Atlanta Soccer » USL

Atlanta Beat and WPS Suspend 2012 Season

Scott — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:34 +0000

In what was shaping up the be one of the most promising seasons and competitive teams the Beat had put on the field in recent years everything crashed to a grinding halt. On Monday, January 30th 2012 the league issued a statement to suspend the 2012 season citing the pending legal issues with former magicJack team owner Dan Borislow. If you are unfamiliar with the situation you can find out more by reading Beau Dure’s piece at espnW here.

Borislow was seen by many, including himself, to be the savior to the struggling league when at the 11th hour he stepped in and committed to field a team for the 2011 season. Perhaps it was in this haste that the other team owners and league officials didn’t realize the type of person they were dealing with in Borislow. They soon found out as the narcissistic owner didn’t comply with several league requirements and even had a grievance filed by players and the WPS Players Union to the league for violations of the Standard Player Contract Provision, the FIFA Code of Ethics, WPS Media Policy and U.S. Soccer Federation Coaching Requirements.

It’s unfortunate that the situation has reached this point but perhaps the WPS can settle these matters and use this time to strengthen the league and seek out additional owners for the 2013 season. However, if things go against the owners in the legal matters I would imagine the WPS will fold and possibly see the teams join other leagues or create a new league, perhaps with a single entity plan similar to Major League Soccer. Many potential owners have backed away from investing in the league because of it’s current structure.

The only solace fans can take is that with the USWNT winning the CONCACAF qualifying tournament they will be a part of the 2012 London Summer Olympics which will run between July 25th and August 9th. Because of the Olympics and the reduction in number of teams to 5 the 2012 WPS season was going to be shortest season thus far. With pre-olympic camps the USWNT players would likely only have played 9 or 10 games this season with their club teams. If you want to see women’s soccer in person you can still check out the 2011 USL W-League champion Atlanta Silverbacks. In addition to the men’s team they also field a women’s team that consistently is in contention for the championship. Their season traditionally runs from May through July.

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER SUSPENDS PLAY FOR 2012 SEASON

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 30, 2012) – Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) announced today that its Board of Governors has voted to suspend the 2012 season to permit the League to focus on the resolution of certain pending legal issues and the challenges that now face the League as a result of its ongoing dispute with a former owner.

“We are proud of what the League has accomplished in the first three seasons, but we do recognize the necessity to resolve our existing legal and operational issues so that we can continue to support and grow WPS the right way,” said Sky Blue FC Owner Thomas Hofstetter. “This was a very difficult decision, but one we as owners feel is the best business decision for the League at this time.”

The Board voted on Monday morning to suspend the 2012 season. Over the last year the league has faced significant challenges, including a lengthy and expensive legal battle with a former owner. The litigation has diverted resources from investment in the league and has forced the Board to take action, suspending the 2012 season in order to address the legal issues head‐on before moving forward with competition.

“We firmly believe there is a place in the global sports landscape for Women’s Professional Soccer,” said WPS CEO Jennifer O’Sullivan. “Making the decision to suspend the 2012 season was a difficult and painful one, but it is necessary to take the time to address current issues and solidify our business in order to provide appropriate support needed to achieve the League’s long‐term goals. Those that take part in our League ‐ players, partners and fans ‐ deserve the best, and that is what we are taking the time to ensure we deliver when we resume play in 2013 and beyond.”

WPS has established its plans to return to play in 2013, and all five owners of the League’s existing teams ‐ Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC and Western New York Flash ‐ will remain active with the CEO, Jennifer O’Sullivan, in the governance of WPS throughout the current year.

“We are deeply grateful to our fans and partners for the tremendous support they have shown for WPS, our players and the sport,” added O’Sullivan. “With our supporters and athletes in mind, we are committed to complete the hard work necessary to resume play in 2013 and reestablish WPS as the premiere women’s professional soccer league in the world.”

So what are your thoughts concerning the 2012 season being suspended? Do you think the WPS will be back in 2013?

Silverbacks Men’s team won’t return in 2011

Scott — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:21:32 +0000

UPDATE: SEE 11/11/10 post

On November 11th, 2008 the Atlanta Silverbacks men’s professional team announced they would sit out the 2009 season citing the economy and the potential of a Major League Soccer team coming to town. There were also several fundamental issue’s the Silverbacks ownership had with how their league, United Soccer League, was structured and operated.

When word got out that a new league was being created from a group of USL teams it rejuvenated hope that Atlanta’s men’s team would return. To the disappointment of many, once the new North American Soccer League was officially recognized by USSF we learned that the Silverbacks would forgo the 2010 season as well but return in 2011. The NASL.com site currently displays a Silverbacks logo with “2011″ written over the top. The About the NASL statement also includes the following:

In 2011, these teams will be joined by teams in Atlanta and certain other cities to be named later.

According to a source with knowledge of the Silverbacks plans they will not return until 2012 at the earliest. The conditions cited in 2008 still exist and will likely continue for several more years. Until Atlanta is awarded a MLS team or MLS declares they will no longer expand there will always be discussions of Atlanta to MLS. The current economy is still struggling and doesn’t show signs that would point to significant changes in the next couple of years. However, those conditions exist in many of the other NASL & USL markets and it hasn’t prevented them from putting a team on a field. Many of the current clubs have teams but don’t own their stadium. Atlanta actually owns their stadium, but just won’t field a team.

Which do you think is more likely, MLS to Atlanta OR the Silverbacks men returning? If either, when?

Weekend Rewind

Scott — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:00:28 +0000

Atlanta Beat (1-6-3) vs FC Gold Pride (8-3-1) 0 : 4

After competing Wednesday in the All-Star game several players from both teams laced up their boots again to face off on Saturday. Just like the All-Star game Marta scored two against Atlanta Beat GK Hope Solo. Down early (31st second) the comeback became near impossible when Kia McNeill was given a red card for sliding into keeper Barnhart studs up. Tina Ellertson also failed to return for the second half from an early injury when Tiffeny Milbrett collided and Tina received an injury to her face. The Beat play their next home game against the Chicago Red Stars on Wednesday, July 21^st which is also Faith and Family Night. Post-game festivities will include the first ever concert at KSU Stadium.

Atlanta Silverback Women (6-1-1) vs North Virginia Majestics 4 : 1

The Silverbacks continued their winning ways with a victory over the last place Majectics. The lady Silverbacks will have their last regular season home game this Saturday, July 10^th @ 7:30 PM. They’ll take on the Charlotte Lady Eagles which is the only team to beat them this year.

FC Atlanta (0-3-1) vs Pumas FC 1 : 6

The Pumas pummeled FC Atlanta, nuff said. Last home game is Saturday, July 10^th @ 7PM in Hoskyn Stadium.

FC Atlanta Blackhawks (5-2-4) at IMG Bradenton Academics 0 : 4

Mark Magee of IMG Bradenton nets the brace in the lopsided match. IMG took 16 shots to Atlanta’s 11. Hopefully the 95 people in attendance enjoyed the show. The Blackhawks have two road games before coming back to play their last game of the season July 18^th at 6:30 PM.

Not a good weekend for most Atlanta Pro/Semi-Pro Soccer teams. The Beat are midway through their season while the regular season is wrapping up for the other teams in the next few weeks. Have you been to any games this year? If so, what game and how was the experience?

NASL logo shows Atlanta 2011

Scott — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:29:35 +0000

UPDATE July 2010: see more recent post

Today @NASLofficial went live on Twitter. Their profile image includes nine team logo’s and a tenth “ATLANTA 2011″ but without the Silverbacks logo. I know many people have wondered if the Silverbacks would comeback but so far things look like they’re still moving forward after the the NASL’s first annual general meeting. Well maybe I shouldn’t say Silverbacks. Could another re-branding be in-store for Atlanta’s division 2 team?

UPDATE: The NASL site has now updated the words Atlanta with the Silverbacks logo while the “2011″ date still remains.

One interesting thing is that in addition to the 6 teams on the 2010 NASL conference playing in the USSF Division 2 that three of the six USL teams are also included. Rochester, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay are the three teams that will play in the USL conference this upcoming season. However those three have also been associated with the TOA/NASL prior the the USSF ultimatum a few weeks ago.

The NASL stated their new website would go live Friday, 1/15/10. As of the time this was posted it still not live.

UPDATE: NASL.com is now live. At the time of this update it was showing the above image and the words “coming soon”.

Decision from USSF on NASL/USL

Scott — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:00:04 +0000

Delay of Game

Over the past several weeks there have been numberous thoughts, idea’s, and conspiracy theories written about what is to come of Division 2 soccer in the US. Today we may finally get answers to some questions. Like, will there be one division 2 league governed by USSF in which both groups would reside? Or more importantly to Atlanta fans is whether on not Atlanta will be involved it those plans this year.

A few articles while we wait:

http://www.setpieceanalysts.com

http://thekartikreport.wordpress.com/

http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/

Parties on call: USSF President Sunil Gulati, USSF CEO Dan Flynn, USL CEO Alec Papadakis, and NASL Acting Commissioner Jeff Cooper.

Updates:

IT’S SNOWING IN ATLANTA!!!

2:43 tweet from bdure_usat US Soccer announcement is out: Two six-team conferences in Div 2, one #USL, one #NASL

2:45 Word is out:

NASL = Baltimore (CP), Carolina, Miami, Montreal, St. Louis, Vancouver.

USL = Minnesota, Rochester, Tampa Bay, Austin, Puerto Rico, Portland

NO ATLANTA in either division for 2010.

See More @ http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2010/01/07/us-soccer-announces-details-of-division-ii-soccer-agreement/

3:00 It is as stated above w/ 2 Division with 6 teams each. USSF have hands on role in overseeing the league for 2010.

The legal disputes have been resolved. Now taking questions from the Press.

On Atlanta & NY not making it: USSF “No Specific comment but both cities are looking towards participating in the future. “

Jeff Cooper ”Atlanta had made clear from early stages that they could better prepare their market and team for the 2011 season.”

Alec Papadakis “NY asked that they could wait until 2011 before entering the league.”

Other points of interest:

Everyone will play everyone and schedules will come out soon
USL & NASL focus on 2010 but both will begin looking at their long-term business plan
NY & ATL decisions made by those organizations, not USSF, USL, or NASL
Name: “USSF Division 2″ – willing to align with a corporate partner if interest is there for the next year.
USSF will not be as involved next year
Personal comment – I guess Atlanta will take Portland or Vancouver’s place once they move on the MLS

That’s all for now. The Silverbacks won’t play till possibly 2011.

Sorry for the messy blog. First time doing live posting. I will learn and work on improving things for the next goround.

Announcement from USSF here.