Orlando City B team pulls out of USL League One as club is ‘working closely with MLS’

Orlando City SC and Portland Timbers FC each announced that their second teams will not be competing in their respective United Soccer League (USL) platforms in 2021.

These announcements confirm previous reports that Major League Soccer (MLS) is moving toward launching its own U-23 league, which could begin play as early as next year.

See below for Friday’s announcement on Orlando City pulling out its Orlando City B squad from USL League One competition:

ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2020) — Orlando City SC has announced Orlando City B, the Club’s second tier developmental team, will withdraw from USL League One following the conclusion of the 2020 season. The Club is working closely with Major League Soccer in regards to a future competition for players. Additional information will be announced as it becomes available.