Changes are on the horizon.
The battle for the second division of American soccer continues between the North American Soccer League (NASL) and the MLS-backed United Soccer League (USL), and the lower tiers of the sport’s pyramid in the US can be difficult to navigate. Success and a path to the first division are not always clear, but there are clubs from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) ready to take matters into their own hands.
Reports this past week have at least seven NPSL teams signing letters of intent to join the NASL in 2018, seeing them essentially move up two divisions. A key aspect will be a decision in the NASL’s federal antitrust lawsuit against US Soccer, reportedly set for October 31st.
The teams involved in the signing of the letters are Boca Raton FC, Boston City FC, Hartford City FC, FC Arizona, Detroit City FC and Virginia Beach FC. The New Orleans Jesters would be part of this equation as well, aiming to begin operations in 2019.
Assuming that the NASL are able to keep their Division II status, this would be an exceptional move for the clubs mentioned.
All have displayed potential in various ways, and the US soccer system that is in place does not always help to shine a light on the positives outside of Major League Soccer.
The Midfield Press has reported that NASL owners may even offer financial help for the NPSL teams next year also.
Playing For 90 reached out to Hartford City FC president Shawn Simao, and he stressed patience in these early stages. “We are taking things one step at a time. We will continuously weigh our options and attempt to make the best decision for our club and our fans.”
What’s next?
The decision in the NASL’s lawsuit against US Soccer is crucial, and could see all the potential new teams not follow through depending on the ruling.
But the timing of all this stands out for me. The USMNT has missed its first FIFA World Cup since 1986, and the conversation has again shifted to promotion/relegation and the single-entity structure of MLS.
If there was ever a point over the past two decades where it felt like a huge change was needed in American soccer, it is right now.
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NPSL clubs moving up to the NASL can have tremendous benefits. However, other events need to take place before this can truly be confirmed.