While MLS was preparing for its end-of-season party, a new soccer venture called the North American Soccer League was announcing its formation, following the breakaway of a number of clubs from the United Soccer Leagues. That's right, starting from April 2010, the NASL is back.
Putting aside the decision to name the league after a competition that collapsed as spectacularly as once it flourished, it remains to be seen what impact the NASL will have on the soccer landscape, operating along with USL-1 as a second professional league in the tier below MLS.
One thing is for sure, though. While those behind the NASL have spoken of a desire to pay their "respect to the players, coaches and leaders, who were pioneers for men's professional soccer in North America," Pele is not coming back and nor is Franz Beckenbauer or Johan Cruyff, meaning that only in name is this incarnation reflective of its predecessor.
Not that a lack of glitz and glamour should necessarily be looked upon as a bad thing. The growth of MLS and USL has come about thanks to a pragmatic approach and it is to be hoped that this new kid on the block follows similar methods. Good luck to American soccer's new arrival.
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Putting aside the decision to name the league after a competition that collapsed as spectacularly as once it flourished, it remains to be seen what impact the NASL will have on the soccer landscape, operating along with USL-1 as a second professional league in the tier below MLS.
One thing is for sure, though. While those behind the NASL have spoken of a desire to pay their "respect to the players, coaches and leaders, who were pioneers for men's professional soccer in North America," Pele is not coming back and nor is Franz Beckenbauer or Johan Cruyff, meaning that only in name is this incarnation reflective of its predecessor.
Not that a lack of glitz and glamour should necessarily be looked upon as a bad thing. The growth of MLS and USL has come about thanks to a pragmatic approach and it is to be hoped that this new kid on the block follows similar methods. Good luck to American soccer's new arrival.
