The league grew to become inter-regional in 1972 by adding several teams from the Midwest; the Chicago Americans, Cincinnati Comets, Cleveland Stars, Detroit Mustangs, and St. Louis Frogs.

In order to compete with the growing North American Soccer League, the ASL went national in 1976, expanding to the Western United States by adding teams in Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and Tacoma.

In addition, Bob Cousy was hired as commissioner and the league changed the standings scoring system to more closely resemble the NASL.

The ASL also had a limit on the number of foreign players each team could have in an effort to gain popularity among American fans.

After the ASL II ceased operations, several of its teams formed the original United Soccer League, which played seasons in 1984 and 1985.