PEORIA, Ill — Peoria will have to wait another year for its newest professional team to kick-off.
According to an announcement Friday by Peoria City’s lead administrator Jim DeRose, the newest USL League Two soccer team set to play at Shea Stadium will not be playing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Peoria City has made the difficult decision to delay our inaugural season until 2021,” said DeRose. “The COVID-19 international pandemic has forced the suspension of large gatherings and athletic competitions across the globe, while the state of Illinois has issued a ‘Shelter-at-Home’ directive for all but essential businesses and operations.”
For now, USL League Two is leaving it up to teams whether or not they play this season as they continue to question whether or not to cancel the season as a whole, according to Peoria City Media Relations Consultant Bobby Parker.
“As it has from the start, the health and well-being of the communities our clubs represent – including our supporters, staff, players, coaches, partners, families, and friends – must come first,” said USL League Two Vice President Joel Nash. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Peoria City to League Two next year.”
USL League Two is comprised of 82 teams who compete in 12 divisions across the United States.
While things are being handled on a team-by-team basis, the use of Bradley facilities and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Stay-at-Home order made it nearly impossible for Peoria City to compete in the 2020 season.
Bradley University has closed all of its facilities to the public, including Shea Stadium, so Peoria City would not have had a venue to compete.
Peoria City was scheduled to play its first soccer match May 9 at Des Moines Menace with the home opener scheduled for May 23.
“We remain committed to bringing USL League Two to Peoria and appreciate the understanding of everyone involved,” said DeRose.
