The Rapids have partnered with Real Maryland FC of the USL Division II soccer league. Already partnered with Arsenal of the English Premier League and Club de Futbol Pachuca of Mexican’s Premier Division, this sets up a cooperation with one of our home grown leagues.
In leagues like the EPL there is a contiguous development of talent between the various divisions, similar to baseball here in the US. College soccer is option for the development of talent, but I think a multi-level professional soccer system would be far more effective as the professional and amateur distinction is a barrier. With professional teams you can exchange talent for the purposes of training and development.
Could we even some day see a strong enough professional system to support relegation and an American version of the FA Cup?