AC St. Louis Back From The Dead!

I think this is the biggest thing that people have to realize: Cooper didn't let the club fold. The WPS did. It wasn't a matter of choice whatsoever.

The WPS didn't have in place a bond to secure a club's financial backing.

The USSFD2 did.

The ONLY reason AC is even here right now is thanks to that and the continued involvement of the USSF.

So, I do understand your anger--believe me, I'm just as mad--but do understand it had absolutely nothing to do with anyone going, "Hmmm, which goes and which stays".

The WPS decided they would not financially support Athletica, thus they had no choice but to shut it down.

Now, hate Cooper for not bankrolling it himself or whatever. We'll be here all day debating whether or not he has the money he says he does or whatever as most have, but that isn't the point in this instance.

 

Does anyone know what the status is of AC St. Louis for next season? Is it still up in the air as to whether there will be a next year?

Are there new potential investors arising? Are there even any exciting rumors floating around about the team?

thanks. A curious fan...obviously disappointed in the way year one has went, and it seems that some major changes will need to be made if this team is to be successful on/off the field.

 

The only thing official is that nothing's official.

If you want an opinion--as it stands right now--AC will not be here next year.

I, like so many of us here, hope that is proven wrong.

 

it also depends on who you talk to. Kyle is as knowledgeable as anyone on the subject, but I disagree with him. (we have different people we know and trust that disagree)

I'm reasonably sure that we're in good shape for next season.

We do have some new investors and there is reason to believe that something will be done to extricate the Vaids from the club and things will be right as rain in the future.

 

Please explain what's different. I'm not saying you're wrong, just curious to know what positive signs you see that some of us don't.

 

Picking up Schuler on loan from RSL, while it's only for this season, doesn't seem like the behavior of a team that's just playing out the string until they can shut the doors.

It might not mean anything, but if it does, it means something positive.

 

That made me raise an eyebrow and I hope it's a sign of more positive things, but I'm still holding for a bit of actual, official news of security.

Signing 1 dude to a few games isn't working.

Apparently in Montreal the entire back line forgot how to play defense.

 

Totally, yeah. I'm just trying to read the tea leaves. "Reply hazy - try again later..."

 

I've just seen the team do a few things that I don't think they'd do if they weren't planning on coming back. Doesn't mean anything really, just that they are planning for the future. If they knew it was over they would have given up and you'd see more rats jumping ship. The fact that they won't even let me make a tshirt with their logo indicates that they still value the property.

 

Now just have to hope that Jeff Cooper didnt burn to many bridges.
The NASL isnt happy with the whole debacle with the Vaids, USL is most likely wouldnt take him with the whole TOA, and the MLS is doesnt want anything to do with Cooper. At least if AC St. Louis faulters there is still St. Louis Lions who i believe was promised a spot in USL or usl-2.

 

As an official word on the matter, the Lions are still pushing for their USL-1 spot regardless of AC.

Possibly USL-2, but I had never been told that specifically.

If that happens, man, I ponder the allegiance issue...then again, I know who's been loyal to me as a fan first and always. I just hope if AC makes it and the Lions push up they work on non-conflicting schedules.

 

That would be an Awsome NASL-USL rivalry

 

I hope not.

St. Louis doesn't need divided fans.

 

I'm still trying to find the link that mentions where after this season NASL will become Div 2 soccer in the US and USL will be Div 3 & PDL only.
So if this does indeed happen & Lions move to USL, then we could have Div 2 & 3 teams and not really have to compete against each other. Except for hopefully the Open Cup!

 

If there is no promotion or relegation, what exactly does it mean to be div 2 or div 3?

 

I was under the impression that this was still an ongoing discussion. USL and NASL both still want to be Divsion 2 and that this season they were forced into this compromise. I don't think its settled that NASL will be Div.2. I could of course be completely wrong.

 

you're not wrong at all. The article I read talked about USL wanting to regionalize their divisions to cut down on travel costs and other reasons. Then there was mention that to maintain even further stability they may even completely let NASL have Div 2 and they would rule the lower leagues. Not a done deal by any means, just speculation/rumors/talk whatever.

 

money and a minor difference in quality of play. maybe some technical/league rules or requirements, but that's about it. Here's a thread which discusses a little about that and has links to the IMS 3 part article on Div 2 soccer if you haven't already seen it:
https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1490345

 

I see what you're saying, but the rivalry thing has worked pretty well for the Grizzlies and Rascals. And we all know what a hard-on the Europoser fan has for "Derbies". I just hope that if the Lions go pro and AC sticks around, they're either in the same league or play regular friendlies.

 

If both clubs pull at least 5K a game I'd be all for it, but we can't even do that now with 1.