Present at the XSL-USL affiliation announcement Friday night were: (from left) Jesus Garvey, manager, USL Cruz Azul Chicago; Saul Robles, manager, USL Rockford Victory; Brian Loftin, commissioner, XSL; Steve Morris, head coach, Chicago Storm; Carlos Clay, defender, Chicago Storm; Nichole Loftin, general manager, Chicago Storm.

XSL NAMES USL AFFILIATE LEAGUE

Arrangement focuses on player, referee development and co-branding

CHICAGO (May 22, 2009) -- The Xtreme Soccer League and the Ultimate Soccer League proudly announce today a partnership that establishes the Ultimate Soccer League as a developmental league for the XSL.

Primary elements of this agreement include:

* Wave Armada, the developmental squad of the XSL's Milwaukee Wave, and Tormenta de Chicago, the developmental squad of the XSL's Chicago Storm, join the Ultimate Soccer League for its fall indoor season.

* Ultimate Soccer League players receive additional exposure to the XSL and its coaches with the aim of identifying and grooming talent capable of playing at the highest level of indoor soccer.

* Ultimate Soccer League matches serve as a training ground for referees, with the aim of grooming experienced officials for the XSL.

* Ultimate Soccer League All-Stars play the Milwaukee Wave on July 8 and the Chicago Storm on July 15 in the Summer Soccer Showcase games, which take place at the home arenas of the Wave and Storm, respectively.

* The Ultimate Soccer League and XSL identify and develop co-branding opportunities to increase awareness of both leagues among fans of the sport.

"We're pleased to accept the Ultimate Soccer League as a developmental partner," said Brian Loftin, commissioner of the Xtreme Soccer League. "The opportunity to not just identify but also cultivate future players and officials for the XSL portends great things on the field, and the partnership is a perfect extension of the XSL's lifestyle brand."

"This is a great opportunity for both leagues," said Daniel Castelan, president of the Ultimate Soccer League. "Tormenta and Armada are experienced teams with talented players. We are confident that this partnership will add quality and competency for all teams involved."

The Ultimate Soccer League launched in February to promote indoor and outdoor soccer in the Midwest. Five Chicagoland teams played the inaugural indoor season: Lake County Tsunami, Inter Chicago, Rockford Victory, Deportivo Indiana and Grand FC Mustangs. Each organization also entered a U16 team. Lake County Tsunami won the first championship over Deportivo Indiana on Sunday, April 26. Cruz Azul Chicago joins the league for the summer season.

Founded last summer by the Chicago Storm, Detroit Ignition, Milwaukee Wave and New Jersey Ironmen, the Xtreme Soccer League is more than an indoor soccer league. The Xtreme Soccer Xperience is an energetic and innovative 12-month sports lifestyle brand built around skilled soccer professionals, entertainment and fan participation -- both live and online.