I really hope this is just a rumor. There are a bunch of very vocal fans of Bethlehem (who are NOT fans of the Union) who will be very angry ... and I'm not sure I can handle the social media melt downs. And, FWIW, I like having another choice close by to go for some live soccer.
Given the current manic state of U.S. soccer/MLS in general, this seems like irresponsible reporting. I know he stresses the unconfirmed nature of these rumours, but that only reinforces my opinion. Potentially Orlando B, Whitecaps 2, Sounders 2, and Steel FC out...so much for getting those academy kids valuable playing time.
Anyone but the Fat Unicorns. Must be a Bimbo sponsorship thing ... even though it doesn't look like Rochester is sponsored by them anymore.
Seriously unforgivable if it happens given the way the organization has played up the path to the first team from the academy and the importance of Steel in their plans during the renewal window. I suppose the organization could do a 180 and spend the Steel money on impact players but how are we supposed to believe anything they say about the organization's goals otherwise? I suppose that this could mean the 2 teams are going to USL D3 after a year but WTH would any MLS team shut this down for a year in that case? There's no licensing issue with respect to steel either. On top of this, given the outrage over missing the world cup, its a bit tone deaf on MLS's part to kill a developmental path when so much of the the conversation over the last week has been on player development.
Obviously nothing is confirmed right now but I wonder if they over estimated the amount of union fans they thought would make the trip
This would make absolutely no sense. All the talk of youth development, and then they fold the second team? Why even bother with Rochester when the damn high school kids will have to bus 6 hours to home games? I don't buy it
I think they chose Bethlehem specifically because they could not count on Union fans to support the team in person in Chester. I know when asked in the survey that I was supportive and applauded the idea but that it would be tough to make it to more games in person in Chester and would certainly not travel further to see games.
Update from Union/Steel saying pretty much nothing. Below is a statement from the Philadelphia Union in response to last night’s USL rumors. pic.twitter.com/malG3KqeBb— Philadelphia Union II (@PhilaUnionII) October 18, 2017
It never says that does it? Lots of doublespeak there... If they have a team in Bethlehem next season, I'd be shocked.
Sounds like a Stadium issue. Is it Lehigh doesn't want to accommodate them, or did their rent go up? The Union are moving to Buffalo.
Austin is a way cooler city. Too bad I have to hate their MLS team, though. I'm imagining Sugar Daddy trying that stunt and not being able to find a city willing to take such a risk on a team that is a known non payer of taxes and an owner that can't keep his promises to build modest developments around the stadium.