A thread for possible new clubs for next season. Fargo, ND? http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/328222/group/Sports/ Boise, ID? http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/wh...lp-hawks-with-new-stadium/Content?oid=2371231
I couldn't find an article about them, but there is a group in Aurora IL that is looking to bring a PDL team next year. They do have a Facebook page and that's how I heard about them. As far as Fargo, maybe this will encourage a group to bring a team back to Sioux Falls SD. They used to have a team there. Also, wish a group would bring a team to Duluth MN, if for no other reason that it would break up the trip to Thunder Bay and teams would have the chance to play two teams over the weekend and not just two games with the Thunder.
With Real Maryland in Maryland suburbs and Northern Virginia Royals in the Virginia suburbs sounds will they'll be playing in DC proper and the area will have 3 PDL teams.
The only two I know of for absolute certain are New York Cosmos U23 and DC United U23, both of which are hopefully going to be great additions. I think a team in Idaho would be a good addition.
Hell, give everyone a PDL franchise that wants one! The USL is in the business of selling franchises and doesn't much care if the team has a proper business model or not. There are probably too many PDL teams now but they serve as summer leagues for college players. There is also talk about adding more pro (paid) players to PDL teams, which along with travel expense is a sure bet to lose money. After a couple of seasons and average attendance at games to be around 300, move 'em up to USL Pro (or even NASL). Why not. Then watch 'em flounder and lose most matches and tons of money like Dayton this year and past (USL-1) teams in other cities like Springfield MA, Bermuda, Real MD, Rhode Island, VA Beach, and even St. Louis who then disappear or drop back down to PDL. PDL and USL-Pro soccer does not have the same attraction and parent organization financial support as many minor league baseball or hockey teams and are generally losing ventures. Most teams play at high school stadiums that contribute to lack a sense of "professionalism" and fans. But, find an owner with lots of money (to lose) and a willing sponsor and go get yourself a PDL (or USL Pro) franchise. I'm sure USL won't turn you down. Ca-ching$.
There will be a new PDL franchise in the southeast this coming season. I'm not supposed to say too much about it yet, but it will be run by a former NASL player and a very well known coach. That's all the teaser that I'll give for now.
USL announces the Palmetto FC Bantams, a new team in Greenwood, SC (for the curious, located between Columbia and Anderson.) http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/560958.html
Greenwood, SC is a small city (like 25,000) but it is probably 30 or 40 mile between Columbia and the Greenville areas. PFC's website www.palmettofc.com mentions them playing a majority of their matches at Lander but also talks of a match in Columbia at Stoney Field. It also has some good info what they are looking for in the lines of sponsorship pricing They will be well served with Clemson, University of South Carolina, Furman, College of Charleston and a half dozen other soccer programs in South Carolina. Will be interesting to see how they are received and how they do at the gate.
Greenwood is definitely an interesting selection. It would not necessarily be at the top of my list. On the upside, they have a new soccer complex at Lander, however, there isn't much in the way of seating. Like you said Mikey, Greenwood is a fairly small community, so it will be interesting to see how things unfold. The fact that they will be playing a game in Columbia and depending on the level of support they get in Greenwood, it is possible that long-term they may end up playing in the Columbia area. If I was going to put a team in South Carolina I would really consider Rock Hill. Decent sized city (population 71,000) with Fort Mill nearby as well. The city of Rock Hill has an incredible soccer complex at Manchester Meadows (see below). If Palmetto FC has some success, I could see something similar happening in Rock Hill with Winthrop wanting to get involved with a team in the PDL. Rock Hill will also be hosting the USYSA National Championship in July 2012. Rock Hill is also building a velodrome, which will be the national training facility for US Track Cycling. I could see the community and business leaders being enthusiastic about having a soccer team in Rock Hill as well... Rock Hill Rovers?
Palmetto FC will be hosting a match during the USYSA Championships in Rock Hill to draw from the many visitors to the tournament. Should be a good atmosphere.
here is an article from the columbia, SC paper about Palmetto FC http://www.thestate.com/2011/09/18/1975488/summer-league-to-settle-in-sc.html sounds like he has done his homework
Does this mean Eberly's Army will again be Chantico's Army? I see this as an important test for Austin. If they can continue to produce good numbers for the PDL team, I bet they have a good shot at attracting investment for a USL/NASL team.
Absolutely not. Eberly's Army rebranded ourselves in April of this year so as to not have to deal with the issue we did last October; having our colors and name tied to a team. We are enthusiastic about the new Aztex, and many of us (including myself) are working with the ownership to do all that we can to make the venture successful. However, we do it as Eberly's Army. I do agree that PDL is the right choice for Austin at this point. Bringing in this organization to show that Austin can support a soccer team (amateur or professional) will show that what happened in October 2010 (and previously) was not typical. I know many wanted to go directly to pro, but there are many reasons why at this time, that would not be the best option.