Second, the USISL aligned its rules with the newly created Major Soccer League.
The USISL also changed its regular season points system to match MLS.
[3] Players from the USISL Professional League included Goalkeeper Randy DeDini of the Chico Rooks, Defenders Paul Edwards (North Jersey Imperials) and Guy Norcott (Charleston Battery); Midfielders Craig Beeson (Everett BigFoot) and Pat O'Kelly (Central Jersey); Forwards Victor Medina (D/FW Toros) and Jon Payne (Charlotte Eagles).
The Charleston Battery received a bye into the playoffs as host of the championship final.
The top two teams in each group with the most points advanced to the semifinals in Charleston, South Carolina.