So, after another day of speculation and endless babbling on North American soccer forums, here are some tidbits of info and rumors I have came across which some may find interesting, while others may find them angering and be quick to point out that they are nothing but BS ;) :
- As we all know one of the big arguments the TOA had brought forward was the supposed FIFA rule that all leagues must be owned and operated by its team owners. Well according to some research done by Kartik Krishnaiyer at The Kartik Report , no such rule actually exists.
- According to Radio-Canada, Joey Saputo was scheduled to have talks with USL yesterday evening. Bob Lenarduzzi was seemingly unaware of this and said that he had not spoken to representatives of the USL for weeks. Hmmm...they might want to coordinate their messages cause it really seems like were getting two different stories. A good idea might be to start using that expensive PR firm out of St.-Louis, that TOA spokesman Jeff Cooper hooked up with to represent the TOA.
- A Radio-Canada journalist declared this morning on Sports Extra, that the Impact might be trying to have it both ways by playing their main squad in the TOA league, while at the same time having the reserves , the Attak recent Canadian Soccer League champions, play in USL-1 out of Saputo Stadium.
The USL-1 would appear weak by allowing this, as it would confirm that they are nothing more then a reserve league while the upstart TOA , who would house the main Impact squad, would be seen as having a superior level of play. Perception goes a long way....
- I was told by someone close to the Impact organization, that an ultimate meeting is expected to be held next week in Florida with some members of the TOA and USL administration. We should find out exactly what the Impact's status is for 2010 after those talks.
- The Tampa Bay Rowdies, as most people have already heard, are back in the USL-1 camp for next season. Apparently certain legal and financial considerations are the cause of this.
I expect more of this type of back and forth banter leading up to the ultimate decison which should come some time next week.
Thanks for the summation of the days events. But the "impact" of all this will all depend on whether the Impact join MLS in 2011 or 2012.
ReplyDeleteYes if Montreal moves up to MLS they still plan on having a TOA entry (reserve team?) The same holds true with Vancouver. If both or either clubs have a MLS and TOA league team it will speak volumes about where the TOA stands on the soccer landscape.
ReplyDeleteSome USL supporters speak about the Minnesota Thunder ownership problems but they fail to mention that Cleveland City (USL) is up for sale and the USL lost 4 USL1 entries (Toronto, California, Virginia Beach and Atlanta) over the last 4 years.
I am sure this is some of the reason they say these are NOT running MBT shoes sale .I think these MBT Sale can aid in helping you get into shape, but you will still need to keep your current fitness regimen.
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