Think you know where MLS, NASL, and USL-Pro teams play? Well, prove it! I got bored during my lunch break and came up with this. It's also available in Facebook, if that's your thing.
-CB
Showing posts with label NASL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NASL. Show all posts
- Jason Davis
Among the various things the new New York Cosmos have going for them, their ability to bring in world famous soccer names to boost their image is tops on the list. The Cosmos might not yet have a team to field, but they do have a slew of legends out spreading the word that the Cosmos are, for lack of a better term, "back." There's Giorgio Chinaglia and Carlos Alberto plus names not previously connected to the team like USMNT and MSL great Cobi Jones. Then there are the show stoppers, a tag team of Olympian heroes, more forces of nature than mere mortals, two ex-players fronting the Cosmos with all the panache, eccentricity, and intoxicating temerity that, despite being exactly what we expect, never fails to awe us with its aching lack of irony: Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the man we know as Pelé, and Eric Cantona, a man who earned the nickname "King Eric" during his own storied career.
Among the various things the new New York Cosmos have going for them, their ability to bring in world famous soccer names to boost their image is tops on the list. The Cosmos might not yet have a team to field, but they do have a slew of legends out spreading the word that the Cosmos are, for lack of a better term, "back." There's Giorgio Chinaglia and Carlos Alberto plus names not previously connected to the team like USMNT and MSL great Cobi Jones. Then there are the show stoppers, a tag team of Olympian heroes, more forces of nature than mere mortals, two ex-players fronting the Cosmos with all the panache, eccentricity, and intoxicating temerity that, despite being exactly what we expect, never fails to awe us with its aching lack of irony: Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the man we know as Pelé, and Eric Cantona, a man who earned the nickname "King Eric" during his own storied career.
- Keith Hickey
In 2011, American domestic soccer is the most secure it has ever been. The league as a whole, and most of its clubs, are in zero danger of collapse. It's hard for us to imagine a time when the very existence of top flight domestic soccer was under threat. But in 1984, that was the case. The halcyon days of Pele and Beckenbauer over, the North American Soccer League was limping into its sixteenth season. Just nine teams remained, down from a high of 24 just four years previous. But as we read in this article from the Sports Illustrated vault, the NASL introduced a revolutionary concept just before its final season:
In 2011, American domestic soccer is the most secure it has ever been. The league as a whole, and most of its clubs, are in zero danger of collapse. It's hard for us to imagine a time when the very existence of top flight domestic soccer was under threat. But in 1984, that was the case. The halcyon days of Pele and Beckenbauer over, the North American Soccer League was limping into its sixteenth season. Just nine teams remained, down from a high of 24 just four years previous. But as we read in this article from the Sports Illustrated vault, the NASL introduced a revolutionary concept just before its final season:
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Now that the NASL has their provisional sanctioning for 2011, the drama infecting lower division soccer should die down just a bit - we hope. The odd decision to leave league's US teams out of this year's US Open Cup aside, the business of actually playing games is rapidly approaching, giving fans ample reason to put the messy off-field issue out their minds. Montreal gets their goodbye season in D2 while prepping for MLS, Miami gets to debut the new/old Strikers name, Atlanta gets their comeback, and everyone who complained loudly about USSF heavy-handedness gets their soccer. NASL has a chance prove they can handle things all by themselves and become a real big boy league in 2012.
-Jason Davis
The North American Soccer League's attempt to become the sole proprietors of second division soccer in the United States and Canada took a hard right into a telephone pole today. Brian Quarstad of Inside Minnesota Soccer is reporting that the NASL's application has been rejected by US Soccer, presumably due to the inability of several clubs to meet new standards imposed after last year's NASL-USL forced marriage.
The North American Soccer League's attempt to become the sole proprietors of second division soccer in the United States and Canada took a hard right into a telephone pole today. Brian Quarstad of Inside Minnesota Soccer is reporting that the NASL's application has been rejected by US Soccer, presumably due to the inability of several clubs to meet new standards imposed after last year's NASL-USL forced marriage.
Robert Jonas - Center Line Soccer
“Wow, those guys have some funny hair!” laughed a young kid while staring into a display case of old soccer memorabilia recently in downtown San Jose. “Wait, who is that guy standing next to the Earthquakes guy?”
“That’s Pele, stupid,” said his slightly older friend, also looking at a poster showing the Brazilian star with his arm around former Quakes great Johnny Moore. “I heard he came to play in San Jose.”
“For the Earthquakes?” was the response.
“No, no. He was on the Cosmos. I heard he was the best player in the world!”
“Wow, those guys have some funny hair!” laughed a young kid while staring into a display case of old soccer memorabilia recently in downtown San Jose. “Wait, who is that guy standing next to the Earthquakes guy?”
“That’s Pele, stupid,” said his slightly older friend, also looking at a poster showing the Brazilian star with his arm around former Quakes great Johnny Moore. “I heard he came to play in San Jose.”
“For the Earthquakes?” was the response.
“No, no. He was on the Cosmos. I heard he was the best player in the world!”
This year's version of the drama looks to be much more streamlined, straight forward, and peacful; with USL's end run around D2 sanctioning through the creation of USL-PRO, the NASL is the only organization applying for Division 2 status.
The idea that MLS is headed down a dangerous path with increasing investment in players like David Beckham and Thierry Henry is not a new one. Nor is the inflammatory notion that doing so will create NASL redux, a repeat of history that will inevitably lead to the league's collapse.
If you missed this news earlier in the week, a San Antonio entry will join the NASL in 2012. We've chronicled the efforts of the Texas city to get a professional club in this space, specifically in reference to the supporters group The Crocketteers, and though it's not MLS, it's good to see a team finally arrive on the scene there.
When US Soccer sanctioned second division soccer for 2010, they did so on a temporary basis; after several USL member clubs split off to form their own rival collection, a revived NASL, it was unclear just how the division would operate this season. In the end, the Federation chose to run the league under their own auspices via forced truce, with the situation to be reviewed again at year's end.
If you didn't notice, USSF Division II kicked off last weekend. The odd forced reconciliation over the winter of the NASL splinter and the former organizers USL by US Soccer drew a significant amount of attention to the US and Canada's second division; yet, only a few months later the league has receded to its to its former level in the American soccer consciousness.
That's unfortunate, but understandable. As MLS picks up steam with attention-grabbing events like the opening of a $200 million stadium in New Jersey and the debut of a new team in front of 35k people in Philadelphia, the second division just can't really compete. Even with a momentary bump in attention, and the subsequent acknowledgment that the division is important to the growth of the game, NASL/USL/D2 lacks the national profile, television contracts, and market penetration to reap any benefit.
It doesn't help that two of the league's marquee franchises are headed to MLS next year, meaning that their play in the league and any off-field news happening in 2010 will always be viewed through that prism. Portland's renderings for the renovation of PGE Park are of more interest than their results, and Vancouver's efforts on the field mean more for building their 2011 squad than simply trying to win a championship this season. Lame duck teams don't make for interest-building, never mind the apparent lack of cooperation between the USL and NASL groups in anything other on-field competition.
Meanwhile, Montreal sits as the other MLS-club-in-waiting, further invalidating a league that seems to simply be a way station on the journey to first division glory for its biggest clubs. That trend may end with the Impact, but the damage will have been done; the most historically significant and well-supported teams will have departed, leaving behind a motley collection of franchises either just starting out, playing in high school football stadiums/minor league baseball stadiums, or finding their feet after moving up from a lower division.
None of that precludes what could be termed success, though the issues of organizational affiliation, and just who will be given second division status in 2011, will need to be clarified. The NASL group has a vision, that much is clear; what isn't yet is whether or not they will have the opportunity to full enact it.
And what for USL? They fought hard to maintain their leadership of the second division, and now find themselves marginalized with only a few clubs to their name; an ownership change in 2009 precipitated the schism, and the new owners won't likely go quietly. They bought a structure with a top division that was also Division II for the US and Canada, and shouldn't be expected to willingly back down, even if it might be "for the good of the game." Our only conclusion can be that almost nothing has changed since the winter's fireworks.
Tom Dunmore crystallized the larger issue with a simple question on Friday, just a day before the start of the season: What should the purpose of a second division actually be?
No one, least of all US Soccer seems to know. They have established that the division is important, and that they clubs needs to be stable; beyond that, without integration into a traditional pyramid that includes promotion and relegation, the second division is just American professional soccer on a smaller scale and with smaller budgets than MLS.
Combined, the United States and Canada represent a massive soccer market. MLS will never be able to fully sate the demand for the game, and there will always be massive gaps geographically. There's certainly room for a well-run second division to fill those gaps, and in that way, 2010 is important in determining the direction and ultimate footprint of whatever group takes over for good. Assuming that's the eventuality, of course.
The World Cup is coming, and the buildup to the planet's biggest soccer event always takes up the lion's share of leftover attention. The schism, the uncertainty, the World Cup, and MLS' big news have stolen any possible spotlight from Division II. Without scientific measurement, it seems safe to say that 2010 will represent a deep bottoming out of attention for the temporary league, and that 2011 will be a new dawn for second division soccer in this part of the world.
It will be intriguing to see what that new dawn brings.
Face it: American soccer will never be rid of the specter of the New York Cosmos until the club returns or professional soccer in the US and Canada suddenly ceases to exist forever.
And since I'd be willing to bet that the latter just isn't happening (sorry, Mr. Rome), we're really only left to wait until someone steps up to return the Cosmos name to the pinnacle of soccer in the United States. But with the status of the name, its ownership, the lack of stadium options in New York City and the uncertainty of which league a revived Cosmos would actually play in, there's no telling how long it might take. Never mind that it's unclear which league a revived Cosmos would actually enter.
The ownership of the Cosmos name has been a matter of contention since the team shut down in 1985, with a hanger-on named Peppe Pinton emerging from the rubble. Pinton sold the rights to former Tottenham vice-chairman Paul Kemsley back in August; what Kemsley plans to do with the Cosmos name is anyone's guess.
A few possibilities have been bandied about, however. Kemsley's only comments to this point have been an avowal to turn the Cosmos into a "lifestyle brand"; as that is a vague and non-specific appellation, the only guesses so far involve Kemsley putting together a barnstorming team that would tour the globe. When talking about a return of the Cosmos, that isn't really what most people have in mind.
MLS doesn't appear likely, at least not yet, and though there are options to play in other leagues (it would appear), would putting the Cosmos in Division II really be a good idea? The owners of the brand would be cutting themselves off at the knees if they chose to enter a league with a smaller profile than MLS.
I myself tackled the question of a Cosmos team entering MLS a few months back, and while I ultimately decided that the juice would be worth the squeeze for America's top flight, I certainly wasn't positive it would be a good idea.
All of this comes up because there are subtle signs appearing that the Cosmos name is being revived in some fashion, at least in a business sense. It's what prompted Mark Fishkin to examine the possible forms a new Cosmos could take, what has the Borough Boys supporters group pushing an online petition (aimed at MLS), and what has that same concern starting a blog called "This is Cosmos Country" with tantalizing references to meetings with people connected to the Cosmos name ownership group.
Perhaps the most tangible evidence that the Cosmos are back on the scene in New York City is their logo, the one made so famous by Pele, Bekenbauer, Chinaglia and Co., painted on a brick wall (supposedly) somewhere in the Big Apple.
This little nugget, by the way, comes via the aforementioned This is Cosmos Country blog. Done by a London-based design firm, the logo's mere appearance is enough to excite anyone desperately awaiting the return of the Cosmos.
There's something very Arthurian about the whole thing, as if the second coming of the New York Cosmos will somehow invigorate American soccer and accelerate the slow curve of growth.
I'm not sure that's the case, but I'll admit that I'm suddenly much more intrigued about a new Cosmos than I was before. These small signs and new discussion have me thinking how wonderful a thing a New York derby would be, or how much American soccer could benefit from having a team in the heaving melting pot of NYC proper.
I hope to talk to the Borough Boys about those mysterious meetings in the near future, as soon as they are allowed to do so; for the time being, I'll be looking to see if there are more subtle signs and hoping that the Cosmos revival isn't just the Harlem Globetrotters in soccer form.
Steve Ralston, MLS original and New England Revolution great, has signed as NASL club AC St. Louis' first player signing.
Ralston's departure from the Revs, announced last week, came as a mild shock to many; through Ralston has been a linchpin of the Revolution midfield for the entirety of their history, he chose not to re-sign with the club. Now landing in his hometown of St. Louis, Ralston steps down to second division soccer.
“This is a day I always dreamed would happen,” said Ralston. “I think anyone who plays professional sports wants to play in their hometown. I am fortunate to get to do just that at this stage of my career. Obviously it is an exciting time for soccer in St. Louis since we now have our own professional team. I am honored to be the first player to become a part of this new franchise.”
The "why"'s seem fairly obvious. Besides the local ties Ralston has to St. Louis, he has coaching aspirations, and he's set to do double-duty with the new club as a player-assistant coach.
What is a major loss for the Revs heading into the 2010 season is a massive coup not only for St. Louis, but for their fledgling league as well. Ralston may not be a household name, and he's not flashy enough to garner attention beyond the hardcore American soccer fan; but as the all-time MLS assists and games played leader, he adds immediate credibility to NASL and AC St. Louis.
“Bringing a veteran leader into our team as a building block of our franchise is absolutely crucial for us,” stated AC St. Louis Chairman Jeff Cooper. “The fact that he grew up in St. Louis and is a well known name to sports fans here is just a bonus. It is not everyday you get to bring home a player that has played the most games in the history of the MLS.”
Ralston's situation is unique, and probably doesn't portend other established MLS players stepping down to Division II. But rarely, if ever, has the second division of American soccer had a player of Ralston's pedigree plying their trade there; whether today's signing is an indication of grand NASL intentions or just a one-off that gives the league a name player at one of their newest clubs (which therefore needs the boost Ralston gives them more than others) it's a noteworthy moment.
One has to wonder what MLS makes of this news.
Image Courtesy NASL.com
by Adam Soucie - Captain Positive
It is a commonly forgotten reality that sports teams are businesses. The theses in Soccernomics aside, the goal of any professional sports team is to make money. Traditionally, owners make money by building the value of a franchise over time and then selling it. During that time period, the team usually loses money (or makes very little). It is the basic concept of investing. You have to spend money to make money. Soccer is no different. Until now.
It seems that some NASL teams have found a new business model. Leading the charge is Traffic Sports Football Management, owners of NASL club Miami FC and co-architects of the new NASL itself. Traffic is a fitting name for this movement’s leaders for a simple, albeit cryptic, reason. With the way they are handling recent player loans, Miami FC, Crystal Palace Baltimore, and Whitecaps FC of Vancouver are participating in human trafficking.
Before you label me Sepp 2.0, understand that I’m not implying ANY mistreatment of these players or claiming they are being forced against their will here. I have no doubt the players in question are well aware of the clubs’ intentions and are the reason they entered the deals to begin with. In every case except one (Bryan Arguez), the players in question are under the age of 18 or have just turned 18. Because FIFA does not allow players under the age of 18 to sign multi-year contracts with a club outside of their own country (or their country of residence, to be more specific). FIFA rules practically necessitate a middle man. At the very least, they create the market for this kind of business.
For Part I of this story I’m going to focus on the player that inspired me to write this piece in the first place: former US U-17 midfielder Korey Veeder. It was announced yesterday by the NASL, and was the lead story on the league’s site no less, that Veeder was signed by Crystal Palace Baltimore. At first glance, the headline sounds like a great thing for the NASL. Once you begin reading the press release, the veil is lifted.
As I understand it, Veeder will never suit up for Crystal Palace Baltimore. He will train with the team, or at least will train in the same city, but he is due to be sent over in several weeks. Specifically, he will be joining the team’s parent team in the England’s Coca-Cola Championship League, Crystal Palace. After training with Palace, he is due to be loaned out. A borrower has yet to be found.
None of these seems sinister, and in no way am I saying it is. What bothers me is that the NASL is trumpeting Veeder’s signing. He has nothing to do with the NASL at all. Palace has been after Veeder for two years. They admit as much in the press release. FIFA regulations and EU/Great Britain laws are the only reason Veeder isn’t playing for Palace right now. The question remains, what does this have to do with the NASL?
Veeder’s situation is ultimately vanilla. His story only scratches the surface of this problem. Next I’ll take a look at the journey of Bryan Arguez and examine how he went from the 11th overall pick of the 2007 MLS Superdraft to loan fodder for Traffic Sports.
Cross-posted to Captain Positive
We waited, and waited and waited (those of us that care) for the United States Soccer Federation to make some kind of ruling on the sanctioning of either USL-1 or the newly rebooted NASL. In the interim, clubs switched sides, new clubs emerged, and no one really knew if there would be a second division in the United States or Canada in 2010.
USSF finally made some kind of ruling today, it just wasn't the type for which most had hoped. Instead of sanctioning either of the battling leagues, US Soccer's leadership chose to summarily reject both, impose a seven day deadline for a compromise to be reached, and leave us all still hanging.
Except that now we have something to debate. It happened almost immediately, via Twitter, the blogosphere, and established professional writers. It seems everyone has an opinion on what the "decision" means, why it was made, and what could possibly come next. For all intents and purposes, all the USSF announcement today did was bring heat to bear on the organization itself, because it made almost no one happy.
And I'm certainly not happy, because the immediate future of second division soccer in the US and Canada will still be undetermined come the new year. With only a few months in which to prepare themselves to put on a professional sports league, a task that involves a mountain of the administrative, marketing, and operational planning, both the NASL and USL are facing an uphill battle just to play. MLS may have the television contracts, the fading European stars, and the roster of big money backers, but make no mistake; a second division of soccer in this part of the world is a crucial part of the growth of the game.
But I've come to grips with the decision, putting it squarely in the "necessary evil" category. I'm certainly not alone in my view, though there are other valid viewpoints as to why USSF did what they did. The timeline is a mess, and there's little explanation that will satisfy me as to why this process has taken as long as it has. I'm sure any discussions had to this point have been tense, led to little progress, and required cooling off periods. There's no doubt that it takes time to gather the information USSF requested from each of the leagues and their member clubs. I have an appreciation, simply from personal experience of trying to get more than a few people to do what they're supposed to in a timely fashion, of how difficult coordinating multiple organizations, often made up of busy people with varied priorities, can be.
Still, it shouldn't have come to this. We shouldn't be staring down the barrel of 2010 with no idea if there will be second division soccer. Forget the larger ramifications, or any broader idea that American and Canadian soccer with suffer generally; this is really about all of the fans of the clubs involved, many of whom have woven their sides' seasons into the rhythms of their lives, who are panicked at the thought of a year without live and local soccer. After being told all month that something would be decided, and with most of the soccer community assuming someone would be sanctioned, they're left right where the rest of us more general observers are, only with the prospect of getting no return on their emotional investment in 2010 and potentially beyond. For any supporter, big club or small, first or second division, that's a pretty big deal.
I find it difficult to believe, however, that USSF would avoid sanctioning a properly prepared and administrated league, no matter who they were or what form they took (i.e., USL's sole private ownership, or NASL's team-owned setup), if one existed. I can draw no other conclusion that that neither the USL, with paltry handful of remaining clubs, nor NASL, with its requisite number of teams but organizational questions and new club issues, are ready to play, and therefore meet sanctioning requirements, in 2010. Without all of the pertinent information, which is in many cases confidential, none of can truly know the really "why" behind today's decision. The simplest, and most logical, conclusion is that USSF applied their standards and no one involved this little footy soap opera could live up to them.
So we'll wait for seven days while the two sides attempt to work something out. USSF is forcing them together to come to an agreement, using today's press release as a sort of public reprimand, and sending a clear message that no other outcome will be accepted. Either shape up, get along, and agree on an approach for 2010 that meets Federation standards, or there will be no sanctioning. What seems like a dodge is more appropriately viewed as a responsible use of the power they possess.
There are alternate takes, of course, and they range from viewing today's announcement and failure to sanction the the seemingly solid NASL as a calculated and insidious choice on the part of USSF, to more mundane appraisals like simple cowardice and ineffectual leadership. One potential NASL club's owner colored the decision to push for compromise as against the American way and preventing the new league from doing business. A noted soccer writer outlined an elaborate scenario where USSF directors, wary of a new league without spending restrictions, refused to sanction NASL because one of its clubs might one day embarrass MLS on the field.
Even those that haven't attempted to analyze the actions of US Soccer are frustrated by the lack of a resolution and are resorting to raking America's soccer leaders over the coals.
Many NASL adherents (generally those whose clubs are lined up to play in the new league) are calling for the new league to play anyway, sanctioning be damned. Why do they need USSF's okay when they have players (or can sign some) to send out, stadiums to play in, and fans ready to fill the stands? Stick it to USSF, go rogue, and give the people what they want.
Even if you hold the the opinion that USSF sanctioning is just window dressing, and the inability to play in CONCACAF competitions is worth the sacrifice, there could be serious detrimental results to playing outside the traditional structure. Per FIFA rules, players can be banned for life from playing in any sanctioned league if they participate in an unsanctioned one. Players who hope to one day (or already do) represent their countries on the international stage could be banned from their national teams. For everyone involved, including owners, coaches, and players, the risk of burning the bridge that connects them with the greater soccer world could be too much to ask. There would be players, mainly because there would be money, but would the quality of the league and their ability to do business be hampered by their rogue status?
It's almost impossible to see the answer to that question as being anything other than "Yes". With that answer in mind, I'm not so sure NASL would be smart to take such a drastic step. Better to play by the USSF's rules, even if they seem arbitrary and unfair at the moment, and works towards full inclusion in the structure that, for better or worse, is the reality of American soccer..
As for USL, their trump card is an established administrative system, with all of the necessary processes and typical red tape, that make a soccer league run. They have few clubs on their side, and they seemed frustratingly resolute in their believe that they, and they alone, should be running things on the lower levels of soccer. Of course, when we say "USL" these days, what we really mean is NuRock; it was the sale of the USL structure to the Atlanta-based concern by Nike that set this drama in motion in the first place. I've defended NuRock's right to protect their investment, including the lawsuit they've brought against defecting clubs, in the past, and while I understand why they've acted as they have, that doesn't mean I think it's right.
Sports, unlike almost any other business, involves a responsibility to the public trust. Fans aren't just customers whose business shows up on the bottom line. They give themselves over to their teams in many cases, and collectively have significant influence in shaping its image and ultimate success. For that reason, arguing for USL to throw in the towel on the second division and step aside for the greater good is justifiable; but because NuRock's raison d'être, as with any company, is to make money, I see no resolution that involves them quietly bowing out unless they can satisfactorily recoup the value their asset will lose without a flagship top division.
The bigwigs at USSF know this. They also know that the NASL owners have valid concerns about the direction of their league, and that it would be unfair make them accept USL control again. Compromise is the only way out. 2010 should be played under the auspices of USL with the understanding that the NASL clubs will pull out of the league officially following the season; the two sides can negotiate, quietly and behind closed doors while the play on field is the rightful public focus, towards a reasonable agreement.
While neither side will be completely happy, we'll have a stable second division setup, a sated national federation, and fans with teams who will be playing without any undo drama hanging over everything.
Step one is this season. I'm beyond caring who "wins" anymore, and I'm not interested in examining the machinations of USSF; I just want to know, both for American and Canadian soccers' as well as the fans' sake, that second division soccer will be happening in 2010.
US Soccer has finally released a statement regarding the ongoing second division split, and it doesn't involve either league (USL or NASL) being sanctioned.
While it's been longer in coming than many observers had hoped, and does not rectify a messy situation, USSF's statement does make it clear that they're not going to take the path of least resistance and sanction NASL, which seemed the logical choice.
US Soccer press release, which is also on the organization's site:
CHICAGO (Dec. 30, 2009) – The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors voted unanimously on Tuesday to not sanction either the USL or the NASL to operate a Division II professional league in 2010.
The decision was made on the recommendation of the Professional League Task Force, which determined that neither organization on its own was able to provide a viable and sustainable operation during the upcoming season. Both organizations were unable to meet U.S. Soccer’s requirement of a minimum of eight viable teams for 2010.
Despite the ruling, the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors has given both organizations seven days to try to work out an interim solution for the 2010 season.
“After carefully reviewing the findings from the Task Force it was clear there are still too many uncertainties for both organizations, which would be extremely difficult to resolve in a timely fashion that would allow them to prepare for the 2010 season,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “In the best interest of soccer in the United States, we decided to not sanction either league at this point. However, we did encourage both leagues to come together in the next week and attempt to develop another plan which would allow a single league to be approved on a provisional basis. We are committed to finding ways to improve the long-term viability of all leagues and teams and continue the growth of soccer in the United States.”
A closer look at what this might mean, specifically the note that "both organizations were unable to meet U.S. Soccer’s requirement of a minimum of eight viable teams for 2010" despite appearances that NASL has enough clubs signed up, as well as the deadline given the two groups to reach to an interim solution to come here at later time (just don't have the time for it at the moment).
Discuss.
As fans, particularly the type that actively hope for soccer to take the next step (even if we're not sure what that next step might be) in the United States, it's easy to get overexcited about "moments", put too much into them, and believe them more influential than they actually are.
2009 is a perfect example of this phenomenon; between exciting success in Seattle (which was a series of moments rather than any singular event, but is still pertinent), the US Confederations Cup run, and various other "smaller" moments sprinkled throughout the calendar, the year past could be viewed as fairly important to the popularity growth of professional soccer in the America.
But doing the prudent thing and pulling back our excitement just a bit is necessary for proper perspective. Soccer isn't going to "blow up" overnight as a nationwide obsession, and shouldn't be dismissed (as the old guard media so consistently do) simply because it hasn't. The fan base of the game in a country of 310 million, which is not insignificant, will always support it on some level, and it would take mistakes on an epic scale to ruin the pro game as well as success on an equally epic scale to bump it into the mainstream (and even that would likely be fleeting, even if the number of committed fans grew significantly).
Unfortunately, "epic mistakes" are not out of the realm of possibility with the MLS CBA negotiations casting a pall over things. For observers of the American game in its totality, even the excitement of a World Cup year is muted by labor uncertainty in America's top flight.
Add the second division drama to the list of concerns, as well as more mundane on-field issues for the USMNT (injuries for example), and it would be very easy to be slightly downtrodden for 2010.
Fortunately, I'm almost (somewhat) possibly (provisionally) certain that the labor nonsense will get fixed, that USSF will make a decision that gives us second division soccer for 2010, and that soccer will make strides with the general public if for no other reason than the ESPN hype machine will be in overdrive. Fairly soon, the relative whispers about the England match to open the World Cup will mutate into outright shouts emanating from the sports TV behemoth. Think of it as a cattle call; not all of the cows will heed it, but more than a few will come along for a look.
As for those more "mundane" issues, the ones involving the United States and their World Cup fortunes, my belief in a positive outcome is less strong (if that's possible). As hopeful as I am (and I am, believe me), I also recognize that it will take the team's and Bob Bradley's very best to make the tournament a success. I won't even bother myself with expectations, which will surely be raised thanks to the fortunate draw; the public will be the public, and if the US fails to meet some kind of unrealistic standard placed on them by a few under-informed mainstream voices, the disappointment will do little to affect soccer's actual standing here. We could all try to face down the tidal wave with reason if we choose, but I'm positive we would all be swept away. Best to just ride it out.
The 2010 World Cup will ultimately be a disappointment for the United States. That's because no matter how or when they go out (and they will), fans of the team will be heartbroken; that's the nature of passion, and why I'm slightly more tolerant of blind-homerism and "rah-rah" type opinion than some. Soccer needs deluded fans just as much as it needs rational analysts; this isn't an academic exercise to be broken down to its essence and examined like some wispy 19th century novel. It's a game, meant to arouse irrational hope and unrealistic belief.
All that being said, and confirming again that the World Cup will ultimately be a disappointment for the US (because they won't, and can't, win it), there could be some joy to be had. I expect them to progress to the second round, even with the issues currently facing Bob Bradley; it won't be easy, and there will be more than a few dodgy moments, but with England clear favorite and capable of getting nine points, the Americans can get through on four, or even three, points.
There are other ways to see it, of course. Whatever is behind it, and I'm coming to grips with the notion that it really doesn't matter, there's nothing unfair about a disastrous prediction for the US at the World Cup. Injuries and form (which is probably best left to later judgement) make it easy to see the Americans falling flat. If we're all just "best-guessing", a conservative estimation, based on missing players, a sometimes tactically-naive coach, a poor record in the last World Cup, and other factors too numerous to name, is understandable. I may hate it, I may have a visceral response to it (working on that; might try the counting thing), but I become one of the deluded if I refuse to see the possibility, and although I recognize the need for unrepentant homers, I have a relatively strong desire not to become one.
And that's just it. Anything is possible, no matter how much we think we know. It's possible the US will beat England. It's possible the US could fail miserable and come home with no points and the worst World Cup showing since France '98.
Neither outcome, or anything else that happens at the World Cup for that matter, will have any explosive or implosive effect on the place of soccer in the sports hierarchy of the United States. It's just doesn't work that way. Even if it did, or if someone soccer entered "fad" or "new hotness" territory (like it seemed to briefly during the heady days of "Beckham-mania") would that we want that? Wouldn't the inevitable regression back to niche/fringe status just be depressing?
Not that everyone cares, or really wants to see soccer explode in the US. I know that there are plenty of you out there that are fine with the way things are. I envy your attitude.
2010, provided there will be an MLS season (compromise people, compromise) and a second division (Hello? USSF? Are you there?) to go with the World Cup will probably be the biggest year in the history of American soccer. That means more attention than ever before, more interest than ever before, and more growth than ever before. What it doesn't mean is soccer becoming a major sport in the United States of America. That is still a long way off, if it ever happens.
So get ready, and get excited, for the moments as they happen over the course of the next year. Just don't go reading too much into them. Slow growth is maddening to the impatient among us, but will ultimately serve American soccer better than any sudden explosion of popularity.
Back in August, I wrote a post on how big the end of 2009 could for American soccer. At the time, I focused on the MLS CBA negotiations, possible MLS expansion, and the World Cup draw; little did I know at the time that second division drama would trump all but one of those.
So here we are, with 2009 just about done and dusted, and a review seems to be in order. Of my three chosen happenings, only one actually came to pass, the one we knew for sure would; the World Cup draw. As it turned out, it was everything we could have hope for and more, thanks both to a group from which the US is capable of advancing, as well as the bonus of a high-profile opening match with world class England.
The buzz for the USA-England match has faded just a bit in recent days, and will probably chug along at a low hum for at least the first three months of 2009; but as the World Cup creeps closer, and the two nations media complexes (obviously that applies to England more than the US) get into full hype mode, you might need earplugs to block out the noise. Everything, and I mean everything from a USMNT standpoint, hinged on that draw. In more ways than one, it did not disappoint.
Unfortunately, the other two areas I pointed out as important for '09 won't be sorted until '10. The CBA negotiations, which are ongoing even as we get very little in terms of actual updates, don't appear to be close to a resolution. Both sides still have heels dug firmly into their respective grounds, and since both belief their ground is high, the stalemate show no signs of breaking. The current CBA expires on January 31st of next year, so the likelihood that the league will be operating without one for at least a short period of time is rising with each passing day. Remember too, that the league won't announce salary cap and roster guidelines until after the CBA has established the basic framework for player compensation.
Expansion, while not as imperative to the health of MLS as the new CBA will be, is nonetheless still a hot topic. Don Garber's recent visit to Montreal to speak with Joey Saputo and local officials makes it seem as though the Impacts "promotion" to MLS is imminent. There's no reason to believe that isn't true, but again, with only a few weeks left in 2009, Montreal's official announcement is likely to happen in 2010.
Meanwhile, the USL/NASL fight has risen to a place of prominence on the list of concerns heading into 2010. The USSF has yet to decide on the status of the newly formed NASL, and it will be that action which dictates the direction that battle will take. If the USSF sanctions NASL, then at least we'll know that those clubs signed up with the new league will definitely play in 2010; with the amount of time, effort, and money they've put into their new endeavor, it would be a pity to have it go any other way. The USL lawsuit, naming three NASL-committed teams (Rochester, Tampa Bay, and CP Baltimore) will linger no matter the USSF ruling, and will also need to be sorted out. A peek at the Hillsborough County court website indicates that a hearing has been scheduled for early March.
In retrospect, the expansion and CBA questions were long shots for answers in 2009. It's 2010, with both club and country being in the news, that will ultimately be when those answers will come.
It's time for another American Soccer Show. This time around it's USL v. NASL from a legal perspective with Ben Berger of footiebusiness.com, then Donovan to Everton and other USMNT topics with Max Zeger of Goal.com.
Don't forget to email you top 5 American soccer moments of 2009 to show@americansoccershow.com for our year end show next week.
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The natives, and by natives I mean thousands of second division soccer fans around the United States and Canada, are getting restless. The staring contest between the United Soccer Leagues and the Team Owners Association/North American Soccer League shows no signs of breaking. Lawyers may now unfortunately have a say in the outcome, with the USL suing three NASL teams in Florida circuit court.
Fleshing out exactly what this all means, what outcomes may be possible, and what needs to happen next is not only difficult, it might depend on your chosen viewpoint. Fans are lined up on both sides, with little room in the middle for those reserving judgement. It's either the USL is bad for soccer because of their draconian league-management style and refusal to allow team owners a say in league direction, or it's that they're their role as builder of lower division American and Canadian soccer is being unfairly discounted by fans, while team owners illegally break contracts signed in good faith. It's either the TOA/NASL is moving second division soccer forward with a larger vision and more open cooperation than the USL, or that they're threatening the future of second division soccer by fostering discord and uncertainty.
Here's one thing we can all agree on, NASL revolutionaries, USL loyalists, or impartial third parties: US Soccer must take action, and they must do it now.
That doesn't necessarily mean that USSF should simply sanction the NASL; while there is a large segment of soccer fans that desperately hope for that, doing so won't really solve the current problem. It's hard to imagine USL dropping their lawsuits without being given satisfaction of some kind, and if the NASL is sanctioned alongside USL-1 as a second division league, there won't be any. Additionally, the potential for FIFA involvement, thanks to violations of Article 62 of the organization's statutes, remains in play if both leagues are sanctioned.
The alternative, of course, is to sanction NASL while at the same time revoking that of USL-1; on the surface this seems like a fine idea, though it wouldn't be right to pull USL-1's card without cause. Maybe the lawsuits are cause, or maybe it's the lack of committed clubs the league has. Then again, the lawsuits would indicate that at least three TOA/NASL clubs should be playing in USL-1, making the "they don't have enough clubs" argument a little weaker. Of course, we're only concluding that the clubs are contractually obligated to play in USL-1 because USL says so; the vagaries of contract law make it impossible for those on the outside to know for sure.
We're one day removed from the deadline imposed by US Soccer on the USL and NASL leadership for "additional information" (said to include copies of stadium leases, which indicate a team's ability and intent to play in 2010). The USSF could be getting their ducks in a row as I write this, intending to take action immediately, or they could be sitting on their hands, waiting for something to force them to make a decision. I truly hope it's not the latter; there's nothing worse they can do in this instance than remain quiet. And no, Monday's "statement" doesn't cut it.
The clock is ticking. Time is not on the side of either group, and though both are forging ahead with plans for 2010 (the TOA/NASL group certainly is), the unknowns make it difficult to believe either can fully be prepared for an April kickoff. Not only are travel itineraries, a significant portion of a team's non-salary outlay, in limbo, some clubs have yet to sign up a single player. If fact, that's the perfect work for all of this: limbo.
The leagues are in limbo, the clubs are in limbo, the players are in limbo, and the immediate future of second division soccer is in limbo.
Just to catch you up, here are the clubs involved and a short note on each.
NASL Clubs
AC St. Louis
- Newly created club owned by St. Louis Soccer United, the group behind an unsuccessful MLS expansion bid. Original TOA member despite the team not being created until Tuesday.
Atlanta Silverbacks
- Founded in 1995, the Silverbacks sat out 2009 voluntarily due to financial issues. Original TOA member.
Carolina Railhawks
- Original member of the TOA.
Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Flipped to the NASL despite originally planning to move up to USL-1 after three years in USL-2. Named in the breach of contract lawsuit filed by the USL in Hillsborough County, Florida.
Miami FC
- Original TOA club, Owned by Traffic Sports, believed to be a major force behind the split with USL.
Minnesota Thunder
- Reported to be in serious financial trouble, the Thunder were an original member of the TOA group.
Montreal Impact
- Seemingly tabbed by MLS for a move up in the near future, one of USL-1's "flagship" clubs, and owned by NASL's spokesman, Joey Saputo.
Rochester Rhinos
- A late convert to the NASL after owner Rob Clark remained uncommitted during the initial stages of the conflict. Named in the USL complaint.
Tampa Bay Rowdies
- A new franchise named after the original NASL Rowdies, 2010 will be their inaugural season. Flipped from USL, named in lawsuit.
Vancouver Whitecaps
- Headed to MLS in 2011, the club has committed to launching a replacement NASL team in Edmonton (to be named after the Edmonton Drillers, an original NASL club).
USL Clubs
Austin Aztex
- Thought to be the next likely club to flip to NASL, just finished their inaugural season in USL-1.
Portland Timbers
- Like Vancouver, headed to MLS in 2011. Have remained quiet on their plans for 2010, though the club just completed their first signing of the off-season.
Puerto Rico Islanders
- Seem committed to remaining with USL. Hold exclusive USL rights to the island, though there is talk of USL trying to add another Puerto Rican club to the league.
In addition to these three clubs, former USL-1 club Charleston Battery has voluntarily dropped to USL-2, 2009 USL-1 entrant Cleveland City Stars appear to have folded, and new club FC New York has shown no signs of being ready to field a team in 2010.
Thirteen clubs, no resolution in sight, and committed fans left in the dark.
Remember that every one of these clubs operates on small margins or loses significant money; for them to wait around for the stalemate to break naturally could be catastrophic to the whatever product they are able to put on the field for 2010. The NASL may want a flashy debut, but without sanctioning and time to properly organize themselves (which may be part of the problem USSF has with their application), they're not going to get it. They might put on a professional soccer league season, but I have serious doubts it will be of any legitimate quality.
Time for USSF to do something. While they sit around and twiddle their thumbs, doing nothing but meet with the involved parties and release non-committal spun-to-the-hilt press releases, the fans of the involved clubs get angrier and angrier. The Canadian fans, including those of Toronto FC, are concerned that their national championship could be in jeopardy. Many people have just thrown up their hands, sick of the whole mess. There's a very real possibility that the battling clubs have lost a significant number of fans because they just can't get along.
It's in US Soccer's power to put an end to the nonsense. I'm not sure that many fans even care what action the federation takes; at this point, it's just about getting it sorted and doing it now, before the damage done becomes utterly irreparable.
