PEORIA CITY NEWS
APRIL 10, 2020 | FOR RELEASE AT 1:00 P.M. CT
CONTACT: Bobby Parker, Peoria City Media Relations Consultant
Peoria City Delays Inaugural USL League Two Season to 2021
PEORIA, IL – Due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Peoria City will delay its inaugural season as a member of USL League Two until 2021, according to an announcement Friday by the team’s lead administrator Jim DeRose.
“Peoria City has made the difficult decision to delay our inaugural season until 2021,” said DeRose. “The COVID-19 international pandemic has forced the suspension of large gatherings and athletic competitions across the globe, while the state of Illinois has issued a ‘Shelter-at-Home’ directive for all but essential businesses and operations. Abiding by the directive, Bradley University has closed all of its facilities to the public, including Shea Stadium, home venue of Peoria City. We remain committed to bringing USL League Two to Peoria and appreciate the understanding of everyone involved – the league office; Kim Blickenstaff and the KDB Group; our supporters, players and coaches; and all that worked tirelessly to make Peoria City a reality.”
“As it has from the start, the health and well-being of the communities our clubs represent – including our supporters, staff, players, coaches, partners, families and friends – must come first,” said USL League Two Vice President Joel Nash. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Peoria City to League Two next year.”
The United Soccer League announced Jan. 23 the addition of expansion franchise Peoria City to join League Two for the 2020 season and the franchise was introduced to the local community Jan. 30. The team was scheduled to make its competitive debut May 9 at Des Moines Menace with its home opener at Bradley University’s Shea Stadium slated for May 23.
Large gatherings and athletic competitions across the globe have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker has extended a “Shelter-at-Home” order through April 30. Consistent with the state directive, Bradley University has closed all of its facilities to the public and will continue online education for its students through the end of the 2020 spring semester.
USL League Two is the top pre-professional league in North America. A part of United Soccer Leagues, LLC, which also operates USL Championship, USL League One, Super Y League and the new USL Academy, USL League Two offers a summer platform for aspiring professionals across the United States and Canada. League Two is comprised of 82 teams who compete in 12 divisions spread across four conferences.
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