I posted this in the expansion thread but it might as well go here too. Per the Denver Post the Rapids want to field their own team in the future, but for now are actively looking to affiliate with a team. They're talking to the Switchbacks but might look elsewhere. Possibly a New York club which is curious.
That is interesting. I thought the agreement was the affiliate club had to be close to the MLS team if possible.
Of course in the same article, Rapids denied they've ever spoken to Switchbacks. Someone isn't telling the truth. Also the Louisville paper confirmed NYRB entry into USL next year.
Lol, well Toronto was trying to get a team in Hamilton. Haven't heard anything from Vancouver though.
Never saw that part ever mentioned. Obviously more ideal for the clubs involved, but not a requirement.
Read the article Vesty posted above. According to it, Rapids say they have no relationship with the Switchbacks. I think it's safe to infer that Rapids have no intention of working with the Switchbacks. I wonder if they see them as a threat.
A threat to what?? I think the Rapids had their own plans for Colorado Springs. The switchbacks beat them to it. Why else would Rapids be so anti-switchbacks. Unless there's an ownership backstory nobody knows about
There has never ever been an indication that that is the case. Would it be optimal? Certainly. A lot of people seem to be thinking that this or that or the other is included in an agreement none of us have ever seen, based (apparently) on things they thought they read somewhere. Up to here, you had me 100%. And that's where you lost me. Have you checked out this ownership group? Do you remember when they launched? They're only a threat to themselves.
Oh I agree I don't think CS is a threat to the Rapids at all. But reading between the lines give me an opinion that perhaps the Rapids were upset that they weren't consulted and feel that CS is their market. Again just my opinion but it certainly seems like Rapids will not be affiliated with them.
So Austin is added to the USL Pro next year and I thought I saw a tweet that they were looking to be an MLS affiliate. Will Houston switch off Pittsburgh? From what I have seen, Dallas, Seattle and New York Red Bulls will have their own teams next year. With there being 21 MLS clubs and only those three plus LA with their own clubs in the league, what kind of mad dash (if any) will there before the remaining clubs? From the list below, Chicago, RSL, Colorado and Montreal won't have an affiliate or plan on having their own team next year.... Available USL Pro clubs for affiliation: Arizona, Orange County and Charlotte don't have their own affiliation, although Sacramento has two...? Also coming in next year, Colorado Springs (as mentioned above), Tulsa and St. Louis. Technically, Orlando is leaving and Lousville is coming into the league, but as Orlando's affiliate - not a bad idea, that. Is there an updated list of affiliations more current than this: http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/...usl-pro-affiliates-grow-as-2014-season-nears/ MLS and USL PRO affiliates Chicago Fire – No affiliate Chivas USA – No affiliate Colorado Rapids – No affiliate Columbus Crew – Dayton Dutch Lions D.C. United – Richmond Kickers FC Dallas – No affiliate Houston Dynamo – Pittsburgh Riverhounds Los Angeles Galaxay – No affiliate Montreal Impact – No affiliate New York Red Bulls – No affiliate New England Revolution – Rochester Rhinos Philadelphia Union – Harrisburg City Islanders Portland Timbers – Sacramento Republic Real Salt Lake – No affiliate San Jose Earthquakes – Sacramento Republic Seattle Sounders – No affiliate Sporting Kansas City – Oklahoma City Energy FC & Orlando City (will end when Orlando join MLS in 2015) Toronto FC – Wilmington Hammerheads Vancouver Whitecaps – Charleston Battery
The Galaxy have the resouses and secondary field to ave their own USL PRo team. Other clubs would look to affiliate besides the NYRBs who also appear to be headed for thei own NYRB2 as well. TFC may as well want there own club in the GTA with MLSE resources and the KIA training center could make that possible.