United States Soccer Federation
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF), commonly referred to as U.S. Soccer, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official governing body of the sport of soccer in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, the federation is a full member of FIFA and governs American soccer at the international, professional, and amateur levels, including: the men's and women's national teams, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, youth organizations, beach soccer, futsal, Paralympic, and deaf national teams. U.S. Soccer sanctions referees and soccer tournaments for most soccer leagues in the United States. The U.S. Soccer Federation also administers and operates the U.S. Open Cup and the SheBelieves Cup.
Former United States Soccer Federation headquarters building, known as the Soccer House, 1801 South Prairie Avenue in Chicago
Portland Thorns players before a match, April 2015
Boston Breakers squad featuring Kristine Lilly before a match, 2009
Soccer in the United States
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) governs most levels of soccer in the United States, including the national teams, professional leagues, and amateur leagues, being the highest soccer authority in the country. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) governs most colleges; secondary schools are governed by state-level associations, with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) setting the rules at that level. The match regulations are generally the same between the three governing bodies although there are many subtle differences.
The Timbers Army celebrates a goal at Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers
Pelé crying while teammate Carlos Alberto consoles him, at the end of his speech during Pelé's farewell match, October 1977 (New York Cosmos).
D.C. United trophy case (2007): four MLS Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, Interamerican Cup, MLS Supporters' Shield, and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Orlando City SC at Atlanta United during a Major League Soccer game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in 2017.