Hope Solo

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 P

resident 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

What is Miami FC's NASL Plan?

By Robert Scorca

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.

Musas do Brasileirão de 2009

Musas

Atletico MG x Cruzeiro

Atletico PR x Coritiba

Fla x Flu

Gremio x Internacional

Gremio x Corinthians

Palmeiras x São Paulo

Flamengo x São Paulo

Sport x Corinthians

Sport (campeã 2009)

Até o ano que vem!!

Soccer Cat Videos by Burrito

Hola Amigos!
Today Burrito Bring you Soccer cats. Ok, Burrito as most of you know is one mean dawg so he no like them pinches gatos too much. When Burrito see them he try to bite them, eat them, pee on them and even hump them sometimes... Burrito figures "ehhh, why not?"

But when it comes to futbol Burrito forgive them for being so estupids. Here are videos of some gatos playing Futbol!

Here video where they ask you to Neuter them gatos! Chop chop gatitos!

Here Stupid Cat watch Soccer game

Goalie Cat

Goalie Cat #2 (Lazy version)

And Finally! Gatos vs Perros! Vamos Doggies!

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

Download - Wanessa Mattos: Sport 2009

Campeã 2009

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Ensaio Paparazzo

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Download - Thalita Wagner: Santos 2009

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Pele and Garrincha, Gods of Brazilian Football

I ran across this BBC documentary about Pele and Garrincha put together in 2002. The film starts off in the 1950's, as Brazil lost in the Maracana versus Uruguay. It follows the careers and lives of Brazilian football stars Pele and Garrincha.
When they played on the same team, they never lost a game but by themselves their lives and careers took diffrent paths.

Pele and Garrincha are both footballing legends in Brazil. The film uses archive footage and details the story of these two men and explains how one became the World's Greatest Soccer player and the other died a broken alcoholic at the age of 49.

See the video below or HERE I highly recommend it!