http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/215814.html From the site: ... With the return of the Seattle Sounders to defend their USL First Division Championship and the absence of the California Victory, who may return in 2009 under new ownership, 11 teams will be vying for the 2008 USL First Division Championship and Commissioner’s Cup ... ... “Although disappointed the Victory will not be a part of our 2008 competition, we continue to make progress towards bringing USL-1 soccer back to San Francisco with a new ownership group conceivably to be introduced prior to even the commencement of the 2008 season,” Holt added. “However as a reflection of our confidence in and respect for the long-term health of the league, the importance of providing adequate preparation time to ensure the success of any new ownership group was prioritized above all else. Considering we are also in advanced stage dialogue with prospective franchise ownership groups in several major markets within the States of California, Texas, and Florida, the 2009 season is shaping up to be a key expansion year for USL-1.”
Well thats pretty good news I guess. I must say that I will remain guardedly optimistc until I hear officially that they are back. But I wish the new ownership group the best of luck and will give my full support. COME ON YOU VICS!!!
Maybe by 2009 there will be a couple of other USL1 franchises in California -- i.e. Fresno and a team in Southern California (maybe Ventura).
I guess this explains why there hadn't previous news from the league on the status of the Victory. They were still working with the perspective new team. I personally think they them waiting a year to get started is much better then trying to get everything in place in 6 months. I know that's not ideal for you fans in SF, but it could help for more of a long term future.
I also think they want to follow the Carolina Railhawk model of marketing for the year before actually playing. that way people actually know the team is here. Unlike previous ownership who did nothing and most people didn't even know we had a team until the season was over.
Honestly this is good news that the team has a new ownership group and that the USL is still healthy. We need both the MLS & USL to be 100% financial healthy for the long haul & hopefully if there is any of that thing called pro/rel available, that their will be a real partnership between the two leagues. Hopefully somewhere down the future. We can also hopefully end any qualifying for spots in the US Open Cup and there can be all clubs in MLS & USL to get their spots.
I'm down for reuniting in 09. Like was said earlier, I'd rather have a team with their siht together in 09 than a repeat of 07 in 08. If the team were properly marketed, the talent was drawn from local stars (like the old Victory was I'm slowly finding out), and Kezar had good match-day facilities, this could turn out to be quite a good investment. I wish somebody would see the potential of soccer in San Francisco and upgrade Kezar to a modern SSS with an antique feel to it.
Still, the Bay Area seems to be making this a habit if the Vics do come back, first the Quakes take a 2 year break, now the Vics take a possible 1 year break. The Bay Area top level soccer clubs seem to enjoy vacations or something. But if it helps the Vics come out stronger in 09 I guess it's not all bad.
One thing I am glad about the Victory possibly continuing: This won't be one of the only highlights that people will remember about the Victory's 07 season
I never thought they would last when the Quakes were to be revived. I doubt they will be back in the USL1. I think they should merge more with the Seals and make 1 good USL club instead of two small time clubs.
You still make the incorrect assumption that that every soccer fan in San Francisco is willing to travel to Buck Shaw to the Quakes. A USL1 team can easily survive and thrive with a lower attendance than a MLS team. They play most of their games on nights when MLS isn't scheduled and the price is lower. I also know some guys who will not travel to San Jose for a game, the same way many of the south bay fans will not come here. A lot of us like the idea of going to a game without a 45 minute trek south. USL1 and PDL are totally different levels of soccer so the idea of a merger is not realistic. I know I can support both so I don't see the problem.
Actually, I thought a little about that but aside from the Quakes revival, I still mostly had doubts and never reallty believed they would last that long.
It should probably be moved to the a new "expansion" section of the USL forum. Because they're now a possible expansion team, kinda like the Quakes were for two years and no longer an active club.
How about renaming it San Francisco USL soccer forum. That way in will include the Seals and the Vics, at least until the Vics come back officially.
I think a "renaming" will do,I mean this sub-forum got more trafic than any other " active USL team's sub forums.
Plus, as there is no other Vics web site right now, this would be a good place to share information and ideas.