MLS: "A new strategy for Canada"

Is there any precedent the world over for an "MLS Canada"? I doubt that would be it, but it's interesting to think about.

I hope organization of the clubs up there, both pro and amateur, improves. I'd love to follow a viable Canada-wide soccer league, no matter if it's just one tier.

 

Could it be something along the lines similar a Canadian Division that the NASL and CSA were speaking about? Adding tier 2 clubs in cities like Calgary, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Quebec City, etc.
Would that leave FCE and Fury to move to this new Canadian tier2 league? Perhaps even adding the USLPro clubs from Vancouver, Montreal, and likely TFC affiliates to a Canadian Division or separate league?
It would bring familiar opponents and rivalries in current Canadian Cities that have or had CFL and/or NHL franchises as well.

 

I think it's more in line with making Canadian players domestic throughout the league just like their American counterparts. Similar situation will occur in USL and also pushing for more Canadian players to play for the three top club for Canada. And crazy just crazy but maybe adding a fourth Canadian club into MLS. Well let's wait after the season to find out the actual truth and that's when will find out about it all.

 

Now making Canadian Players domestic throughout the MLS would be the best news Canada could hear and would make a lot of sense.
Adding more Canadian domestic players to Canadian clubs is also likely at a small expansion of rosters. Especially with the USLPro clubs run by the MLS club. Being able to add more homegrown players with the option to get consistent playing time within their system and close by. While training and playing some matches with the big club when needed.
A 4th Canadian city would be a possible scenerio. Ottawa currently has the stadium, ownership group, and full running academy as well as already having made the move to pro level in the NASL.
Hamilton would be the only other city with a stadium in place but not much else going for it to support a MLS franchise.
In the West Victoria soccer is very popular but likely not to the level of having a MLS franchise. The Highlanders did originally have pro aspirations's for the then USL-1. So being part of a domestic Canadian league or division at a lower pro tier than the MLS along the level of NASL/USLpro would be possible.

 

As has been posted before, Canadians counting as foreigners on American MLS clubs is not MLS's decision. United States employment law requires all foreigners being treated equally, and treating Canadians as domestic would make MLS subject to discrimination lawsuits by players who weren't American or Canadian and wanted to play in MLS.

 

Doesn't the NASL and USLPro consider Canadian players on any club as domestic?
Or did I misunderstand.

 

Somebody said the USL counts Canadian players on any club as domestic in violation of United States law and no potential player has taken the USL to court, maybe because the salary is so low. I don't know about the NASL. I also think that if a player from a country other than USA and Canada wants to play on an American club in MLS, NASL, or USL and is illegally not chosen because a Canadian is favored over him, the player from a country other than USA and Canada may not know enough about the law to know he can take the club that rejected him to court.

 

Ah. Thank You. That clears up the confusion. USL not as high profile and with lower salaries not likely to be a hot spot for other international players to shoot for.
With the rumors of NASL having at least a Canadian division and the USL Pro affiliated MLS clubs being OK'd by CSA. MLS working with CSA to form a Canadian league in cities not in the MLS as an official 2nd tier of soccer in Canada. Maybe as USL Pro independent clubs or under another name part of MLS.
Whichever it may be I think everyone sees the need for a higher level of soccer along the USL Pro/ NASL level form in the non MLS cities Canada.


Right now 2 NASL clubs and 1 but likely 2 USL Pro clubs in Canada. With almost probable the TFC will have a USL club and Hamilton an option for a pro soccer club at THF projected as possible NASL.
For Canada to have all the possible 6 clubs all being in the same division with one of the 3 new TSN networks on board to broadcast since TSN is pretty commited at the moment to the MLS

 

That is very true as it is done in the other big time pro sports in US. However those are the exception and not the norm for almost every other pro sports league every country around the world. All of them have limits on International players so their country can develop and give a place for their citizens to play. MLS is doing no different nor should they. MLS is just starting to really create their own National Stars which many sports fans want to see. Landon D. is the first of the generation to grow up with the MLS to play his prime days in the MLS. As others come through soccer will be more of a choice of sport than ever when getting above the youth league levels.

 

Likely from a MLS standpoint it will be to coordinate and clear up any issues that there may still be allowing for at least the 3 Canadian MLS clubs to operate their USLPro side in Canada with the blessing of CSA.
Using some common sense, which is not always the case, to benefit all parties involved.
CSA connecting with the NASL to form a domestic divison of the current and possible new franchises as something that would take time to evolve over the next several years.
The US can certainly thank Canada for the building of its hockey structure. Especially the WHL US Junior hockey division.