Saint Louis FC Announces Chicago Fire as MLS Affiliate
Published on January 16, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Saint Louis FC News Release
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Saint Louis Football Club has finalized an affiliate partnership with the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS).
"We're excited to partner with Saint Louis FC as our USL PRO affiliate," Chicago Fire Technical Director Brian Bliss said. "St. Louis is a city with a rich soccer history, and has a tradition of producing many talented players. This partnership not only broadens our reach in the Midwest, but it also allows our players to gain valuable playing time and continue to develop in a competitive environment."
In 2013, USL PRO entered into a multi-year partnership with MLS that features individual team affiliations and the opportunity for MLS clubs to field a second team in USL PRO.
As part of the partnership, the Fire will send players to Saint Louis FC on loan, with the option to recall them at any point during the loan. In addition, the two clubs will collaborate on scouting initiatives.
"The partnership between MLS and USL PRO represents an exciting time in the development of soccer in this country," Saint Louis FC General Manager Jeremy Alumbaugh said. "Having an affiliation with the Fire allows us to provide our players with a gateway to the highest level of soccer in the U.S. Working with (Head Coach and Director of Soccer) Frank Yallop, Brian Bliss, and the rest of Chicago's technical staff is something that will help us as we prepare for 2015 and beyond."
The Fire will begin its 18th MLS season in 2015. The club competes at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. For more information on the Fire, visit the club's official website.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 16, 2015
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- Saint Louis FC Announces Chicago Fire as MLS Affiliate - Saint Louis FC
- Orange County Blues FC Conclude Training Camp Friday - Orange County SC
- Hammerheads Announce MLS Affiliation - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Kickers and Garner Agree to Terms - Richmond Kickers
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