Miami FC will face the Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday, April 17th at 7:30pm at Lockhart Stadium. Fans can watch this weekend's game live via online streaming at www.miamifc.com.
The tailgate starts at 5:30 PM by gate C. The fun then continues at section 120! Bring your drums and flags and get ready to make some noise and support your Miami FC Blues. ***The first few rows of section 120 is a standing only section*** Join the Ultras and the Southern Legion!
Last game we saw a Blues line up with Patterson, Lancaster, Kaka, Kirby, Randolph, Santilez, Gomez, Goldberg, Cameron, Shriver and Thompson. I'd like to see Paulo Jr on from the start for this game.
Possible Whitecaps line up Jay Nolly, Zurab Tsiskaridze, Nelson Akwari,Greg Janicki, Chris Williams; Ansu Toure, Luca Bellisomo, Martin Nash, Wes Knight, Marlon James, Dever Orgill
Come out and support your Miami FC Blues! Vamos Miami!
The Whitecaps released a Video Interview with their new multi-position player Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze and they asked him to compare practice with that of last years Miami FC (Watch it below). Zee is also asked if the fact the Whitcaps are moving up to MLS influenced his decision to sign for the club.
Miami FC staff is working diligently and against the clock to give the fans a competitive team and while we all hope among the players signed will be a superstar that will make us keep coming back to games, we realize there is also some need for continuity. Here is a list of Players from last year that I think Miami FC needs to keep as the base for this coming year.
Paulo Araujo Jr. Forward began his career with the Ituano club in the CampeonatoBrasileiroSérie C, before signing with Miami FC in 2009. Scored his first career professional goal on June 20, 2009, in a game against Cleveland City Stars. Before an injury hit him at the end of the season Paulo Jr. was the best player on the field.
Pat "the Man" Hannigan, Goalkeeper, Hannigan was drafted by the MetroStars as the sixth pick of the third round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft but was not offered a contract by the team, and instead signed with Irish side Bray Wanderers. He returned to the U. S. in 2006 to play for the Rochester Rhinos in 2006, he moved on to Miami FC in 2007. Last year he was solid at goal he is a must sign! Aaron King Forward, The Los Angeles Galaxy picked King in the 4th round in the 2006 MLSSuperDraft. The Galaxy sent King to the Colorado Rapids in 2007. Played ten games, scoring two goals, with the Colorado Rapids reserve team. The Charleston Battery signed King after he impressed the team at trials. After two seasons he scored 21 goals in 51 games. In January 2009, King signed with the Carolina RailHawks. With Miami FC he only played 5 games but scored 3 times! Miami Fans would love to see what he can do in a full season.
Jarryd Goldberg, Midfielder, we recently posted an interview with him. Check it out HERE Goldberg is a work horse, battling every ball with heart and mind. We need more players like him.
Tim Merritt, Midfielder, he silently worked the midfield recovering balls for Miami FC. Merritt was drafted by DC United in 2005, and has also played for the Carolina Dynamo of the PDL. He also played for FSVOggersheim in Germany. Brian Shriver Forward, played college soccer at the University of North Carolina, Shriver was drafted in the 2009 MLSSuperDraft by FC Dallas in the 2nd round, 27th overall. Despite being offered a developmental contract by the MLS club, he rejected it to continue his studies in North Carolina. Brian is rumored to have been in the plans of the Tampa Bay Rowdies for 2010. he played only 6 games with Miami but made an impresion with the fans.
Players we will miss: Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze, multi position player who held his own as a defender but prefers being at Forward. Signed with the MLS bound Vancouver Whitecaps. Gale Agbossoumonde, Defender, Now playing in S.C. Braga of the Portuguese Liga Played a few games with Miami FC and we were able to see a star on the rise. Solid in the back except for one blunder. See the video HERE
Diego Serna, Forward, He needs no introduction to the knowledgeable Miami Soccer fan. Diego started off last season on fire but soon fizzled out. Mysteriously was dropped from the team before the season was over. Many of us wouldn't mind seeing him in Miami FC Blue again for one last time.
Do you agree with the players I picked? Any you would add or take out?
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
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.
Even though I am a very big fan of Miami FC, I am often puzzled by the way they do business. When it comes to the way they are towards the fans and the Miami Ultras they have been great. They have always made me feel special and appreciated. I have not heard any complaints in this area. When it comes to signing players it is a different story. I have heard more complaints about this than anything else. I am in agreement with this as Miami FC has a wait and let's see policy. Yes, there was a season when we did not know if we were going to field a team but what about the other seasons? With the break away and the formation of the NASL there is no excuse. The new league is what Miami FC has wanted so why has nothing been done? All the clubs are in the same boat with the formation of the new league, sponsors, etcetera, yet others have found time to re-sign or add to their roster. I decided to look up two of the more successful clubs, the Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps to see how they do business. Some of these decisions were made before the breakaway but many have occurred after. I have used the team sites plus the team news for my information as I feel this would be the most reliable.
Montreal Impact One thing I notice about the Impact is they prefer signing players for two years. I believe they do this so players can concentrate more with on field issues then worrying about next year. Here is the info I located about them. It includes the date when it was reported, player or coaches name, when their contract expires (without options) and duration of contract. All re-signed players do not have prior club listed. Reported dates are 2009 unless noted. Dec.18, 2008, Matt Jordan 2010 two years Jan.18, Patrick Leduc 2010 two years Feb.18, Peter Byers 2010 two years Feb. 27, Maynard Pierre-Rudolph 2010 two years July 28, Hircham Aaboubou 2011 two years Nov 13 Marc Dos Santos ( Head Coach) 2011 two years Nov. 24 Gil Orriols Jansana (Assistant Coach) 2010 one year Nov. 26 Rocco Placentino 2011 two years Nov. 26 Adam Braz 2011 two years Nov. 30 David Testo 2011 two years Vancouver Whitecaps Here is the info I located for the Whitecaps. It includes date reported, players name, year contract expires, duration of contract, and prior club (if not re-signed). All contracts expire 2010. I believe this is because the team will be moving up to the MLS in 2011. Jan. 21 Ansu Toure 2010 two years (Miami FC) Feb. 11 Wes Knight 2010 two years Oct. 22 Martin Nash 2010 Nov 3 Takashi Hirano 2010 Nov. 3 Justin Moose 2010 Nov. 3 Nizar Khalfan 2010 Nov. 12 Chris Williams 2010 (Charleston Battery) Nov 18 Ricardo Sanchez 2010 (Minnesota Thunder) Nov . 30 Teitur Thordarson (Head Coach) 2010 Dec. 1 Jay Nolly 2010 Dec. 2 Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze 2010 (Miami FC) Dec. 23 Jonathan "Jonny" Steele 2010 (Puerto Rico Islanders) Dec. 23 Greg Janiciki 2010 (D.C. United) Vancouver also held an off season training program for November 2nd thru December 4th.
Don't get me wrong, this piece is not meant to slam Miami FC. I bleed BLUE, it is my team and Miami FC is very much a part of my life. I, along with all the Miami Ultras want this team to succeed but wonder how they hope to do this by not pursuing available players or signing important pieces from prior years.
We recently found out that Zourab Tsiskaridze, better known to Miami FC fans as "Zee", was signed by the Vancouver Whitecaps. Here is a recap of his career. Taken from the Whitecaps site:
Zourab Tsiskaridze aka "Zee", 23, played with Miami FC Blues in 18 USL-1 matches. He is 6-ft, 185-pounds and a left-sided player who scored one goal and added one assist in 836 minutes of action. His only goal came during Miami's 3-2 defeat to the Whitecaps at Swangard Stadium on June 12, 2009.
Prior to joining the Blues, Zourab spent 18 months with the reserve and first team of FC Sète 34, who play in France’s third division.
In 2004, Tsiskaridze began his professional career in Brazil with the U-20 side of Associação Atlética Internacional - a club based in Limeira, São Paulo. He then played the first six months of 2005 with the U-20 side of Grêmio Recreativo Barueri, who are based in Barueri, São Paulo.
A native of Tbilisi, Georgia, Tsiskaridze first moved to Poland in 1990 before moving to the United States in the spring of 2001. It was in the U.S. that he quickly became a standout soccer player at McLean High School in McLean, Virginia.
Our good friend Robert Scorca asked "Zee" a few questions and here is his response :
Robert Scorca (RS): You came for an open tryout with Miami FC. How many players participated? How many signed on with Miami FC?
Zourab Tsiskaridze (Zee):There were 128 players trying out, 4 players were invited back to train with the team, I was the only one who signed.
RS: After the tryout was over did you feel good about your chances to make the team? Zee:Yes of course, I talked to (Coach) Zinho and he was very pleased with my performance and he liked me a lot, so I felt that I had a good chance of signing.
RS: What was it like during your first days here in Miami?
Zee :I was getting to know the city a little bit and it was chaotic in the beginning because I was looking for an apartment with Facundo Erpen and we were staying in Diego Serna's house for about 3 weeks until we found a place.
RS : What position did you play before joining Miami FC? I feel you were stuck as a defender with the injury to Facundo Erpen but did not feel comfortable there. Zee :I played a left sided midfielder or a left sided forward all my life. At the beginning of my career I had played as left back also, but I learned the center back position in Miami thanks to Zinho. I'm glad I did because it made me a more versatile player even though I had trouble learning the position in the beginning.
RS : In your time here we saw your growth as a player. How much of this was because you were more comfortable when you were moved to an attacking roll?
Zee :I love creating, scoring goals or making assists, that's the way I always played. I adjusted to the system we played here in Miami and when I was moved back as an attacker I felt very comfortable.
RS : Do you have any superstitions before a game?
Zee : I like to talk to my dad the day before games, he gives me the best advise and he's my best fan and critic, without his support and advise I wouldn't be able to do what I love.
RS : Which player or coach do you feel was most helpful during your career?
Zee :Coach Greg Petrosian, is a great part of my becoming a complete player. He helped me develop my strength, power and speed. He was a strength and fitness coach in DC United for many years, He won 3 MLS championships with them and also was a Olympic gold medalist in long jump in the 80's. He still performs and he's a world champion in long jump in masters. I've been training with him for the past 6 years, he's a great teacher, great person and a great coach that influenced my professional career.
In my time in Miami I'm very thankful to Zinho for bringing me into the team and giving me the opportunity to perform. He gave me a lot of advise and I'll be always thankful and proud that I had him as a coach. My teammates were there for me too, I had a great relationship with everyone, I still talk to many of the guys, they helped me and I helped them in different situations, we had good chemistry.
RS : What are you going to miss most about your time here in Miami?
Zee: My teammates, the city and the beach, the great weather and of course you Robert:)
RS: Any idea what position Vancouver plans on playing you?
Zee : There are several positions that the coach wants me to learn and be ready to perform in if necessary, I'm waiting for the preseason to start to find out what my roles are.
RS: Any closing thoughts on your time here in Miami?
Zee :I think if Traffic invests more money into the team they'll be able to establish a core of players that will be there for a few seasons. Every team has that. Its a shame that so many good players came and went. The past few years the squad had changed every season making it difficult not only for the coach, but for the whole organization to be successful. I want to wish Miami FC the best of luck in NASL, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to play here last season.
The most important thing about last year is that I grew as a player and person. I'm very happy and glad to have meet so many great people in South Florida. If I had to say something that sums up the whole thing is that a soccer career is only for couple of years and it passes, but the friends you make along the way are forever. I want to thank ALL my friends including you Robert for the support now and for bringing happiness to my life. Here is a video of Zee scoring on his new team!
Our good friend and Miami UltraRobert Scorca went over the team sites for all the members of the NASL and here is what he found:
Minnesota Thunder has not had a news update since Oct. 15th before the news of NASL broke out.
Atlanta Silverbacks and St. Louis Soccer United have updates mentioning that 7 teams are part of the new league. This is before Crystal Palace Baltimore and Tampa Bay Rowdies joined the new league and before the NASL name was chosen.
The Vancouver Whitecaps team site ties into all the other teams home sites. Also in google if you type in NASL there is the new NASL listed with google links to all the NASL teams. This is good because it mentions the other teams under each NASL team, the reserve teams, and woman's team. Being google there is no guarantee this is correct.
The USL site tells a different story. If you go to the team sites for the Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Tampa Bay Rowdies they are still members of the USL-1. How do they do this? Under the news for the clubs they are updated prior to their news release mentioning the split. Vancouver team news stops on Nov. 3rd, Tampa Bay's stops on Nov. 18th, and Montreal stops on Nov. 10th. The Charleston Battery team site is updated to Oct. 28 so there is no mention of them dropping down to the USL-2. I guess the USL philosophy is no news is good news.
The USL news site is updated much more frequent. Nov. 4 there is a post titled "New era under way for USL-1" This article mentions that in attendance are representatives for the following. Austin, Cleveland, New York, Puerto Rico, Portland, Rochester, Tampa Bay, Edmonton, Ottawa, Baltimore and Detroit. With things breaking the way they are I am sure these cities know how to reach the NASL's front office for a place to play.
Nov. 10 there is a post titled "USL Statement regarding USL-1" This came out in response to the TOA's application being sent to the United States Soccer Federation.
Nov. 20 there is a post titled USL statement regarding Tampa, Baltimore. This mentions about both clubs being under contract to the USL. This was in response to Tampa Bay and Baltimore being mentioned as entries of the new league which is at the time of the article being named the NASL.
Hola amigos! Burrito bring you the War of the Soccer Leagues between USL and the new NASL that the TOA will begin in 2010. We still wait for ok from USSF but Burrito's connections say it going to happen one way or another! Burrito want to warn you carnales this may be a little long so go get something to eat, or drink a cafecito and relax and read Burritos futbol poetrys!
Austin Aztex Aztex remind Burrito of Mexico except they in Texas... Team was so-so finishing almost last and they make a bubu during last season that cost them 2 points! They recently release 14 players! They faithful to USL. But no one cares.
Charleston Battery They finish 4th in USL, they just announce they are going down to USL-2! Pobrecitos! It is a step down for them and for USL.
Cleveland City Stars Stars ends season last and reports say "las Estrellas" are going to go down to USL-2 again. Things not go well with them this last year. They faithful to USL.
Portland Timbers Timbers finish first in league but not Champions and choke in playoff. They don't care about the TOA group and careless about USL even though their president get award for being best executive or whatever. (He only get it cause all other teams are gone) They going to MLS so 2010 is only preparation for the big league! Yawn.
Puerto Rico Islanders PR is ok with whatever happens, they finish 3rd in USL and play Concacaf champions doing mas o menos this year. They are keeping their eye out to see what happens with NASL but for now remain with USL. Puerto Rico also have hot womens!
Rochester Rhinos Not happy with USL, Rhinos are also not too fond of TOA. But they see no changes to USL so far. Rhinos might surprise everyone and jump ship if not this year then in 2011 for sure.
New teams New York and Tampa are expansion USL teams pero Tampa say they with the TOA...
Maybe teams: USL announce Edmonton and Ottawa along with Baltimore and Detroit as possible teams. We now know Baltimore went with TOA so Burrito think other teams might go to TOA too unless USL secure some pesos from the other cities pronto! Rumor has it another Minnesota team will come into USL-1 but that weird cause Thunder still exist kinda since they still have website! ... And then there is another team called the Minnesota Kings going into NPSL... that make 3 teams in Minnesota! A caray, 3 teams!?!? So if we take Baltimore out and Cleveland out oh and The Battery, well Burrito really can't add so someone need to tell Burrito how many teams USL will have this season, 5? Not looking good for USL-1.
Miami FC Blues They buy rights to NASL name. They have not mucho fans except for Burrito and some vatos called the Ultras (3 guys and one of their girlfriends). Owners of team Traffic Sports have mucho dinero. If Traffic wants to make a good team now is time to do it. No more excuse. Will Blues change name to Strikers? We will see... Nowheres to go but up for Miami FC. Vamos Miami!
Minnesota Thunder No moneys, no players, no nothing. Thunder owe money to everyone and their mami! USL trying to kill them to make sure TOA league doesn't work but even if Thunder say bye, bye there are enough teams now to make new league work. Burrito hope other TOA members help Minnesota survive.
Montreal Impact The new USL Champions are on top of the world. Joey Saputo playing all sides and running the show. Everyone want Montreal in their side but so far Impact only on their own side. If Saputo could he make his own league where Impact play with themselves... no pun intended... Impact will play where they want, they don't need MLS, with the 40 million franchise fee they can start the new league and give free croissants to fans for the rest of the year!
Vancouver Whitecaps They going to MLS anyway but they want the better for futbol in North America by sticking with the TOA (unlike the Timbers who just dont care). Whitcaps say they will keep a team in NASL even though they move to MLS.
Carolina RailHawks Burrito call them Railchickens. A loyal TOA member they were along with Miami and Minnesota the first teams to be kicked out by USL a move that Burrito thinks was the stupidest thing since Mild Sauce!
Atlanta Silverbacks They took a year off from USL cause they no like them. USL turn around and want to put team in Atlanta.
St. Louis Soccer United No team yet but Jeff Cooper have the dinero and the organization to make this team happen soon.
Tampa Bay Rowdies Rowdies have already given some pesos over to USL but are loyal to TOA. If they cant jump this year they will do it in 2011. Burrito looking forward to Florida derby!
Baltimore Crystal Palace USL-2 team ready to move up. They might have the same legal issues that Tampa have so they might have to stay in USL for another year but Burrito hope 2010 they will be in NASL!
More Teams? Burrito hear other teams may join NASL. One is Ottawa who waiting to see what happens before they make up their minds.
Epylogue: Burrito enjoying the War of the Soccer Leagues telenovela but hope it get resolved soon so that Miami FC can concentrate on getting star players like the ones who play in NASL back in the day like Pele, Beckenbauer, etc, etc.
What do you think will happen with NASL? Will NASL be a strong league? Will USL survive? Will USSF approve the new League? Will Taco Bell ever make a decent quesadilla?
Burrito leave you with a Great goal from back in NASL glory days by George Best!
Yesterday we found out that the new League was a go and today a number of sites confirm that the TOA will play the 2010 season in a new league. Teams such as Miami FC, Atlanta Silverbacks, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, Carolina Railhawks and the Vancouver Whitecaps will soon be joined by a St. Louis team. Sources indicate Tampa will leave USL and become the 8th team.
All this coming only a week after USL announced business as usual with the addition of as many as 11 teams. Austin, Cleveland, New York, Puerto Rico, Portland, Rochester, Edmonton and Ottawa even Baltimore and Detroit had representatives. USL also announced Tampa Bay was part of the fold but as mentioned their days with USL seem to be numbered.
Other sources indicate further teams from the PDL may join the TOA, who offers a better structure allowing teams more say as to the direction the league will take. A Lower division would be created to accommodate the PDL teams.
It's my opinion as a soccer fan that though USL still retains the majority of it's teams and has new teams looking to join them that the loss of the stronger teams (Montreal and Vancouver) will be a hit that will give USL-1 more of a USL-2 look. When Nurock took over USL they made the mistake of ignoring the issues and did not look to make peace with the TOA. Look for MLS to form some allegiance with the new league that will eventually lead to further PDL and USL teams leaving their ranks. The battle lines are drawn. Sit back and enjoy the war of the Soccer Leagues.
More sites with New Soccer League info: The Kartik Report Pitch Invasion Soccer by Ives Match Fit USA WVHooligan Inside Minnesota Soccer UPDATE 11/10/09 2:30PM In a comment left below by Eric he points out some interesting information straight out of the Montreal Impact website where joey Saputo says Montreal is still in talks with USL. As Eric says as much as a blow the joining of Tampa would be if they leave USL the same if not bigger would happen if Montreal leaves the TOA. The drama never ceases!
I wish to reiterate that there are still ongoing talks between the Montreal Impact and the USL. We continue working on different options for the 2010 season, including the possibility that the Impact take part in the USL-1 or in a new league.
Match Fit USA has some valid questions for the TOA 1. Who's the eighth team? (or, What happened with the Rowdies?) 2. Will the league be broadcast? 3. Are the Impact sticking around? 4. What role does MLS/SUM play? 5. Are your clubs stable? Read about it HERE
Last week it was rumored that there would be an announcement as to where Miami FC and the rest of the TOA would play. If it would be in the USL, MLS-2 or their own league. Today it seems the last two options are more probable.
TSN reports that both the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Montreal Impact will be out of USL. Alex Papadakis in an interview was quoted:
The negotiations are finished," Papadakis told CKAC. "We decided to continue our preparation for the season 2010 with the teams which wished to remain with us.
Our good friend and Miami Ultra Julio Caballero pointed out the following link from INDY Week Blogs "Triangle Offense".
In an interview Thursday afternoon, Carolina RailHawks president Brian Wellman confirmed that the dissident group of USL-1 club owners known as the Team Owners Association (TOA) would be submitting an application to the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to form a new league
Kartik Krishnaiyer over at the Kartik Report states that Attorneys are getting into the picture in the seemingly never ending saga of USL vs TOA. It's a good read so check it out HERE Whatever the outcome, we can only hope this gets resolved soon. I would rather be writing about the new players being signed at this point.
There is a song by the Smiths that goes like this:
The death of a disco dancer Well, it happens a lot 'round here
Well, it's not the death of a Disco Dancer but more like the Death of Soccer in Miami, and it does happen around here quite often! It appears Soccer does not live long and prosper in this town ...
Miami FC may become the latest victim in the endless saga of failed South Florida teams. Not only is the team on the brink of extinction thanks to a failed attempt to buy the United Soccer League by parent company Traffic Sports, but the team is in the midst of an eight game losing streak that included a 9-0 pounding by the Carolina Railhawks only a week ago.
As most of you know USL was recently bought by Nurock Soccer Holdings from Nike and in a press release that came out yesterday Click here, it appears that USL founder Francisco Marcos and Tim Holt remain on board. It was mentioned on other blogs and news sources that another group led by a group of current USL teams had out bid all potential buyers and was on the verge of securing the purchase of USL when suddenly there was a press release stating that Nurock was indeed the winner!
Speculation remains that there was an inside maneuver by USL personnel along with Nurock to secure their bid would succeed (even though it was not the highest bid) and as the press release suggests... well, you can come to your own conclusions. Now USL team owners are not happy. The Team Owners Association (TOA) has announced that it has accelerated its pursuit of all league options for the 2010 season and beyond. It's no secret most USL teams were not fond of Marcos and Holt at the helm of the league, the two would most likely have been out of USL had the TOA led by the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, St. Louis Soccer United, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps been successful in their bid to take over USL.
If the TOA is looking for other options we can assume they might start a League of their own. But how strong a league could it be? Vancouver is on it's way to MLS in 2010 so after next season another team is out. How can they survive? I would think one option could be via MLS. There is no chance all these teams could be part of that league but the fabled MLS-2 could be an option the TOA might look at. Most of us Soccer fans dream of the relegation idea but that's not going to happen if ever for a very long time. An arrangement could be made however whereby MLS-2 teams could become affiliates of current MLS teams. Maybe rules could be less harsh on the MLS-2 teams where they will not have the restrictions of the single entity structure currently in place for MLS teams for the sake of making MLS-2 attractive to the cities they play in.
In this scenario NuRock would lose the majority of its USL-1 teams. Some may say USL can continue with the few teams remaining and by promoting the USL-2 teams possibly even eliminating USL-2 for now, but, it would nonetheless be a much weaker USL. Will USL survive if it loses so many teams next season?
What if all the teams decide to fold? The loser would be Nurock,which might opt to close the league down before they lose more money. But in reality we all lose. US Soccer would lose the structure that keeps feeding MLS and the U.S. national team. I find it remarkable that Nurock and USL management did not think ahead and try to secure an arrangement with the current USL-1 teams instead creating all this drama that might lead to the end of USL.
For now all I can say to South Florida Soccer Fans is to support Miami FC in these last 3 home games. Let's send a message that we want Soccer in Miami. Lets send a message to Traffic that they need to step up and give us Major League Soccer along with other investors out there such as everyone on the committee supporting the World Cup bid for Miami, like Emilio Estefan, Facundo Bacardi, Bacardi Limited; Peter Dolora, senior vice president of American Airlines; George Feldenkreis, chairman/CEO of Perry Ellis International among others. Support Miami MLS by going to http://www.miamisoccerfan.com/Soccer/Tickets.html
Miami FC will face the Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday, April 17th at 7:30pm at Lockhart Stadium. Fans can watch this weekend's game live via online streaming at www.miamifc.com.
Montreal Impact
