Bloomington, Minn. — The Twin Cities Soccer Leagues (TCSL) is pleased to announce that Dakota Alliance Soccer Club (DASC) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota will join its league structure beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Dakota Alliance has a long and distinguished history of developing high-level players and fielding highly competitive teams — many of which TCSL member clubs have encountered over the years in a positive fashion.
The decision comes at a notable moment in the national youth soccer landscape. As US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer have come together to form the National 1 League — of which TCSL serves as an operator in Central District 1 — the restructuring left Dakota Alliance without a suitable replacement for their former home in the USYS National League. At the request of DASC and with the support of both US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer leadership, TCSL was asked to evaluate whether inclusion could work within its league structure.
This is an unprecedented step for TCSL. The league has long operated on a performance-based pyramid — with the NPL, ECNL Regional League, and now the National 1 League — where club placement is earned through on-field results. Welcoming a geographically distant club outside of that traditional pathway is not something TCSL has done before. However, given the shifting national landscape and the unique circumstances surrounding Dakota Alliance, TCSL was open to exploring a solution — provided it could be done transparently and with the full support of its membership.
League Placement
TCSL’s priority is ensuring every club competes at the level that is right for them. Based on Dakota Alliance’s competitive history and the level at which their teams have recently performed against ECNL Regional League and comparable competition and after an evaluation of team strength, DASC teams will participate in the ECNL Regional League during the 2026-27 season.
Logistics & Travel
All matches involving Dakota Alliance will be played in the Twin Cities, with Dakota Alliance taking an active role in securing facilities. This ensures the competitive and logistical experience remains consistent for all TCSL member clubs.
A Deliberate Process
TCSL undertook a thorough due diligence process before extending this invitation — surveying member clubs, carefully evaluating Dakota Alliance’s teams, and developing a detailed framework for how the club’s inclusion would work. TCSL remains committed to being a well-run, transparent league and the pinnacle of youth soccer competition in the region, and that commitment guided every step of this decision.
The youth soccer landscape is changing, and leagues like ours have a responsibility to find thoughtful solutions. When US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and Dakota Alliance came to us, we listened — and we worked hard to find a path forward that upholds the standards our member clubs expect. Dakota Alliance is a well-respected club, and we've done the work to make this the right fit. We look forward to seeing them compete in the Twin Cities.
We are honored to join the Twin Cities Soccer Leagues structure and grateful for the confidence that TCSL, its member clubs, and national soccer leadership have placed in DASC. This opportunity provides an exciting pathway for our players, coaches, and families while reinforcing our commitment to excellence on and off the field. Most importantly, this partnership creates meaningful opportunities for our athletes to compete, develop, and pursue their highest aspirations within the game. We look forward to building strong relationships across the league and representing our soccer community with pride.
