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
