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
The Montreal Impact were crowned USL-1 Champions as they defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. Goals for Montreal came from Donatelli, Gjertsen, and Brown while Toure was the lone scorer for Vancouver. Marc Dos Santos deserves a great deal of credit as he did wonders with the team since taking the reins this spring.
Several outlets are reporting that TOA members have been meeting with MLS executives regarding a Second Division for MLS. Our source reports that another level for MLS is not happening any time soon. Here is a comment from that source close to the situation: “Major League Soccer has had conversations with TOA clubs (including the Vancouver Whitecaps) but no arrangement is on the table.”
A source in New York reports that a meeting between the new ownership group and club officials was scheduled for today. Apparently some final details are being discussed and some questions are being answered. It is unclear whether the new ownership has entered the due diligence stage with the league office. However, we were told by yet another source that finances are not an issue for the new owners.
David Testo received the Giuseppe-Saputo Trophy, while Marc Dos Santos was nominated as a finalist for USL First Division Coach of the Year. Testo received the award as the team’s Most Valuable Player. He played in all 26 matches, logging 2,235 minutes. Testo also registered one goal and one assist and led the team with 38 fouls. Dos Santos became interim head coach on May 14 and led the Impact to a 12-8-6 record over 26 matches. He is known for his strong work
Adrian Heath is one of the premier coaches in the United States. His extensive experience as a player and his impeccable reputation have brought him to the U.S. to lead one of the USL’s newest clubs. The 10th place finish this season is not a true representation of the club’s potential. It was the first year in USL for Heath and many of his players and front office staff. He describes the experience as having “an incredibly huge learning curve.” The
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 team announced that midfielder Leighton O’Brien had returned home to Tacoma, Washington for personal reasons. The 33-year-old veteran was released from the club. The team also announced that David Testo and Stephen deRoux were selected to the USL-1 All League Second Team. Head Coach Marc Dos Santos will serve a one-game suspension on Thursday. He was ejected from the last match against Charleston.
We received word that the public announcement regarding the sale of the club will not take place for 2-4 weeks. There are meetings scheduled for this week, but nothing will be given to the media or the public until a later time. Sources suggest that the club has been sold to a businessman from the east side of Cleveland. The new owner reportedly owns several local businesses and will bring a strong sense of fiscal responsibility. One source suggests that the