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USL Playoffs: One player to watch on each of the 16 teams

By Carson A Merk

Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) defends Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Ariel Lassiter (46) as he heads to the goal in the second half of the game at the Rose Bowl. FC Barcelona won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) defends Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Ariel Lassiter (46) as he heads to the goal in the second half of the game at the Rose Bowl. FC Barcelona won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) defends Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Ariel Lassiter (46) as he heads to the goal in the second half of the game at the Rose Bowl. FC Barcelona won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) defends Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Ariel Lassiter (46) as he heads to the goal in the second half of the game at the Rose Bowl. FC Barcelona won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

This weekend, the United Soccer League kicks off their 2016 playoffs. Whether it’s an ex-MLSer on the comeback, or a phenom from across the pond, there is elite level talent amongst the 16 teams.

The USL’s playoffs are upon us. This weekend, 16 teams will begin the quest for the USL Cup. The matches are available live in HD on YouTube, with the USL Cup final broadcast October 23rd in primetime on ESPNU. With the NASL struggling to keep teams afloat, the USL has a chance to take over as the clear-cut second league in North American Soccer.

They are already the closest affiliated with MLS, with most teams fielding their own USL clubs. Attendance was on the rise this campaign in a major way, as was the skill level of the players making up the rosters.

The talent in the USL is a great mix of players looking for a second chance after a bumpy MLS career, an undrafted free agent wanting to show they belong, or an international player wanting the opportunity to showcase their skills in the United States. To increase your viewing pleasure of the 2016 USL Playoffs, I’ve highlighted one player, per team, that you should keep an eye on.

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