The addition of Tampa Bay and Baltimore to the NASL certainly helps the cause of the North American Soccer League. The league now has nine clubs, which is one more than the required eight. Each club must be able to sign at least 12 professional players, which shouldn’t be a problem whatsoever. Our sources are confident a decision will be made in the next four weeks. This will give each league some time to get “their house in order” before the beginning of preseason training.
I don’t think anybody believes that the NASL will directly compete with Major League Soccer and I don’t think that was anyone’s intenion.
The Cleveland market may hold the key to the success of USL-1. The problem is the sale of the City Stars has stalled; deadlines have come and gone with no results. We have been told by several sources that the issue of debt is a huge concern to the prospective new owners. Sources close to the situation state that $400,000-$450,000 was lost last season alone. It is highly unlikely that the current ownership, the Cleveland Soccer Foundation, can endure another season full of losses on and off the field.
It is imperative that the new owners close the deal so that player evaluations and new signings can begin. An extensive marketing campaign will also need to be organized and a new stadium site needs to be located. These actions would still fall under the responsibility of Dr. Aaron Tredway, who appears to be the only employee still working for the City Stars. Our sources suggest that Tredway will be asked to stay on with the club in a front office capacity if and when the sale is completed.
It is understandable that the new owners may be concerned with the USL/TOA situation, but they shouldn’t wait too much longer to make a final decision. A letter of intent has already been signed, but it is unclear if there was a deadline of any kind associated with such a document. Cleveland needs professional soccer and there is no reason why the City Stars can’t be a profitable and successful franchise.
