Louisville City FC's league sets conferences

As Louisville City Football Club supporters await a full 2015 schedule's release later this month, at least one thing's now clear about how the rapidly expanding United Soccer Leagues Professional Division will work this season.

The local franchise will play in a newly formed, 12-team Eastern Conference, it was announced Wednesday, out of which half will qualify for the playoffs along with six from the Western Conference.

USL Pro has added several teams in new markets for 2015 along with seven others operated by Major League Soccer clubs, prompting the divisional structure.

"This new format will promote regional rivalries, allowing fans greater opportunity to support their clubs home and away as the league continues to bring its brand of professional soccer to enthusiastic markets throughout the U.S. and Canada," said Jake Edwards, USL Pro's executive vice president.

Other teams in the East include the Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, FC Montreal, Harrisburg City Islanders, New York Red Bulls 2, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Rochester Rhinos, Saint Louis FC, Toronto FC II and Wilmington Hammerheads FC.

Those in the West are Arizona United SC, Austin Aztex, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, LA Galaxy II, OKC Energy FC, Orange County Blues FC, Portland Timbers 2, Real Monarchs SLC, Sacramento Republic FC, Seattle Sounders FC 2, Tulsa Roughnecks FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.

Playoff teams will be seeded 1-6 and compete in single-elimination rounds before an Eastern Conference champion meets the Western Conference winner in the USL Pro final game hosted by the better-seeded club.

The 2015 season is expected to start in late March, preceded by exhibitions. Louisville City FC, an affiliate of MLS' Orlando City Soccer Club, will play its home games at Louisville Slugger Field