Professional soccer will be back in Bethlehem and the Philadelphia Union will make things official on Wednesday afternoon at Lehigh University's Goodman Stadium. A 12 p.m. press conference is set to announce that the Union will continue their player development structure by launching their own team in the lower division United Soccer League.

Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz will join Lehigh University president John Simon and USL CEO Alec Papadakis for the announcement on Wednesday.The team is expected to play in Goodman Stadium and implement an important element in the club's player development.By adding their USL side to the team's pyramid, the Union will now become the ninth team in Major League Soccer to have their own USL side in the league.The team will be used as a feeder for the Union, as young players who move on from their academy structure will have a place to gain professional playing experience before the possibility of moving to MLS.The Union had partnered with the Harrisburg City Islanders on these endeavors in the past, but the move to Bethlehem seems to be logical, considering the ties between the team and city.