We have received information from multiple sources that the Cleveland City Stars have ceased operations and will not return to play professional soccer. This comes as quite a shock as positive news was heard yesterday. There are lot of unanswered questions at this point, but it is safe to say that this is disappointing news for players, staff, and obviously supporters. An official announcement from the City Stars organization is expected early next week. We did not want to publish this information early, but thought
Multiple sources suggest that the sale of the City Stars will be official sometime next week. We were told that it is “now in the hands of the lawyers” and should be wrapped up soon. Officials with the United Soccer Leagues declined to make specific comments on the matter, but did say an important update on the City Stars would be made available next week. Past comments from the club suggest the franchise will remain in the USL in some capacity. The City Stars have
We have been able to confirm that the City Stars have not changed ownership. Our sources tell us that there has been little movement recently and that talks have reached a standstill.
We spoke with Portland Timbers striker Mandjou Keita before he left for his loan assignment at Salgaocar Sport Club in India’s first division. Keita literally has a world of experience with time spent with Guinea’s U-23 National Team, Malaysia’s Perak FC, and Brunei’s DPMM FC. He also had stints in Vietnam, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. His experience in India should only add to his development. The striker is poised to play a key role in Portland’s final season in USL-1. Our sources
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
Columbus will host Toluca on Tuesday, March 9, kicking off the tournament’s knockout stages. The Crew will then travel to Mexico for another match against Toluca on Thursday, March 17. The Columbus Crew are the lone squad from MLS and the United States remaining in the competition.
The Columbus Crew will be without the theatrical play of forward Alejandro Moreno next season. Moreno was among 10 players chosen by the expansion Philadelphia Union. The Crew have great depth, which meant they would lose a player in the draft. It was surprising to see Peter Nowak pass on veteran Frankie Hejduk and rising star Andy Iro. It was even more surprising to see Nowak choose Moreno over young Venezuelan striker Emilio Renteria. Apparently he needed some experience upfront and Moreno will
It appears that the rumor about the Battery moving to USL-2 is true after all. We heard this news several months back, but thought it was just that, a rumor. The Battery’s website mentions that only five clubs are now in USL-1 and Cleveland was not mentioned as one of those clubs. We have asked for clarification from the league office regarding this matter.
Several stories have surfaced regarding the Cleveland USL franchise. They range from a guaranteed drop to USL-2 or even dropping out of USL altogether. All sources point to a new ownership group bringing the club back in USL-1. We have been told that the new owners have “deep pockets” and are willing to spend money to improve the team. All indications suggest that the franchise will be run as a business with less emphasis on non-profit ventures. The league office is fully committed to