The United Soccer League and the City of Garland are thrilled to announce the introduction of North Texas’s newest professional soccer team. USL Dallas will be part of the United Soccer League (USL) Championship. USL Dallas joins the largest and fastest-growing professional soccer organization in the nation, adding to a lineup of 24 teams, with more in development. The latest expansion team is set to bring high-level competition, community engagement, and exciting entertainment to Garland and the region.
A Vision Born from Lifelong Friendship and a Love for Soccer
USL Dallas is a dream come true for co-founders Matt Valentine and Sam Morton who met on a local soccer field as children. They are joined by fellow founders and friends Luther Ott and Dan MacAlone. Together, they aim to create not only a competitive sports franchise, but a community-driven team dedicated to empowering young athletes, fostering youth development, and bringing the North Texas community together through the power of soccer.
“This is a dream come true for us,” said Matt Valentine, Chairman and Co-Founder of USL Dallas. “We’re committed to using this team as a platform to give back to the community, inspire young athletes, and foster a new level of excitement and unity across North Texas.” The Dallas-based entrepreneur has over 25 years in corporate finance, capital markets, and investment strategy, and will be leading the club’s strategic direction across business and sporting operations.
Co-founder and long-time radio executive, Sam Morton, will serve as the Chief Commercial Officer to lead the development of the club’s business operations, including marketing, communications, sponsorship, merchandising, and ticketing. “Soccer is the most exciting and most-watched sport in the world,” said Morton. “My goal is to establish a lasting legacy for soccer in North Texas, and I want USL Dallas to be the top choice for soccer fans in the region.”
A Partnership with Garland to Benefit the Community
USL Dallas has partnered with the City of Garland to establish a team that will bring new economic growth and entertainment to the city and the surrounding North Texas area. This partnership reflects a shared vision of creating a lasting impact through sport, community events and local engagement.
“In Garland, we want to provide the best quality of life for our residents and visitors — a destination for all to live, work and play,” said Mayor Scott LeMay. “We feel confident this opportunity will not only bring unforgettable experiences, but also drive future economic growth and create connections across the community and metroplex.”
Home to around 250,000 residents, Garland is a vibrant and diverse community where soccer is more than a game — it’s a reflection of the city’s rich cultural mosaic. From the Garland Soccer Association, recently celebrating 50 years, to community clubs like Vietnam United Football Club, soccer has long brought together residents of all backgrounds, uniting them through a shared love for the sport. Known for its successful manufacturing legacy, Garland is also a thriving center for business innovation, home to a dynamic mix of Fortune 500 companies, startups and small businesses. As Garland continues its exciting transformation, the city aims to become a premier entertainment and experience hub for eastern DFW, making it an ideal location for USL Dallas. More development plans will be shared in the coming months as Garland welcomes this new chapter with enthusiasm and ambition.
Join the Excitement
USL Dallas invites fans to stay connected and join the journey as we build toward our first game in 2027. For more information and updates, visit usldallas.com.
ABOUT USL DALLAS
USL Dallas is a USL Championship club sanctioned as a men’s Division II professional team by the U.S. Soccer Federation. USL Dallas was co-founded by lifelong friends and soccer enthusiasts Matt Valentine and Sam Morton with a mission to build community through professional soccer. The organization is committed to making soccer a sport for everyone and to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders.
ABOUT UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. This structure includes three men’s leagues: the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading pre-professional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition. With multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms including CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country.
ABOUT CITY OF GARLAND
As the 13th most populous city in Texas, Garland is centralized and easily accessible to anywhere in the metroplex. It also boasts one of Texas’ most affordable housing markets, as well as a nationally acclaimed school district and a uniquely diverse culinary scene — from food trucks to fine dining to cuisines from around the world. With more than 63 parks and nature preserves, a revitalized Downtown Square, and live music, cultural festivals and special events happening all of the time, Garland is a one-of-a-kind destination to live, work and play. Additional amenities include Lake Ray Hubbard, Firewheel Town Center outdoor shopping mall, Granville Performing Arts Center, Hawaiian Waters waterpark, Lakewood Brewing Company and three PGA-caliber golf courses.