000 — enough to meet USL Division One standards without expansion.

That leaves the 20,000-seat expansion option untouched… maybe reserved for a future MLS push.

Wilton Rancheria’s majority stake was historic as the first Native American nation to lead a men’s pro sports team.

What wasn’t highlighted: they’ve been speaking with other California tribes about joining as investors — if MLS becomes a reality.

When Republic FC announced a new stadium + Wilton Rancheria ownership, most assumed it was only about USL’s new Division One league.

But today’s groundbreaking shows something else: MLS is potentially back in the picture.

With everything USL is doing to grow the sport, I am hoping for the team to remain in the league and lead the USL D1.

New Logo. New Look. Same Bird. Slightly more serious.

Matches to Watch This Week While Republic FC Rests With Sacramento Republic FC off this week, attention shifts to a packed USL Championship schedule that could have major implications for the Western Conference standings.

With Sacramento Republic FC off this week, attention shifts to a packed USL Championship schedule that could have major implications for the Western Conference standings.