Apparently the commissioner of the NASL went on Rick Tittle's radio show today and said he wants to put a team in San Francisco at Kezar.
He stole my idea - though I've advocated for a USL Pro team to rival Sacramento and plant more of the league on the west coast. Cheaper and less requirements to do it.
the NASL has declared war on MLS... why would SJ want to partner with declared enemies? and why throw money down the drain on a definite loss-making venture in SF when it's badly needed down in San Jose?
Dallas (MLS) is loaning players to Ft. Lauderdale (NASL) http://strikers.com/index.php?optio...t-fort-lauderdale-strikers&catid=9&Itemid=115 I don't see where the WAR will be regarding having a business/ sport relationship with another team from a different league. Obviously is something the Quakes FO (Doyle/Kaval) still very , very immature about it (see Sac Republic)
Not sure that "delared war" isn't overstating it. They might compete for some markets, sure. Some of the franchises may aspire to join MLS, but I don't think NASL is trying to replace MLS as the top tier. http://www.businessofsoccer.com/201...uture-of-the-north-american-soccer-landscape/ If there is a war, its NASL v. USL.
Marketing war in NYC over MLS NY team #2 and Cosmos stadium dreams... That's about the only evidence of any competition I can see... MLS would have gained a bit of clout to land the Cosmos name...
..with the New Jersey Energy Drinks relegated to an afterthought and a big mistake that requires a new name.
Achtung Skippy Bentley: Your awaits you... (he's been a little down-at-the-dumps since construction began on a SOUTH BAY stadium for the Quakes.)
Still, even with the Cosmos, should we call it saga? , did not see any war evidence, most of the markets for the 3 leagues (USL,NASL & MLS) don't clash with each other, and for the look of it the USL will be the feeder for the other two leagues. Regarding , who is at the first tier position, is just matter of time for the NASL to really compete at it with the MLS
I welcome SF and even though I wish them all the best. On the other hand, I really don't think it will draw many fans. As as far as a war between USL, NASL & MLS, there currently is none as there is no comparison between leagues. I mean not so much in terms of competition for players but mostly in terms of stadia, money, stability and most of all organization. I think those two leagues are light years behind MLS and it will be a long time before they even get close to the MLS of 2004. If those leagues end up growing, I'm sure the first tier will also grow even further.
I say bring back the Oakland Stompers, something Bart accessable. If your gonna put a NASL team in the bay, place it somewhat centrally located, where equally close in distance to bay area sport fans. Quakes is all the way in the south, san francisco is in the west, toll bridges and parking is a bitch. Logistically viable, where it doesn't favor just one corner of the bay.
The NeoCosmos were already long committed to NASL when MLS got all hot and bothered by NycFck. The proposed NycFck stadium in Flushing Meadows, at Corona Park fell through. Now they are looking elsewhere. Meanwhile, the NeoCosmos continue to establish their brand in Nassau County. Assuming that MLS actually does build a stadium somewhere within NYC proper, there are more than enough people in NYC, and also in Nassau County to support two or even three soccer teams. Let's say that the NeoCosmos do pull off their stadium plan in Belmont (still in Nassau County), and that sooner or later they have a 25K stadium, selling out regularly. I don't see that hurting NycFck at all. As to NASL challenging MLS for First Division status, it's not going to happen. First, MLS already has a TV deal, and lots of big time sponsors. NASL cannot steal those folks away. Second, MLS is already established in most of the first tier markets that a First Division league needs. So that's out. Third, MLS is much, much better funded. Fourth, MLS have established media relationships that NASL completely lack. Falvo has it right here. No way, no how does NASL ever challenge MLS for First Division status (unless MLS is involved in some sort of legal scandal that destroys the league). I do want to see both NASL and USLPro be successful leagues. I want them to draw fans, have their games on TV, get sponsors, and make money, or at least not lose a ton. GO QUAKES!! - Mark
The Earthquakes FO should really consider starting their own USL or NASL team in SF before someone outside of the organization can. If they get popular enough, they could take away fans and revenue from the Quakes.
So the Quakes should do their best to not let an NASL have a better product. What is wrong with competition? This is supposed to be a capitalist system not a communist one.
Anyone remember Dimitry Pitterman or Hartmut Esslinger? I like this NASL concept and Soccer Bowl thing and all but you know, they don't draw all that much and still , in reality are only a USSF sanctioned 2nd tier. I'm hoping it will last and grow into something big but for now, I seriously have my doubts about soccer in SF. Does anybody really know who this new NASL SF owner will be?
I recall a Dmitry Piterman, who owned the One Year Blunder, The California Victory. And Esslinger is the founder of Frog Design, and owned the NPSL 4th division San Jose Frogs.
Exactly my point. They are all one hit wonders , never to be heard from again. Heck Dan Van Voorhis (RIP) did more than those guys ever did or even thought about doing. I wish this SF thing will take off but again, its almost a pipe dream.
NASL team at Kezar? Sign me up! I'm a fan of San Francisco sports and living near UCSF makes the stadium walkable for me. Where can I buy season tickets?