USL Dallas Announces Plans to Bring Professional Soccer to Garland

The United Soccer League and the City of Garland are thrilled to announce the introduction of North Texas' newest professional soccer team. USL Dallas will be part of the United Soccer League (USL) Championship. USL Dallas joins the largest and fastest-growing professional soccer organization in the nation, adding to a lineup of 24 teams, with more in development. The latest expansion team is set to bring high-level competition, community engagement and exciting entertainment to Garland and the region.

A Vision Born from Lifelong Friendship and a Love for Soccer

USL Dallas, a USL Championship club sanctioned as a men's Division II professional team by the U.S. Soccer Federation, is a dream come true for co-founders Matt Valentine and Sam Morton who met on a local soccer field as children.

Together with founders Luther Ott and Dan McAlone, they aim to create not only a competitive sports franchise, but a community-driven team dedicated to empowering young athletes, fostering youth development and bringing the North Texas community together through the power of soccer.

"This is a dream come true for us," said Valentine, Chairman and Co-Founder of USL Dallas. "We're committed to using this team as a platform to give back to the community, inspire young athletes, and foster a new level of excitement and unity across North Texas." The Dallas-based entrepreneur has more than 25 years in corporate finance, capital markets and investment strategy, and will be leading the club's strategic direction across business and sporting operations.

Morton, a long-time radio executive, will serve as the Chief Commercial Officer to lead the development of the club's business operations, including marketing, communications, sponsorship, merchandising and ticketing. "Soccer is the most exciting and most-watched sport in the world," he said. "My goal is to establish a lasting legacy for soccer in North Texas, and I want USL Dallas to be the top choice for soccer fans in the region."

A Partnership to Benefit the Community

USL Dallas has partnered with the City of Garland to establish a team that will bring new economic growth and entertainment to the city and the surrounding North Texas area. This partnership reflects a shared vision of creating a lasting impact through sport, community events and local engagement.

"In Garland, we want to provide the best quality of life for our residents and visitors - a destination for all to live, work and play," Mayor Scott LeMay said. "We feel confident this opportunity will not only bring unforgettable experiences, but also drive future economic growth and create connections across the community and metroplex."

Garland is a vibrant and diverse community where soccer is more than a game - it's a reflection of the city's rich cultural mosaic. From the Garland Soccer Association, recently celebrating 50 years, to community clubs like Vietnam United Football Club, soccer has long brought together residents of all backgrounds, uniting them through a shared love for the sport. As Garland continues its exciting transformation, the City aims to become a premier entertainment and experience hub for eastern DFW, making it an ideal location for USL Dallas. More development plans will be shared in the coming months as Garland welcomes this new chapter with enthusiasm and ambition.

USL Dallas invites fans to stay connected and join the journey as we build toward our first game in 2027. For more information and updates, visit usldallas.com

ABOUT UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. This structure includes three men's leagues: the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III) and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women's pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country's leading pre-professional women's league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition. With multiyear national and international media rights agreements across various platforms including CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country.

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