Comments on: NASL and USL Gets Slap on Wrist by USSF – Competition of 2nd Division Leagues is Good for the Soccer Supporter

By: zlatan

zlatan — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:02:03 +0000

I think this shows a lack of leadership by USSF. An intervening organization that had any idea what they were doing would have put something in place to continue to work toward resolution. This would have included possibly gagging both sides to make sure the focus was on a common solution, versus self promotion. I think BQ has outlined previously that USSF must approve/give the 2nd division designation to one of the organizations for 2011. I’m not sure USL and NASL will be able to work things out. I’d like to see this go to court and show that FIFA/USSF must allow 2 competitive 2nd divisions. Or that a US equivalent of FIFA also has the power to govern the game in the US and the FIFA can not take retaliation toward clubs or players (maybe the most likely scenario?)

By: CoconutMonkey

CoconutMonkey — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:31:36 +0000

Lots of well deserved finger pointing going around.

It’s true that US Soccer hasn’t done jack in terms of getting the word out. And fair enough that the NASL/USL want to promote their brand, but I don’t see any effort being put into promoting Division2 on their end either.

It seems like all the parties have on foot out the door already. The USSF seems like it wants to wash its hands of this mess as soon as possible. On top of that, the NASL and USL are only willing to make investments that help THEIR OWN teams and don’t want to risk benefiting the other side inadvertently.

By: Soccer Boy

Soccer Boy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:24:55 +0000

USSF should get their hand slapped! Competition is good. What we need is more competition. Maybe we can all take a road trip to Chicago, stand outside the USSF HQ, hold hands and sing Kum By Ya.

By: fotbalist

fotbalist — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:19:15 +0000

While USSF makes a good point about concentrating on what happens on the field in 2010, they have to be fair as business managers as well. USSF were very clear that they only want to be part of this arrangement for he 2010 season. Organizing and promoting a new (or existing) league takes a LOT of time and sustained effort. I agree with ‘Jane’ this seems like USSF interference with branding. This interference helps the USL. However, I really don’t think anyone can stop NASL anymore. They are very determined and neither USL or USSF will stop them. Don’t be surprised if you see at least 4 or 5 more teams come on board in 2011 & 2012. Watch for news from Calgary and Ottawa.

By: thesuperrookie

thesuperrookie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:48:21 +0000

I heard from an inside source close to the negotiations that the USSF is afraid of lake monsters.

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:59:57 +0000

NASL has every right to promote itself in 2010 as a way of branding their new league in preparation for 2011. I was told by an NASL executive that as part of the settlement USSF would not interfere with any off the field business plans, i.e. branding as one example. Branding the new league is just one method of marketing which also helps identify expansion teams. Seems like USSF is not adhering to the agreement.

By: Brian Quarstad

Brian Quarstad — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:52:57 +0000

I have to agree with KT for the most part. Also, I was speaking of the badge on the shoulder when I said one-off and those were my words not his exact words. I don’t record the conversation and took notes but that was toward the end of the conversation and a last minute question that I had heard rumored. The point being, this is a one time thing and they have made that clear. In other words, its a one-off.

By: Jeff Wolter

Jeff Wolter — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:10:30 +0000

USSF is right IMO in telling both of them to concentrate more on this season before looking to far ahead. Both sides are still wasting time and energy posturing for the media (LOL…).

USL 1 failed three months ago, they just haven’t figured it out yet. The captain insists on going down with his severely listing ship.

NASL will be able to concentrate all their energy on just their one product, while USL will have to juggle many priorities spread out across the many leagues they operate.

Specialization is always more appealing to the passionate fan.

By: Rico

Rico — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:33:12 +0000

Why should US Soccer care? It’s only a one-year season. And I agree, the self-promotion we are seeing out of USL and NASL is a lot more information I can get out of Division 2 soccer than from US Soccer’s own official website. I think it is becoming common knowledge that USSF have taken on a task that they seem to be ill-prepared for, or maybe just don’t care.

They can’t even properly promote the Open Cup. Those people are pathetic.

By: KT

KT — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:36:24 +0000

“USSF is calling this a “one-off” season, where is this good for the game?”

Actually, the implication is that it’s a one-off. USSF has said their concern was 2010, because their concern WAS 2010. There was no point in worrying about 2011 if they couldn’t get the nonsense together for 2010.

It’s fans that can see that, in all likelihood, the USSF-2 is a one-off, but they’re the ones calling it that, not USSF. For all we know, the whole thing could collapse like a flan in a cupboard between now and November, so even worrying about 2011 is pointless.