Sports

Why USL2 is the Coolest Soccer League in the USA

Published

3 years ago

May 21, 2022

Soccer continues to grow in popularity in the USA. The most obvious signs of this are in the MLS (Major League Soccer), which has expanded to 28 teams, with two more franchises scheduled to join by 2023. New teams such as LAFC, Austin FC, and Charlotte FC, who broke the MLS attendance record in their first game, have been well received by their local communities. In addition, they have helped to raise the profile of the sport with some clever branding and community engagement.

Cult following

The MLS has also picked up many new fans from abroad. The creation of fan groups, inspired by European “Ultras”, has resulted in a unique atmosphere. At first, this seemed manufactured, but it has taken on a life of its own. Many MLS teams are adopted by the local Hispanic communities, but they have also gained popularity amongst the LGBT communities, with rainbow pride flags now a regular feature in stadiums across the country.

Community spirit

However, it’s not just the Major League that has developed a cult following. In the lower leagues, there are some incredible soccer communities developing. The USL2 (United Soccer League Two) is a hotbed of cult teams, cool branding, and community spirit.

One such team is the Minneapolis City Soccer Club. The club is known as the Crows, and this is reflected in their logo, which was on a shortlist of five in a vote for the best crest in the league. Their Citizens support group are among the most loyal in the division and their groundbreaking soccer shirts are sought by collectors across the globe. The community-run club previously competed in the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League), winning the North Conference in 2018, 2019, and 2021. They stepped up to the USL2 in 2022.

A new look for West Virginia

Another new name to appear in 2021 was West Virginia United, which reached the conference playoffs. West Virginia has always lacked any major league sports teams but has a thriving college sports scene. It is also becoming a major destination for sports and casino gambling in the east of the country thanks to its five West Virginia online casinos, which offer online sports wagering. This growth in the gambling sector is expected to have a knock-on effect on the sports scene as more revenue is generated in the region. Like Minneapolis, West Virginia has also nailed their branding with a super cool logo that pays pay homage to the blue ridge mountains. The rebranding coincided with a kit deal with major sports brand Puma.

The ink has yet to dry but we are incredibly excited about this one! We have penned our new apparel partnership with @PUMA !! We couldn’t have imagined a better partner to display our badge and colors #WVUTD ??⚪️ pic.twitter.com/MiBWqsvUVx

— West Virginia United (@wvutd) May 7, 2021

The team began life as West Virginia Chaos in 2003 before merging with the youth teams of Charleston FC and Fury Soccer Club to form West Virginia Alliance FC in 2018. They joined USL2 in 2019 and it is hoped that the latest change of name will be permanent as the club looks to provide a stable first-team environment in the fourth tier of the US soccer, as well as a development team in the USL Academy system.

Cool branding

Surprisingly, West Virginia United did not make the final shortlist for the best new crest in the USL2 poll. Nonetheless, they were up against some stiff competition, most notably, winners One Knoxville SC who made a brilliant video to show how their crest was designed.

Magic behind the crest! pic.twitter.com/7nnZNadUOF

— One Knoxville SC (@OneKnoxSC) August 19, 2021

Other teams featured in the vote were Louisiana-based Blue Goose SC, Ballard FC of Washington, and Vermont Green FC, but these teams are about more than just branding.

In the tier above (USL1), there are also some cult clubs including Forward Madison FC, the self-styled “world’s second favorite team.” They made an instant impact after launching in 2019 thanks to their smart social media work and colorful kit designs, but it is USL2 that is leading the way in the fast-growing world of cult community soccer clubs.

Sports

Professional basketball player Kévin Noulowe is close to finalizing a million-dollar sponsorship deal with the Bioscience Stem Cell Institute of Dubai

Published

3 months ago

February 27, 2025

Jonathan Grilli

Kévin Noulowe, a 6’10” professional basketball player, is close to finalizing a million-dollar sponsorship deal with the Bioscience Stem Cell Institute of Dubai, a partnership that could redefine the way athletes and individuals suffering from chronic pain approach healing and recovery.

The star basketball player is known for his athleticism, strength, and dominance on the court but is also known for having to battle injuries throughout his career. Noulowe is turning his attention to regenerative medicine, advocating for stem cell therapy as a breakthrough alternative to invasive surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation. With his towering presence in the sports world, Noulowe aims to bring awareness to the transformative potential of stem cell treatments, particularly for athletes, aging individuals, and those struggling with debilitating conditions.

Stem cell therapy, a rapidly advancing field of regenerative medicine, has gained attention for its ability to repair damaged tissues, accelerate healing, and reduce inflammation without the risks and downtime associated with traditional surgeries. Noulowe, who has seen firsthand how injuries can impact a player’s career, believes this treatment could offer a game-changing solution for athletes looking to recover faster and stay in peak condition.

Beyond the world of sports, Noulowe envisions a broader impact. His partnership with the Dubai-based stem cell institute is driven by a mission to help people across all walks of life—newborns, women, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic pain—access cutting-edge medical advancements that have the potential to restore mobility and improve quality of life.

The deal, while not yet officially signed, is in its final stages, with both parties working toward an agreement that will see Noulowe leverage his platform to promote stem cell awareness on a global scale. His advocacy comes at a time when regenerative medicine is gaining traction as a viable alternative to conventional treatments, with research showing promising results in pain management, injury recovery, and long-term health improvement.

For professional athletes, the implications are significant. Instead of relying on surgeries that can sideline careers and come with long-term consequences, players could turn to regenerative treatments that offer quicker recovery and potentially longer playing careers. Noulowe sees this as an opportunity to introduce a new era in sports medicine, where cutting-edge treatments replace outdated methods of rehabilitation.

While the details of the partnership are still being finalized, Noulowe remains committed to raising awareness and making regenerative medicine more accessible. His vision extends beyond basketball, as he seeks to create a lasting impact on how people worldwide approach healing and recovery.

As discussions near completion, anticipation is growing around what this collaboration could mean for the future of stem cell therapy in both the medical and athletic communities. Noulowe’s influence, combined with scientific advancements in regenerative medicine, has the potential to change the way injuries and chronic pain are treated—ushering in a new frontier of healing.