The Canadian side was the first expansion team to join the USL First Division in the league’s first campaign under USL management. Despite only reaching the playoffs twice in its first four years, the club regularly developed players that went on to success with the top tier clubs in the league and beyond.

The club added a W-League team to its organization in 2005 that found success in its first season with a record of 11-3 and a playoff appearance. The club also developed a Super Y-League program in 2003.