This has been a great week for soccer fans in Ohio. The Columbus Crew put away Saprissa in Costa Rica, which was a monumental accomplishment. Estadio Ricardo Saprissa has not been the most pleasant environment for U.S. teams in the past. The Crew look to be the favorites for the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup. It is good to see the club experience success in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Even better news has come for fans in the Akron/Canton area. A PASL expansion team is headed for the Civic Center in Canton. The club, known as the Ohio Vortex, hopes to build on the tradition of the Canton Invaders. A formal agreement between the club and the facility is in the final stages.
The PASL is one of the few sports leagues that are actively expanding. Two other cities (San Diego and Louisville) have added teams for the upcoming season. It is expected that at least five more teams could be added in the next five years. You can tell that Kevin Milliken is excited about the future of his league. Milliken suggested that October 1 is the expected date for a major press conference. The ownership group, logo, major sponsors, and schedule should be introduced at that time.
It is unclear who will benefit from the hiatus (folding?) of the XSL. Milwaukee chose to join the NISL, while the other three clubs are contemplating their futures. Indoor soccer is no different than the outdoor game; unification of separate leagues might be the best long-term solution.
