USSF Conspiracy against NASL by Burrito

Si, the title is a little dramatic, Burrito admit that. Pero, the way the United States Soccer Federation has handled this Division 2 matter kind of makes Burrito wonder if they really want NASL to succeed? Burrito listen to teleconference while playing with chew toy and Burrito was the first to cry bloody murder (Well, bark bloody murder) when USSF President, Sunil Gulati said the 5 U.S. based Division 2 teams would be excluded from this years U.S. Open Cup.
Porque? Why? Burrito's first thought was they lazy. Doesn't the tournament start in June? Then someone tweet that the last 2 USOC formats were announced on 5/5/10 & 4/30/09... Sounds like there is plenty of time to Burrito for teams to be included.
Then Burrito go to IMS and see some vato mention idea that maybe NASL wants to skip the tournament this year to save the costs. So Burrito contact his homeboy at Traffic here in Miami and they told Burrito that the NASL is happy they will be playing Division 2 soccer this year. They say the decision for NASL teams to not play the USOC was a USSF decision not that of the NASL... WTF?So we now know it was the Federation that came up with this idea. Is it punishement? Or as Burrito mention laziness? Or could the powers that be MLS, USL and USSF want NASL to fail?
Check this out: USL still claims they are division 2 without meeting the standards...

USL PRO is the strongest, best operated and most sophisticated North American men’s professional soccer league below MLS, both on and off the field. Focused on franchise stability and longevity...

We all know about the longevity of teams in USL throughout the years. That being said, and Burrito hate to be repetitive, pero after years and years of allowing USL to run division 2 at their whim, now, the USSF decides they will impose tough standards. (That in the end have been met). Notice there are no standards for Division 3 teams. Hmmmm...

What was also of concern to Burrito was the fact that when MLS Commissioner Garber was in South Florida to meet with Burrito's compadres los Miami Ultras he stated that for him USL and NASL were both 2nd Division... WTF? No Senor Garber, NASL is Div 2 and USL is underneath them.

To Burrito it seems everyone want NASL to fail. Not letting NASL teams play the USOC is proof that the USSF is run by idiotas! All this drama could have been avoided if they just sit down and talk rather then harm U.S. soccer by denying sanctioning left and right. Time for a revolution, time for new blood at the USSF. Bring down the mafia that runs U.S. soccer! That's it! Burrito gonna run for USSF president. Even a dog can do a better job then these pendejos!

About Burrito:
Burrito is the only soccer blogging dawg in the known universe! Since 1998! Join Burrito's twitter or he hit you on head with quesadilla! Burrito Supports the Strikers and wants MLS back in South Florida. You can follow Burrito on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Burritofutbol BTW, pictures are all stolen. If you own them and want them taken down contact Burrito. But Burrito is a dog, so good luck.

SF Soccer news: NASL sanctioning issues, Strikers, Beckham, Marine Stadium and more.

The main topic of the week so far was the decision by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to pull its provisional Division 2 sanctioning of the North American Soccer League (NASL).
What bothers me is that for years the USSF sat there and watched the United Soccer Leagues (USL) do anything they wanted to soccer in this country from division 2 down. We saw dozens of teams fold, instability reign and nothing was done to correct it.
The moment a proposed league run by the team owners themselves was created, due to the USL's inability to work with its teams, is the moment the USSF decides to create rules and regulations that in my eyes looks like a road block to those opposing the incumbent league they were so used to dealing with. Suddenly, they decided to get strict... kinda makes you go 'hmmmm'.
So, the USSF says the issue was money. Well, the NASL just put up 6 million to cover that hole. If that doesn't ring stability I don't know what does! Let's see if the USSF comes up with another excuse. If they do then I think its obvious that there is more then meets the eye going on behind closed doors.
My message to the USSF: Work with the NASL to get them sanctioned. Create the stability you claim to want and get MLS, NASL and USL to work together for the good of soccer in this country.

Strikers
The NASL has invested too much time and money to stop and not continue business as usual, having said that our local team the Strikers have released their 2011 schedule. You can see it by scrolling down to the previous blog post below.
The Miami Ultras are planning ahead for road trips to Tampa and one to Atlanta. Stay tuned for more information on that!

Beckham to bring MLS to Miami
The news of MLS to Miami continues this time People U.K. states David Beckham is being offered a deal to bring a team to the Magic City. While MLS Commissioner Garber was in South Florida for his meeting with the Miami Ultras, he did mention Beckham has the option of starting a team anywhere in the United States at a reduced price. Apparently the only condition is that it can't be L.A. nor N.Y.
More news from Ministry of Soccer says Beckham Might Buy Miami FC for MLS and Tribal Football has the same report.

Miami Marine Stadium
The Friends of Miami Marine Stadium were graceful enough to include this blog in their monthly news letter after a blog post we published made a little noise. Here is what they had to say:

The blog Football In Miami And Beyond provides up-to-date information on all things soccer in Miami and South Florida. Recently, the blog posted a story about placing a temporary floating soccer field in front of the Miami Marine Stadium. We don't know if this is fully feasible as the field would have to be easily moved and stored- but one already operates in Singapore. This particular story "went viral" and was posted on various soccer and sports blogs nationwide. Think of the possibilities the Stadium offers!

If you want to support the restoration of the Marine Stadium be sure to visit them at http://www.marinestadium.org/Marine Stadium design by Derek Reese

NASL AGM 2011 press release.

As we reported Tuesday, many teams and groups attended the NASL AGM including a representative from Austin.

Today the NASL will sent out a press release confirming they have applied for Division 2 status with 8 teams. The USSF should have an answer during the weekend of MLS Cup.

The teams that will play in Division 2 next year will be:
Puerto Rico Islanders, Carolina RailHawks, Montreal Impact, Miami FC Blues, FC Tampa Bay, FC Edmonton, Atlanta and the NSC Minnesota Stars

For the full press release go HERE

Look for a late St Louis addition to the list for 2011 and San Antonio and Baltimore for 2012. Could Austin make it in 2012?

Rumored future teams include San Diego, Phoenix, Hamilton Canada.

Orlando USL Team? Questionable owner? Schulz Academy holding tryouts and more.

The Orlando Sentinel Blog, "The Other Football" is reporting that the United Soccer Leagues (USL) will announce a New Orlando Soccer team for next year. We might be looking at a new 3 way rivalry with the Rowdies and Miami FC.

Sources have told us the proposed investor is Steve Donner. He helped bring pro-soccer (The Rhinos) and lacrosse to Rochester. He was also influential in the construction of two of Rochester’s most significant sports facilities; the ESL Sports Centre and PAETEC Park.

Irregularities have been mentioned in a recent article by Jeff Di Verronica concerning the deals made with the Stadium. Our sources indicate Donner left owing the Rhinos something in the millions, not mentioning fees owed to USSF and USL from 2002 to 2007 that apparently USL is ready to look the other way on. Perhaps because of Donner's interest in a USL team in his now home town Orlando, Florida. I'm sure we'll get more information on this in the days to come.

Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy PDL-Team will be holding tryouts and here is the schedule:
Sat, 6 March 2010, 12:30-2:30pm (field 1)
Sat, 3 April 2010, 4-6pm (field 3)
Mon, 5 April 2010, 4-6pm (field 3)
Sat, 17 April 2010, 4-6pm (field 4)
All tryouts are at Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale (Sunrise and US-441)
If interested you'll need to bring your soccer gear, a copy of your birth certificate and a picture.

Here is the Schulz Academy PDL 2010 SCHEDULE
Friday, May 7 Bradenton (Open Cup) Away
Sunday, May 16 Central Florida Home
Friday, May 21 Nashville (Open Cup) A
Sunday, May 23 Atlanta A
Saturday, May 29 Atlanta H
Monday, May 31 Central Florida (Open Cup) H
Saturday, June 5 New Orleans H
Thursday, June 17 Bradenton H
Sunday, June 20 Panama H
Friday, June 25 Baton Rouge H
Friday, July 4 Central Florida A
Thursday, July 15 Mississippi A
Saturday, July 17 Baton Rouge A
Wednesday, July 21 Bradenton A
Friday, July 23 Panama A
Sunday, July 25 Nashville H

Miami FC continues to build their team we have so far confirmed the following players:

D-Mike Randolph
D-Chris Gbandi
D-Cristiano Dias
M-Jarryd Goldberg
D-JP Rodrigues
F-Bryan Perez
D-Kyle Veris
D-Zach Kirby

We know of a few more players but the Blues have not announced them yet. Word has it Miami FC is now practicing at the Holiday Inn Hotel on University Dr in Sunrise.
There is a rumor that Miami FC will play FIU's soccer team this Saturday morning at FIU. For more details go to http://www.miamifc.com/


UPDATE: 3:00 PM
USL-1 pro soccer headed to Orlando in 2011 as announced by USL

The future of professional soccer in Central Florida began to take shape with the announcement of a new United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division franchise in Orlando. The Orlando Titans will serve as the principal owner and operator of the franchise, and will also be responsible for securing local minority investors.

It looks like USL will not let NASL take over the 2nd Division of U.S. Soccer without a fight! While NASL moves forward with Edmonton,(...and a few other markets to be announced from what I'm told) USL announces Steve Donner's Orlando Titans will operate the new team.

“We’re most excited about the quality of ownership joining USL in the Orlando Titans and Steve Donner." -Papadakis

Quality? Would be nice to see what the current Rhino ownership thinks about this...

***Jeff Di Veronica just put out this little gem called ‘Teflon’ Donner does it again; ex-Rhino owner prez of new Orlando soccer team

Last year Donner also launched a pro lacrosse franchise in Orlando. Sounds all eerily similar, doesn’t it?

By the numbers:
9 great years with the Rhinos
3 bad years with the Rhinos
1 tarnished franchise thanks, in part, to his mismanagement

Interesting stuff! Full Story HERE
To be continued...

Miami FC to Hold Tryouts February 20 and 21

You think you've got what it takes to play in a professional Soccer team? Well, Miami FC will Host it's Fourth Annual Open Tryouts February 20 and 21, at Weston Regional Park. The tryout will last from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. with registration taking place from 8-8:30 A.M

We are always looking for talent and South Florida is one of the best places to do that. said Miami FC Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo. Every year we always find at least one player who has been able to earn a spot on the team. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to play at the professional level.

Find more information HERE

Miami FC should sign one of these players if they want to win NASL/USL

We haven't heard a peep from Miami FC concerning player signings while we have heard other teams have been busy snatching everything they can. It's troubling because most of the good players are being signed and the Blues will be stuck with the leftovers and we've been through that before...

So with NASL we can look forward to a new beginning we hope. No Salary cap? Total control of the League? It seems the sky is the limit now that the Blues run their own destiny. Nothing should hold them back from making any deal they want, yet we can't dream of Cristiano Ronaldo's, Leonel Messi's or the second coming of Pele... at least not yet.

We need to live in reality. So, following are a few players I think could be within our reach. Notice some are over 30 and one of them could be our marquee player(s). Maybe, with luck, we can get 2 of them! Here are a few players out or at the end of their contracts :

Adin Brown Goalkeeper, will be in the search for a new employer should he elect to continue playing after being released by Norwegian club Aalesund FK. Aidan, 31 started off with the Colorado Rapids, Tampa Bay Mutiny, the Revolution and Aalesund.

Elkin Murillo , 32 is a Colombian football striker. Murillo has made 28 appearances for the Colombia national football team, including two matches at the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup. Currently with Deportes Quindío he has also played for Independiente Medellín, Deportivo Cali and Atletico Nacional (Colombia) LDU Quito and Técnico Universitario (Ecuador), Sporting Crystal (Peru).

Iván Hurtado born August 16, 1974 is an Ecuadorian professional football central defender for Deportivo Quito as well as captain of the Ecuadorian national team. He started his career with the small club of his hometown, Esmeraldas Petrolero, at the age of 16. He moved on to Emelec, He moved on to Mexico playing with Celaya and later moved on to Tigres. He played for Real Murcia (Spain) back to Pachuca in México and on to Al Arabi in Qatar and Colombia's Atletico Nacional, In 2009, he played for Deportivo Quito where he became Champion this year.

Nolberto Solano born December 12, 1974, commonly known as "Ñol", is a Peruvian football player who plays for Universitario de Deportes, having spent much of his career in the English Premier League with Aston Villa and Newcastle. He is a popular figure in his native Peru, where he is seen as one of the most famous Peruvian players in their history.

Mauricio "Mao" Molina born 30 April 1980 is a Colombian football midfielder, Molina started his career in Colombian side Envigado at the age of 16. He soon made his way up to the first team and was transferred to Independiente Santa Fé. Independiente Medellín he moved to CA Morelia of Mexico, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to play for Al Ain FC then played for San Lorenzo de Almagro Paraguayan Club Olimpia de Asunción Serbian club FK Crvena Zvezda, also known as Red Star Belgrade, the biggest club in Serbia, Brazilian Santos and now club Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the K-League.

Agustín "El Tin" Delgado born on 23 December 1974 is an Ecuadorian football player. He plays center forward for Club Sport Emelec based in Guayaquil, Ecuador and has retired from the national football team, having overtaken Eduardo Hurtado (of MLS fame) as top scorer for his country. Delgado spent four years with Southampton in the English FA Premier League. He also played with Mexico's Necaxa and UNAM Pumas. He played for Aucas, Barcelona SC and LDU Quito. Delgado played both 2002 and 2006 World Cups scoring 3 goals.

Elkin Soto , 29 is a Colombian midfielder currently playing for FSV Mainz 05. He was one of the fundamental parts in Once Caldas Copa Libertadores 2004 historic final against Boca Juniors in which they won. He was also a starter of the Colombian national team where he played left wing midfielder. Also played with Barcelona SC in Ecuador.

Roberto "El Chorillano" Palacios Made his debut with Sporting Cristal in 1991, Palacios has been a successful player, and has scored many goals for both this clubs and National Team. He has played for several other teams, Sporting Cristal (Peru), Puebla F.C. (Mexico), Cruzeiro Esporte Clube (Brasil), Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (Mexico), Monarcas Morelia (Mexico), Deportivo Cali (Colombia) and LDU de Quito (Ecuador).

The following players recently signed with other clubs, Miami FC missed out on them:

Roberto Carlos, 36 Defender. Brazil is land of plenty when it comes to players and if we want to bring a player everyone recognizes and who could be the face of the team then I choose this veteran of many a World Cup and Real Madrid to name only a few. Sure he is old but you want experience on the field? He is a General running things from the back on the field. A free kick maestro with a kick that can put a donkey to shame! Roberto was free but now he is headed back to Brazil. I wish he would have been in Miami FC Blue!

Ivan Kaviedes, 32 Forward/Midfielder. Veteran of 2 world Cups this fallen Ecuadorian Star was set for stardom. In 1998 he became the highest scorer in the world playing for Emelec of Ecuador scoring 43 goals in 44 games. He has played in Italy, Spain, England and Mexico. He was to reach further glory when a contract dispute saw him sit out a whole year while his team Liga de Quito went on to become the Copa Libertadores Champions last year. Set to sign with Macara in Ecuador

Troy Perkins , 28 Goalkeeper, leaving the Norwegian club Valerenga to return to the United States for undisclosed family reason. More HERE Also played for DC United. Perkins was the starting goalkeeper for United, playing thirty of thirty-two games. He was also named 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the year. Wednesay DC United traded Fred, it’s 1st round SuperDraft pick plus cash and swapped allocation places with the Philadelphia Union in order to acquire Troy Perkins. A great deal for the Union, a missed opportunity for Miami FC

Pavel Nedvěd, 37 is a former Czech football midfielder. Ok maybe I'm dreaming with this one. The oldest of my over 30 players he is one of the most successful European players to have played. Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the modern era, he was the recipient of the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2003 while at Juventus. He is known for his energy and tireless runs as well as his goal scoring ability. Nedvěd retired after the 2008–09 season after 19 years as a professional but if you offer him Miami as a place to play... who can resist?

Do you know anymore you can add to the list?

Miami's World Cup bid needs your support as deadline approaches

It's come down to this folks... This coming Tuesday the US World Cup bid committee will cut down the list of Host cities from 27 cities down to 18. All this as the U.S. looks to get either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

Miami Fans have come out and supported this bid like never before and it is a good sign that almost 11,000 people have signed up already.
Miami is currently in 5th place. We need everyone to continue supporting this cause.
Go HERE:
http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/miami-fl/

Here is the list of cities as of today:

Seattle 19280
Atlanta 14775
Houston 13001
Philadelphia 10847
Miami 10794
Kansas City 10726
Indianapolis 10668
Tampa 7799
Dallas 7723
Cleveland 7592
San Diego 5613
Jacksonville 5534
Charlotta 5291
Baltimore 5237
Orlando 5200
Boston 4901
Chicago 4848
New York/New Jersey 4764
Oakland 4452
Nashville 4404
Denver 3763
Washington DC 4145
St Louis 3700
Los Angeles 3326
Detroit 2008
San Francisco 1281
Phoenix 1178

It's apparent some cities have not campaigned as they must be assuming they are shoo-ins. Notable are the low numbers for major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York/New Jersey.

Miami fans were over looked in the last World Cup held in the U.S. when Florida was represented by Orlando. I remember driving up to see the games at the Citrus Bowl. We can see this time Miami Fans don't want to make the drive up as Miami is way ahead of the other Florida cities.
This is a sign that Miami does support Soccer, these same people should be the target of Miami FC and any Miami MLS bid. We ask these same people who support the Miami World Cup bid to join Miami Soccer Groups such as the Miami Ultras by going to their site to be updated on any soccer games and events that you can attend.

Join them at the following sites: MiamiSoccerFan.com
on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7961678958 If you want professional Soccer in South Florida and want Major League Soccer back in this town then please support Miami FC.

NASL/USL Deal Complete, USSF Division -2

USSF President Sunil Gulati started off with pleasantries talking about U.S. World Cup, etc, etc. Basically the Federation will take a direct role, operationally, etc. There will be a board of directors handling any issue. There will be no commissioner. All previous legal disputes are dropped. The goal is to have a stable professional league in the U.S. mentioned Gulati mentioned MLS as well and said they were looking for that type of long term stability.

Temporary name is USSF Division 2

USL CONFERENCE...............NASL CONFERENCE
Portland Timbers...................Vancouver Whitecaps
Rochester Rhinos...................Montreal Impact
Minnesota Thunder...............AC St. Louis
Austin Aztex...........................Carolina Railhawks
Tampa Bay Rowdies..............Miami FC Blues
Puerto Rico Islanders............Crystal Palace Baltimore

So My prediction on the league layout was off by 2 teams check it out in my previous post below.

All teams will play against each other without consideration of divisions. Atlanta and NY were mentioned as future teams but will not be in the league this year and they are looking to start in 2011.

The season will be played either from March/April to October/November, the schedule will be developed in the next few days. During the World Cup the schedule will be lighter but will not cease.

A TV deal seems to be in the works. It will possibly continue with USL's previous TV deal with Fox Soccer TV.

Here is the NEW UPDATED USSL D-2 MapOfficial announcement HERE
A full transcript of the Conference Call will be out soon at the USSF site

More Links:
U.S. Soccer
Miami Herald
Democrat & Chronicle
The Kartik Report
Portland Timbers site
Inside Minnesota Soccer
Soccer by Ives
Miami FC Site
Aztex Site

USL Press release HERE

The USL vs NASL drama is over? Compromise postpones the inevitable

Last night the rumor came out that Second Division Soccer will be played in 2010. It looks like there will be 12 teams in 2 conferences, all playing under the USSF banner in a temporary league, with each team either aligned with USL or NASL.

A few sites that I will list at the bottom of this post have detailed from a number of sources that the compromise is only for the 2010 season and for 2011 we will see what I like to call the inevitable rise of NASL.

No word on what teams will be in what groups but we can assume the Minnesota Thunder and the NYFC will not be part of the party this year. The Thunder, though not totally closed down seem to be gone and NYFC has shown little if any signs of life. A possible addition to the 12 teams that will be part of this temporary league may include a new Minnesota team replacing the Thunder. The situation with the Atlanta Silverbacks is not clear either. It's possible they will not play and the New Minnesota team might be the 12th team.

Here is a Map of the possible teams:Uncle Ed's Prediction on how the League will look:

NASL:
Montreal Impact
Vancouver Whitecaps
Miami FC Blues
Carolina Railhawks
Minnesota Thunder
AC St Louis

USL:
Puerto Rico Islanders
Austin Aztex
Portland Timbers
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Baltimore Crystal Palace
Rochester Rhinos

Links:
Metro Montreal
NY Times Blog

The Kartik Report
Inside Minnesota Soccer
The 24th Minute

More links to come!

UPDATE: 10:00 AM

Representatives from the USSF, USL and the NASL will discuss plans for a Division 2 professional soccer league in 2010 during a call today Thursday, Jan. 7, at 3 p.m. ET. We will give further details.

NASL teams will be meeting Friday and Saturday in Ft Lauderdale to plan the upcoming season. I will try to attend.

Victory, 1981 film staring Stallone, Michael Caine and Pele with video

As I was looking for more information concerning the whole NASL vs USL mess, I ran into this gem that some of you might remember from the early 80's called "Victory" (Escape to Victory as it was called in the U.K.)

In case you are not familiar with it here is a Synopsis from IMBD:

In World War II, a group of Nazi officers come up with a propaganda event in which an all star Nazi team will play a team composed of Allied Prisoners of War in a Football (Soccer)game. The Prisoners agree, planning on using the game as a means of escape from the camp.

This movie stars a few well known actors and real life football players:

Sylvester Stallone as Captain Robert Hatch
Michael Caine as Capt. John Colby
Pelé as Cpl. Luis Fernandez
Bobby Moore, Osvaldo Ardiles, Paul Van Himst, Kazimierz Deyna, Hallvar Thoresen, Mike Summerbee, Co Prins, Russell Osman, John Wark, Søren Lindsted, Kevin O'Callaghan

The following video is on google videos. It starts off a little dark but clears up after 2 minutes. Check it out, its worth it!

USL and NASL release statements over USSF decision

Both Leagues have released statements over the United States Soccer Federations decision to not sanction either as the 2nd division of U.S. Soccer.

NASL released a statement via the Miami FC site:

NASL respects the Federation's decision and its suggested course of action for obtaining sanctioning in 2010. NASL will continue during the next seven days to work in good faith towards an interim solution with United Soccer Leagues.

To read more go HERE

USL's statement was much longer:

In support of USSF’s efforts to find a resolution for the upcoming season at its Division II Men’s Professional League level, USL very recently agreed to one of the proposals made by USSF requiring USL-1 and the contemplated North American Soccer League (NASL) to come together for 2010. USL remains willing to proceed with this USSF-proposed scenario in order to enable the 2010 season over the course of the next several days.
Meanwhile, USL will continue to move ahead with its preparations for the 2010 USL-1 season in the appropriate membership category.

Read more HERE

According to the Democrat & Chronicle Rhino's owner Rob Clark said the following:

I think we’re forced into a compromise and I don’t think a compromise was necessary. This is not the American way. (The U.S. Soccer Federation) inhibiting people’s ability to do business. We will have second-division soccer in America in 2010. Unfortunately, the governing body of the sport isn’t doing its part to aid that. We’re going forward with our (NASL) meetings next week in Miami and we’ll try to do what’s best for soccer in North America.

A Source in Miami confirms a meeting will take place with all NASL members next week. We will keep you updated.

The good thing is that according to the statements released it seems both parties are willing to talk and that is a good thing, but its going to be difficult for both to agree and compromise.

My solution would be for NASL to buy USL-1 (or the whole of USL) from Nurock. Agree to keep the current management for one year and then re-brand etc, etc, etc next year. I think this is what the USSF should have done. But its difficult today to tell the difference between MLS and the USSF. Kartik Krishnayer has some interesting opinions on this subject over at the Kartik Report. While Captain Positive asks: Is USL worth saving?

USSF doesn't approve any 2nd Division League! What a cop-out!

Yup, the United States Soccer Federation didn't approve any league as a U.S. 2nd Division league.

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.

Read more over at Inside Minnesota Soccer

Yes folks I see it as the biggest cop-out in U.S. Soccer history! So basically both leagues need to come out with a compromise this year since the USSF thinks there is not enough time or teams on either side to make a viable league.

U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati said:

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

More at U.S. Soccer

If the USSF thinks both leagues didn't have enough time to make things work on their own in time for the 2010 season... What makes them think this will happen if both leagues unite? Come on! Even if they do come out with a compromise this will take time and both sides don't like each other. So the way I see it they are forcing teams back into USL or into a non-sanctioned league which to me is the better option.
I'm very disappointed with this half ass ruling! I don't see this as being beneficial for U.S. Soccer at all!

Other links:
Reuters
MiamiSoccerFan
The Kartik Report
24th Minute
Major League Soccer Talk
Match Fit USA
Pitch Invasion
WVHooligan

Update:

Democrat & Chronicle reports Rhino's owner Rob Clark saying:

I think we’re forced into a compromise and I don’t think a compromise was necessary. This is not the American way. (The U.s. Soccer Federation) inhibiting people’s ability to do business. We will have second-division soccer in America in 2010. Unfortunately, the governing body of the sport isn’t doing its part to aid that. We’re going forward with our (NASL) meetings next week in Miami and we’ll try to do what’s best for soccer in North America.

Source in Miami confirms meeting will take place. We will keep you updated.

Goal.com's Andrea Canales gives us an accurate take on the situation:

Instead of taking a chance on something new and different, the U.S. Soccer Federation is making sure the established order returns.

She continues and describes the USSF/MLS stand that ensures NASL will never become a direct competitor. Read more HERE

Now the Miami New Times says Miami FC might not play next year!

Not that anyone really pays attention, but Miami FC has been playing in the United Soccer League since the team's founding in 2006.

More HERE Hmmmm, I wonder where they got that info?

Check out the SPA Special Podcast with Kartik and Richard Farley . They speak about this whole Mess GO HERE

USL-1 in Review, a look back at the history and today

UPDATE 12/24/09 2:22 AM :

A phone message from Robert Scorca indicated interesting happenings over at the USL website. It turns out they updated the USL Teams page and excluded the Tampa Bay Rowdies and FC New York. Furthermore, we still see The Cleveland City Stars and the Wilmington Hammerheads (under USL-2) even though these teams folded. Clearly, it is last years team line ups but what happened to the expansion teams? There is also no information concerning the Ft Lauderdale Shulz Academy PDL team... Things that make you go hmmmm.

I had a discussion with Robert Scorca the other day about the history of USL-1. Robert, for those that don't know him, is South Florida's own Soccer guru. He has seen many South Florida Soccer teams come and go. Starting with the Miami Gatos, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, the Miami Fusion and now Miami FC. Robert has Soccer paraphernalia that is older then I am! So when you talk to him he pretty much knows what he is talking about.

My questions to him were about what he thinks of this whole USL vs NASL mumbo jumbo? Was he for one side or the other? Robert preferred a solution that would allow the USL-1 and NASL to both coexist. As most of the NASL clubs are on the east coast he feels the USL could have a western league. Maybe both leagues could have an East-West Championship Game. This solution would cut down on travel expenses which has always been a concern of the USL. He feels this solution would be best for the sport.

He pointed out the many virtues of USL and it's long history but he also pointed out the failure in vision as they let MLS become the First Division of United States Soccer instead of taking the reigns of such a project which would have led to a real Soccer league with a definite pyramid much like that of leagues all over the world. He feels that although relegation and promotion is a great idea it would not work. If soccer was the number one sport in America then it might have a chance, but the additional cost can not be absorbed by clubs or leagues today. To be promoted (a reward) would cost teams a fortune. Teams who paid to become a MLS club would most likely fold before moving down to the second division.

Robert continued:

I went over the last 10 years of the USL-1. Ten years ago (2000) there were 25 teams and it was called the A-League. Now there are only 4 teams left. 36 teams came and went with Seattle moving up to the MLS. Seven more joined the NASL. The remaining 25 were not so lucky as they either folded or moved down to USL-2 or the PDL.
In 1998, the A-League consisted of 28 teams. By 2006, only 12 remained in the USL First Division. For the most part, the teams that left dropped down to lower classifications, such as the USL Second Division and Premier Development League. These teams generally dropped down to rid themselves of the high costs of travel and player payrolls.

Here is a list of former teams come and gone:
* Atlanta Silverbacks (1997-2008) (now in the NASL)
* Boston Bulldogs (1997-2000, as Worcester Wildfire in 1997-98)
* Calgary Mustangs (2002-04, as Calgary Storm in 2002-03)
* California Jaguars (1997-98)
* California Victory (2007)
* Carolina Dynamo (1997) (now in the PDL)
* Charleston Battery (1993-2009) (Now in the USL-2)
* Charlotte Eagles (2001-03) (Now in the USL-2)
* Cincinnati Riverhawks (1998-2003)
* Cleveland City Stars (2009)
* Connecticut Wolves (1997-2001)
* Edmonton Aviators (2004, as Edmonton F.C. at the end of the season)
* El Paso Patriots (1997-2003) (now in the PDL)
* Hershey Wildcats (1997-2001)
* Indiana Blast (1999-2003)
* Jacksonville Cyclones (1997-99, as Tampa Bay Cyclones in 1995-1996)
* Lehigh Valley Steam (1999)
* Long Island Rough Riders (1997-2001) (now in the PDL)
* Maryland Mania (1999)
* Milwaukee Rampage (1997-2002)
* Milwaukee Wave United (2003-04)
* MLS Project 40 (1998-2000)
* Nashville Metros (1997-2001, as Tennessee Rhythm in 1999-2000) (now in the PDL)
* New Orleans Storm (1997-99, as New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers in 1997)
* Orange County Waves (1997-2000, as Orange County Zodiac in 1997-99. Now play in the PDL as Orange County Blue Star)
* Orlando Sundogs (1997)
* Pittsburgh Riverhounds (1999-2003) (Now in the USL-2)
* Raleigh Express (1997-2000, as Raleigh Flyers in 1997-98)
* Richmond Kickers (1997-2005) (Now in the USL-2)
* Sacramento Geckos (1998-99, as Albuquerque Geckos in 1998)
* San Diego Flash (1997-2001, as Colorado Foxes in 1997)
* San Francisco Bay Seals (1998-2000, as Bay Area Seals in 2000)
* Seattle Sounders (1997-2008) (now in MLS as the Seattle Sounders FC)
* Staten Island Vipers (1998-99)
* Syracuse Salty Dogs (2003-04)
* Toronto Lynx (1997-2006) (now in the PDL)
* Virginia Beach Mariners (1998-2000, 2002-2006, as Hampton Roads Mariners 1998-2000, 2002)

Now only 4 teams remain in USL-1
Austin Aztex · F.C. New York · Portland Timbers · Puerto Rico Islanders

A little history... The old American Professional Soccer League (APSL) became the A-League in 1995. The A-League played in 1995 and 1996. After the 1996 season the Rochester Raging Rhinos, Vancouver 86ers, Montreal Impact, Colorado Foxes, Seattle Sounders, Atlanta Ruckus, and 2 expansion teams set to play that year ( Toronto Lynx and Hershey Wildcats) are absorbed by the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues (USISL) after the A-League folds.
At this point the USISL Select League (Division3) from 1996 becomes the USISL A-League (Division 2) in 1997. The USISL A-League carries this name for 1997 and 1998. In 1999 the name is changed to the United Soccer League (USL) A-League (Division 2). In 2005 the league changes its name to the United Soccer League Division 1 (USA Division 2).

Today there is some speculation that several USL-1/NASL clubs are waiting for the top-tier Major League Soccer to expand, in hopes that they will be given the opportunity to move up. For now we wait for the final word from the United States Soccer Federation to see if they approve the North American Soccer League. If approved this could be a blow to the United Soccer Leagues USL-1. But the fact that so many teams have come and gone is a sign that USL-1 does not have the right soccer model.

For more Soccer history check out Robert's History of South Florida Soccer at MiamiSoccerFan.com

Part I - HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Part II - PRO SOCCER COMES TO MIAMI
Part III - Pro Soccer Leaves Miami...
Part IV - NASL is Gone, What’s Next

Sources:

http://www.uslsoccer.com/
http://a-leaguearchive.tripod.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Soccer_Leagues
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USL-1

and

Robert Scorca's Brain

Email Sunil Gulati to approve NASL! The Beautiful game at Art Basel Miami and more by Burrito

Burrito is tired of all this War of the Soccer Leagues between USL and NASL!

The latest comes from Burrito's compadre Kartik. It look like USL has sued teams for breach of contract!

Florida court documents filed on Tuesday indicate that the United Soccer Leagues have sued the Rochester Rhinos and two other clubs for breach of contract.

The Rhinos had allegedly committed contractually to play 2010 in USL’s First Division but instead opted to play in the yet to be sanctioned North American Soccer League. Also filed on Tuesday were lawsuits against prospective USL-1 clubs in Tampa Bay and (Crystal Palace) Baltimore who also have joined NASL after committing to the play 2010 in USL’s First Division.

Read more at the Kartik Report

Burrito believe USL is destroying the game with their arrogance. They never look to compromise, they no care about the game.
This is just a USL tactic to delay the creation of the NASL in hopes it will force the rest of the teams to join USL again! Pinches vatos!
It time for Soccer Fans to do something about it and write to Sunil Gulati to approve NASL for the sake of Futbol in the United States.

Email USSF Presidente Sunil Gulati at:

skg21@columbia.edu

Tell him not to be a puppet of MLS and to do the right thing for the sport in America! Rejecting NASL would mean losing teams and fans! Do the right thing Approve NASL!

In other news Burrito attended Art Basel in Miami this past weekend and for you carnales who no liver here in South Florida, Art Basel is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. It is the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show in the world.

The Beautiful game was present in the art too as you can see in the pictures before Burrito was kicked out.

For more pictures and Art information go to Local Motion Miami. Stay tuned tomorrow for an Interview made by Burrito's amigos Robert Scorca and Uncle Ed to a player Miami FC fans will miss!

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

Why Bob Bradley's head needs to be chopped off by Burrito

Burrito get to it pronto pronto carnales! (Click over words you don't understand)
'Boob' Bradley's head needs to be chopped off! Why? Porque? How can a coach in a final of a championship let his pinche team lose a 2-0 lead? Especially knowing you play Brazil and their chingados players who are born with balls when they born! (Not those balls pendejos, soccer balls)

Burrito cant claim he could be a great coach, Burrito cant even say he is a good futbol player, hell Burrito can't even make a good quesadilla without burning fingers on pans pero Burrito can yell to players at half time "Damn it muchachos! This is for your country, play with some huevos chingada madre!" But no, Boob Bradley probably tell players to play defense and let the Brazilians attack... and thats what the players do they play defense which is the worst thing to do versus Brazil. Why not attack the weak Brazilian defense? Did they not watch the videos like Burrito watch porns?
No, Bradley have no excuse. If they not chop his head off they need to put him in firing squads and shoot him on his culo! USA needed to hold their balls and not give them away, they needed to put in players that can hold ball like Adu or Torres. Why not play Torres? Chingado Boob know about strategy less then Burrito know about making a chimichanga!
The only thing that will make USA better is to get rid of Bradley ASAP! They need a coach who has vision and make the USA be a dominatings force in the world. Now dont get Burrito wrong, when it come to Mexico vs USA Burrito take a good taquito over a Hamburger any day! Pero, when Burrito see how close USA was to winning Confederations Cup and realize this culero Bradley make bad prosti... substitutions then thats when Burrito get mad.
So wake up USSF time to get another coach cause if you think about it USA lost 3 of the 5 games they play and were lucky to play the final. Burrito has spoken!