The PDL, the preeminent developmental league for professional soccer in the U.S. and Canada, will kick off its 26th season on Saturday, May 2nd as 64 teams will compete for the opportunity to be crowned champion. With 58 of the league’s alumni selected in the recent MLS SuperDraft, the top players from throughout the U.S. and Canada will once again flock to the PDL in the coming months in the hopes of improving their professional aspirations.
Ten PDL clubs will once again be operated by or affiliated with MLS and USL PRO organizations, including longtime PDL powers the Chicago Fire U-23, the Portland Timbers U-23s, and Seattle Sounders FC U23.
“We expect 2015 to be the most exciting season in PDL history,” PDL Senior Director Todd Eason said. “There have been several important changes, including creating the largest division in the league with the 10-team Mid-Atlantic, which is packed with some of the most successful clubs in the Eastern Conference. We have also added two more teams in Florida that will continue to strengthen the emerging Southeast Division, and adding Calgary Foothills FC to the Northwest will only complement what is already one of the strongest divisions in the entire league.
“We have seen many upgrades this year, but nothing is more impressive than continuing to see elite clubs – such as the Lehigh Valley United Sonic - make the step up to the PDL. That is why it continues to be the most competitive amateur league in North America.”
PDL clubs will play 12- or 14-game schedules in 2015, half home and half away. Besides the Dayton Dutch Lions FC, other new teams joining for the 2015 season include Burlingame Dragons FC, Calgary Foothills FC, the Charlotte Eagles, the FC Miami City Champions, the Lehigh Valley United Sonic, New York, Palm Beach Suns F.C., and TFC Academy.
The Dayton Dutch Lions FC will start their season at home on May 21st, against Canadian club Forrest City London, with kick off set at 7.30pm and close the regular season on July 18th against 2014 PDL Champion, the Michigan Bucks in Michigan.
Please click here for a full Dayton Dutch Lions FC 2015 PDL Schedule
YouTube Live will once again serve as the official video platform for the PDL in 2015. Live games from throughout the league as well as team highlights and weekly league videos will provide fans a front-row seat during the season.
The top U23 men’s league in North America, the PDL is the destination league for college-aged players to continue their development toward the professional ranks with clubs from across North America not only competing for a championship each summer, but also providing the opportunity for top-level competition for the best players in the college ranks. The PDL has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.