Completely agree ... wouldn't be completely shocked if a "pop up" PHX/SAC style stadium goes in Des Moines.
They could expand Crownie where Drake plays. Or they could be another team in a baseball stadium and play at the I-Cubs stadium...
Yes, they have options. Heck, are they the next FC Cinci and can play at Drake's Football stadium (the answer to that is no, but I guess it's another option).
You could be correct, it could be Taft Stadium, OKC. What if SKC "sold" the D2 "franchise" to Des Moines at a discount (rumors are they are selling for $5M). USL's President (Jake Edwards) has said they are capping D2 (didn't specify when or at what number), and could be encouraging MLS2 teams to "sell" the franchises and buy a D3 franchise (obviously much cheaper). With Orlando, the rumored FC Dallas D3 and a few others, I think the "level" of play drop between D2 and D3 is going to be "overstated" a bit as well. And it sounded like there could be a USL Cup of some sorts as well, which would be interesting since MLS2 teams can't play in the US Open Cup. That would give the D3 MLS2 teams a chance to play some D2 level games.
And the Swope Park Rangers are dead. It's now Sporting KC II. The stupid "2" branding has come to KC.
I find the use of a Roman numeral unique and classy On a serious note, I always though that the SPR logo was super cool. I need to find some of their swag before its gone.
Just in case you wonder where that USL $$$ go: https://www.soctakes.com/2019/12/10/nurock-significant-beneficiaries-usl-revenues/
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2020...-philadelphia-pittsburgh-in-usl-championship/ Group E: Indy Eleven Louisville City FC Saint Louis FC Sporting Kansas City II
Rumors that Philly, Orlando and Portland all dropping from USL completely. I hope this isn't a "MLS Reserve" league situation ... and if it is, I hope they don't dictate that ALL teams go there. I'd rather drop to League 1 than all the way to MLS Reserve" ... you can't help but say league wide that the USL connection has helped teams get guys pro minutes younger and more prepared for MLS minutes. The trends are amazingly positive in that regard ... why move away from it?
I'm with you, and I'd guess based on his prior comments, PV is as well. Can't wait for someone in the front office for one of the teams to suit up with the "reserve" team.
I get it if teams want to just have a U23 team in the MLS Academy NEXT thing or whatever, but some teams should be allowed to stay in USL. Although, I'd rather our SKC2 team be younger and potentially drop to League 1 at some point ... I see no reason to have the Dillon Serna's of the world. I get that we may need to sign him to SKC right now ... but wouldn't a USL player that is done with their USL season also be available to sign? Like can we go sign Tyler Pasher from Indy now since their season is done if we don't have someone that's more of a "long term" signing from SKC2 at a position of need? No reason Dillon Serna's playing for SKC instead of St. Louis or another team IMO. I'd have rather seen an Academy kid playing for SKC2 (like Nati Clarke) than Dillon Serna. And if that isn't happening because we needed to be more competitive in USLC ... then drop to USLL1.
We could get a player like that on loan (LAFC just acquired former SPR player, Mark Segbers on loan from Memphis) most of the contracts are through the end of the USL season or end of the year. Since the USL season is still going on technically they'd need to be a loan. At the same time I think something can be said for having a veteran leader regularly on the team like Serna and Duke. I'd argue that's something that SKCII was missing last season. I don't have a problem with a couple guys like Duke and Serna on the team.
You're probably right, but a couple is plenty, I think we had too many in the first few years of SPR. Granted, we got to the championship game and all, but I'm not sure that's the point. I'd rather be giving minutes to a young Felipe Hernandez than an older Christian Duke ... but understand that if we don't have those players internally ready, we need to go outside and find them. I like having guys like Harris, Freeman, Rad, Davis getting minutes more than the Serna's. And if that means we need to be in League 1 for it to not be demoralizing, then that's fine. Rather they play than having a guy like 25 y/o Hadji Barry or Belmar. We've slowly gotten younger and I would rather it stay like that.
I think you had a pretty good balance with this team this year, you had Serna and Duke as the main elder statesmen on the team and the only other player 24 or older on the team who wasn't an SKC loan (for 1 game this year) was Camden Riley, who turned 24 late in the season. Those 22-24 year old guys are guys the club would normally bring in on trials for potential end of the roster guys. Now they just sign them to SKCII, see if they have it, if not they move on to the next player. Belmar for example was one of those type of players who started at SPR/SKCII and moved up to the first team.
https://www.sportingkc.com/post/202...year-old-us-youth-international-travian-sousa This seems like a great signing. Especially if Stanley doesn't stay on with SKC2 and sticks with Austin FC.
Anyone here heard if Aiden Stanley actually signed an MLS contract with Austin FC? If not I presume he'd be back with SKC2? If he does sign with Austin FC, does SKC2 (or SKC) get anything from them or "keep his USL rights"?
He has not signed yet, neither has Judd, who was drafted by LA. My understanding is if they want to sign him the USL contract would be voided.