Jason Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 It's good to see the return of soccer to the Tampa Bay area. I also like that they are bringing back the old name. http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/article633711.ece Anyone want to wager on the next NASL name to be revived? Maybe the Tulsa Roughnecks? Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue and White Army Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Interesting. I think this is the first time in the history of the USL that a new club will begin play more than one year after it is given the green light by the USL (although Austin Aztecs are about there). 22 months to prepare has to be a record for a USL club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calgary Boomer Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Didn't the Caroline Railhawks have a similarly long lead-up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue and White Army Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 You're right - founded 26 Jan 2006, first played in the 2007 USL-1 season. That's about 14 months of prep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mpenza Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Good to see the USL lining up replacement teams to prepare for the MLS exodus that is just about to happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmcmurph Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Mpenza Good to see the USL lining up replacement teams to prepare for the MLS exodus that is just about to happen. With Austin and now Tampa Bay they will be needing a few more as Seattle, Vancouver, Montreal, Portland and maybe Atlanta, Miami are all going or trying to get something MLS happening. We do need a second division in North America and USL-1 is it. I like their 5 sub rule and their PDL is a huge boost for player development. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 The Whitecaps have stated publicly that if/when they do get an MLS franchise they will continue to play a team in USL-1, all part of their overall development plan from SYL > PCSL/PDL > USL-1 > MLS.... So, a Whitecaps move into MLS will likely not deplete the USL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piltdownman Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 The PDL Victoria Highlanders of Langford have had about 16 months of lead up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calgary Boomer Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Richard The Whitecaps have stated publicly that if/when they do get an MLS franchise they will continue to play a team in USL-1, all part of their overall development plan from SYL > PCSL/PDL > USL-1 > MLS.... So, a Whitecaps move into MLS will likely not deplete the USL. Really? I haven't heard that before. That would be quite an additional expense...especially considering that fans aren't going to be overly excited about seeing a USL 1 team, when there's an MLS team in town with the same name.. I could see the PDL program sticking around, but not USL 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piltdownman Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 it would make sense if they moved the USL-1 club to the valley, surrey, or even to Victoria. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmcmurph Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by piltdownman it would make sense if they moved the USL-1 club to the valley, surrey, or even to Victoria. Victoria would make the most sense to me. Around 300,000 in the greater victoria area. Close to the main team. As good weather year round for soccer as you will find in Canada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piltdownman Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I live four blocks from RAP so I would love this. It has seating for 4247, and temporary seating could be added if needed to the North side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnie Monster Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Kelowna might also be something they are considering. You'll recall that Kerfoot has a place up there, and we played a reg season match there against Portland a few years back. Testing the waters? Certainly far enough from Vancouver proper to avoid ticket sales overlap with the MLS club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winnipeg Fury Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Calgary Boomer Really? I haven't heard that before. That would be quite an additional expense...especially considering that fans aren't going to be overly excited about seeing a USL 1 team, when there's an MLS team in town with the same name.. I could see the PDL program sticking around, but not USL 1. Great news if they keep USL First. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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