The new USL era has finally arrived. There are now 24 teams in the league and 20 of them are affiliated with an MLS club. Here at Vavel USA we want to make sure we give you a weekly update of the future of MLS. So without further hesitation, here is what happened in the three games that were played this past weekend.

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2 VS SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC

Seattle Sounders 2, or more commonly known as S2, began their USL campaign against the defending champion Sacramento Republic FC Saturday night. S2 had no difficulty dispatching the defending champs 4-2 in front of a nearly sold out Starfire Sports. The first half was rather unentertaining as both teams headed to the locker room after 45 minutes with the score tied at zero.

Andy Craven notched the first goal in S2 history when he opened the scoring four minutes into the second half by chipping Sacramento goalkeeper Patrick McLain from inside the box. It was a hard fought goal that was well deserved by Craven. The lead didn't last long as the defending champs fought back and tied the score at 1-1 when Justin Braun scored in the 64th minute on a volley. 

Five minutes later, S2 pulled away from the Republic. Substitute Sam Garza was on the pitch all of a minute when he scored essentially on his first touch of the match. Six minutes later, Pablo Rossi scored on an incredible free kick. The ball hit the post, deflected off the 'keepers head and back into the net. Sounders first round draft pick, Cristian Roldan also got in on the scoring as well. He received a beautiful pass from Victor Mansaray and put the game out of reach in the 89th minute. Speaking of the pass from Mansaray, check out the gif from Sounder at Heart. It is very impressive.

Sacramento was able to make the score line more respectable as they scored on a free kick in the 90th minute, but the damage had already been done. Yours truly must say the free kick by Octavio Guzman in the 90th minute was very impressive as well. Not many in MLS could have done what he did.

S2 will take on Vancouver Whitecaps 2 next Sunday at Starfire Sports with kickoff scheduled for 10:00 pm EST. Sacramento will take on Los Angeles Galaxy II on Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 10:30 pm EST.

CHARLESTON BATTERY VS TORONTO FC II

It took a goal in stoppage time but the Charleston Battery beat Toronto FC II 3-2 in the opening match for both clubs. The Battery found themselves in an early hole 16 minutes into the match when they were down by two goals. Jordan Hamilton pounced on a back pass and fired home to open the scoring in the 8th minute, while Mo Babouli muscled his way into the box and slotted home in the 16th. The Battery were able to get one back in the 38th minute off a Dane Kelly goal. 

The Battery came out looking more confident in the second half and it paid off in the 56th minute as they were able to tie the game 2-2. Defender Shawn Ferguson pounced on the loose ball and blasted it up into the crossbar to ricochet into the net. Toronto had a few chances after that but the rest of the night belonged to the Battery. Just moments into stoppage time, the Battery earned the team's fifth corner kick of the night.Toronto was unable to clear their lines and Taylor Mueller's finish left no doubt. After three minutes of stoppage time, Blackbaud Stadium erupted in celebration.

The Battery will travel to Ramblewood Soccer Complex to face off against the Charlotte Independence with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm EST Friday night. Toronto FC II will travel and face off against their Canadian rivals the FC Montreal with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 pm EST on Saturday.

LOS ANGELES GALAXY II VS REAL MONARCHS SLC

Los Angeles Galaxy II began their second season in USL with a 0-0 draw against newcomers in Real Monarchs SLC. A familiar face play for LAG II was A.J. DeLaGarza who went the full 90 minutes as he is trying to battle back from a foot injury. 

Lalo Fernandez for the Monarchs could go down as man of the match for his performance against Los Angeles. He ended his night with four saves. It took them until the second half, but the Monarchs started putting pressure on Los Angeles around the 60th minute. Galaxy II goalkeeper Clement Diop ended his night with three saves. Galaxy II had their chances late in the match but was unable to capitalize as substitute Ariel Lassiter launched an uncontested shot over the bar. Lassiter had another opportunity in the 83rd minute but saw his attempt sail wide.

Los Angeles Galaxy II host defending USL champion Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT. Real Monarchs SLC will travel to Portland to face Timbers 2 on Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 pm EST.