The War of the Soccer Leagues USL vs NASL

I've been reading all the information across the Internet referring to the USL vs NASL issues. I've spoken with friends and fellow bloggers and we have all come up with some interesting ideas. Here is my take on where this whole mess could be going. I'm going to divide it up into 3 scenarios.

Scenario #1 Stalemate

Lets say the USSF intervenes, rejects the NASL which to my eyes seems to be the most likely outcome.
The USSF forces the 2 groups to compromise, USL will need to surrender control to the TOA so that the league could continue under USL-1. The Team owners get their way but the USL continues to have all teams under their wing.

This will not make anybody happy. The TOA wants out of USL. I think with this whole soap opera USL-1 has lost much credibility and is now synonymous with mediocrity. I fear there are too many egos out there and some teams would rather fold then be part of USL at this stage.

Scenario #2.- What if USL wins?

This one looks weird at this point since we just heard the Rhinos jumped ship to the NASL. But we can't count USL/NuRock out just yet. The USSF gave the TOA teams a few weeks to give them a game plan... so to speak and according to that they would approve the league or not. Lets assume the plea is rejected. Lets say no compromise is reached, the original defectors, Carolina, Miami and Minnesota are out of luck and would likely not play in USL. The remaining teams would have no choice but to return to USL if they want to play.

Its a known secret that MLS pretty much runs the USSF. In the beginning, when things first started out, everyone was lead to believe the TOA was going to become MLS2... but when it was known that the TOA was naming the new League NASL, then things started to change. Now the "Farm league" became a competitor even though TOA members claim the contrary.

So far 10 teams have aligned to NASL, Atlanta and St. Louis aren't even up and running, Minnesota is practically in the same boat since they are down to a 3 man organization. We have Tampa and Baltimore and lets include the Rhinos who were set to play in the USL next year. (Legal issues may arise) So basically NASL has only 4 real teams without issues Montreal, Miami , Carolina and Vancouver.

USL claims they are still looking to add a few teams to USL-1. This would invigorate a league that is down to 4 teams. Portland, Austin, Cleveland and Puerto Rico (Cleveland being rummored to be heading to USL-2).
A deal with teams currently aligned with the TOA could still happen. Montreal for one, is playing all suitors. Sure, they say they are with NASL but MLS wants them badly and so does USL.
Yup, you can't count USL out yet!

Scenario #3.- NASL wins one way or another.

10 groups willing to field teams in NASL is something to brag about. Vancouver will still field a team even after they go to MLS (Edmonton?) and Montreal doesn't need MLS, USL or NASL for that matter. If NASL is approved and if Montreal decides not to leave to MLS, then NASL will be a strong league going into 2o1o and beyond.
Name issues with the Rowdies? Worst case scenario Tampa could change their name. Legal issues between USL, Baltimore, Tampa and the Rhino's? Rob Clark, owner of the Rhinos said he believes nothing holds them from jumping ship. The same can be said for the other teams. Minnesota is the weak link, no idea if they will survive when the dust settles. But even if the non-formed groups do not field teams there are still enough teams to make it work. Soon more teams could be jumping ship (No word from PR and Portland yet).

Even if NASL is not approved by the USSF there are other options and steps that can be taken, it wont be over by a long shot. They can still play under the Canadian Soccer Federation which could potentially include American teams. MLS /USSF can't argue since Toronto plays under a USSF sanctioned League.

Conclusion:
I got a headache with all this and I'm sure you did too. I'd like for all this to be over with so that we can concentrate on getting all our teams ready for next year! Lets hope the outcome will be in the best interest for Soccer in the United States and Canada.

Check out these Cool links
USL-1 Schedule for 2010
Interview with Kartik concerning NASL
Is NASL worth the risk?
League Dispute Has Done What USL Didn’t Do

Weekend of Soccer in South Florida: Gold Cup, Miami Kickers and Miami FC

Who said Miami was not a soccer town? You see games being played all over South Florida, but fans are known to be fickle and demanding when it comes to watching a game live. Well, this weekend they get a little of everything! Friday, Saturday and Sunday will have what I call "A little Soccer Heaven"!
Word has it the Miami Ultras will have a presence in all three events. Be sure to look for the guys in the scarves and say hello!

Gold Cup is coming to South Florida this Friday July 10 at Florida International University Stadium. It will be a double header that will see Costa Rica go against Canada at 7 p.m. and El Salvador vs. Jamaica at 9 p.m. For ticket information go to The Gold Cup site but hurry, the stadium can only fit about 20,000 people so tickets will go fast! For full coverage check out the Kartik Report.

The Miami Kickers FC continue to top the WPSL Sunshine Division. The Kickers traveled to West Palm Beach to take on Palm Beach United this past Friday, July 3rd. but lost their first game of the season, falling to United 3-2. Read more at the Miami Ultras site.
Come out and support the Kickers at their next home game this Saturday July 11th 7 pm at American Heritage High School in Plantation. Miami will take on the Clearwater Galactics as they look to remain leaders of their group.

Last but not least; lets get out there this Sunday July 12th as the Miami FC Blues will take on the MLS bound Vancouver Whitecaps at FIU Stadium. The game is set to start at 6 pm with an Ultras tailgate starting at 4 pm. The Beer at the tailgate is FREE! Yes, I said FREE! So get out there and support Soccer in South Florida!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues! Ultras picture by Victor Palkaninec

Gold Cup Games at FIU Stadium. Kickers continue winning streak! WQAM 560 AM Soccer show at 10 pm

Gold Cup is coming to South Florida on Friday July 10 - (Florida International University Stadium) It will be a double header that will see Costa Rica go against Canada at 7 p.m. and El Salvador vs. Jamaica at 9 p.m. For ticket information go to The Gold Cup site but hurry, the stadium can only fit about 20,000 people so tickets will go fast! For full coverage check out the Kartik Report.

The Miami Kickers FC continue stomping the competition as they are now 5-0 and top the WPSL Sunshine Division. The Kickers this time dispatched the Puerto Rico Capitals FC by 6-2! They are unstoppable! Read more at the Miami Ultras site.
Miami will next travel up north and play Palm Beach United on Friday July 3rd at 7 pm at Lake Lytal Park located 3645 Gun Club Rd West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Be sure to go out and support the Kickers at their next home game Saturday July 11th 7 pm at American Heritage High School in Plantation. Miami will take on the Clearwater Galactics.

Soccer Fans, Listen to the DA Show on 560 WQAM tonight as he talks Miami FC soccer. Don’t miss the Miami FC / DA Show giveaway, it will be something special. This will be a really cool prize. Call DA at 305-567-0560 or #560 from AT & T cell phones every weeknight 8-11 pm. You can also email questions to da@wqam.com
Listen to the DA Show live

Miami FC will be offering pre-sale group rates $5 Youth & $10 Adult tickets at outlets Farm Stores, Soccer Max, Soccer Locker and Bourges Market.
Miami FC returns home to play the now traditional Fourth of July game against the first place Puerto Rico Islanders. This game will be played at FIU Stadium and will include fireworks immediately after the game. For more info go to the Miami FC website and get your tickets!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

The Burrito Report: Parte Dos Miami FC vs Canadian Vatos and Rhino-cerotes!

Hola South Florida futbol fans! (Click on highlighted words if you don't know the meaning of the word) Burritos mami come from Toluca this week and it a good thing cause with that Cochino Flu ting going it dangerous to be in Mexico now! Todays Burrito have mucho to talk about. Primero, Burrito happy Miami FC beat them Canadian Putos by 2-1. Goals by Burritos carnal Diego Serna and Leo Inacio and then them chingones from Canada score one but who really cares? No? The Blues won and that all that matters!
Burrito like FIU stadiums, it very nice and cozy and makes Burrito wanna put on a poncho and live there forevers pero then Burrito see it half plastic for grass and that no good cause that no good! Burrito cant even smoke that grass! No good for balls controls and Burrito like havings mucho balls control! It make burrito feel good and all the mamacitas like that.
Pero bueno, then Miami FC play back in Lockhearts versus those Rhino-cerotes from almost Canada, or someplace gawd forget about cause Burrito no care and unfortunetedly Miami FC lose and that make Burrito sad, pero it ok Burrito forgive players since Serna and Leo Inacio was not playings. Next games is Saturday May 2 against the Charleston Battery at Lockhart Stadium. All Burritos homeboys need to go or Burrito hit you on head! Be sure to go to http://www.miamifc.com/for ticket info or call: 305-728-2606
Burrito need Mami FC players to concentrate next game and not let them Chicken farmers from Charleston score! Last game Burrito was eating quesadilla with Corona beers in Lockheart Stadiums an the other team score Gol! Burrito almost chokes, It make bad for Burritos digestion when other team score! So Miami FC players hears Burrito now! If you let other team score.... Ah Chihuahua Burrito get mad and... Burrito get mad!

Burrito read Miami Ultras site and see Debate on witch Futbol stadium is betters. Lockhearts or FIU. Burrito tink it no matter. When Burrito first move from Toluca to Homestead Burrito used to takes the bus all the ways to Lockhearts to see Miami Fusion! So all you chingones cry babies need to get some huevos like Burrito and supports Miami FC in good and bad no matters where they are at. Miami FC is all Burrito half now and if South Florida lose this teams then Burrito will go on quesadilla strike! No more quesadillas ever!
Ok, now Burrito go and eat some enchiladas! Hasta los huevos and silla at Lockhearts this Saturdays!
Check out this video by a Miami FC Fan. Not too good but you get to see Diego's gol!

For more on Burrito join him on myspace!

Gold Cup in Miami, Lockhart Stadium to host Miami FC home opener and more...

Miami is set to Host 2 Gold Cup games at FIU Stadium on Friday, July 10. The games will be Costa Rica vs. Canada, 7 p.m.(EDT) and El Salvador vs. Jamaica, 9 p.m.(EDT). This will be a good one! For the full schedule click here

Miami FC reports they will play their home opener in Broward county's Lockhart Stadium.
"We are very excited to play in Broward County for the first time" said team president Aaron Davidson. "Broward County has welcomed us with open arms and recognizes that Miami FC is all of South Florida's pro soccer team. Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties may be diverse but they represent one united region - South Florida. We look forward to truly reaching out to all soccer players, coaches and fans during our upcoming fourth season." read more at Miami FC
It looks like Miami FC is trying to secure a few games in Miami Dade county.

Reminder:
Miami Ultras are hosting a Tailgate party this Saturday at 2 pm at Tropical Park! We ask all South Florida to come out and support your Miami FC who will be playing Lynn University Fighting Knights that same day at 4pm.

Vamos Miami FC!