The model is likely to expand as the USL does. Edwards says the league is in discussion with eight groups regarding expansion, describing all of them as having “strong applications.” A couple of teams will be announced by mid-summer, he said, with a few more announced later in the year to begin play for 2018 or 2019. He sees USL’s total number of teams growing into the “mid- to high-thirties” with a three-conference structure, but won’t put a cap on the number of teams. In the absence of promotion and relegation, that has the USL thinking about a future which could include a Division III branch. “We’re modeling all of that at the moment,” Edwards said. “As we push up [in teams], we’re looking at the third-division space and there are a number of smaller markets that wouldn’t meet Division II standards that have already put applications in to us. So, we’re looking at maybe a new structure for 2019 and beyond. “It might be a situation where not enough teams will meet the standards, or there won’t be enough spaces – because you’d have kind of a 50-team league – so we are looking at maybe launching another division and seeing how we might populate that with some of these new, smaller markets and potentially some markets in our league already. There might be a restructure of that as we continue to expand, probably in 2019 and beyond.” In a word, the USL’s biggest challenge is balance. The league’s growth has been remarkable. Now, it must figure out what it wants to be. Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/featu...dwards-interview-analysis#riHIdMbZ35RMMgZL.99
News from Harrisburg ... New Majority Owner http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/773571?referrer_id=2333971
So Altirs is not going to be the owner of Baltimore USL then. Must be another group there (or isn't happening).
So with Portland Timbers 2 playing in providence park this season, it has me wondering, who plays in front of the most empty seats? At a guess there was about 2,000 at tonights T2 game so about 20,000 empty seats, I'm sure Real Monarchs are similar but anyone else play in a large empty stadium?
It was actually a downgrade for the Rowdies broadcast compared to the past couple seasons, so USL broadcasts must have been shot on potato cameras before. Felt like we went from 720p to 480p. Looking at it again on YouTube isn't as bad as it was on the TV station here, so maybe the latter also played a role. Oh well, it's definitely still watchable.
You bring up a good point. You must have been spoiled in NASL. I didn't think about the look on TV. From an internet perspective, it seemed better. The announcers (In the games I peeked at: Louisville, Tulsa, Pitt) were still below par. At least we have improved video from years past. It's a step in right direction.
Well the NASL didn't have any real standards as far as broadcasts go I think, as there were teams with lower quality than what we had. Our owner just shelled out the money for his own video production with great results. Looks like having to switch to whatever the USL standard is was a slight step back for us, but I'm okay with it if it means everyone else got to upgrade.
Do Los Dos ever play in the Stub Hub? Like the old MLS Reserve Division, I thought Los Dos played at the track and field stadium.
Mostly, but they have played in the big yard. I was at a game in which they did. Doesn't happen a lot anymore. But does sometimes.
Well for a mediocre reserve team its hard to get big crowds. But to be honest I'm surprised we don't get bigger crowds. Mediocre results suck and the standard of our team is going backwards. If they weren't, When the only pro soccer team in Portland was in the old USL they used to have cheap beer which helped crowds but even the T2 charge $10 for a beer, when you can get a $5 beer across the road.
I don't want to single certain clubs out, but there were away matches that reminded me of high school sports on public access in terms of production values last year.
Steep is not a bad thing. The supporters' section in Orlando is steeper than that, and I think the rest of that stadium is comparable to this. Steeper stands mean better sight lines. As for spartan, as long as there's enough restroom space, you can always connect with food trucks for the concessions. Orlando City did that when they were playing at Disney for their final USL season.
It's hard to get big crowds for a GOOD reserve team. Just ask LAGII. As much as people talk about the need for reserve teams (and there is such a need), they are not exactly appointment viewing for most people. I cannot blame them, given the commitment required from senior teams and all that goes along with them.
I think we could do better with crowds considering the first team always sells out so there are many who cant get to a game. I seen Orlando B just brought about 1,000 away to Tampa bay Rowdies. I think the most we ever brought was like 50 to Seattle. Letting go of so many of our starters also did not help.
The reserve team is not a patio where people who can't sit inside at the restaurant go. It's not the same thing. People who can't get Timbers tickets want TIMBERS tickets, not Almost Timbers tickets.
I completely agree with this. That's why I think Timbers 2 season ticket holders, should have first crack at the single game tickets. Make them available to Timbers 2 Season ticket holders prior to the "general public". Not everyone will do this ... and you may not get those Timbers 2 season ticket holders to put their buts in the seats ... but I bet a few people would do that. Depends on how hard the single game tickets are to get I guess.
In the case of the Timbers, I think there'd be more bang for the buck by doing that with the Thorns instead of Timbers 2
That's a fair point, but I think most of that pent up demand for Timbers tickets is flowing towards the Thorns, particularly for families. As for me, I decided to spring for a pair of Thorns STs last year* because 1) my ass finally got a full-time living-wage job, 2) the Timbers don't really need my money but the Thorns could put it to use, and 3) they're still pretty damn fun to watch. * This year I went halfsies with a lovely lady friend of mine. Damn I'm a sucker for freckles ...