Eastern Conference (USL Championship)

The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences within the USL Championship, a professional men's soccer league in the United States. Along with its counterpart, the Western Conference, it comprises the league's regular-season competition. Teams in the Eastern Conference compete against each other for playoff berths and a chance to advance to the USL Championship Final, where they face the champion of the Western Conference. The specific number of teams participating in the Eastern Conference, and the number that qualify for the playoffs, can vary from year to year depending on league expansion, contraction, and realignment. The regular season champion of the Eastern Conference is awarded a trophy and often earns home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs. The conference has seen numerous teams rise to prominence, contributing to the overall competitive landscape of the USL Championship and providing opportunities for player development within the American soccer system.