as connected to it); Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Hamilton, Ontario; San Antonio, Texas; and Ottawa, Ontario. On September 1, 2009, a group from Ottawa formally applied for USL-1 team, contingent on the approval of updates to Lansdowne Park. The team would share a field with the Ottawa Redblacks football team. The Ottawa group subsequently committed to the NASL. Structure Unlike most other nations, there is no system of merit-based promotion and relegation in the American and Canadian pyramids, meaning that the champions of USL-1 could not move up to Major League Soccer and, similarly, the worst teams in MLS were not in danger of being demoted to USL-1. However, some USL-1 teams had in the past chosen to take voluntary relegation to a lower level of the USL system, often to reduce operating costs, while teams had also decided to move up to USL-1 after finding success at the lower levels. Playoff format The top seven teams advanced to the playoff tournament, with the Commissioner's Cup winner (regular season champion) receiving a bye into the semi-finals. Each round consisted of two legs, the lower seeded team hosting the first leg, and the higher seed hosting the second. Prior to 2009, the final was played as a single leg at the higher seed's stadium. After the first legs were completed, the lowest remaining seed played the Commissioner's Cup winner, and the higher seeds played each other. The highest remaining seed hosted the penultimate game of the Finals. The playoffs started the week after the completion of the regular season, and typically ended in mid-October. Teams Atlanta Silverbacks (2005–08) Austin Aztex (2008–09) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League) California Victory (2007) Carolina RailHawks (2007–09) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League for NASL Conference) Charleston Battery (2005–09) Cleveland City Stars (2009) FC Tampa Bay (2010) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League) Miami FC (2006–09) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League for NASL Conference) Minnesota Thunder (2005–09) Montreal Impact (2005–09) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League for NASL Conference) Portland Timbers (2005–10) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League) Puerto Rico Islanders (2005–10) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League) Richmond Kickers (2005) Rochester Rhinos (2005–10) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League) Seattle Sounders (2005–08) Toronto Lynx (2005–06) Vancouver Whitecaps (2005–09) (2010 season played in USSF D2 Pro League for