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Orlando to get USL-1 franchise
Posted Mar 4, 2010 by Nick Murray
Updated Mar 4, 2010 at 09:26 PM
The United Soccer League today officially announced that Orlando will have a USL-1 franchise next year.
While this might seem like a positive development, NASL News points out that this may be another franchise that is doomed from the start, not least because of the involvement of prospective owner Steve Donner.
If you don’t know already, Donner had success with the Rochester Rhinos, now a part of the NASL, but left the club in a pretty sorry state before current owner Rob Clark took over the club in 2008. Jeff DiVeronica’s post from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle paints a pretty poor picture of the man who will lead Orlando’s new franchise.
Secondly, this casts some doubt on what will happen after this season in the USSF Division II. With the USL stating that the USL-1 division will return next season, things could get ugly between the USL and NASL, something I’m sure the U.S. Soccer Federation didn’t have in mind when it reached a compromise for this upcoming season.
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Reader Comments
Por (TampaSoccerFan) on March 05, 2010 (Suggest removal)
I read the blogs you’ve linked and understand their concern. But I think, as Floridian soccer supporters, we should be excited about the emergence of a 3rd pro soccer team in the state. Not that long ago Florida was a soccer desert. Now, we have the Rowdies, Miami FC, Orlando Titans, frequent international games, and the possibility of hosting World Cup games in 2018/2022. I love it! The best part I think is, whoever can prove to be the best club (between attendance, on-field success, community integration) will ultimately be rewarded with a MLS franchise. And being a Central Floridian myself, that makes the chances better that that team will be close to home in either Orlando or Rowdies.
Suggest removalPor (gws716) on March 05, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Agree with TampaSoccerFan! I have a brother who lives in Orlando, and when he was here last week for the UF/FSU Baseball game at Legends Field, he mentioned that he wished they had pro soccer in Orlando. Well, his wish has been granted!
Problem for him is, he grew up a Rowdies ‘Fannie’, so he is gonna be torn when they play each other!
Suggest removalPor (RowdieRalphie) on March 06, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Hmm guys I don’t think Nicky is saying Orlando is a bad market or he hopes it doesn’t succeed. Far from it.
He is saying look at this investor guy. He is a shady (read the Rochester article).
Nicky is saying that its problematic that this Orlando club is in the USL1 and not the NASL. Most likely, best case scenario both leagues are alive next year but Rowdies never play them. Worst case scenario one league fails (and with 2 other teams, the USL1 looks like its dead in the water for 2011).
Its hard to put a positive spin on this.
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