I've noticed many MLS teams have, or are, creating affiliate teams in the USL. But, I think they way they're going about it is terrible. They're just calling the teams "Seattle Sounders 2" or "New York Red Bulls II" and keeping the teams in their own cities.
What they should be doing is creating affiliate teams with their own unique names in nearby-areas where you want to foster fan support. Teams like DC and Philadelphia have the right idea with affiliates in Richmond and Harrisburg respectively.
It'd make sense for NYC to pursue affiliation with Rochester to foster fan support upstate (Rochester is currently affiliated with New England and NYC is affiliated with a team in NC).
"On my business card I am a corporate president. In my mind I am a game developer. But in my heart I am a gamer." - Satoru Iwata
