USL News

A Couple Notes of the 2010 USL-2 Season

2010-02-05T09:51:00.002-06:00

USSF announced today that the USL Second Division has received sanctioning for the 2010 season despite having only six active clubs.

The following clubs will compete in USL-2 this season, playing a 24 game schedule with each team playing each other twice at home and twice on the road: Charlotte Eagles, Charleston Battery, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Real Maryland Monarchs, Harrsiburg City Islanders and the Richmond Kickers.

USL-2 will keep a postseason playoff structure with the top 3 clubs in the regular season earning a playoff spot. The #2 and #3 will play a semifinal match with the regular season champion hosting the USL-2 Championship match.

Quickstrike Lady Blues Announce 2010 W-League Schedule

2010-01-25T14:13:00.002-06:00

Our friends at Quickstrike FC, along with the rest of the USL W-League have announced their 2010 schedules.

Official Press Release

NEWBURGH, NY – The Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues officially announced its 2010 W-League schedule on Monday. The announcement coincides with the full release of the 2010 USL W-League schedule.

The 2010 schedule will feature 12 games (six home and six away). In 2009, the Lady Blues played 14 games, amassing a record of 12-0-2 on their way to the 2009 W-League Regular Season Championship before falling to eventual champion Pali Blues in the semifinals.

This season features the addition of two New Jersey expansion teams: North Jersey Valkyries and New Jersey Rangers FC. It also does not feature the Connecticut Passion, the Western Mass Pioneers or the Boston Renegades with the 2010 W-League realignment.

Unlike the 2009 schedule, the 2010 slate of games is unbalanced in order to limit traveling. That means that the Washington Freedom Futures only appear once on the Lady Blues’ schedule. That game takes place on Sat., June 19 at Newburgh Free Academy.

Washington won the 2009 W-League Eastern Conference Championship before falling to the Pali Blues in the championship game.

The 2010 Quickstrike Lady Blues schedule features matches on Wednesdays (2), Saturdays (2) and Sundays (2). A promotional schedule for each home date will follow soon.

--

You can see the Lady Blues and all the rest of the W-League's schedules HERE.

USSF Second Division for 2010

2010-01-07T14:03:00.000-06:00

The US Soccer Federation announced today it will sanction and run a USSF Second Division in 2010 with 12 teams and two conferences. This agreement is for the 2010 season only and the two groups will continue to negotiate with the USSF to create a permanent solution to the USL/NASL split.

NASL Conference
Carolina Railhawks
Crystal Palace Baltimore
Miami FC
Montreal Impact
AC St. Louis
Vancouver Whitecaps

USL Conference
Austin Aztex
Minnesota
Portland Timbers
Puerto Rico Islanders
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Rochester Rhinos

Jeff DiVeronica of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has a complete rundown of the USSF announcement HERE.

Here is the official press release from the USSF:

DIVISION 2 PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE TO OPERATE IN 2010

U.S. Soccer Will Oversee Two Conference League

CHICAGO (Jan. 7, 2009) – The U.S. Soccer Federation, United Soccer Leagues (USL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL) have come to an agreement on the formation and operation of a Division 2 professional soccer league for the 2010 season. Under the agreement, U.S. Soccer will oversee the league for the 2010 season, working with both the USL and NASL on the day-to-day league activities.

The agreement pertains only to the 2010 season, and during the next year U.S. Soccer will continue to work with USL and NASL to build a long-term solution for the future. U.S. Soccer will also be developing new standards to govern Division 2 professional league applicants to ensure the long term viability and sustainability of the leagues and teams.

“We are extremely pleased that we were able to come to a solution that ensures we will have Division 2 professional soccer in the United States in 2010,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “This agreement allows us to continue to develop the professional game in many important markets around the country, while at the same time working towards the long-term stability of Division 2 professional soccer. I’d like to thank the representatives from both the USL and NASL for the time spent during our negotiations, especially their efforts in the past seven days.”

USL's Official Response to US Soccer's Sanctioning Decision

2009-12-31T08:44:00.001-06:00

Official Press Release from uslsoccer.com

TAMPA, FL -- Over the past several months, United Soccer Leagues (USL) ownership and management have been in regular communication with senior leadership at the US Soccer Federation (USSF) regarding the newly-implemented re-sanctioning process for professional league members, including the USL First Division (USL-1). Earlier today, USSF issued a media release indicating that its Board of Directors voted not to sanction a league at this time in the Division II Men’s Professional League category where USL-1 has been the member since 1997.

“As a 24-year USSF member that owns and operates national elite soccer leagues for players of both genders, USL and its member teams remain focused on advancing its quarter-century tradition of supporting the growth of soccer in the United States,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis.

“Our unqualified support of USSF at the professional, youth, and adult amateur levels since 1986 is incontrovertible. Although USL is respectful of the need to ensure that decisions being made are in the best interests of soccer and player development in the United States, it has detailed in its recent USL-1 2010 season re-sanctioning presentation that it is both willing and able to meet all published USSF Division II Men’s Professional League standards, including fielding a minimum of eight teams.”

The primary reason USL has so successfully contributed to the growth of soccer in the United States over the past two decades is the connections between and among teams through its system of leagues or "soccer pyramid" involving some of the nation's first true vertically-integrated clubs. Hundreds of players have followed the progression through its Super Y-League (SYL), the nation's first national elite youth soccer league, to compete in the Under-23 based Premier Development League (PDL), and then on to professional soccer in Major League Soccer (MLS), USL-1, and/or USL-2 as well as U.S. National Teams.

In this regard, USL has played an essential role in the development of American professional soccer players. The continuity of USL-1 as the USSF Division II Men’s Professional League is of vital importance for the entire USL system of leagues to continue to provide literally thousands of opportunities for players, coaches, referees, and administrators into the future.

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.

US Soccer Refuses to Sanction USL or NASL for 2010, Gives Sides 7 Days to Find Compromise

2009-12-30T12:34:00.003-06:00

Official Press Release from ussoccer.com

CHICAGO (Dec. 30, 2009) – The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors voted unanimously on Tuesday to not sanction either the USL or the NASL to operate a Division II professional league in 2010.

The decision was made on the recommendation of 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.

Despite the ruling, the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors has given both organizations seven days to try to work out an interim solution for the 2010 season.

“After carefully reviewing the findings from the Task Force it was clear there are still too many uncertainties for both organizations, which would be extremely difficult to resolve in a timely fashion that would allow them to prepare for the 2010 season,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “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.”

USL Sues Rochester, Baltimore and Tampa Bay; Fans Speak Out About USL Lawsuits

2009-12-09T08:26:00.013-06:00

The big news of the day came early this morning with Kartik Krishnaiyer broke the news that the United Soccer Leagues have filed the first of what could be many lawsuits against breakaway clubs and the NASL itself.

Here is the LINK to the actual lawsuit filed in the Hillsborough (Florida) County Circuit Court by the United Soccer Leagues, LLC

USL sues Rochester, Tampa Bay and Baltimore for Breach of Contract The Kartik Report

USL Files First of What Could Be Many Lawsuits Inside Minnesota Soccer

USL Files Suit Against NASL Clubs Match Fit USA

Days of reckoning for second-division soccer in America? For those just joining us Triangle Offense

We will continue to add links to stories and update information of this story as it becomes available.

We've also asked fans to speak out about the lawsuits via Twitter and email, we will post the responses we get throughout the day, so check back often.

"USL is a disgrace and is beyond desperate. Even if they win, they wouldn't survive past 2010 - I hope the Islanders jump to NASL" -PasionNaranja (via Twitter)

"USL has proved it's all about $$$ not the betterment of soccer in North America. 3 leagues started because of their tactics wake up" -BigKhrisdogg (via Twitter)

"Well, I lived in Pittsburgh, which was USL-2. I thought USL-2 was safe, but now I wonder. I am excited, either way, about NASL." -wpsdude (via Twitter)

"Here is my opinion: NuRock USL is greedy pathetic company. They are doing harm to USA football and should be called out on that." -MinnesotaKICKS (via Twitter)

"beyond pathetic action by USL" -nationhahn (via Twitter)

"Can you spell Backlash! Here we go..." -MinnesotaSoccer (via Twitter)

"Getcha popcorn ready! It's about to be some furniture moving now..." -blazindw (via Twitter)

"I wonder what NuRock is thinking about the price they paid for the USL now that its down to this?" -inivg (via Twitter)

"If the NASL gets the go ahead I think it is safe to say USL will no longer matter. Excited to see NASL and the players it attracts" -Oranje15 (via Twitter)

"Someone needs to be mature and lay down the law... way to much growth this past year to see it all fall apart now." -whitehall33t (via Twitter)

"When all else fails, sue. I'm hardly surprised; if I were them, that's what I'd do too. It's not morality, it's last-ditch hope. -matchavez (via Twitter)

"lawsuit is a disgrace! USL has finally proved it cares more about it's joke of a reputation than fans, clubs, and US soccer" -nicmcj943 (via Twitter)

Wilmington Hammerheads out USL-2

2009-11-25T10:00:00.004-06:00

The troubles for USL continued today with the report by David Fellerath in the Triangle Offense Blog that the Wilmington Hammerheads were unable to find a buyer for the club.

USL-2 now has eight clubs: Bermuda, Charlotte, Charleston, Harrisburg City, Pittsburgh, Real Maryland, Richmond, and Western Mass.

Battery Drop to USL-2

2009-11-24T07:44:00.002-06:00

Battery Elects to Shift to USL Second Division Charleston Post and Courier

Team president Andrew Bell said the move will create more regional rivalries and reduces travel expenses for the club.

"We believe that the level of competition in the USL Second Division will be very similar to that of the USL First Division (USL-1)," Bell said. "Playing in this division will also substantially reduce our travel costs as we won't be flying all over the country."

The Return of the North American Soccer League?

2009-11-20T12:59:00.007-06:00

Miami FC Registered Two NASL Trademark Claims on 11.16.2009

According to a search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office records, North American Soccer League, LCC in Delaware filed two trademark claims on November 16th, 2009. They claims were marked c/o Miami FC 501 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 407 Miami FLORIDA 33131

As we know Miami FC is part of the TOA "Breakaway" second division that today was joined by the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Crystal Palace Baltimore. This is not evidence of anything official but the timing is certainly interesting.

Below are screen shots of the trademark claims that allow North American Soccer League, LLC and details on what the trademarks allow:

Claim #1: G & S: Organizing sporting events, namely, soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions; programming, production, and distribution of radio and television programs of soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions; programming, production and distribution of CDs, DVDs, and films of soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions; programming, production and distribution of television, radio and internet programs of soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions via the Internet; providing a web site featuring information about soccer and soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions; publication of printed matter; soccer fan club services; conducting soccer training camps and clinics; ticket reservation and booking services for soccer matches, competitions, and exhibitions.

Click to Enlarge Image

Claim #2 G & S: Clothing, namely, hats, headwear, caps, shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, jackets, shorts, bottoms, pants, warm up suits, wristbands, gloves, socks, footwear.

Click to Enlarge Image

UPDATE: We've found four additional trademark claims by Miami FC for the name "NASL" They are here, here, here and here.

UPDATE #2: Here is the NASL Trademark Application submitted by North American Soccer League, LLC it includes the old NASL logo...

UPDATE #3: North American Soccer League, LLC was incorporated in the state of Delaware on September 22, 2009

USL Responds to Yesterday's TOA Announcement

2009-11-11T08:23:00.001-06:00

Official Press Release

USL Statement regarding USL-1

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues issued the following statement regarding the USL First Division in response to the announcement of an application before the United States Soccer Federation for a new Division II Men’s Outdoor Professional League submitted, in part, by former USL-1 franchises.

Statement:

United Soccer Leagues, founded in 1986, continues to be the only organization with Division II and III Men’s Outdoor Professional Leagues sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation, providing over 20 years of professional league management experience to its member clubs at all levels of the game.

The new ownership of NuRock Soccer Holdings has made a significant investment in United Soccer Leagues through its acquisition of the business and the retaining of strategic business partners such as Nike, Inc. and Premier Partnerships, which is led by the highly-respected duo of Alan Rothenberg and Randy Bernstein.

While USL does not oppose the right of an entity to affiliate with USSF per the governing organization’s bylaws, it does oppose the current application before the Federation on the grounds that there is misrepresentation, interference with USL business operations and substantial debt amongst the membership of the parties applying for certification.

Although USL is currently working with USL-1 member teams on reforming the structure of league management, USL’s ownership structure and franchise system has been, and will continue to be, in compliance with all USSF and FIFA statutes since its membership as a professional league with the USSF began in 1993.

There is no FIFA regulation stipulating that member leagues be owned by their respective clubs, and in many cases around the world, leagues consist of individual clubs that play in league competitions managed by the respective Federation such as the English leagues (excluding the Premiership), Bundesliga (Germany), La Liga (Spain) and Mexican Primera Division. While some management systems are similar, the models of ownership structure vary greatly throughout FIFA based on each country’s business regulations as well as respective regional confederation and federation guidelines and principles. While there are universal principles woven throughout FIFA, league ownership models are among concepts such as promotion/relegation and the prohibition of two equal-tiered leagues that are not mandated and not necessarily applicable for every federation, such as is the case in the United States. Every league in every federation has its own nuances that make it unique.

The ownership structure of United Soccer Leagues has played a crucial role in maintaining a stable foundation while advancing the sport over decades of growth through both prosperous and difficult financial times. This structure has allowed USL to support and maintain the operation of member clubs such as Montreal and Vancouver during times when the then ownership of the clubs were unable to continue operating, which would have had detrimental affects on both the competition and on all respective markets across the league. With continued financial difficulties being experienced by clubs all around the world as well franchises and leagues in various United States sports entities, USL believes its model, with upcoming reforms to better serve its teams, is an important aspect to a successful future in the USL First Division.

USL / TOA Split Official

2009-11-10T10:40:00.001-06:00

Official Press Release

TOA announces formation of new league for 2010

Owners of teams in Atlanta, Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, Montreal, St. Louis and Vancouver form new league that will debut in 2010

Nov. 10, 2009 – The owners of the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps, formerly of USL-1, together with St. Louis Soccer United today announced that they have formed a new professional soccer league to play in the United States and Canada beginning in April 2010.

The team owners yesterday submitted an application for sanctioning of the new league as a Division II Men’s Outdoor Professional League by the United States Soccer Federation. An application for sanctioning as a Division I League will be submitted to the Canadian Soccer Association shortly and applications to other sanctioning bodies in the region will be submitted as needed.

Joey Saputo, President of the 2009 USL-1 champion Montreal Impact, was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of the new league.

“This is not your typical new league,” Saputo said. “Most of our teams have existed for years. We have united some of the best owners, teams and markets around a new vision for a professional soccer league in North America.

“We look forward to elevating our teams and league in order to give more opportunities to players, coaches, media and sponsors, entertain our fans and play our role in helping soccer truly recognize its potential in the United States and Canada.”

Jeff Cooper, the principal owner of St. Louis Soccer United and spokesperson for the new league, said team owners have commenced a search for a league commissioner and are actively finalizing other details, including a name for the league and its sales and marking plans. The league intends to launch an extensive marketing campaign in the coming months, Cooper said.

In addition, Cooper said the team owners are in active conversations with several teams and organizations throughout the world which have expressed interest in joining the new league.

“This will be a league that will offer the best of both worlds – outstanding experience and leadership at the ownership level combined with the promise and ability to chart our own course for success as a new league,” Cooper said. “It’s this structure that motivated me to bring St. Louis into the new league, and why I believe the new league will have a lot of success at launch next year and well into the future.”

TEAM AND OWNERSHIP BACKGROUND

Atlanta Silverbacks

The Atlanta Silverbacks have been members of the USL-1 league from 1998-2008. The team’s primary owners are Boris Jerkunica and John Latham. Boris is a serial technology entrepreneur. He was the co-founder and CEO of NetZIP which was sold to Real Networks in 2000. He is currently the Chairman of Vocalocity – a VoIP technology company. John Latham is a senior partner at Alston and Bird – one of the top law firms in Atlanta. The team competes at the privately funded Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

“For ten years, the Atlanta Silverbacks played under the umbrella of a 3rd party owned league. To put it simply, it just didn’t work”, said Boris Jerkunica, Chairman of the Atlanta Silverbacks. “The long term view of the team owners did not align with the short term view of the 3rd party league owners. Because of this, the Atlanta Silverbacks decided to drop out from USL-1 in 2009. We are pleased to be part of a new league that will be owned and operated by the team owners as required by FIFA.”

Carolina RailHawks

The Carolina RailHawks have been members of the USL-1 league for three years, having ended the current season in second place with a league -leading 17 shutouts and a club record of 16-7-7. The team’s primary owners are Selby and Brian Wellman, and Bob Young. Selby was the Senior Vice-President of Cisco Systems throughout the 90’s, while Young was the founder of Redhat, as well as the online book publisher Lulu. The team competes at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC which is rated as one of the top soccer venues in the U.S.

“Over the past two years we have been working tirelessly to re-structure the league to be owned and controlled by the owners in order to elevate our league on and off the pitch. The owners make substantial investments in their teams. However, the level of national level investment required has not been made because the league has always been owned, operated, and controlled by third parties. We simply want our league to be operated and managed like all other pro sports leagues around the world.” - Selby Wellman, Carolina Railhawks owner

Miami FC

Miami FC is owned by Traffic Sports USA, the regional office of Brazil-based Traffic Marketing Esportivo, one of the leading soccer companies in the world. Traffic founded Miami FC in 2006 and brought the 1994 Brazilian World Cup Champion tandem of Romario and Zinho to lead the team. Traffic commercializes many of the top international soccer events in the region including: Copa America, the majority of FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in the Americas, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana and Copa do Brasil. Traffic also owns a team/academy in Brazil (Desportivo Brasil); co-manages a team in Portugal (Estoril); and controls player funds in Brazil and the United States featuring established high profile players and top youth prospects on the U-20 and U-17 national teams.

“When your league is owned by someone else, you aren’t incentivized to invest in or be loyal to your league. That’s precisely why our league is so relatively unknown and has so much turn-over in teams. With this decision, we gain control of our own destiny and can finally structure and operate our league in a manner which truly positions us for growth and success.” - Aaron Davidson, president of Miami FC

Minnesota Thunder

The Minnesota Thunder was founded in 1990 by Tom Engstrom and coaching legend Buzz Lagos. Just finishing its 20th season, the Thunder have historically been one of the most winning clubs in all of North America. The Thunder claimed the Commissioners Cup in 2000 and have been in three league championship games winning the league title in 1999. The Thunder is owned by Dean Johnson, Managing Director and Principal of Wingfield Corp. Johnson earned his B.A. with honors from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota and he earned his graduates degree from the Ruhr Universität in Bochum, Germany. The team plays in a newly renovated 10,000 seat soccer-specific stadium, which includes a full-field indoor training facility.

“After years of failed efforts to work and improve the current structure of our league, we must take control of our own destiny. When you are doing something that is objectively correct and good for the game of soccer, no one can question you.” - Dean Johnson, owner of the Minnesota Thunder, Wingfield Corporation managing director and principal

Montreal Impact

The Montreal Impact can be considered an overnight success that is 16 years in the making. It is Canada’s most decorated soccer franchise, with 2 League Championships, 3 Commissioners Cup, 7 Voyageurs Cup and the only team to represent Canada in the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions league. Bolstered by its strong fan support, the club regularly plays in front of sold-out crowds at its privately financed 13,000 seat soccer specific stadium. Although the Impact is now structured as a Non Profit corporation, it will continue to be part of the legacy that Joey Saputo and his family will leave to the Montreal Sports community.

“We feel that the league in its current state has handicapped the growth of our team and the league itself; ownership and control of our league are critical to our individual and collective growth.” - Joey Saputo, Montreal Impact owner

St. Louis

Jeff Cooper is the owner and chairman of Saint Louis Athletica of Women’s Professional Soccer and his St. Louis Soccer United group oversees the largest youth soccer program in the Midwest, St. Louis Scott Gallagher, which is headquartered at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park that in March was transferred to St. Louis Soccer United. Cooper’s overarching goal is to bring men’s professional soccer to the St. Louis area, which is rich with soccer tradition at levels from youth through college. A native of Granite City, Cooper played soccer under legendary coach Gene Baker at Granite City High School before continuing his playing career at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. He graduated in 1991 from DePauw University with a BA degree in political science and with a JD degree from St. Louis University Law School in 1995. Cooper formerly sat on the board of the English League One football club Brentford.

“I continue to be committed to starting a professional team in St. Louis, where our club would be fully and enthusiastically supported by generations of soccer fans here in our region. I have been in close contact with the teams over the past year and am very impressed with and fully committed to their mission. There is no other way. The teams must own and control their league.”

Vancouver Whitecaps

In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League and have since been the hallmark of professional soccer in British Columbia and Canada. In 1979, the Whitecaps won the NASL Soccer Bowl and in 1983, 60,342 people came to watch the Whitecaps play Seattle Sounders in the first sporting event to be played at BC Place Stadium. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight championships before the club joined what is now known as the United Soccer Leagues First Division. In 2002, Greg Kerfoot took over the ownership of the Whitecaps and created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, the Whitecaps have won two USL-1 championships and two USL W-League championships.

“We believe that ownership involvement is crucial for a successful, healthy league. Securing a league license now is a preliminary step that will allow the teams to be in position to take further steps, should that be necessary. Our goal continues to be to pursue what is in the best interest of the sport.” - Bob Lenarduzzi, Vancouver Whitecaps FC president

TBR Mailbag, Vol. 4

2009-10-05T10:41:00.001-05:00

We are way behind on posting this, but since the last question answered has become more relevant after the events of the past couple days, it still make sense to post this.

The TBR Mailbag is a bi-weekly feature brought to you by the TBR front office to allow you, the fans, to write in and ask questions about the team, organization, and the return of professional soccer to Tampa Bay. If you have any questions you would like answered, please email us at mailbag@tbrowdies.com.

Q: Why aren’t you holding an open tryout and how can I get invited to one of the combines?

A: We will be inviting players to our combine by recommendations from our scouts and coaches. They are actively out scouting domestic and international players, both at the professional and collegel level, as well as speaking with agents worldwide. We are looking to build the best possible team of players who all have prior experience playing at a highly competitive level. This is important for a brand new franchise.

It is important to have invite-only combines for these players so that we can properly evaluate their play. If you have an experienced playing background at high amateur / college level or at the pro level, please submit your information at our website.

We realize there are talented players out there who may not have had the same opportunities. For those players, we will have scouts present at an open tryout in Orlando January 6-8th run by InfoSport. Representatives from many teams will be at the combine and information on it can be found HERE.

Q: Who is that in the header? I can see number 7 and that’s Steve Wegerle, but who is the other one, I can’t make out the number?

A: The other former Rowdie player adorning our website with Mr. Wegerle would be his fellow South African Neill Roberts. Neill played for the Rowdies in 1980-81 and again in ’84. Roberts was the league’s 24th all-time leading scorer with 156 points in 143 career games. He was also on the Rowdies indoor team from 1980-82.

Neill is still active in the Tampa soccer community and is currently coaching the U13 boys’ team at H.C. United.

Q: With all the info lately on the league and the TOA (Team Owners’ Association) is there any danger of the Rowdies not coming or the season being postponed?

A: It is the goal of all team owners to not have any delays, and we would certainly not postpone a season. The Rowdies continue to move forward for a 2010 start and the quality of the league will continue to get better. The team owners are working hard to ensure that our league is properly structured and set up for continued future growth, both through franchise expansion and player pool development. As soccer history in North America has taught us, it’s important to not just build strong franchises and local markets, but also have a strong and stable league.

USL-1 Final Set as Turmoil Surrounds the League's Future

2009-10-05T10:23:00.002-05:00

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact will battle for the 2009 USL-1 Championship but the big story around USL is the removal of the Minnesota Thunder, Miami FC Blues and Carolina RailHawks team sites from USLSoccer.com

Brian Quarstad of Inside Minnesota Soccer reported on Friday that USL President Tim Holt had sent emails addressing the players at Minnesota, Miami and Carolina that they had been released from their contracts.

In an interview posted today with RailHawk's owner Brian Wellman, David Fellerath of The Triangle Offense has learned that both USL-1 Finalist Vancouver and Montreal are likely to receive the same treatment as the three other clubs once the finals are over.

More reports on the USL situation:

RailHawks, USL on the brink? Scrubbing begins on USL Web site Triangle Offense

USL and Team Owners Association Update Sunday 10/04/09 Inside Minnesota Soccer

USL Update – Saturday afternoon 10/03/09 Inside Minnesota Soccer

USL First Division Quarterfinals

2009-09-21T10:35:00.001-05:00

#2 Carolina RailHawks vs #7 Vancouver Whitecaps
Sept 24 at Vancouver – 10:30 pm ET :: Sept 27 at Carolina – 5:00 pm ET

#3 Puerto Rico Islanders vs #6 Rochester Rhinos
Sept 24 at Rochester – 7:05 pm ET :: Sept 27 at Puerto Rico – 6:00 pm ET

#4 Charleston Battery vs #5 Montreal Impact
Sept 24 at Montreal – 7:45 pm ET :: Sept 27 at Charleston – 7:00 pm ET

2009 USL First Division Playoffs

2009-09-14T13:30:00.002-05:00

The Portland Timbers have secured the first seed in the playoffs.

Carolina RailHawks, Puerto Rico Islanders, Charleston Battery will battle in the last round of matches for 2nd thru 4th.

Montreal Impact, Rochester Rhinos, Vancouver Whitecaps will fight for 5th thru 7th place during the final round of regular season matches.

Five Clubs to Break from USL-1?

2009-09-09T07:14:00.006-05:00

Thanks to Ed Serrano from Football in Miami and Beyond for the heads up on this story...

From the Sun-Sentinal:

The five USL-1 clubs and three other organizations, including 2010 expansion club Tampa Bay, are aligned with the Team Ownership Association (TOA), which wants the clubs to run the league, rather than a management entity such as NuRock.

"We will have an owner-controlled league by next year," Miami FC President Aaron Davidson said. "I'm not sure what it will be named and how it will be structured, but it will start with these eight teams."

While the report doesn't name all five clubs, it did identify Miami FC and the expansion Tampa Bay Rowdies as two of the eight clubs that potentially would be involved. There are five current USL-1 clubs and three other organizations that would form the proposed new league to begin play in 2010. The eight TOA clubs that would form the new eight team league are: Atlanta, Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, Montreal, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and Vancouver

There is not much more to report at this juncture, but as the story develops we'll post additional information as it becomes available. Given the somewhat fragile nature of professional soccer leagues in the US, there is legitimate cause for concern as to whether this potential new league would be the best move. We'll have to wait and see how the story plays out.

RailHawks Owner Selby Wellman Speak About USL Sale

2009-09-02T09:13:00.003-05:00

David Fellerath from the Triangle Offense, and independent Carolina RailHawks blog, spoke with RailHawks majority owner Selby Wellman about recent selling of USL and the "chilled" response by various team owners.

He (Selby Wellman) noted that the USL-1 clubs make single-year commitments to participate in the league, and that in a month or so, the league will approach the owners about committing for next season. But, “If they don’t come to the table with us having the ability to control our league, we won’t play with them,” Wellman says.

Read the Article HERE.

The TBR Mailbag, Vol. 3

2009-09-02T09:10:00.001-05:00

The TBR Mailbag is a bi-weekly feature brought to you by the TBR front office to allow you, the fans, to write in and ask questions about the team, organization, and the return of professional soccer to Tampa Bay. If you have any questions you would like answered, please email us at mailbag@tbrowdies.com.

Q: I was wondering will the Rowdies do an extensive advertising campaign like billboards, sports radio, etc... and will the Rowdies have big sponsorships like, Publix, IKEA, Beef O’Bradys?

A: The Rowdies will have a presence everywhere in the community and will look to develop an effective mix of placement and creativity. From your favorite store or local pub, to print and traditional media advertising, to (if we have our way) our gorilla friends Pickemup & Suckemup in front of State Vacuum in South Tampa. Perry Van Der Beck, TBR Technical Director, will be on ESPN Radio this week doing spots for an upcoming United Way auction the Rowdies are involved with. As we get closer to kick off for next season, you’ll be seeing more of the Rowdies in print and in broadcast, but for now our focus will be on grassroots initiatives, new media applications, and getting out in the community in person to meet with fans face-to-face and prepare for the return of pro soccer to Tampa Bay.

Sponsorships are a big part of any sports team’s business model and essential for the team to build relationships within the community. The Rowdies will certainly have meaningful corporate partners and have already started that process. For the Rowdies though, sponsorship is about legacy and a substantial mutual partnership with the rebirth of Tampa’s first pro sports franchise. We are looking for fewer but more impactful partnerships so that both the team and the sponsor benefit short and long term from the unique reach and history pro soccer maintains. We will work with large national businesses, but welcome more intimate relationships with local / regional businesses and local charities as well. If anyone representing an organization would like to speak with the Rowdies about corporate sponsorships, please contact us at sponsorships@tbrowdies.com.

Q: Can you please advise us about the litigation and what effect, if any, that will have on the team and the name?

A: We are currently unable to discuss specifics until the suit is resolved. To be clear though, the trademark dispute only involves the wordmark and the right to sell merchandise. We feel confident our group did everything needed to secure those rights. Our organization owns the rights to play games and operate a soccer team as the Tampa Bay Rowdies. We may consider different options, but the case will have no effect on the team’s return and operations in 2010.

Q: What kind of fan base are the Rowdies going to be catering to? Are you going to be going after the soccer family crowd, or the “Rowdie” supporters groups?

A: In short, both. Since day one, we have been involved in community programs working with youth soccer programs, local community groups and schools. We have also made sure to have a presence at soccer pubs and interact with various supporter groups during viewing parties, soccer events and other gathering. We are developing strong partnerships with adult sports leagues. It’s our goal that all sports fans in the area feel a sense of ownership in the team and support the Rowdies.

We’re conscious of the unique diversity that exists in the soccer community and will do our best to embrace that diversity so that all fans of the game and even just passive sports fans feel pride in our team and can enjoy the match day experience. Our stadium experience will revolve around fans being up close to the action and enjoying a high standard of attractive soccer. We’ll also focus on the entertainment value of our games and secondary programming, making the games a social event, not just a sporting event. That can include music programming, fan fest and on-field experiences, seating areas for the soccer die-hards (“Rowdie Zone”), family sections, etc. It’s important to deliver a match day experience fans of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy,making Rowdies games the place to be in Tampa once again.

Trouble Brewing Between USL and Team Owners

2009-08-31T15:50:00.002-05:00

USLNews recieved this press release this afternoon:

TEAM OWNERS ASSOCIATION CHILLS RELATIONS WITH USL AFTER NIKE SELLS USL TO NON-TEAM THIRD PARTY

Atlanta, Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, Montreal, St. Louis, Tampa and Vancouver to Aggressively Explore all Options for Future

August 31, 2009 Following extensive negotiations with USISL, Inc., the parent company of the United Soccer Leagues (USL), to restructure the USL First Division (USL-1) into a league owned and controlled by its teams, the Team Owners Association (TOA) today announced that it has accelerated its pursuit of all league options for the 2010 season and beyond. 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, reached this decision following the announcement by Nike, Inc., the parent company of USISL, Inc., that it had concluded the sale of USL to a third-party (NuRock Soccer Holdings) which does not own a team in USL-1.

The TOA has been and remains committed to a restructuring of USL-1 into a truly professional soccer league which complies with the international rules established by FIFA, the governing body of international soccer. These rules include the requirement that the league be owned and controlled by its teams. Despite this rule, USL has historically been owned by a single corporate entity responsible for, among other things, league governance. The TOA believes that this ownership structure has stunted the growth and recognition of both the league and its teams during USL’s nearly 25-year existence. Consequently, over the past several years, the TOA has engaged in discussions with the owners of USL to restructure USL and is therefore extremely disappointed with Nike’s decision to sell USL to a non-USL-1 team owner. Accordingly, the TOA now reconfirms its commitment to achieving a team-owner controlled league and will pursue all avenues to do so.

“The TOA and its teams thank the fans, media, coaches and players for their unconditional support and patience as we explore all options for the future,” stated Selby Wellman, majority owner of the Carolina RailHawks and spokesperson for the TOA. “The teams are confident that this process will lead to decisions and changes that are essential for the further growth of soccer in our respective markets and throughout North America.”

USL-1 Weekend Results (8.28-30)

2009-08-31T08:51:00.002-05:00

Friday, August 28

Portland Timbers 0:0 Charleston Battery
Charleston clinches USL playoff berth Charleston Post and Courier
Timbers push unbeaten streak to 24 with draw The Oregonian

Saturday, August 29

Minnesota Thunder 1:3 Puerto Rico Islanders
Thunder lose on the road to Islanders Inside Minnesota Soccer

Miami FC Blues 0:1 Austin Aztex
Key breaks finally fall Aztex' way in shutout Austin American-Statesman

Rochester Rhinos 1: 1 Vancouver Whitecaps
Rhinos rally for tie in Vancouver Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Whitecaps, Rhinos duel to 1-1 draw Vancouver Sun

Sunday, August 30

Carolina RailHawks 1:1 Montreal Impact
Carolina steals a draw Canada.com
RailHawks rattle Impact hopes The Globe and Mail

Richmond Claims 2009 USL-2 Championship

2009-08-31T08:34:00.005-05:00

uslsoccer.com

For one hour on Saturday night, the Charlotte Eagles looked poised to erase the memory of their previous two defeats in the 2006 and 2008 USL-2 Championship match. Both times, the Eagles had fallen behind early and despite late rallies, they had come up short twice. This time, the Eagles scored first but were unable to hold off the surging Richmond Kickers, as Edson Elcock equalised in the 63rd minute and John DiRaimondo and David Bulow scored in the final 7 minutes of the match to claim the match and the championship with a 3-1 victory.

This is Richmond's second USL-2 title and the first since 2006.

USL-2 Championship Charlotte Eages 1:3 Richmond Kickers

Kickers claim USL-2 Championship USLSoccer.com
Second-half surge lifts Kickers to USL-2 title Richmond Times-Dispatch
Richmond Kickers win USL-2 Championship Inside Minnesota Soccer
Kickers defeat Charlotte Eagles in USL-2 championship game Charlotte Observer

Reaction to USL Sale

2009-08-28T09:54:00.002-05:00

A day after the announced sale of the United Soccer Leagues to NuRock Soccer Holdings, LLC, USL followers and fans are beginning to react...

USL Sold to NuRock Holdings LLC – Sale Could Throw League Owners into Turmoil Inside Minnesota Soccer

USL's Tim Holt Addresses Questions Concerning Sale of League Inside Minnesota Soccer

Sale of USL puts future of Miami FC in doubt Miami Herald

We will continue to update this thread as more news and reports come out.

USLNews wants to hear your thoughts and reactions about the sale of USL, feel free to leave your opinions in the comments section.

USL Sold to NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC

2009-08-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM USL

Atlanta, Georgia (Aug 27th, 2009) – NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC (“NuRock Soccer Holdings”) today announced that it has acquired United Soccer Leagues (“USL”) from NIKE.

NuRock Soccer Holdings, based in Atlanta, is led by Rob Hoskins and Alec Papadakis. NuRock Soccer Holdings is currently a USL franchisee with a Premier Development League operation in Atlanta and rights to acquire two USL First Division teams in Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama marketplaces, respectively.

Rob Hoskins, the Chairman of NuRock Soccer Holdings, is one of the country’s most respected and largest real estate developers in residential housing, and brings his valuable management and branding experience to the soccer industry. Alec Papadakis, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of NuRock Soccer Holdings, is a franchise attorney with domestic and international expansion experience. As a player in the North American Soccer League for the Atlanta Chiefs and the Boston Minutemen, Papadakis has had a long, storied soccer career in the United States at the collegiate and professional level, with numerous accolades.

“We are delighted to close this transaction with Nike and begin a partnership with Nike’s leading football brands which will sponsor and support USL, and all of its leagues, for many years to come. Together with USL Management, we are excited about the opportunity to grow the size and visibility of USL, and to help develop and train the future generations of soccer athletes in the United States”, said Alec Papadakis, CEO of NuRock Soccer Holdings.

Rob Hoskins, Chairman of NuRock Soccer Holdings, commented, “Our vision for USL is to become the most competitive and profitable pyramid of soccer leagues in North America, while providing affordable family entertainment, and serving as the inspirational destination for professional and amateur youth soccer players in the U.S.”

Nike and Umbro will continue to support USL through a long-term sponsorship agreement naming Umbro as the official sponsor and exclusive supplier of match balls for USL’s professional and amateur leagues, including USL First Division, USL Second Division, Premier Development League and W-League. Nike Soccer will also serve as an exclusive sponsor for USL.

“This is really the best of both worlds for USL,” said Francisco Marcos, Founder and President of United Soccer Leagues. “We have new ownership that will focus solely on developing and growing the leagues, and Umbro and Nike Soccer join us as sponsors to support our franchise owners, teams and athletes.”

NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC
NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC is part of the umbrella family of companies known as The NuRock Companies. The Principals of NuRock have a dedicated and deep understanding of the soccer industry. As part of its family of companies, NuRock is an existing USL franchisee, with a USL Premier Development League operation in Atlanta. Robert Hoskins is the Chairman of NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC and is the Founder and Managing Principal of The NuRock Companies. Alec Papadakis is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of NuRock Soccer Holdings.

United Soccer Leagues
United Soccer Leagues (“USL”), with headquarters in Tampa, FL, is the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America. USL is comprised of six leagues, USL First and Second Divisions (men’s professional soccer), Premier Development League (men’s under-23), W-League (women’s), Super-20 League (under-20, men’s and women’s amateur), and Super Y-League (boy’s and girl’s elite youth amateur). Dedicated to growing the sport of soccer at the grassroots level, USL has provided a platform for thousands of players to reach their dreams over the last three decades.

USL Weekend Results (8.22-23)

2009-08-24T10:37:00.002-05:00

USL-2 Playoffs
Saturday, August 22

Harrisburg City Islanders 0:1 Richmond Kickers
Delicate lifts Kickers into USL-2 final Richmond Times-Dispatch

Charlotte Eagles 1:0 Wilmington Hammerheads
Hammerheads fall in semifinals to Charlotte StarNewsOnline.com

USL-1

Saturday, August 22
Minnesota Thunder 0 - 1 Cleveland City Stars
City Stars end winless streak by defeating Minnesota clevelandcitystars.com

Carolina RailHawks 0 - 0 Rochester Rhinos
Rhinos fit to be tied after scoress draw at home Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Miami FC Blues 1 - 3 Portland Timbers
Timbers roll over Blues, into USL playoffs The Oregonian
Timbers on 23-game unbeaten streak USA Today

Sunday, August 23
Austin Aztex 0 - 2 Montreal Impact
Impact powers past Austin The Globe and Mail
Impact good enough to dispatch lowly Austin Ottawa Citizen

Miami FC Blues 0 -2 Vancouver Whitecaps
Whitecaps snap six-game skid Vancouver Sun
Vancouver Whitecaps win crucial game over Miami Blues The Province

USL Midweek Results (8.19-20)

2009-08-21T09:13:00.003-05:00

Wednesday, August 19

Minnesota Thunder 3:3 Rochester Rhinos
Rhinos stunned by tie after injury-time goal Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

2009 USL-2 Playoffs
Real Maryland Monarchs 1 - 3 Charlotte Eagles
Eagles soar past Real Maryland 3-1 charlotteeagles.com

Thursday, August 20

Vancouver Whitecaps 1:1 Charleston Battery
Ian Fuller's second-half goal gives Battery 1-1 draw with Whitecaps The Canadian Press
Battery rallies for draw Charleston Post and Courier