As we reported, a major announcement was expected this week and to our surprise we received two important press releases. Both can be seen below. Yet another press release is expected from the TOA as a whole within the next few weeks.
“Following the press release issued earlier by the USL, I would also like to confirm there are still ongoing talks between ongoing talks between the Montreal Impact and the USL,” declared Montreal Impact President Joey Saputo. “The negotiations are not over. We continue to work on various options, including the possibilitiy of seeing the Impact in the USL-1 in 2010.”
We have been told by a source close to the USL/TOA situation that an important press release is expected on Tuesday. This is much sooner than expected as we were not anticipating much news before November 20.
A spokesman for U.S. Soccer declined to comment on the situation surrounding the USL and a possible TOA breakaway league. Apparently the federation was holding meetings with the two groups, hoping to come to an amicable agreement. There is not much information out there regarding this issue. However, several of our sources believe that there should be some resolution by November 20th. We were told by one TOA member that Fleischman-Hilliard (St. Louis) has been hired by the association to handle their public relations and marketing
“It saddened me to hear that one of the longest standing clubs in the PDL is closing its doors,” Aaron Tredway said after hearing the terrible news. Tredway, now the Executive Director of the Cleveland City Stars (USL-1), was one of many to be influenced by Surge President David Irby. “Irby has been a great influence on American soccer,” Tredway continued as he praised his former boss. “I would like to thank Dave for perservering with the club.” Irby was often recognized
Rumors are circulating around former Blackpool star Rory Prendergast. Several USL clubs have expressed interest in the left-winger who also spent time with Accrington Stanley, Rochdale, Farsley Celtic, and Halifax Town. At least one of our sources suggest that one MLS club is willing to take a chance on the player as well. Prendergast is a technically gifted player that could make an impact here in America. Scouting reports suggest that Rory possesses good pace, superior fitness, and is able to
The Cascade Surge, sister club of the Cleveland City Stars, is experiencing movement in their attempt to sell the Salem, Oregon PDL club. One group has become the frontrunner and is working out arrangments with officials at the league office during the due diligence stage. The club may remain the Cascade Surge for a year, but a name change is possible after a season. The team’s president, David Irby, has offered to stay on as a consultant to assist the new
Several sources have approached us regarding this breaking news. There is a strong possibility that the club will be purchased by a group based in Elkhart, Indiana. We are told that there is a chance that the club will be moved as part of the sale. Elkhart is city with a passion for soccer. Our sources suggest that this is a market that could easily sustain a USL-1 club. Other sports, including a minor league baseketball team, have been supported by the community in the
It now appears that four groups are in the running to purchase the Cleveland City Stars. One of the groups is from Canada; they are the likely frontrunner. Another group is from New York. Not much is known about the other two. I have received some e-mails with fans that are concerned that the club will be moved from Cleveland to another city. I have been unable to confirm or deny such rumors, but hope that the sale will not go in that