http://mobile.philly.com/blogs/?wss=/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/&id=254046321 Looks legit but still not official.
So possibly 3 more years in the NASL since if they do get a MLS team the new stadium will be ready by 2017.
Thats would leave Silverbacks in the lurch. Would they work with the Silverbacks and merge. that way they could have a basic squad before they add the Draft players & DP's. But would that would make sense. I can see the Falcons ownership just going it alone and Silverbacks struggling before going out of business. I'd like to hear Silverback fans view? I think the ideal situation would be have a MLS team made of the the NASL squad + Draft +DP's and field a reserve team in the NASL or if thats not allowed the USL PRO in the current Silverbacks stadium and a u23 team in either a PDL or NPSL.
MLS Expansion rules don't work that way, at least not to the benefit of the expansion team. If this is a newly formed team not a promoted team there are some major benefits in terms of the draft and other league rules.
Timbers had 10 + 2 U23 players. Not all regulars but Kalif Alhassan, Futty, James Marcelin played a lot in the first season. NASL is ranked higher maybe there would be more than two or three who play a lot of games after the step up. Still cheaper and keeps a link to the previous club. I dont know the rules but "promoted teams" still get better choices in the draft?
I'd love to get a few players from the 'Backs to start the franchise. It will be interesting to see how the franchises' relationship will be.
The article seems to suggest that there will be a partnership formed between the two owners which would mean a move to the USL PRO but we shall see. A nice new SSS stadium already existing also would lend itself to a partnership
The Siverbacks moving to the USL Pro to be the ATL MLS affiliate would not be that far of a stretch with rival Charleston Battery and Charlotte in the USL Pro
let the name game begin... http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/...e-readers-have-spoken-your-favorite-name.html
Heck, I'd like a few players from the 'Backs to, you know, play for the 'Backs. As soon as someone has a successful year he's gone. (See: Klute, Horth, Menjivar, Bloom, Barrera, Nasco... )
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/...veil-dazzling-plans-best-mls-training-complex Atlanta United unveil dazzling plans for "best in MLS" training complex April 18, 2016 11:21 AM EDT