Thread by @DoyleStepOnMe

Thread: Looking at Lineup Graphics Across American Soccer

Part I: USL Championship

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With MLS Teams joining Round 3 of the US Open Cup #USOC2022 TONIGHT, we want to turn our attention to other leagues to see how they are handling lineup graphics. This will be a returning series that takes a peek across the US Soccer landscape.

So follows Part I…

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The USL Championship is made up of 27 teams split into two conferences for the 2022 season (14 East, 13 West).

Of these teams:
- 18 use list graphics
- 8 use formation graphics
- 1 uses both

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I looked over previous graphics for every team (April 9-16), and put together a brief grading guide that can be found on one of the tabs in the #MLSLineupGraphics Gradebook here:

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

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The following teams help grow the game and help their fans connect with the team by providing accessible, legible, position-sharing graphics:

@DetroitCityFC @Memphis901FC @FCTulsa @eplocomotivefc @NewMexicoUTD @oaklandrootssc @orangecountysc @SanAntonioFC

THANK YOU ALL!

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The following teams post bullsh*t lineup graphics (group 1, east):

@atlutd2 @bhmlegion @Chas_Battery @hfdathletic @IndyEleven @LoudounUnitedFC @loucityfc @TheMiamiFC @NYRBII @RiverhoundsSC @TampaBayRowdies

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The following teams post bullsh*t lineup graphics (group 2, west):

@SwitchbacksFC @LAGalaxyII @lvlightsfc @MontereyBayFC @PHXRisingFC @RGVFC @SacRepublicFC @SanDiegoLoyal

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The growth of lower division soccer is exciting... #SupportLocalSoccer

and it is wonderful how incredibly accessible nearly all of these lineup graphics were (aside from a couple videos that didn't also share static images)...

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But how can a league hope to achieve growth if they are not taking the most basic steps in fan engagement? A lineup graphic that shares basic team tactics by sharing player positions gives fans, new and old, the opportunity to grow in understanding and love of the sport.

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Let’s rethink the lineups, @USLChampionship #USLChampionship.

10/END PART I: USL Championship

Good luck to the non-MLS teams in the #USOpenCup tonight! Ready for the Magic of the Cup (tm) to wash over me.