UPDATE: Breakaway, MLS or USL?
Ed Serrano at Football in Miami and Beyond has an interesting piece on the TOA possibly entertaining the idea of joining MLS. I can report that with MLS undergoing CBA negotiations, the look of the league and its structure may very well be different and allow for some arrangement with the current USL-1 clubs.
However, I can also report that USL and a potential breakaway remain options, perhaps more viable options for the teams in the TOA. Events are continuing to develop, but NuRock, the new owners of USL are aware of the TOA concerns and may very well make some effort to bring the disaffected USL-1 clubs back into the fold. I have heard from a source that NuRock is very “proactive” about changes to USL.
MLS-2 or a new “breakaway” league are not yet inevitable. They are both certainly possible, but much of the speculation rests on the TOA clubs leaving USL, and that is not the forgone conclusion that has been represented in some other places on the web.
Basically, the TOA is in the process of evaluating all possible options for their member clubs. To not talk to MLS, or any other potential suitor would be irresponsible for the TOA and the clubs they represent.
So basically, you are saying MLS2 is a last option?
LikeLike
MLS2 is an option, but a less likely option. The TOA is looking at all possibilities and that is just one of several potential options for the teams involved.
LikeLike
At the very least these talk are leverage against the USL as we know it. The TOA would be foolish not to explore ALL options before making a decision. The fact that we are talking with the MLS speaks volumes with the displeasure in the way the USL is run and the shady sale to NuRock.
LikeLike
From reading comments on other sites concerning the TOA, it is obvious most people want some sort of MLS relationship established. It just adds more credibility to the TOA.
A return to USL will be viewed as the same old mediocre soccer league. I can’t help but agree.
LikeLike
Yo KK…the MLS is not a suitor…are you kidding? Davitson/traffic bought into the league to buy it. Now they are out..no league..no nothing and are frantic to do something. To give the MLS money to manage a league for them is a money making proposition. Why do Miami soccer fans have to suffer.
LikeLike
Hey KK we need more news on TOA possibly entertaining the idea of joining MLS.
LikeLike
@cipp You state that Traffic is frantic to do something. The TOA is composed of more than Miami FC. Montreal, Carolina, Vancouver and Minnesota are also members. This league has lost a franchise a year since Miami FC joined. Virgina Beach Mariners, California Victory, Tornoto Lynx (down to PDL) and Atlanta Silverbacks (sitting out the season) are all USL1 enrties since Miami FC joined. Not counting Cleveland City (which is up for sale) half of the league teams (5 of 10) are exploring the MLS2 or another league. If you count St. Louis Athletica (wants to form a professional mens team), Atlanta Silverbacks (sitting out due to displeasure with the way the USL is run), Tampa Bay Rowdies (who are scheduled to joint the USL1 but are members of TOA), Vancouver who wants a lower tier team in addition to their MLS entry there are 8 teams exploring a new league and only 5 at the most supporting the USL. If anything this number is inflated in the USL’s favor as I included Cleveland City (up for sale) and Puerto Rico who is rumored to be active with the TOA group. I do not see anything where forming another league or becoming MLS2 does not do anything to make the Miami soccer fan to suffer. If anything we have suffered with the USL1 a poorly run league with no sense of direction.
LikeLike
Great article. That would be an interesting idea, but the money has to be right for both parties.
LikeLike
Hey KK, Any new information on Miami FC/MLS talks?
LikeLike
Nothing new yet- maybe later today
LikeLike
MLS2 would be a bad idea. Either make USL work or start a new league, I say. Garber, and Co. already have too much power within US Soccer.
LikeLike