A pre-professional soccer team will call Peoria home starting this season.
The United Soccer League made the announcement of a new League Two team Thursday. The owners are Barry MacLean and John Dorn. Developer Kim Blickenstaff played a large role in getting the team off the ground.
Bradley University Men's Head Soccer Coach Jim DeRose said the team will play at Shea Stadium. Bradley Men's Assistant Coach Tim Regan is also involved with the new team.
The Peoria-based team will participate in the league's Heartland Division. A team name and branding are set for a later unveiling.
The United Soccer League's League Two offers a path for players to join the ranks of professional soccer in the U.S. and Canada. More than 70 percent of professional soccer players drafted since 2010 have experience in the league.
