Sorting Out the Teams of USL and NASL
As US Soccer’s special “Professional League Task Force,” lead by CEO and Secretary General Dan Flynn, sorts through this debate of 2nd division league control, I thought it might be helpful for everyone to go through the teams one by one as a guide. There have been many claims by both sides as to the teams they have slated to play in 2010.
IMS believes that there are 12 teams that US Soccer are considering as legitimate for the 2010 season. Three of the 12 teams are claiming their loyalty to the United Soccer Leagues (USL), while 8 say they are on-board with the North American Soccer League (NASL). One team remains uncommitted at this time.
While the 8-3 advantage does seem to be somewhat overwhelming in NASL’s favor, there are still many questions US Soccer needs to ask of the new league as well as looking at contractual obligations of teams to USL that now say they want to play in the new league.
Breaking the teams down by alphabetical order followed by their current status and their preference to affiliation, here is that list:
1) AC St. Louis – New NASL expansion team
Major player in TOA
Owner Jeff Cooper was said to have won the sealed bid purchase of the USL from Nike which ended up going to NuRock Holdings instead. Cooper has been a major player with the TOA and NASL. His team has a stadium lease, staff including coach and the financial backing in line to make this happen. Had a major press conference in early December of 2009 announcing the team.
2) Austin Aztex – Former USL-1
Satisfied with USL
The team owned by Phil Rawlins is said to be one of the more stable USL teams even though this is only the team’s second year in the league.
3) Carolina RailHawks – Former USL-1
Part of original TOA breakaway group
Owner Selby Wellman has been a major player in the early organization of the TOA. Team made major improvements in coaching and roster in 2009 and finished 2nd in the league.
4) Crystal Palace FC (USA) – Former USL-2
Originally announced by USL that they would be moving up to USL-1 and now supportive of NASL.
In November the organization announced the move to TOA and the NASL along with expansion club Tampa Bay. The team has played in USL-2 for 3 seasons. USL has filed a lawsuit against the team for backing out of their commitment to the league.
5) Miami FC Blues – Former USL-1
Part of original TOA breakaway group
Aaron Davidson, president of the organization, was the original spokesperson for the TOA. The team is owned by Traffic Sports of Brazil, one of the largest exporters of soccer talent in South America. They also own TV rights with CONCACAF and are said to be financial supporters of the new proposed NASL.
6) Minnesota – New Team
League preference unannounced at this time.
Not the Thunder but a new entry put forth by the National Sports Center (NSC), former home of the MN Thunder.
The organization has so many things already in place including a paid-for-stadium that they are considered a sure thing for 2010 even though there has yet to be an official announcement. A coach is yet to be named and players still need to be acquired. Minnesota will most likely wait until a decision is made by USSF before committing to a league.
7) Montreal Impact - Former USL-1
Part of the TOA but owner Joey Saputo has been said to waffle at times
Saputo’s team is suggested to be the next (19th) team to move up to MLS. Saputo is the acting commissioner for the NASL until a permanent leader can be found.
8 ) Portland Timbers – Former USL-1
Satisfied with USL
Merrit Paulson’s team will be moving to MLS in 2011. Portland won the Commissioners Cup in 2009 and broke some USL records in doing so. The Timbers lost in the playoffs.
9) Puerto Rico Islanders – Former USL-1
Satisfied with USL.
The team is actually owned by a group of different individuals and groups causing the organization to sometimes be a bit bureaucratic in its decisions.
10) Rochester Rhinos – Former USL-1
Owner Rob Clark originally stated he was satisfied with the USL but has done an about face and announced he is now in the TOA camp because they have a better business plan.
With the departure of the Minnesota Thunder due to financial issues, Rochester is now the oldest 2nd division team in the US and is looked to be an important piece of the puzzle for both USL and the NASL. Both leagues were wooing Clark as it looks as if the NASL won this battle. USL has filed a lawsuit against the Rhinos claiming they had promised to play with the USL.
11) Tampa Bay Rowdies – Expansion team for USL
Originally announced by USL as an expansion team but now are with the NASL.
This team was to be an expansion team for USL-1 in the 2010 season but switched allegiances to TOA also citing a better business plan. It’s said the organization made a two-year contractual commitment to the USL and are being sued by USL for that reason.
12) Vancouver Whitecaps – Former USL-1
Not part of the original three TOA teams that broke away but was supportive throughout and have become a strong advocate of the new proposed league.
Vancouver, like Portland, is also an MLS expansion team for 2011. However, Vancouver is committed to growing the sport and their team. They have announced that Edmonton (Drillers) will be their replacement in the proposed NASL, supporting that team as a reserve team for the Whitecaps.
Other teams said to have been players in the dispute:
Charleston Battery – Former USL-1
Not happy with USL or TOA.
Proposed a merger of USL2 and USL1 at the 2009 AGM’s and was turned down by USL. Out of frustration they announced a move down to USL-2 for the 2010 season. Charleston is also considered one of the more stable USL teams and constructed the very first soccer specific stadium in the US in 1999.
Minnesota Thunder - Former USL-1
One of the original 3 teams to breakaway with the TOA.
Team owned by WingField of Belgium, a real estate developer. They ran into financial issues when property market plummeted and were not able to recover. The team is considered by most as finished although there has been no official word yet from owner Dean Johnson. The history book has seemed to close on the Thunder as they had been the longest running outdoor pro soccer team in the US, with a history of 20 years. The Thunder released their players to free agency. (edited 1:00 pm to correct US not North America)
Cleveland City Stars – Former USL-1 and 2
Satisfied with USL
Cleveland was asked with urgency by the USL front office to move from USL-2 to USL-1 for the 2009 season. USL was concerned that several TOA teams that were threatening to leave the league in the fall of 2008 would leave a void, so they encouraged the Stars, who had been in USL-2 for two years, to move up. The decision was disastrous for the team and they never recovered. The team tried unsuccessfully to find a buyer. It looked like one was on the horizon but the USL front office pulled the plug on the franchise before Thanksgiving of 2009 and released all players from their contracts to become free agents.
Not ready to play yet – Looking at 2011 
FC New York – Announced by USL last year as expansion team for 2010.
Rumor has it that they are not ready to field a team in 2010 and may never be.
Atlanta Silverbacks – former USL-1 team that dropped from the league in 2009
The Silverbacks ownership were the first to show their unhappiness with USL by dropping out of the league in the fall of 2008 after other teams had also threatened. The TOA are claiming that Atlanta is a team scheduled to play in 2010 but word on the street is they will not be ready to play until 2011.
Edmonton Drillers – New expansion team for NASL
This team will supposedly move into the proposed NASL when Vancouver moves up to MLS in 2011 and will act as a reserve club for the Whitecaps.
Edited 9:30 am
Rumored only but prospective teams for 2011
Detroit, Michigan Bucks (USL-PDL), Ottawa and Puerto Rican teams Ponce River Plate and Sevilla FC-Puerto Rico.
Comments are closed.
Has anyone got wind of the San Diego Flash franchise? Looks like they are trying to reform and have a professional squad. They have a website in place and have ad try-outs. I believe they will just be doing some charity events and local games, but wasnt sure if you knew more about the status. Its under San Diego Soccer Partners Inc.
Ya, got a LinkedIn email from a Clent Alexander who is involved with the group. They seem to be interested in expanding but not sure how? It seems like a D-3 (USL-2) soccer team would make sense in San Diego as there has been talk in the past of creating another USL-2 league on the West Cost, and down through Texas? You would then have two regionalized USL-2 leagues. Travel costs would still be very high for West Coast USL-2.
Just a observation, you mentionned Rochester as the oldest 2nd division team? They started out in 1996, however both the Impact and the Whitecaps have been playing in 2nd division since 1993 in the old APSL.. Did you perhaps mean oldest American 2nd division team?
Steven,
I should have clarified USL. As you stated, Rochester have played in that structure since 96. Montreal and Vancouver joined the A-League in 97. I guess I was speaking in context of the USL since that is what is at issue here.
Its also very funny that Cleveland did the USL a “favor” by moving up to USL-1, and from what was stated and the rumor mill had a prospective buyer but the USL couldnt seem to give them a little more time or maybe even allowance to drop to USL-2. Not a USL basher by any means but seems very sketchy. Although I undertsand fully that the once burned twice shy would be in effect as looks like they did give some help and forgiveness to some clubs and eneded up in the bad end of the agreement. I would love to see the business plans for both organizations ( TOA/USL ).
I love this note “Vancouver moves up to MLS in 2011 and will act as a reserve club for the Whitecaps”
Just because it hints that Vancouver (likely Portland and Montreal as well) want to change the way MLS has handled their developmental players, and as you know I prefer an intergrated MLS Reserve and Independent team structure (mirroring Spain and Germany, and 50s MLB).
Brian, may I suggest an addition or two?
The “other” pro level teams that are out there right now for USA, Canada and PR
Brian, thanks for the report / blog entry, keep up the good work. Something tells me that if Buzz and the Lagos’ are involved in the new Minnesota organization then the USL will be where they are headed. Buzz is a loyal guy and while the USL and its franchises don’t always see eye to eye, I believe there is a mutual respect there and certainly a long history.
Dave, please do.
PS,
As far as I know the Lagos’ are not involved and Manny was Dean Johnson’s representative at most of the TOA meetings where the Thunder were invited. So no, I think your incorrect. As reported here, the Thunder were frustrated that the only time the USL ever sent their commissioner Marcos here was in 1999. That’s it, once. Manny saw points from both sides but he and Dean felt that the TOA has a much better business plan and were in their court. No USL for them and the NSC is a totally different entity with different goals. As stated, they are waiting to see how USSF decides on things.
I don’t want to be picky, but I thought that the old APSL changed name in 1995 to become the A-League. When the A-League merged with the USL, the USL changed their name to A-League in 1997. Doesn’t that makes Vancouver the oldest second division team?
Also, I thought that the original TOA members which left the USL were Montreal, Vancouver, Miami, Carolina, Minnesota and Tampa Bay (with St-Louis and Atlanta, but those didn’t really left anything). The first three teams which were kicked out of the USL by NuRock were Minnesota, Miami and Carolina, but it was because Montreal and Vancouver were still playing in the playoffs. Tampa Bay had previously paid their admission fees for 2010 (and 2011).
That’s what I thought, I could still be wrong. Keep up the good work!!
From a practical standpoint, a consolidation of the teams makes perfect sense. This is still minor league soccer, and there are only 12 teams in this entire great country of ours… oh wait, there are really only 9, as 2 are from Canada and one is from Puerto Rico.
This is not what I would call a sterling sense of demand for the US population.
Bart: “This is not what I would call a sterling sense of demand for the US population.”
Me: This is what I would call a young professional sport.
yes i can’t imagine Cleveland is very “satisfied with USL” now after what has happened… as far as Minnesota is concerned i guess both sides f* cked up… and what happened to Atlanta for 2010???
Thanks for the great work!
Someone from Montreal. You may be correct on the first account. After looking into it again, it looks like Rochester started in 96 in the A league that then went to the USISL. As you state, Vancouver was in the APSL that changed it’s name to the A-League in 95.
On the second count, most of the teams with the TOA now were at some point affiliated with that organization way back in the summer of 08. But it was the three mentioned, Miami FC, Carolina Railhawks and the MN Thunder who were the ones who really stepped forward and drew the line in the sand. The others followed suite later. Perhaps you could make a point of Atlanta being the first team as they literally dropped out due to frustration. I did an interview (which you can find on this site) back in March of this year with Aaron Davidson where he talks about the Team Owners Association. This was before the statement that was made where all the teams you mentioned were members.
Atlanta has told the powers that be that they will not be ready for this season but still hope to field a team in 2011.
PB, thanks and ERic, I agree with you, “This is what I would call a young professional sport.”
At least in Canada and the US
Brian, great job in doggedly tracking this story. You’re like a dog with a bone;)
Grrrrowl. Thanks George. Nice to hear from you.
I’m interested in which other teams have the potential and interest to step up.
Judging by the attendance statistics alone there are a number of PDL organisations (eg Des Moines) could handle the transition and be a welcome addition to pro-soccer.
Any chance of deeper analysis?
thomask, stepping up to USL-2 from PDL is a huge jump for most teams. Non-paid to paid, greater league costs and most of all increased transportation costs. I would say there are very few PDL teams that would make the transition effectively. While the Des Moines Menace may have numbers, they are stuck in the middle of the country – who do they play and who is going to pay for the transportation costs to the east or west cost for every game? Kitsap Pumas are one of the teams that do come to mind however. They already pay their players (no college players – ncaa eligibility).
The step up from PDL to USL-2 is big, but the step up from USL-2 to USL-1 is even larger. You have to have way more talented teams, a deep roster for all the travel and all the 2-game road trips in 3-days.
As I have pointed out many at time, in order to make a profit you would most likely be needing to own your own stadium and be pulling in 7 to 10 thousand people a game. Travel costs alone for one away game in USL-1 will take suck up gate receipts of 2 games with 5,000 people.
So in short, unless one of those teams has an owner with very, very deep pockets, almost none of those teams are truly ready. With that said, there will always be someone who tries. I do believe that the regionalized leagues, much like we have in the PDL is closer to the answer, but not a reality yet until the soccer infrastructure grows.
Just make MLS 2 as a minor league for MLS
Quick correction to your story, the oldest Div-2 club is Vancouver. The Whitecaps, who began play in the old CSL in 1987 (as the Vancouver 86ers) and have played continuously at the Div 2 level with the CSL, APSL, A-League, USL and, hopefully in 2010, NASL. Even the Monteal Impact, founded in 1993 in the wake of the CSL Montreal Supra, pre-date the Rochester Rhinos by 3 years.
The correct quote should be that the Rhinos are now the oldest Div-2 team in the United States.
What would be great to see is a legitimate peace between all parties, I really think the USL has good standard from the Super Y, W-league and PDL. I would be, in my oponion, in ffavor of US Soccer that The NASL becomes the “pro branch” of the USL. Thus making the NASL teams the Div 2 Soccer league. Allowing for even the USL 2 branch to move in with the NASL. However I think certain teams that want a “semi-pro” that are now in the USL-2 should move down to the PDL and do like the other PDL teams that pay players, and save costs.
Super Y/US Academy/ODP—WLeague/PDL/WPSL—NASL—MLS /WPS ( If WPS lasts past 3 years )
I am down here in Austin. Any word on what Aztex will do? Is Phil leaning 1 way or another? I know you put “Satisfied with USL”, but what does that mean? Any details?