USSF, NASL, USL : There Will Be Soccer in 2010
After news only days ago that their application to form a division 2 league with the USSF was refused, the NASL, which included the Montreal Impact, along with the USSF and the USL have announced that an agreement has been reached that would see all parties playing professional soccer in 2010.
While the USL (United Soccer League) and the members of the NASL (North American Soccer League) appeared to be at a stalemate as far as conditions for a working partnership were concerned ( 7 teams formerly of the USL broke away from the league, forming the now-called NASL) it was not until the United States Soccer Federation’s intervention that the two were forced to make nice.
The USSF basically denied both leagues a division 2 status in the US (the MLS being a division 1 league) which would have jeopardised the future of both factions.
In a conference call today at 3PM, it was announced that an agreement was reached by all parties that would see a division 2 league formed as part of the USSF which would include both the USL and the NASL. The Impact will play in the NASL Conference with the Baltimore Crystal Palace; Carolina RailHawks; Miami FC; St-Louis United; and Vancouver Whitecaps. The USL Conference will include the Austin Aztex; Minnesota Thunder; Portland Timbers; Puerto Rico Islanders; Rochester Rhinos; and Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Details are still in the works regarding league rules, number of games played and television rights, as it was stated during the conference call that the recent developments are rather new. All teams are expected to match up in a 28 to 34-game season and teams from both conferences will play each other throughout the season.
The league will be managed by a board of directors that will be composed of one representative per team and one USSF representative. An executive committee will also be created to implement the directors’ decisions.
In a separate conference call held right after the USSF call, Impact president Joey Saputo, a key player in the Team Owners Association that spearheaded the eventual formation of the NASL, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the present situation that sees the Impact able to return to defend their USL Championship.
“Today we can say mission accomplished,” said Saputo. “Since the onset of negotiations, we were confident in achieving a positive outcome. We are proud to state that our fans will be treated to high level soccer in 2010 with 12 teams, including three newcomers, matching up in a top quality championship. More so, the league team owners have now gained control over their destiny, which is very positive for the future of soccer in North America.”
Saputo made no bones about the fact that the Impact’s primary goal was to eventually join the MLS, but went on to say that this arrangement was great for all parties as it would allow for a better transition for them as well as other teams attempting to make viable attempts to join the new Division 2 league. When asked how he felt about the name of the new league (it was suggested that the league should be called the USSF D-2) Saputo said that while the league is presently being referred to as the United States Soccer Federation while it has 2 Canadian teams in it, Soccer Canada has not yet had its say in the matter and it remains to be seen if the name will be changed or not.
Saputo, Executive Vice President Richard Legendre and Technical Director Nick De Santis flew to Florida this morning to attend a general assembly to settle next season’s calendar.
The Montreal Impact will open its 2010 season ticket sale on Monday, January 11 at 9 am. The 2009 defending champions will once again offer season tickets at affordable prices, starting at $180 in the supporters section and $250 in the Bronze category.
2010 season tickets will include 16 regular season home games, two Nutrilite Canadian Championship home matches, as well as two playoff games (should the Impact qualify).
Contact the Montreal Impact to purchase 2010 season ticket packages by dialling 514-328-3668.
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