United Soccer Leagues’ original professional league, the USL Second Division, received official sanctioning Friday of the United States Soccer Federation Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting in New Orleans, marking the league’s 16th season of operation as the Federation’s only Division III Men’s Professional Outdoor League and longest-running professional soccer league in North America.

The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that three-time USL Second Division Goalkeeper of the Year Ronnie Pascale will return for his 11th season with the Kickers in 2010, pending USSF approval. Pascale returns to captain the 2010 squad after leading the Kickers to their second USL-2 Championship title in four years.

"I want to play at the highest possible level," said Gazda. "I will chase the game for a few years no matter where I end up starting from. I’ll continue to do that until I reach the point where I am not learning or growing as a player. "[Pittsburgh is] a team I grew up watching since I was a little kid. I am aiming as high as possible but if that’s where I start out, then I’d be all for playing for my hometown team."

USLsoccer.com continues its look at the best and most influential USL Second Division players of the past decade with number 9 on the Top 15, Everson Maciel. The Western Mass midfielder quietly served as the director of the Pioneer midfield for much of the decade.

As many of you may have noticed in the past week, we at USL have been a lot more active on our previously established social media homes at Facebook and Twitter. Well, that is just the tip of the iceberg of our upcoming efforts to help Grow the Game in North America.

The Harrisburg City Islanders are proud to welcome back a number of returning players for the 2010 season while sadly saying farewell to Steve Fisher, who announced his retirement. Along with captain Dustin Bixler, Geoff Bloes, Jason Pelletier, Anthony Calvano, David Schofield have confirmed they will be returning to the Island.