Three local teams part of expanded Spring College Development Program

UConn midfielder Felix Metzler. (Stephen Slade)

When talking about reform, most Division 1 coaches would still identify moving to a split-season schedule as their No. 1 priority. Such change would introduce a 10-month season that mirrors the academic calendar, rather than plugging along with the 3½-month fall season that currently exists.

Another item on the to-do list tends to be doing away with the substitution rules. As of now, coaches can sub in as many players he or she deems fit, there’s no reentry in the first half and a player can re-enter once in the second half.

While this latest development isn't broad-sweeping change, it's a step towards improving college soccer writ large. U.S. Soccer has expanded its College Development Program, offering a competition-driven component to the traditional spring season.