The disparity between quality of play in the USLC versus USL1 is not so great is largely because the pay scale in the two leagues is quite similar. Many or most players in both leagues make near CBA-mandated minimum of 30K-ish. In the USLC, if your top two paid players (both making maybe 100K) is injured or sitting out, then the rest of the squad is basically the same as the usual USL1 club of players making 30-50K-ish.....
The USLC is more prestigious, of course, and the accommodations or facilities tend to be better than that of the USL1, and of course, there is conversely shorter travel during the regular season. There is also the greater visibility and probability of earning a sale or transfer to an even more exalted (and better compensated) stage such as the MLS or LigaMX or overseas via the USLC than the USL1.
The chance that USL1 teams can "upset" USLC teams, help make the Jag Cup some fun, to be honest!
The disparity between quality of play in the USLC versus USL1 is not so great is largely because the pay scale in the two leagues is quite similar. Many or most players in both leagues make near CBA-mandated minimum of 30K-ish. In the USLC, if your top two paid players (both making maybe 100K) is injured or sitting out, then the rest of the squad is basically the same as the usual USL1 club of players making 30-50K-ish.....
The USLC is more prestigious, of course, and the accommodations or facilities tend to be better than that of the USL1, and of course, there is conversely shorter travel during the regular season. There is also the greater visibility and probability of earning a sale or transfer to an even more exalted (and better compensated) stage such as the MLS or LigaMX or overseas via the USLC than the USL1.
The chance that USL1 teams can "upset" USLC teams, help make the Jag Cup some fun, to be honest!