I have heard from some very strong sources that the Battery are going to drop to USL-2 for 2010. Anyone from Charleston can add to this?
dont think it is accurate. Rumor started with a blog seemed to grow legs on here with every other person quoting one another. I've tried to corrected it where I have seen it but frankly, it isnt worth the effort. Lazy "reporting" because one two minute call to the front office was all it took. If it happens, it because something has changed in the last couple weeks and would be contrary to what Ive been told to by several people. Now I know that combineing USL1 and USL2 is something that the club seemed to express interest at one time. and not directed at you flornatref but for all you blogger out there; dont use another blog as your source, dont use someones post on Bigsoccer that says "I heard" or "so and so said" as a source and finally the Battery Front office number is 843-971-GOAL (4625) They have a full time, year around staff of around 10-15 people, but they usually close down for a couple weeks around Christmas. Feel free to call them yourselves bloggers.
Yeah I agree, this was some bs reporting. Charleston is staying in the first division. PS I heard the Battery are going MLS, going to expand the stadium to 20K.
I heard they were invited to the EPL in an effor to thwart Celtic and Rangers from joining. Let's see how far that one goes.
Well, at least this rumor is different from the usual "I heard the Battery are shutting down....." rumor that seems to pop up every year. Where do these things get started? I'd venture to say we're one of the, if not the most, stable club in USL......Good grief Charlie Brown.....
It would make sense and get us back to the rivalries we started the league with I.E. Charlotte and Richmond. At least, they are not going to the West coast or Canada any more, those are expensive trips. Puerto Rico is still a big financial hit, when we go down there.
the more I think about it, the more it starts to make sense. IF Wilmington still have team, maybe it would be a wise move, at least until the TOA thing shakes out. I would be disappointed to be sure but I would still be a fan. It would mean no USLlive, shorter season, less likely for friendlies with MLS or international teams. On the positive side a road trip to Charlotte is only three hours. The Battery have survived as long as they have by making smart business decissions (well Eric Wynalda aside ) And they have a lot more insight to this then 99% of the people on the boards. Just wake me up when the Battery play there next match
I think the combining of 1 & 2 for a single USL makes the most sense, we would still be a mid market size team.
The only problem is that such a scenario would likely bankrupt 90% of the USL2 teams after one season -- increased travel, player budgets, etc. Austin, PR, and Portland make it problematic from a travel standpoint -- otherwise, it could work with primarily an eastern seaboard league. However, they'd still probably have to reduce the number of games to make sure the weaker USL2 clubs can stay afloat.
hahaha, Mikey it is so cute of you to implore bloggers to check their sources, hell you would stop 94.3% of the blogs in existence with standards like that
and that would be a bad thing? Hell anyone can write what they want, I think Im more pissed at people that believe anything they read and then take that info and pass it along. Im mean whats next, Wolfgirl adopted by the Beckham's? I'm sure someone out there would believe it if I put on a flashy webpage. We should be hearing alot of news over the next couple days. While I dont think the whole TOA/USL trist is over yet, We should have some idea on how the USL will look next season. Mikey
Today, Tampa Bay and the potential new USL team Crystal Palace, have announced they intend to play with the TOA league. Yesterday the new team in Minnesota announced they were putting their plan on hold for 30 days. so what that leave for USL1? Portland-solid but gone in 2011 Austin- solid Cleveland- rumor to be dropping to USL2 Rochester- solid PR- solid but rumored to go to TOA FCNY-had a trial but nothing new sinced announced in the summer. Charleston- solid ownership but where do we stand? there are a few other "potential" expansion teams. but they are still in the unknown catagory So does Charleston stick USL1, try and ride the ride this upcoming year with what might only be four other teams? Does it commite to the new league run by the TOA, which the Battery never have been a part of. A push to combine USL1 and 2? Maybe a drop to USL2? currently it looks like USL2 has the following teams Bermuda Hogges Charlotte Eagles Harrisburg City Islanders Pittsburgh Riverhounds Real Maryland Monarchs Richmond Kickers Western Mass Pioneers This whole thing is turning into a soap opera, and I hate soaps....
It seems like only a question of time that teams like the Battery, Roc and PR will eventually be persued by TAO : they have beautiful SSS and tradition, are a great addition to any league. I imagine that they are playing it safe for now but I expect alot of announcements once TOA gets what it wants.
Bernuda is almost broke and heard Rochester and Puerto Rico had changed their minds. League meeting this weekend in Tampa should sort some of this out.
And here it is http://www.charlestonbattery.com/news.asp?y=2009&page=1&id=484 Battery will be in USLd2 next year. got to look at the posiitves from the fan side; renewed rivalrys with Charlotte and Richmond. road trip to Charlotte. Southern Derby Cup continues Should be a very competative side and maybe will take it all the way We still have one of the best stadiums in all of USL (and arguably the breakaway TOA as well) No one can beat the pub anywhere in the country. Cons lot of players will probably move on. shorter season From the club side: Lower travel cost Club continues a 17 year tradition of professional soccer lower franchise fees and contract fees. Regardless Ill still be in E10 with my flags and banners. Up the Battery!
Now I really hate the Hammerheads won't be there...If only they and the SeaDawgs were back to renew the rivalry! But this is good news-- at least they are still playing. And since they are my closest team, I'm planning on making some of the games this year. See you on Daniel Island!
Make sure you stop our tailgate if you can or swing by E10 to meet the rest of the Battery faithful. Mikey
Yeah, about that... I'm hoping that the fans of the Battery and the RailHawks (and the Silverbacks, if they can be found) can show more tolerance, thoughtfulness, and cooperation than the TOA/USL owners in deciding what to do about the Cup. And as much as I hate to see the Battery have to drop down a level, they are coming out of this whole mess with the most dignity of any other club involved. The owners obviously have a clear vision of the club's place in the grand scheme of things and have acted in the best interest of the club and its fans. Kudos for that.
When you pry it from my cold dead hands! For now, it's sitting on top of my refrigerator in Cary patiently waiting out this fiasco. To me, it seems like USL-2 is a fantastic business decision for Charleston. I just wish Carolina had made the same decision. I would have absolutely loved a Southern Derby between Charlotte, Richmond, Carolina, and Charleston.
You know, there is a way to solve this. For USL 2: - Put the teams in Northern and Southern divisions, with no inter-divisional play. Top 2 teams from each division go to the playoffs. There should be enough teams in each division to play a good schedule that doesn't get boring. Now, as for the Southern "Daahh-bee" (invoking a bad Winston Churchill accent ): - Stipulate that exhibition games with TOA teams (CA, ATL (if they indeed show) count in the SD standings (that is, if the TOA teams will agree to it). Probelm solved!
Based on the article on the Battery website... both the Western Mass Pioneers and Bermuda Hogges are gone? Is that right? Not too surprised of the latter, but are the Pioneers dropping down? Overall, this makes the most sense for the Battery. They are a smart bunch and are not the types to get caught up in the whirlwind of the TOA/USL1 debacle. Being in Charlotte, it gives me extra incentive to watch the Eagles especially when the Battery and E10/The Regiment are in town.
So I guess I can come out of the closest now as a Charleston Battery fan... I'll meet you guys at Rocky Mount on the roadtrip to Richmond.
I noticed the omition too, but I wouldnt read into it. It didnt seem to be a complete list and I wouldnt be surprised if there are a name or two added in the mix.
well your always welcome in charleston. Looks like we will have 3 MLS teams for the Carolina Challenge Cup and Im sure their will be a tailgate or two. not to mention a pub crawl. Mikey