USSF D-2 Pro League 2010 Season

[Lego]

http://i41.tinypic.com/2d8m3o9.jpg

USSF Division 2 Professional League is a temporary professional soccer league created by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in 2010 to last just one season. The twelve-team league was formed as a compromise between the feuding United Soccer Leagues (USL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL). The D2 Pro League will form the second tier of the American and Canadian soccer pyramids below Major League Soccer.

History

On August 27, 2009, Nike agreed to sell their stake in the United Soccer Leagues to investment company NuRock, instead of Jeff Cooper, who had aligned with a group of USL First Division team owners. Disappointed with the sale and state of the league, the ownership group broke away after the 2009 season with the intent to form a new incarnation of the North American Soccer League. The leagues sued each other, but ultimately withdrew their lawsuits and agreed to mediate with the United States Soccer Federation.

The USSF found that three of the NASL teams had binding contracts to play in the USL First Division in 2010, leaving the NASL with too few teams to be sanctioned. However, this left the USL First Division with only six teams, also too few for sanctioning. The USSF stripped the USL First Division of its sanctioning, and denied sanctioning to the NASL. After a week of negotiations between the three, the USSF agreed to run a 12-team interim league for 2010. The six extant teams in each league would each occupy their own conference, but teams belonging to both leagues would play each other.

[RyFryy]

Shit.. I dunno..

This will be either be really good or ruin my Thunder. :( I was just about to call in the season ticket order but now I'm not sure.

I don't know if this is for the better. I understand the gripe about how hard it is to get into the Champions League from the USL but at least you are automatically qualified for the Open Cup. Most MLS teams have to qualify. The game between the Thunder and Wizards this year was the second highest attended match for the Thunder all season. That and you're in a stable (or so it appears) league with plenty of teams.

[Lego]

I heard Minnesota have been in a financial situation for awhile now so I wonder how they will deal with travel costs and overall stability of the club in the new league. One of the main arguments against USL is that they do not promote or market their teams, they may have TV rights which gives them leverage over TOA league, but they do little to advertise the teams and the league as a whole. So maybe it's in the long-term interest of Minnesota to try to survive and gain a financial footing in the new league instead of remaining obscure in USL-1.

[RyFryy]

Ugh.. all the Thunder players have been released (http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2009/11/10/minnesota-thunder-and-team-owners-association-update-111009/). Also no general manager or coach. This officially fucking sucks.

[Lego]

Tampa Bay Rowdies and Crystal Palace Baltimore, from USL-1 and USL-2 respectively, have now switched allegiance and will play in the new TOA league, adding the total number of teams to 9. This comes a week after USL capitalizing on the dire situation with the Thunder by awarding a new franchise in Minnesota to a different ownership group.

USL is now hitting back at Tampa and Baltimore by pursuing all actions to protect its interest from any breach of contract, announced on yesterday's press release. Meanwhile, words out of IMS is suggesting TOA might name its new league after the most celebrated league to ever operate in North America, the NASL.

Definitely some crazy sh!t goin down.


MLS Talk Podcast #121: USMNT Week in Review, USL/TOA Mess Continues
http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/mls-talk-podcast-121-usmnt-week-in-review-usltoa-mess-continues/7215
(later in the podcast, Kartik corrects his mistake about USL's third party ownership operating legally under FIFA rules. he was contacted by someone with ties to FIFA correcting him, suggesting that 3rd party ownership of a league actually violates FIFA's requirements, which gives weight to TOA's petition to break away and perhaps gives USSF more incentive to sanction the new league)

[bobb]

I would love if this new league acted as a second tier to MLS. Relegation and promotion is one of the more exciting aspects of English Football for example. Just look at the standings at the end of 2000-2001 season in the EPL and how much has changed since then.
1 Manchester United
2 Arsenal
3 Liverpool
4 Leeds United (League 1)
5 Ipswich Town (Championship)
6 Chelsea
7 Sunderland
8 Aston Villa
9 Charlton Athletic (League 1)
10 Southampton (League 1)
11 Newcastle United (Championship)
12 Tottenham Hotspur
13 Leicester City (Championship)
14 Middlesbrough (Championship)
15 West Ham United
16 Everton
17 Derby County (Championship)
18 Manchester City
19 Coventry City (Championship)
20 Bradford City (League 2)

50% turnover in under 10 years. I would hope teams wouldn't greet the news of relegation with just folding. Which might be a fear of most MLS clubs.

[Lego]

OFFICIAL: Second-tier soccer league dubs itself the NASL

NOV. 23, 2009 - Pele may not be suiting up, but the NASL is making a comeback.

The second division men's professional soccer league is scheduled to begin play this spring. It announced its name Monday, and it should be familiar to soccer fans in the United States and Canada: the North American Soccer League.

The original NASL lasted from 1968-84 and briefly made a splash with the likes of Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia and Johan Cruyff.

The new NASL has nine teams: Carolina RailHawks, Atlanta Silverbacks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, St. Louis Soccer United, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

The league has applied to the U.S. Soccer Federation for sanctioning and is looking for a commissioner.

"By becoming the NASL, we are paying respect to the players, coaches and leaders who were pioneers for men's professional soccer in North America, many of whom remain involved and committed to the growth of our game in various capacities throughout the U.S. and Canada," said Selby Wellman, principal owner of the RailHawks. "For that, we honor and thank them with a new era for the NASL."

Source: ESPN (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=702909&sec=us&cc=5901)


Advantage NASL. Things not looking well for USL, however NASL still awaiting sanctioning.

Remaining 2010 USL First Division Teams

Austin Aztex
Cleveland City Stars
FC New York
Portland Timbers (moving to MLS in 2011)
Puerto Rico Islanders
Rochester Rhinos (still contemplating a move to NASL)

* Charleston Battery (voluntarily relegated itself to USL-2)

[RyFryy]

Well that's good news at least. I still hate the fact the Thunder no longer have the players I've come to know over the years. It's really hard on a fan. That, I believe, will be the hardest thing for the new league and it's teams - regaining the trust of their fans.

Thanks for info.

[Lego]

I agree, it's not easy on a fan. There are times when the ownership must be held accountable for its poor management of a club and for the damages the team, coaching staff, and the fans have endured. I mean, not paying your staff with a check for at least 10 weeks!? That would hurt anyone's reputation. But ask yourself, where was USL during all of this? Probably reaping all the rewards.

You wouldn't see this in MLS because the way that league is structured. This is the model TOA/NASL is pushing for. And last I check, the Thunder are still a committed member of TOA and have yet to bail out. So they can still rebuild in a new league that gives club owners more freedom to determine their own fates, and probably bring back the old players.

UPDATE (Nov. 30, 2009)

Rochester Rhinos, the latest team to join NASL. Adding the total number to 10.

“We evaluated the situation very carefully and decided that the best decision for the future of the Rhinos and soccer in Rochester was for us to join the new NASL,” said Rhinos CEO Rob Clark in a press release. “Soccer is maturing before our very eyes. We are joining a family of team owners who are committed to investing in our league and their teams to further the development of players and support the future growth of the sport in North America. The NASL is a new beginning for soccer in Rochester.”


Rochester has been one of the most outspoken pro-USL team out of the bunch. Now that they switched sides, this has landed a heavy blow to USL-1. There were also speculations early on that if Rochester were to go, other USL-1 clubs would follow. We can only wait and see.

Source: Soccer By Ives (http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/11/rochester-rhinos-join-nasl.html)

[jone]

I love the champion league and want to see them on MLS. Its being all
over the English football and every time its very exciting to see them
all and having so many possibilities of the game .......!

Thanks
Jone

[Lego]

US Soccer Announces Details of Division II Soccer Agreement
U.S. Soccer Will Oversee Two Conference League
CHICAGO (Jan. 7, 2009) – The U.S. Soccer Federation, United Soccer Leagues (USL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL) have come to an agreement on the formation and operation of a Division 2 professional soccer league for the 2010 season. Under the agreement, U.S. Soccer will oversee the league for the 2010 season, working with both the USL and NASL on the day-to-day league activities.

The agreement pertains only to the 2010 season, and during the next year U.S. Soccer will continue to work with USL and NASL to build a long-term solution for the future. U.S. Soccer will also be developing new standards to govern Division 2 professional league applicants to ensure the long term viability and sustainability of the leagues and teams.

“We are extremely pleased that we were able to come to a solution that ensures we will have Division 2 professional soccer in the United States in 2010,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “This agreement allows us to continue to develop the professional game in many important markets around the country, while at the same time working towards the long-term stability of Division 2 professional soccer. I’d like to thank the representatives from both the USL and NASL for the time spent during our negotiations, especially their efforts in the past seven days.”

The league will consist of two six-team conferences – the USL Conference and the NASL Conference. The USL Conference will include teams from Austin, Minnesota, Portland, Puerto Rico, Rochester and Tampa Bay. The NASL Conference will consist of teams from Baltimore, Carolina, Miami, Montreal, St. Louis and Vancouver.

In the near future, U.S. Soccer will announce details of the new league, including league rules, a match schedule, television rights and other important operational issues.

As part of the agreement, all pending claims between the USL and NASL will be dropped.

Source: US Soccer (http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2010/01/Division-2-Professional-League-To-Operate-in-2010.aspx)
As far as the schedule go, it is expected to run between 28-32 games along a similar time frame to an MLS schedule, with a playoff system to determine a champion. While the schedule won't be released for another few weeks, a substantial break is not expected during the World Cup.

With the USL/NASL dispute threatening to undermine second division soccer, USSF engineered compromise between the two sides, and will play an active role in the 2010 season. They will be running an executive committee to help to facilitate any problems that might arise during the season. Naming rights may be sold off as well, though for now the new league will be known simply as USSF Division 2.

"The federation will take a much more direct role than it does in other professional leagues in the United States for this year-long arrangement," USSF President Sunil Gulati said during a conference call.

Along with the normal league operations (scheduling, referees), USSF will run the aforementioned executive committee, as well as a board of directors with representatives from each of the 12 teams.

Emphasis was placed on this being a short term solution to a problem that would allow for second division soccer to happen in 2010. After that, a lot of changes will likely take place, with Vancouver and Portland scheduled to leave for MLS in 2011, and the possibility of Atlanta and New York having new teams next year.

Working out a number of the issues that divided the two sides in just eight days was a tough task, but one that was solved in that short window with all legal disputes put to rest.

"We've managed to reach an agreement that will effectively end the dispute that existed between the USL and certain member teams," Gulati said. "There won't be any litigation out of any events that have taken place, and we're certainly very pleased about that both from a going forward point of view and from an economic point of view."

Creating a stable environment over the long term was emphasized by Gulati, with a desire to remove the USSF's involvement after this season. As a result, changes to lower division standards will likely occur, though no specific details were mentioned.

"In the next few months we'll be laying out some regulations, rules and standards that will put a little bit more substance into our current standards about what a second or third division should look like," said Gulati.

Source: Soccer by Ives (http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/us-soccer-launches-new-second-division.html#more)

[RyFryy]

I'm liking it. They seem to be actually trying. :eek:

[Lego]

I'm liking it. They seem to be actually trying. :eek:
Yes, me too. USSF did the right thing. I like how they will set new standards and regulations for D2 soccer to ensure stability and growth for the 2010 season and beyond.

I know you were concerned about the Thunder. But if you haven't already heard, a different ownership group (National Sports Center) will be keeping D2 soccer alive in Minnesota. They sound very passionate about the game and are respectful of the history of the teams that have represented the state.

In fact, they are going to help compensate Thunder fans who have already made deposits for 2010 season by honoring their deposits as season ticket holders for the new club which has yet to acquire a name. That is truly remarkable.

Here is more from their press conference: http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2010/01/10/notes-from-thursdays-press-conference-concering-new-national-sports-center-division-ii-soccer-team/

[RyFryy]

I know you were concerned about the Thunder. But if you haven't already heard, a different ownership group (National Sports Center) will be keeping D2 soccer alive in Minnesota. They sound very passionate about the game and are respectful of the history of the teams that have represented the state.

In fact, they are going to help compensate Thunder fans who have already made deposits for 2010 season by honoring their deposits as season ticket holders for the new club which has yet to acquire a name. That is truly remarkable.

Here is more from their press conference: http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2010/01/10/notes-from-thursdays-press-conference-concering-new-national-sports-center-division-ii-soccer-team/
Yeah, the NSC is a great facility and staff. It's ran by a lot of caring and smart people. If the Thunder were still playing in Minneapolis I doubt it would have been handled this way. I'm really interested to see what the team will be called. Hopefully it will be reminiscent of the Thunder, as they were with us for 20 years.

Q: With the addition of Manny Lagos being in charge of soccer operations, will we be seeing a continuation of some of the Thunder players coming back and playing for this new team?

A: There are a number of ex-Thunder players who I’m sure have an interest in playing for the team. We will take a serious look at all of them. We will also be attending the MLS combine this weekend in Florida. There’s also a good base of players living and training in Minnesota and we will take a look at everybody.
Sweet. :)

[RyFryy]

NASL.com (http://www.nasl.com/) has launched.

Also, go here (http://www.nscsports.org/pro_team_name_contest.asp) to help name the new team in Minnesota. And if you win give me the stuff. :D

[Lego]

Personally, I'd go for either Northstar FC or NSC Minnesota. Although I wouldn't be surprised if fans voted to bring back the Thunder name. If they do, they should redesign the club logo to mark a new era for the team.

[RyFryy]

I voted Northstar FC. I'd like to see that or FC Minnesota. The other options would make me cry if they won, especially the United one.

[Lego]

http://i49.tinypic.com/nf1nax.gif

AC Saint Louis announced signing of their first player to their roster -- MLS veteran Steve Ralston.

“This is a day I always dreamed would happen,” said Ralston. “I think anyone who plays professional sports wants to play in their hometown. I am fortunate to get to do just that at this stage of my career. Obviously it is an exciting time for soccer in St. Louis since we now have our own professional team. I am honored to be the first player to become a part of this new franchise.”

LINK (http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2010/02/01/ac-st-louis-signs-major-league-soccer-veteran-steve-ralston/#comments)

[RyFryy]

http://www.nscsports.org/images/image_lib/NSC-MN-logo-BW.gif http://www.nscsports.org/images/image_lib/NSC-MN-logo-4CLR.gif

NSC Minnesota Stars Logo Unveiled

Minnesota's new professional soccer team will be named NSC Minnesota Stars. Bjerkness revealed that while "Northstar FC" garnered the most fan votes, trademark issues prevented the NSC from choosing that specific name.

..full article.. (http://www.nasl.com/news.php?id=41)
Damn trademark issues!! Sharp logo though. :cool:

[RyFryy]

2010 Schedule Released for NASL Teams

Each of the nine NASL teams has announced its 2010 home and away schedule. Participating teams will play a total of 30 league games, while competing, in the 2010 USSF Division II. The Regular Season will begin on April 10th and conclude on October 3rd. Each team will host 15 home games and contest 15 away games.

Each US based NASL team will also play at least one game in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on June 15 or 16 with the home venue and opponents to be determined at a later date. The two NASL Canadian based teams will compete in the 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship.
They also describe how the league's playoff system will work.

- The first place team (based on total points, at the conclusion of the regular season) in the USL Conference and NASL Conference will become the top two seeds in the playoffs.
- The next six (6) best teams, based on total points, will round out the playoff field.
- The four teams with the fewest total points in the regular season are excluded from the playoffs.
- Quarterfinals will be a two-game, home-and-away series determined by total aggregate goals.
- Semifinal round will be a two-game, home-and-away series determined by total aggregate goals.
- Championship will be a two-game, home-and-away series determined by total aggregate goals.
[link] (http://nasl.com/news.php?id=42)

[mosesmalone]

Just curious... what is the point of the conferences? I was just looking at a couple of schedules and they're pretty much irrelevant in terms of scheduling.

[Lego]

Just curious... what is the point of the conferences? I was just looking at a couple of schedules and they're pretty much irrelevant in terms of scheduling.
Probably doesn't mean anything, just used so that all litigation against those teams that breached their contracts by joining NASL would be dropped by USL. The conferences was just a way for both sides to have an equal amount of teams. The fact that you have Baltimore in the NASL conference despite breaching their contract that they physically signed and Rochester was placed in the USL conference despite them not ever actually signing anything with USL, tells you how irrelevant it is and is only temporary just so we can have D2 soccer continue in 2010. That's my understanding of it, that is.


Looks like NASL has announced FC Edmonton as an expansion for 2011.
http://www.nasl.com/news.php?id=46

[mosesmalone]

Probably doesn't mean anything, just used so that all litigation against those teams that breached their contracts by joining NASL would be dropped by USL. The conferences was just a way for both sides to have an equal amount of teams. The fact that you have Baltimore in the NASL conference despite breaching their contract that they physically signed and Rochester was placed in the USL conference despite them not ever actually signing anything with USL, tells you how irrelevant it is and is only temporary just so we can have D2 soccer continue in 2010. That's my understanding of it, that is.
I see. I am actually quite interested in this and will try to go to a few games. I haven't seen any club football in the States since I've been here, and I'm certainly not expecting this to be of super-high quality, but the things you and RyFryy have posted, as well as some other material I've read, has me very intrigued. It seems like the groups are all very passionate about football and want to make this work.

[RyFryy]

No, it's not super-high quality at all. But for professional soccer in the States, in person, it's good enough. And because all the teams are about even (for the most part) the games are usually always entertaining and competitive. I really enjoy it.

Will you be cheering for Miami?

[mosesmalone]

No, it's not super-high quality at all. But for professional soccer in the States, in person, it's good enough. And because all the teams are about even (for the most part) the games are usually always entertaining and competitive. I really enjoy it.

Will you be cheering for Miami?
When I was a kid, Villarreal were playing in the fourth division, so I have a soft spot for football that is a little rough around the edges. :)

There is actually a team starting in Tampa this year, but unfortunately they will be playing in a baseball stadium until they build a new venue. :o

[Lego]

Yeah the stadium issue is unfortunate but hopefully temporary. I am guessing the Rowdies will be drawing the older generations, they drew a pretty good crowd back in the day.

v/YMVfconLwD8

[RyFryy]

Just finished the online checkout for season tickets for the Stars. For $190 (plus a nice $18 service fee :rolleyes:) I got the "Stars Supporters" package, containing:

* » Ticket for all home games
* » Stars Supporter designed scarf
* » Tickets to all exhibition and Open Cup games held at National Sports Center
* » Merchandise discounts
* » Special events invitations
* » Premium reserved supporter section at home games

So guaranteed 15+ games, depending how well they do in the Open Cup and/or playoffs. Cheap as hell.

[RyFryy]

Nice. :D

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs448.snc3/25676_402088170971_270666020971_4839952_6923330_n. jpg

[RyFryy]

I was at Mall of America the other night for the Stars event. :) Got some autographs and talked to the players.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs402.snc3/24381_1426709669953_1299123886_31233006_7451323_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs402.snc3/24381_1426709749955_1299123886_31233008_1637473_n. jpg

[Lego]

Thats really cool Ryf.

Here's the new emblem for FC Edmonton that will be playing next year.

http://i40.tinypic.com/24vms1z.png

[RyFryy]

Here's the new emblem for FC Edmonton that will be playing next year.

http://i40.tinypic.com/24vms1z.png

Sharp logo, but I still prefer the gorilla of Atlanta. :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/38/AtlantaSilverbacks.png

Also, should we just turn this into an official "USSF D2 Pro League" thread? Change the title and first post to accommodate maybe?

[Lego]

Also, should we just turn this into an official "USSF D2 Pro League" thread? Change the title and first post to accommodate maybe?
I changed the title of the first post but the previous name of the thread still remains.. we might need to start a new thread and just use that for all USSF D-2 League, NASL and USL contents.

[RyFryy]

I changed the title of the first post but the previous name of the thread still remains.. we might need to start a new thread and just use that for all USSF D-2 League, NASL and USL contents.
I think a moderator can fix it. Maybe. I'll ask.

Thanks to Vip for the help!

[RyFryy]

Stars home opener, despite typical Minnesota weather, was great. The Tampa Bay Rowdies lived up to their name, getting a red card for an elbow to the face. :D I'm standing in the back left corner in the Reebok sweater of this picture (http://www.digitalgopher.net/Sports/NSC-Minnesota-Stars/NSC-Stars-vs-Tampa-Bay-Rowdies/11954451_rqW4S#846853420_iB4uP-XL-LB). And the pictures of the dude celebrating (http://www.digitalgopher.net/Sports/NSC-Minnesota-Stars/NSC-Stars-vs-Tampa-Bay-Rowdies/11954451_rqW4S#846885301_K7f4P) next to the first ever goal on the scoreboard is hilarious.

Looking forward to Wednesday, playing Rochester. Should be warmer and not raining.. :mad:

[bigred3]

Two-Boys!! and how about that midget on the team!

[Lego]

Interesting development, hopefully this will be one of many more collaborative initiatives between MLS and the minor leagues.

Second 2 None Teaser http://vimeo.com/11299892

On May 5th MLSsoccer.com will release the first episode of it’s upcoming web series “Second 2 None: Stories from the USSF Division 2.” Produced by the same team that brought you “Inside the SuperDraft”, this is a glimpse at life in the USSF Division 2 through the eyes of the players themselves. Watch the teaser above and check out the series on MLSsoccer.com next week.

MLS Insider (http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=1902)


EDIT: I love the play on words of the series' name at the end of the teaser.. SECOND-2-NONE. Its really cool.

[RyFryy]

I'm slow, but at least I got around to it. Videos from the home opener. :D

v/mN-quaO2ctg

v/eT3rZUgpFRc

[Lego]

What is that he's hanging at the end of that pole in the 2nd vid?

Second-2-None: Episode One (http://mls.neulion.com/mlsvp/console.jsp?id=4820&catid=112)

[RyFryy]

What is that he's hanging at the end of that pole in the 2nd vid?
It's an owl, usually used to scare away ducks and such for on docks. Not sure how widely it's used outside the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota.

Thanks for the video! :cool:

[Lego]

USSF announced the structure of this year's competition. Here are some noteworthy tidbits:


All 9 US-based USSF D-2 Pro League teams have an automatic berth in the tournament.
This year’s structure again has 40 teams that will participate in Cup play but will allow 17 amateur sides to be involved in the first round of play. The extra spot opened up when USL-2 dropped from 7 teams in 2009 to 6 teams this season.
Within the U.S. Open Cup framework, teams compete in one of the following four categories: professional outdoor Division I (Major League Soccer), Division II (USSF D-2 Pro League) or Division III (USL Second Division); or Amateur Division.
In recent years, the Amateur Division has been comprised of the USL Premier Development League and regional qualifiers from the U.S. Adult Soccer Association. In 2010, qualifying in the Amateur Division will also include a match between the Sonoma County Sol of the National Premier Soccer League (an affiliate of the USASA) and PSA Los Gatos Storm, a club affiliated with U.S. Club Soccer (a member organization of U.S. Soccer). The winner of that match will enter the tournament as the 17th amateur team in the first round.



Number of participating teams (by division):
8 – Major League Soccer (Division I)
9 – USSF D-2 Pro League (Division II)
6 – United Soccer Leagues Second Division (Division III)
8 – USL Premier Development League (Amateur)
8.5 – USASA (Amateur)
.5 – U.S. Club Soccer (Amateur)

2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule
May 31 Qualifying Deadline
June 15 First Round: 32 lower division teams enter tournament
June 22 Second Round: 16 First Round winners face off
June 29 Third Round: Round 2 winners face eight MLS teams
July 6-7 Quarterfinals: Round 3 winners
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Semifinals: Quarterfinal winners
Oct. 5 Final: Semifinal winners

The Cup.us (http://thecup.us/us-soccer-unveils-2010-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup-format/)

[Lego]

In front of a sellout crowd, Jeremy Christie coolly converted an 86th minute penalty kick into the game-tying goal Saturday night. The FC Tampa Bay Rowdies hosted the Austin Aztex at George M. Steinbrenner Field and drew 2-2 in their 2010 inaugural season home opener.

The sellout crowd of 8,082 was energetic before the match as former Rowdies, including former captain Rodney Marsh, were introduced on the field and Cornelia Corbett was honored with the first-ever Striped Scarf award as part of the pre-game festivities.

Source: NASL (http://nasl.com/article/the-rowdies-sellout-for-home-opener)

http://i39.tinypic.com/14kaa2e.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/25k4jlc.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/23ksn75.jpg

v/MQ0hT5S5KqA

[RyFryy]

Man, I wish we could get that kind of attendance here. The numbers have been just abysmal so far. Granted we've yet to have a game in decent weather, so hopefully the summer will see the numbers improve.

[RyFryy]

At the last Stars home game, a cracking 3-2 victory over St. Louis, the announcer mentioned a big announcement for today. Well here it is..

STARS TO HOST FRIENDLY MATCH AGAINST MLS' CHICAGO FIRE

The NSC Minnesota Stars and the Chicago Fire have reached an agreement for the Stars to host a friendly match between the two teams at NSC Stadium at 5 p.m. on Father’s Day, June 20.

Chicago plays out of the top level of professional soccer in the U.S., Major League Soccer, and brings a roster of with some of the best soccer players currently playing in the U.S.

..full article.. (http://nscminnesota.org/home/436077.html)
Awesome. :D And yeah, I know what you're thinking - big deal - especially when teams like AC Milan and Boca are touring the US now. Well for us it's a big deal. :)