Home / Local / Cosmos’ COO Stover details NASL’s antitrust stance, MLS/USSF ties at fan event

Cosmos’ COO Stover details NASL’s antitrust stance, MLS/USSF ties at fan event

By on 09/29/2015
IMAGE, DAVE MARTINEZ FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by DAVE MARTINEZ

Despite saying he was “not at liberty” to discuss the NASL’s potential antitrust lawsuit against U.S. Soccer, New York Cosmos COO Erik Stover certainly painted a bright picture for the league’s case.

Meeting with Cosmos fans for a Q&A viewing party in New York City this weekend, Stover explained, at length, the league’s position for a potential lawsuit against American soccer’s governing body.

“When the Cosmos joined the NASL, there has been a clear pattern of moving the goal on [NASL], and that is something the Department of Justice looks very negatively upon,” Stover began.

The goal Stover is referring to is the evolving Division I standards which are being proposed within USSF requiring a Division I league to have at least 16 teams (Up from 12), 75 percent of the teams in the league must have a population of at least two million (up from one million) and all stadiums must have a seating capacity of 15,000.

Stover labeled these new standards “crazy.”

“The Premier League would not be first division under US Soccer’s rules because Bournemouth stadium is under 15,000. La Liga wouldn’t be first division because Eibar and one other team is under 15k. Atletic Bilbao wouldn’t be allowed in the American first division and it’s crazy. [Requirements] changed and it’s changed every year for the past three years.”

The NASL served notice to the USSF through attorney Jeffrey Kessler, a high-powered sports and antitrust lawyer, warning the Federation of potential litigation over these changes.

But the issue doesn’t stop with first division standards. As Stover explains, reports over the matter do not even “scratch the surface” of what the league hopes to challenge. The deeper issue is the embedded alliance between MLS and the USSF — a nonprofit organization whose stated goal is “to promote and govern the state of soccer in the United States.”

“How can we ever be first division if you keep changing the rules and your committee is made up of nine people from the MLS, someone from the USL, three from the Women’s league and [NASL Commissioner] Bill Peterson?” Stover said.

The Cosmos COO cites several vital tie-ins between MLS and U.S. Soccer that challenge the mission of the national organization. Those include “stacking” the USSF board with MLS operatives, tying sponsorships between the Federation and MLS, MLS’s new affiliation with USL and the mutual USSF, MLS TV deal which Stover says rewards MLS a larger cut than they should be entitled to.

Stover highlighted the collusion with a damning accusation, pointing a finger at MLS and U.S. Soccer for “planting” an article in the New York Times to hurt the NASL. The story in question focuses on the FIFAGate scandal hitting the shores of the U.S. in the form of a fan protest against the Traffic Sports’ owned Carolina RailHawks — a key player in the FIFA scandal.

“They put that article in the paper,” Stover insisted. “That is what we are going to be dealing with and I know we will be ready for the fight”

With what Stover labels “a fundamental problem in the way soccer is run in this country,” the NASL has enlisted Kessler to represent the league — who he labels “one of the most renown attorneys in this country.”

“Our lawyer is as good as they come and he doesn’t take cases he thinks he has a chance of losing,” Stover explained. “Kessler beat the NFL with the Tom Brady deflategate thing — and not a little bit — he whipped their ass!”

Admittedly, Stover says he doesn’t know where the NASL’s position will lead them. “I am not involved in the day to day discussions,” he said. “I know the NASL is very serious and has sent a letter to US Soccer and there will be discussions in the near future.”

Until then, he looks at the entire issue as “a game of chess.”

“NASL made its first move,” he said. “Now we are waiting for US Soccer to make the next move. Obviously, we are trying to win the game, but how we win the game we don’t necessarily know for sure.”

For full audio of the event, visit THIS IS COSMOS COUNTRY PODCAST on soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ticc_pod/cosmos-country-podcast-extra-cosmos-coo-erik-stover-qa

UPDATE: A previous version of this article stated USSF passed the proposed D1 standard changes. That is inaccurate. The changes are still in a stage of consideration and have not been brought to vote.

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  • Freddie Football

    What’s the endgame here for NASL?

    -Division one status
    -Seats on US Soccer board
    -Pro/rel with MLS
    -Merger/Absorbing top teams
    -Fundamentally breaking MLS’ single entity
    -The systematic destruction of MLS

    With MNU leaving and San Antonio possibly dropping, the NASL will be down to 11 teams. MLS will be at 22 teams for 2017.

  • Having a reasonable opportunity to gain Div. 1 status is the end game. NASL believes that USSF’s position that MLS shall have exclusive D1 status in perpetuity hurts attendance and investment.

    • DanGerman

      Leo they currently have a reasonable opportunity, its up to them to to get there. The NASl should just focus on improving the league and building it to a point where they being to meet those standards. IF the goals move yet again it is because the baseline (MLS) improved and they need to meet that, if they don’t have the money and resources to get there then it isn’t anyone’s fault save their own.

      • Anonymous

        Two problems with that

        1.) As they improve, USSF will just keep shifting the goals
        2.) It will be difficult to improve and attract investment when it becomes clear that USSF will always be stacking the deck against them

        I’m not even a Cosmos fan and I want to see the overly cosey relationship between MLS, SUM, and USSF broken up. There are no checks and balances

        • DanGerman

          Currently the NASL is on a waiver from the USSF to be recognized as D2 they need to focus on being a solid D2 before they should focus on being D1. I don’t think that’s unreasonable to achieve for the NASL. What the NASL is doing would be similar to a baseball player sueing the HOF for having “unrealistic” standards when his lifetime batting average is .260. They just need to focus on improving the product and the infrastructure of the league.

          • slowleftarm

            What other country has multiple D1 leagues? I’m in favor of pro/rel but having NASL as a “rival” D1 is counterproductive.

            • Pumpkin Donuts and Coffee

              But MLS is not in favor. I agree that having two first division leagues is counterproductive, but I see having one first division hurting the lower divisions plus non-MLS affiliated youth leagues as worse. The NASL is a least trying to do good by the lower divisions while MLS is out for MLS.

              I’m saying this as a person who don’t even support any NASL teams.

              • DanGerman

                The NASL is trying to do good by the NASL. Notice that the USL has NO argument with regards to the USSF standards. All they’re doing is improving their league and expanding to new markets, they’re focusing on being D2 and honestly its not a matter of if but when they get D2 recognition. Also if the news coming out of San Antonio comes to pass that could be very damaging to the NASL, since having one of the few teams that is one very popular and two has its own facilities leaving to the USL is not going to help.

                • Pumpkin Donuts and Coffee

                  The USL is MLS’s footstool. San Antonio leaving is not going to hurt when three more teams are currently trying to get approved from the NASL (San Francisco City FC, Detroit City FC and Oklahoma City FC (That’s a lot of teams with “city FC” at the end)). Teams leaving is normal in American soccer. MLS folded three teams in they’re history while the USL went through a large group leaving to form a new league (the NASL) and a rumor of even another group of teams leaving to form another league.

                  I agree and disagree that the NASL is only out for NASL. Look at it this way: If they continue to grow as a ranked 2 league, they will continue to die slowly like the other lower divisions, but there will be hope if they become first division. With the NASL already in talks with merging with the NPSL (A league that covers most of the United States) then I see the NASL good for both themselves and for American soccer.

                • Tom

                  D3 Usl does not meet USSF requirements for the FC Montreal farm team – they played many of their games this year in a stadium that has less than the required 1K seating and no controllable ingress/egress.

                  You may think you have a crystal ball but Usl’s not getting D2 without waivers if they even are successful at all. There’s no guarantee they get D2 sanctioning although with MLS’s unfair relationship with USSF and Usl being MLS’s minor league reserve/affiliate league you never know.

                  • Paul Berry

                    NASL average attendances CAPS, top 12 average USL attendances non-caps.
                    Cincinattini 16,790
                    Sacramento 11,494
                    MINNESOTA 8,475
                    INDY 8,188
                    Louisville 7,151
                    San Antonio 6,118
                    TAMPA BAY 5,754
                    OTTAWA 5,632
                    CAROLINA 5,303
                    OKC Energy 4,999
                    MIAMI 4,894
                    St Louis 4,889
                    Tulsa 4,225
                    RAYO OKC 4,128
                    Richmond 4,005
                    JACKSONVILLE 3,950
                    Charleston 3,945
                    PUERTO RICO 3,781
                    COSMOS 3,734
                    Rochester 3,717
                    Wilmington 3,083
                    Colorada SS 3,069
                    EDMONTON 2,237
                    FORT LAUDERDALE 1,350

            • Tom

              India.

              North America is unlike most of the rest of the world without pro/rel and can support two D1 leagues.

          • sportzfrk

            What waiver do they have? And if you say west coast teams, you’re wrong because they have until Feb. 2017 (three years from the last amendment)

          • Anonymous

            a stacked deck is a stacked deck

            • Well Dan, I guess we will see if there is an anti trust violation or not. But as Sunil said himself, to divest MLS franchises of exclusive D1 status would be an “expropriation of assets”. That doesn’t sound to me like they want to give anyone else a chance to become D1. The evidence is pretty damning.

              • DanGerman

                Or they want to foster a health D1, maybe the NASL should lump its rights with MLS and the USSF and take a cut of that money. That way the league would finally get paid on a TV deal.

                • Your denying words that came right from the mouth of Sunil Gulati. If someone comes in with a more attractive product, it doesn’t matter because to take away exclusive D1 status would be an expropriation of assets. That’s quite a statement, and very likely will bite him in the ass badly if it goes to litigation. As to the TV deal, One World Sports has plans, so we will see. At least NASL is not locked in to a shitty long term deal like MLS is.

                  • DanGerman

                    That shitty long term deal pays each MLS team 3.9 mil a season. I would think the NASL would love to have something similar.

                    • Today? Yes. 7 years from now? No, they wouldn’t.

                    • nobody except the worst MLS sycophants believes that that is a good long term deal.

                    • A must read if you care about the future of soccer in this country.

                      http://www.soccernomics-agency.com/?p=692

                    • Paul Berry

                      As of June 9 last year 10 Premier League clubs were more than $100 million in debt. The average debt in the Championship is $80 million. Real Madrid are $750 million in debt, Barcelona $530 million. “Football is a funny old game”, as an eccentric English soccer player once said.
                      Anyway, the above article is based on nothing more than rumor and speculation. MLS investment is of course speculative but I don’t think there’s any proof MLS is in financial trouble.

                    • slowleftarm

                      Leo, you believe that seven years from now NASL will have a TV deal worth $3.9m per team per season? I sure don’t. More likely NASL is defunct and lower division soccer consists of an expanded USL and maybe some other league that forms in the interim.

                    • DanGerman

                      Leo,

                      I thought you were better then that, you give me a link to some guy who bases is numbers on hearsay and “Anonymous” sources. As a lawyer you know that’s no good. At the end of the day for 7 years each MLS club will get around 3 million dollars, what is so bad about that?

                    • “Some guy”? You’re kidding, right? And why is everyone obsessed with my profession? Stop making me a subject of your conversation please.

                    • DanGerman

                      Yeah buddy some guy on a blog, who post very little facts and hearsay. Don’t care if he’s a professor, he needs to show his “work” and he doesn’t. So once you give me something from a viable source then I’ll take it seriously.

                    • So you’ve never heard of Soccernomics? OK then.

                    • slowleftarm

                      Leo, maybe we’d lay off your profession if your name didn’t include a link to your firm’s website. You do that 1) to troll for business and 2) because you think people will be impressed.

                    • Slowleftarm’s obsessive jealousy of me just depresses the **** out of me. Can someone please tell him to stop talking about me. It’s sad, and embarrassing, to both of us.

                    • slowleftarm

                      Leo please tell us about all of your amazing made-up accomplishments again.

          • Tom

            NASL is not on a waiver to be D2.

            MLS was on a waiver to be D1 with San Jose being in a 13K stadium for quite a few years until this year.

  • Larry’s A Simpleton
  • Jim

    I’m really curious to see how Rebecca Ruiz of the NY Times responds, if she does, to this allegation. That’s pretty strong stuff (i.e. actionable) from Stover if he doesn’t have any proof.

    • Ulrich

      She responded on Twitter:

      “What turned us on to NASL’s ties to Traffic? The US indictment unsealed 5/27, graph 30”

  • Larry’s A Simpleton

    Hey erik! Reyna likes his coffee with milk and two sugars. remember that for next year when you’re interning in the bronx.

    • Anonymous

      slightly off topic: Reyna will be lucky to have a job next year after the job he’s done in the bronx

  • REAL OpenCupFans know nasl teams are bad

    agree with Dan German that if the nasl truly has real D1 aspirations they should strive to meet the ever improving standards (which soccer fans in the US should applaud are getting greater and greater). USSF offers waivers anyhow and would grant them for Bournemouth like instances, as a matter of fact nasl doesn’t even currently meet lower standards needing multiple teams in time zones etc. but they get a waiver.

    IF they think the partnership with USSF is bad, then they should all get academies like MLS teams, develop young future talent for the US, and then USSF may take a greater interest in them like in the MLS b/c it benefits both parties.

    It seems that the nasl teams are really losing on the field, as well as business wise and are now resorting to litigation (which won’t really gain them any fans?). Who even cares if USSF tells them they are D1 also, they still cannot compete close to MLS – they can’t even beat USL teams?…

    • sportzfrk

      NASL doesn’t need a waiver for West Coast teams because they don’t have to meet that requirement until Feb. 2017 (three years from amendment)

      So try again. What’s the NASL on waiver for?

      • Pumpkin Donuts and Coffee

        Plus, San Francisco City FC is on the verge of getting approved to start in 2017 (if everything goes right in today’s NASL board meeting with the club owner).

        • DanGerman

          SF City Fc is NOT the group that wants to put a club in SF. So I’m interested to see who is though. Also the owners have voted against keeping ATL league run, so I would think they’re folding.

      • Tom

        Correct, NASL are not on any waiver. There’s so much disinformation from the anti-NASL crowd who dont follow the league or educate themselves on it to properly comment on the league.

  • HydraHamster

    I agree with the NASL all up until the statement of the USSF or MLS putting out an article to hurt them. That could be true or false, but it will look bad if it’s false.

    On the main topic:

    People seem to forget that the USSF do not run like the rest of the world and that there is truly only one division. Major League Soccer is the only division within the USSF while the other so-called divisions our considered as ranked leagues. The rankings only serve for the placement of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Without that tournament, those ranked leagues would struggle and die faster instead of slowly. There is a difference between a ranked league and a division. For there to truly be divisions, there must be promotion and relegation, but without it, the only purpose the “lower division” have is being a feeder league or be random.

    MLS have the USSF and American soccer wrapped around them where the only thing that is allowed to grow is them. I used to be a fan of MLS until seeing that fact. The NASL have a solid plan of merging with the NPSL and having promotion and relegation with them if they become first division, not MLS (like what another comment said). The NPSL have a large amount of teams, but only a small few are professional quality. Also, that merger will have to lead to redesigning the NPSL to fit the image of the other leagues around the world. With Minnesota United leaving, the NASL is currently on the verge of approving Detroit City FC, San Francisco City FC and Oklahoma City. The news supposed to come in yesterday or today on if any of those teams made it through for a 2017 expansion.

  • Kevin

    This is all going to be very interesting. The USSF is a strangely run organization. I want nothing more to see the Cosmos playing on the highest level, but i do agree that this is the United States and we don’t have 2 leagues that are division one at the same time. Unless you suddenly shift everyone around and make 2 conferences in the league

    • Tom

      US doesnt have divisions in other sports like soccer does either but no reason not to have two D1 leagues if the market supports them.

      NHL and WHA were both major leagues in hockey, different qualities of league as the NHL was better and much older but both major leagues. No one told them how big their arena’s needed to be or how many teams they needed to be considered major league or the population size of markets.

      • Anonymous

        The National League and American League (baseball) and NFL/AFL (football), the NFL/USFL…

  • US Soccer

    MLS has evolved over the years and these standards are for any new teams wishing to join MLS, let alone any other leagues wanting to play at the 1st division level. NASL are the new kids on the block and it seems they want to be pros, but they don’t have the goods yet to play at that level. The teams mentioned from overseas have large fan bases in spite of some smaller venues. They have also been around for along time and play in countries where Soccer/Football is the premier sport in that country. That is not the case here in the US. Some of the standards proposed are to ensure that these teams will succeed. As with the population requirements, you’re team is not going to make it if its based in a market that doesn’t have the population to fill a stadium, buy their stuff, or watch them on tv. The stadium requirements will ensure you can support interleague play with MLS teams. They will need stadiums that are large enough for the MLS fans to come watch their teams play the NASL teams and be able to support their own fan base as it grows. Large cities like NYC, Baltimore, Miami, LA, etc. are the target areas to base teams and stadiums. Small towns are not going to cut it in the big leagues. You need to be based in a large city, or close enough to it to get people to come see you play. The NASL teams should seek out support from other sports venues who can support those numbers, as MLS did, until they can build venues of their own that meet all the standards. NYCFC got Yankee stadium and has been successful. In the old days the Cosmos used Yankee stadium and the Meadowlands because they had no home of their own and pulled large crowds. Hofstra and anywhere else in Long Island, is not the place for an “iconic” team like the Cosmos, or any other team for that matter. They would pull much larger crowds in the city.

    • Pumpkin Donuts and Coffee

      But MLS got there because:

      1. They are a first division league.
      2. They got help from the USSF to get that international TV deals.
      3. They are using UEFA league veterans for quick fame.
      4. It took MLS over a decade to all of those things you talked about (a clear example is San Jose Earthquakes recently moving out of a 10,000 seat stadium).

      What you are seeing is the cause and effects of there being no true division, but MLS. In order to be a division, you must become a first division league or MLS must do promotion and relegation. With MLS saying they are not for promotion and relegation, being first division is the next step.

      • DanGerman

        MLS got there by spending MILLIONS on infrastructure(Stadiums, training grounds, etc) and player salaries. Now that they are having something that looks like success another league wants the same D1 status without putting in the money,time or work needed to get there. Nothing about the NASl screams D1 at the moment no one aside from SA have a SSS that was designed for them and collectively the league average attendance is less then half of what MLS averages. You simply need to build the league to a point where you can argue that they are even close to MLS because right now the NASL is the 5 yr old kid worrying about whether M.I.T will accept him when he applies to college. They shouldn’t worry about D1 they NEED to focus on the task at hand which is building a solid D2.

        • Pumpkin Donuts and Coffee

          You must not know much about how MLS pay the players compared from this year and last year before the players almost went on strike. Also, most of the MLS teams go stadiums by taxing the cities while only a few paid out of pocket. The training ground is also a laugh considering some MLS teams took almost two decades to start one.

          How you say that nothing scream D1 about the NASL can be said about the MLS in it’s first decade and a half of operating. Even with MLS being a first division league, they needed large help from the USSF and from the USMNT’s fame to get where they are at. The NASL did not get any help from USSF nor are any other lower division league unless they sniff MLS’s rare end like the USL. The USL may have beaten most of NASL teams in the Open Cup, but ever since they allowed MLS reserve teams in they’re league, they lost mine and many other fans respect. The funny thing is, before the MLS partnership, I supported the USL-Pro because they was a league that had teams that developed players better than both MLS and the NASL combined. I feel those independent clubs within the USL had the raw end of that deal because now they are grouped with players that did not make the MLS squad.

          Also, there is no such thing as a division lower than one because the others don’t even matter unless they are a MLS feeder league. Without promotion and relegation, all the NASL and other “lower division” leagues are are ranked leagues for US Open Cup games.

          • DanGerman

            So lets give the NASL 15 years to get to the point where MLS is now and then we can revisit this conversation. Until then the “lawsuit” from NASL may turn out to be an empiric victory at best, similiar to the USFL’s suit against the NFL.

            • DanGerman

              Also what players were paid in the old CBA is still more then the average NASL player gets paid right now, so what’s your point?

              • Pumpkin Donuts & Coffee

                How can I put it; The NASL clubs are paying players as much as they can afford. Currently, the only thing the NASL have going for them are a ESPN3 and One World Sports TV deal and that’s it. That’s more than what MLS could do when they first started off. Unless you are rich, American sports is the worse thing to invest your money into because everything is made for the rich man to get richer, not for the best teams to get richer. They MLS can afford to pay players good because they have great TV deals and a yearly CONCACAF league tournament that gives players even more money just by entering. Everything leads back to the NASL needing to be D1 so the clubs within it can truly grow. That’s not going to happy if the MLS and USSF continue running things the way they are.

                It’s funny how fans boo a corrupt FIFA and CONCACAF, but cheer at the same time for a corrupt MLS and USSF.

                • DanGerman

                  So you’re complaining of not having rich enough owners to compete with MLS then? Also having D1 status is not going to magically make everything better. Sponsors will still choose MLS over NASL and fans will not all of sudden appear at the stadiums. Saying a YUGO is a sports car doesn’t make it one my friend.

                  • Pumpkin Donuts & Coffee

                    It’s not complaining they are not rich enough, it’s that the riches club owners instead of the best clubs are allowed to be in MLS. That’s not growing American soccer, that’s just grow Fan Entertainment.

                    • DanGerman

                      But Pump, you can’t force owners to spend there money on NASL if they don’t want too. You need to create a product that is enticing, going through litigation is not the way to do it. As a matter a fact I would think it would make people LESS likely to join up.

                • Cirris

                  You know you talk about “not being a fan of any NASL team”. But you come off as the biggest NASL nuthugger in this discussion.

            • Pumpkin Donuts & Coffee

              I agree. A least give the NASL a realistic time line until they can get all those things.

              • DanGerman

                But its not the USSF that’s creating the problems for the NASL. It’s not them that got them involved with Traffic and its not them that caused franchises in Virginia and OKC to not happen and for the attendance issues of the Strikers, Eddies and Cosmos.

                • OpenCupFan

                  What illegal activity has Traffic committed to assist NASL. Still haven’t heard one.

              • DanGerman

                So when NASL teams sign over the hill players (Raul) its cool but when MLS does it its bad? Come on man think! If NASL teams could afford it they would have tried to sign those players but they can’t because it doesn’t make financial sense for them, and that’s not a bad thing they just need to get to that point where they can compete with MLS for those player.

            • Tom

              NASL’s created a stable strong D2 and done well as a 5 yr old league.

              Moving the goalposts to protect a 20 year old MLS league the way its been done by USSF is simply wrong and unfair and done to protect them.

              Leave it at 12 clubs and a reasonable stadium size for 75% of clubs like 10K and have that as your D1 requirements. Market will decide the major pro independent leagues (MLS/NASL)performance and success.

  • OpenCupFan

    I’m going an over/under of 85 comments on this article.
    .
    It will be interesting (really boring) to see mls bots justify IGNORING CENTURIES OF AMERICAN HISTORY to support the continued existence of the mls MONOPOLY and ratify the double dealing of corrupt USSF helping mls and no other league in US – none.
    .
    Speaking of double dealing and conflicts of interest – wonder what D.O.J. thinks about USSF getting his salary from mls?
    (Btw, now that USL is a mls reserve league it is also de facto a part of mls)

    • DanGerman

      Please don’t try to be clever, you don’t pull it off at all. So what about the Gettysburg address has implications about this? Or maybe you meant the war of 1812. Stop, you can’t do it and the more you talk the less you make sense.

      • OpenCupFan

        Did you skip the years they spoke about monopolies? In school? Or did you go the Putin school of history and public speaking?

        • DanGerman

          Monopolies like MLB, NFL, NHL and the NBA. Those monopolies? Yeah I know of them and honestly history is on MLS’s side not NASL. You realize that, right?

          • OpenCupFan

            mls bot malfunctioning , alert alert alert
            .
            Alert!

            • DanGerman

              You must go through a lot of tin foil at home, please call 1-800-LIFENET there are people their that can really help you in this time of mental health issues. I’m serious get help.

              • OpenCupFan

                You should go to history.com and learn about monopolies in the US, or if you can read go open a book.

                • DanGerman

                  I was a history major in college so don’t need too, but I’d suggest you call that number I gave you.

                  • OpenCupFan

                    If you don’t know the benefits of the free market (as demonstrated by US history in particular) then you went to some sh$t show college – or your daddy’s rich.
                    .
                    #bushleaguemlsbotshaverichdaddys

                    • DanGerman

                      I absolutely know the benefits of a free market and the NASL and MLS are free to sign anyone they wish. So explain to me why Herculez Gomez decided to sign with Toronto for LESS money then the Cosmos were offering? And why Giovanni Dos Santos, KAKA, Gerrard, Pirlo, Villa and a whole host of other players signed with MLS clubs instead of NASL ones? What could of compelled those players to sign with MLS instead of NASL?

                    • Pumpkin Donuts & Coffee

                      Pick me OpenCupFan!!!!!!! I know the answer.

                      Considering how MLS overpay for those players and the type of country the United States is, it should not be no shocker older players would pick MLS over one NASL club. Also, Gomez is at the end of his ropes weather he pick the Cosmos or not. MLS may given Gomez the lowest offer, but Canadian teams can get into CONCACAF Championship League easily. It don’t even take being the best MLS team, just do good in a crappy Canadian tournament that even Montreal won.

                    • MTF

                      Marcos Senna didn’t even realize that the Cosmos didn’t play D1 soccer when he signed!

  • OpenCupFan

    Quick Q – what other country has multiple divisions 4s? We have many.

  • OpenCupFan

    How many people here think they can create a d1 league if they get to keep the tv money brought in by the Men’s and Women’s US Nationsl teams?

  • US Soccer

    I agree that MLS has issues. I like a lot of the things NASL brings to American soccer, and I think the world is a better place with NASL in it. But they are not ready to be Division 1 yet. They need to merge in some capacity with MLS and the 2 of them need to work out their differences. We need a 2 division system and NASL as the new kids on the block must start on the bottom and work their way up. I am an advocate for Promotion and Relegation. But you cant just start at the top.

    • OpenCupFan

      mls just started at the top. You know there were other existing leagues at the time.
      .
      NASL is stronger than mls so far, mls is nothing w/o USSF support, NASL has everything on its own.

    • DanGerman

      There will never be a merger between the leagues. When MLS can just come in and take whatever franchises they wish, Minn utd and Montreal for example. There is no need for a merger, and honestly a merger only benefits NASL as suddenly those franchises are now worth a whole lot more then they were before, while MLS gets teams like Edmonton that can’t get more then 4k. Now if all the NASL clubs had built stadiums and got good crowds then it makes sense but until then merging creates a weakened league.

      • OpenCupFan

        Biggest difference between FC Edmonton and half the McWendys in McWendys league soccer is that … Drum roll … FC Edmonton is profitable.
        .
        #bushleaguemlsbot

        • DanGerman

          HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA

          YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT!!!

          • DanGerman

            How does a club that averages 3k and has immense travel expenses become profitable? Please do enlighten me on that point, because from all outside appearances they are losing money hand over fist.

          • OpenCupFan

            Look into before you talk.

            • DanGerman

              So your answer to making an outrageous claim about Edmonton being profitable is for me to look into it!? WOW dude, you are a class of crazy I’ve never seen in my life.

              • OpenCupFan

                I’m not doing your research, you claim they’re losing money – prove it. Good luck buddy.
                .
                You know how I know mls teams are losing money? mls cries about it all, the time.

  • SnoProblem

    MLS got there because they built a first division, not because they were labeled first division. MLS of the 90’s was third division quality, at best. Early 00’s required very rich guys funneling money into the league and shutting down teams just to survive. That’s including paying money to ESPN to get a few games aired.

    Some guy buys the Cosmos name and wants money just thrown at NASL? Sorry, bub, that name only carries weight with 80’s soccer fans. The fans showing up at the gate today don’t hold it in the same regard. Build the league if you want the league to be better.

    Yes, USL PRO was a mess for quite a few years. NASL broke off to get away from that, which is commendable. If they want to build a better mousetrap, though, they’d better be willing to do the actual “build” part. Nobody’s going to drop it off at your doorstep.

    Now we have the Cosmos tail wagging the NASL dog, dragging them into another expensive legal struggle. For what? They’re pissing off other NASL owners, possibly driving SAS to USL/NPSL. Who knows where the Railhawks will end up and word is that the Rowdies are none too impressed, either. So, Cosmos could end up with a parallel D1 charter and multiple teams walking out. How does that help the league?

    It’s a damn disaster that accomplishes exactly zero in the goal to have a viable 2nd division league. At this rate, USL (who should remain D3) is going to end up with the D2 tag while NASL is out picking internal and external fights. What a waste.

  • REAL OpenCupFans know nasl teams are bad

    MLS teams also built academies and are developing young US talent for the future. The nasl is doing nothing in this regard – again very minor league and 3rd division like!

    • Pumpkin Donuts & Coffee

      What player did MLS developed without the lower divisions and college soccer developing them first? Even players from MLS’s homegrown squad was developed else where before joining MLS (that includes Yedlin). Also, it took MLS past a decade and a half to build academies. For the longest, they just drafted players in from college.

      • Right, the Red Bull “Academy” is no different from Cosmos B, only less successful.

        • Pumpkin Donuts & Coffee

          Never said Cosmos B is successful than the Red Bulls, but since we are that topic, for a young club the Cosmos are going a great job trying to develop players. The Red Bulls had 20 years to build on they’re while the Cosmos and NASL itself is still considered new.

        • slowleftarm

          How is Cosmos B more successful than RBNY’s academy? Guys like Miazga and Tyler Adams were developed by RBNY and are playing for the USMNT age group teams. Guys like Wright and Velala may be Cosmos players for now but they weren’t developed there.

        • MTF

          I’d love to see Cosmos B play Red Bulls II. That’s the only way to determine the better team. Red Bulls II are in their first season of play in the USL and have already won a playoff game. Red Bulls Under 23 won the NPSL National Title last year, and are now in the PDL. I’d say they are at least equally successful as Cosmos B.

          • William

            really boy you went a long way to reach your conclusions through a maze of assumptions and predictions. I disagree.

            • slowleftarm

              So MTF gave a list of actual accomplishments by RB academy sides (he didn’t even mention their successful academy youth teams at lower age levels) and you say “I disagree.” At some point don’t you need facts or is following the Cosmos just a matter of blind faith?

    • The Realist

      In 1994, before there was MLS, the US made it to the Round of 16 at the World Cup.

      20 years later, thanks to MLS developing players, the US made it to the round of 16 at the World Cup.

      So let’s shut the **** up about how great a job MLS has done developing players.

      • The Realist

        And, for the record, I support MLS and Red Bulls, but **** development of players is **** development of players.

  • OpenCupFan

    20 years mls developing talent and national team is half Euro, great job mls.

    • slowleftarm

      And how many UMSNT developed by NASL? Ibarra – and even he’s gone already and the club he played for is joining MLS.

      • OpenCupFan

        In 6 months, NASL has developed as many as McWendys league soccer has in 20 years.

        • slowleftarm

          Like who?

          • OpenCupFan

            Seriously? You and DangerMan are the only things mls produces.

            • slowleftarm

              What USMNT players has NASL produced? I’m still waiting.

              • OpenCupFan

                What a straw man argument.
                1 – If mls isn’t producing world class talent for the usmnt then why does it get all these perks from USSF?
                .
                That’s the question. 20 years and the USMNT is half Europeans, mls is a failure. Definitely time to look elsewhere.
                .
                Again, why is the USMNT giving money to mls? That should concern al, of us.

                • slowleftarm

                  It isn’t “half Europeans”

                  Next straw man argument please.

                  • The Realist

                    Let’s be real. MLS is not producing world class talent and as the
                    “fist division” they should be. The USMNT, at this point in MLS history, have to be scrambling to find Europeans whose fathers were US servicemen who were to Goddamn lazy to buy condoms.

                    Let’s call MLS on this “developing talent for the Nats bullshit.”

                    As for NASL, they’re the 2nd division so logically they wouldn’t have a great National team presence.

                    None of which changes the fact that MLS is **** at producing international quality players.

  • OpenCupFan

    Damn, already up to 50 comments, you should have taken the over!

    • Bx County

      I’m dying of laughter. 19 of them are yours. You ticking fucking time bomb.

      • OpenCupFan

        I can’t believe you counted. You’re the best.

        • Bx County

          I can’t believe you posted 1/3 of the comments and pointed to the post count as proof of fake Cosmos legitimacy, aspy.

          • slowleftarm

            And another third of the comments are from Leo Glickman trolling for clients.

          • OpenCupFan

            Not exactly what happened. I pointed out the number of posts b/c the NASL/Cosmos articles generally get the most hits on here – generally b/c of posts/attacks from mls bots claiming nobody cares about the Cosmos/NASL. So, yeah, It was a prediction, kind of obvious one really given the history in here, but my posts didn’t make it so, not even close.
            .
            Not sure what my count is, but assuming you’re right (approximately low 20s), last count was at 93 or so, so I’m not quite 1/3, but to be fair everyone’s posts should be counted and I bet that the leaders of that count in NASL/Cosmos articles wouldn’t even be fans of the team(s).

  • Soccer in Cinci

    This is NASL’s cry of desperation. If the clear majority (only Cosmos have a half way decent chance) of teams in the NASL cannot even compete against the quality of teams in the MLS, what makes them D1 ready? While trying to make a weak league into something it is not, we might as well Scrap NCAA football, pay the players and make them “D1” status in football. This will only hurt soccer in America. If they were to become D1 all teams (MLS and NASL) will get hit hard. NASL MAY get some more fans who defect from MLS due to proximity, but it will cause more confusion then anything. It has been proven time and time again a multiple “D1” division does not work. MLS is growing, and this makes it seem as if NASL is just trying to jump on board a fast money train instead of building their own tracks. If we want to improve the soccer quality and competition in the country we need to go to a relegation system (and Garber leave the Scene)

    • OpenCupFan

      What’s makes mls d1 if it is only survive because of USSF protection?

  • OpenCupFan

    FYI – given the level of analysis of DangerMans posts, I want to go on the record that I don’t believe he went to an accredited school in the US. But, I don’t doubt he has a certificate of completion from mls bot technical re-education school.

  • OpenCupFan

    DangerMan – paying more to selected employees demonstrate free market, whole point of a monopoly is having mores money than you deserve.
    .
    Real question is why is money that was earned by the USMNT and women’s too actually being used to pay mls’ bills?
    .
    Hey, where can I sign up to get some of the money made by the men’s and women’s USNTs?

    • DanGerman

      Nope a Monopoly is having NO competition at ALL, as you just confirmed that is not the case. Thanks for making my point.

      • OpenCupFan

        Why is USMNT money being used to support mls? mls monopoly.
        .
        Incidentally, your post proves the level of your education. That argument was of Putin level analyses, congrats.

        • DanGerman

          Now I know why you don’t post on bigsoccer anymore, this level of “intelligence” obviously got you banned. You need to start a conspiracy theory soccer blog! LOL

          • OpenCupFan

            When you got your sh$t show history diploma from that Putin approved learning institution they clearly didn’t teach how to do any research. Go look into tv contract USSF got before they bundled with mls and the tv contract they had to settle for when they bundled with mls.
            .
            You still haven’t told us the name of that spectacular (sarcasm) institution where you got your (b.s.) history diploma – I’d love to what school gives out history diplomas w/o teaching anything about monopolies, or doing research. Does your diploma have the word Putin on it?

            • DanGerman

              Why should I tell you anything on this website,but you know what when I get my breakfest at the McDonalds drive thru that you work at I’ll tell you what school I went too. So tell me when you’re working and where and I’ll stop by. I’ll just have coffee cause I really don’t eat at Mikey D’s, Just ask to work the drive thru that morning and we’ll chat. Sound fair?

              • OpenCupFan

                Lol, omg, you’re such an ignorant ass, it is for sure clear now you’re happy being an mls bot regurgitating press release talking points from your masters because you can’t come up with one interesting thought on your own.
                .
                Lol, you ignorant failed abortion attempt, you volunteered your history diploma, as if it wasn’t clear from your posts that you have, in fact, no education. Hey, nothing wrong with that, but just don’t pretend you have a degree if you can’t research any facts to support your posts – claiming you have a history diploma doesn’t impress anyone if you don’t even remember anything about the free market you learned in grade school and high school, you stupid sack.
                .
                Well, it’s pretty clear a person with your analytical ability didn’t get a diploma at any institution not endorsed by the Putin Academy of Logistics and Rhetoric.
                .
                Oh, last thing, you elitist piece of crap, nothing wrong with people working at McDonalds, it’s an honest job where people can collect a paycheck . Many Americans have worked at a McDonalds or similar business at one point or other in their lives, it’s sad that you hold your dumb ass self above a group of people just because of where they work. I criticize you for the sadly pathetic nature of your arguments and accompanying analyses, but instead you want to mock people for their employment options, you definitely missed a lot of important lessons they teach in our American schools.
                .
                ****, you’re so dumb you probably believe Sunil is working at USSF for free.
                .
                Support your local independent soccer clubs!

                • Soccer in Cinci

                  When do you know when your in the wrong? When your last resort is to begin name calling and talking ****^^^^^^ Are you watching the Open cup Final Tonight OpenCupFan? Because I don’t know if you know it or not but…. NASL got knocked out a long time ago. You call people who disagree with you MLS bots, but honestly what does that make you? Your classifying people as MLS bots when your nothing more then a NASL bot. Don’t act as if you have come up with these ideas on your own. I honestly feel sorry for you OpenCupFan. You have really shown your character through that past argument, and no one like that can truly be happy with their life. You talk a big talk when your sitting behind a screen but we all know your the person who has no spine and would NEVER talk they way you do in person.

                  • OpenCupFan

                    I would react to things in person just like I did here, no doubt about it. Unlike you, I won’t accept someone trying to demean another person because of their economic status. Too bad this is a foreign concept to you.

                    • Soccer in Cinci

                      Oh because what you said was better? Two wrongs make a right? Is that it? I honestly in all my heart feel bad for you. I do not know your religious beliefs and I may just be opening myself up for more of your “Blog Justice” but I will pray for you. Last thing I have to say is; enjoy the game tonight!

                    • DanGerman

                      I never attached a negative connotation to working at McD’s. It’s a very valid line of work, I just used an educated guess as to your employment. That is all.

  • TJ

    Ok.
    1. NASL was here in the 70’s-80’s then folded.
    2. MLS came in 95 and was the only league as D1 therefore they have D1 status.
    3. The USSF should not be continuously resetting D1 requirements without justification.
    4. NASL is nowhere near D1 ready as they barely have 11(?) teams and are losing MUFC.
    5. They should focus on building a stronger and more NASL.
    6. NASL should have more representation on the USSF board, but tbf many of the MLS owners (Kraft, AEG, the Hunt Family) are board members because of their investment in american soccer.
    7. There is a symbiotic relationship between MLS and USSF.
    8. MLS is D1 why the hell would anyone expect them to willingly want anybody else to gain D1 status.

    As a MLS fan and a US Soccer fan I want to see exciting, fun and exellent soccer across the board-MLS,NASL,USL,NPSL and beyond. But that’s not gonna happen with everyone looking out for themselves.

    • I agree with most of this. I would just say I don’t think the problem is MLS, the problem is the USSF. MLS is just being what it is, a business. So is NASL. The USSF is not doing it’s job, which is being a non-profit charity supporting the best interest of soccer in this country, if its driving concern is protecting the investment of MLS franchise owners.

    • I want to also point out that Stover said that the NASL isn’t Division 1 ready yet.

    • Pumpkin Donuts & Coffee

      I agree with Leo. The problem with the American soccer has always been the USSF’s lack of growing a stable soccer pyramid and leagues. Never in American soccer history have we ever had a completed first division soccer league, promotion & relegation and a soccer league ran like a soccer league. Never. Every single first division we ever had always fold before they stop expansion and some folded because we wouldn’t stop expanding.

  • OpenCupFan

    Might break 150 comments on this one.
    .
    #greentideworldwide
    .
    Support your local independent soccer clubs!
    .
    And remember, mls hates you!
    .

  • Kevin

    I agree too. My problem is,with the USSF,not MLS. It’s USSF changing the rules every 6 months. MLS is D1. NASL, needs to strengthen themselves and grow. Then challenge. But this suit will b interesting to watch

  • Pingback: US, MLS ‘move the goal’ on NASL – Stover – ESPN FC | Sport Fine Mall()

  • Futbol

    NASL is desperate their business model is not working and they don’t have the money to keep the league afloat.

    With Atlanta folding, Minnesota going to MLS, San Antonio moving to USL, The railhawks also will fold since they can’t find an investors.

    No major television contract in the near future, poor attendance, no major sponsorships, terrible stadiums , no ownership of stadiums, no local or national media coverage.

    these are some of the problems that face NASL so why not take a last shot at suing for anti trust, they have nothing to lose at this point.

    • It’s not all bad news buddy. Two new teams starting next year, SF, OKC and Chicago on deck. SA not going anywhere. The truth is that money is coming into the league, why do you think that is? All of these people with net worth of $100m + are just morons who enjoy wasting their money?

      • Futbol

        A lot of teams leaving san antonio is as good as gone, we heard many times that NASL is adding team and nothing happens , even if they do they will play in high school stadiums without any TV deals.

        Many people with a lot of money constantly make bad investments and that what is the NASL is a bad investment.

  • New York Blues

    MLS average attendance in 2015: 21,327
    NASL average attendance in 2015: 5,907

    Other NASL off-the-field stuff: so much uncertainty and shadiness that I don’t even have time to list it.
    NASL on-the-field: I don’t really have to talk about the quality of NASL play, do I?

    Acute delusions on display.

    • Tom

      Your comparing a 20 yr old MLS to NASL, plus some of the MLS attendances are quite padded as well with about a quarter of the league’s franchises having large percentages of empty seats when they claim high attendance numbers.

      NASL dealt with Traffic(suspended), who’s legal issues in another area did not touch the NASL at all. They’re assets are in the process of being sold off.

      MLS has had dealings in the past with Blazer, a very shady figure, who was MLS man of the year in 2006 and helped the league get their first TV contract.

      • Soccer in Cinci

        1 yr old MLS: the highest avg attendance was 28,916 at LA, the lowest avg attendance was 10,213.

        So comparing 1 yr old MLS to Modern NASL, MLS still brought the larger crowds. Comparing % of seats is useless information. I would rather fill 50% of 100K seat stadium then 75% of a 10,000 Seat stadium. 50,000 fans vs 7,500 fans (Do you see why comparing % of seats is worthless?)

  • soccerfan

    The new NASL , is a great new league , considering that its been around for just 3 yrs… And they have the right rules to develope the league and players faster…. New York Cosmos , probably have had more success in just 2 full years now , on the field than.most mls teams ,or NASL teams have…. A successful first team ,very good reserve team and soon to be academy with the right people leading it .

    • This^^^

    • slowleftarm

      In what sense have Cosmos had more success than MLS teams?

      • William

        in what ways have they had less ? at this point of the reboot

        • slowleftarm

          Well they didn’t win a thing last year and they’ve been knocked out of the Open Cup by the first MLS team to take it seriously the past two years. I think they “won” a ten game “championship” this spring but that’s nothing to write home about. Even if they win NASL it’s still just a minor league trophy.

          • William

            won the soccer bowl in 2013 did u forget ? I find your post to be so predictably boring why is that ?

            • slowleftarm

              Right they won a minor league trophy – and that makes them more successful than an MLS team how?

              By that logic Galaxy are more successful than Arsenal because since 1996 they’ve won more league titles. The quality of the league matters and NASL doesn’t compare well quality-wise to MLS.

              • William

                who said that ? makes them more successful ? your analysis is quite simplistic plus is extremely subjective and lacks any basis in logic. Please worry about the Harrrison Metrostars – judging by their history there is plenty to worry about.

          • Tom

            Cosmos beat MLS’s NY Red Bulls last year without 3 of their starters. Then they won vs MLS’s NYCFC this year who fielded a strong lineup and took it seriously.

    • MTF

      I will agree on a few of these points:

      – The NASL’s quality of play is quite good.
      – The Cosmos are going about building a strong organization the right way: reserve team, academy, strong personnel, etc.

      However:

      – The NASL is clearly not ‘major league’ despite its (sometimes) level of play. Most glaring evidence is attendance, followed by some venues like Shuart Stadium.
      – Cosmos’ success is partly manufactured by the NASL. In 2013 they won the Soccer Bowl after competing in just one of the two seasons. They shouldn’t have been allowed to compete for it in my opinion. The 2015 Spring Season was just 10 games (vs. 20 for the Fall) and the Cosmos won a trophy for it. A little lame, as is wearing stars for their 1970s-80s NASL titles.

      The Cosmos missed the boat. They belong in MLS but didn’t want to play by MLS’ rules. MLS went ahead with NYCFC and that, to me, is the Cosmos death knell. MLS doesn’t need the Cosmos or their brand and it will be a long time, perhaps never, before MLS feels the need to add another team in the NY Metro area. Now the Cosmos are desperate to drag the NASL up. They can sign stars like Senna or Raul, on the wrong side of 35, but they’ll never sign a Giovinco when they don’t play at the highest level in the US. 21,000 average attendance and national TV contracts prove that MLS is here to stay. I fail to see how the NASL can compete.

  • rebel fighter

    Merger will happen.

    • with single entity still in existence? I’m not so sure about that.

    • MTF

      Not a merger, more like the NHL absorbing teams from the WHA in the late ’70s. I could seen the Rowdies, Indy and the Canadian teams eventually buying in to MLS, but the Cosmos could be left out in the cold. MLS has filled their market, unless they become Long Island’s team.

      • William

        I disagree 100%

      • Tom

        There won’t be a merger, more likely two D1 leagues in 5 years with MLS and NASL, maybe sooner.

        • William

          that sounds right to me

  • William

    I don’t see a merger in the foreseeable future like 10 years out

  • William

    wowowwowo different day SOS – 10 times the amount of comments than plastic padded attendance Blue man group and the Harrison Metrostars. Like why ????????????????????????? cmon why ?

  • MLS v. NASL matchups, 2013-2015

    MLS has 12 wins
    NASL has 9 wins.

    MLS, a 20 year old league with every advantage, has only managed to win 57% of its games against brand new teams playing in a 3 year old league. And that Union v. Cosmos result in 2014 was highly suspect. Should be 11 to 10 if referreeing didn’t favor MLS.

    • William

      great stats Leo thank you.

      • slowleftarm

        Except that MLS teams played reserve sides in most of those games so the results don’t actually tell you anything. Nice try.

      • you see William, when NASL teams lose an Open Cup game, it’s because we’re bad. When the MLS franchises lose Open Cup games, it’s because of something else. Unbelievable.

        • slowleftarm

          So MLS teams played their first-choice teams in most of those games? Sorry, but it matters whether or not a team bothered to use its best players. And for the record I don’t agree with playing reserve teams in the Open Cup – teams should take it seriously.

          But if we’re talking about using the games as a barometer of the relative quality of the two leagues then it absolutely matters whether MLS teams played their first teams or a bunch of scrubs or something in between.

          • How many times do I have to tell you, you are not allowed to address me directly. You are a **** ant; I don’t address lowly **** ants directly.

            • slowleftarm

              What Leo meant to say is “I have no response to your argument so I am going to personally insult you instead.”

              He does that in court too which is why he only represents DUI defendants. Who else would hire him?

              • You should go to a psychiatrist to discuss your jealous obsessive behavior. Ask yourself these questions: Why does no one on EoS care about Leo Glickman’s professional life except me? What is the void in my own life that makes me so fascinated by Leo Glickman? Would I be a happier person if I devoted myself to losing my virginity, or improving my professional life, rather than googling Leo Glickman and clicking on his name and imagining what his life is like to distract from my own life? I’ll tell you what, when you’ve done some time on a psych’s couch and at least begun to answer these questions, I will let you talk to me again. Until then, please understand your place as the **** ant and stay away lest I **** on you again. Got it?

                • slowleftarm

                  I got that you’re a DUI lawyer who gave me a long list of made-up accomplishments as a reason that you won’t respond to my posts. Of course, you respond to my posts all the time so that was also something you made up.

                  No one would know a thing about your profession if you didn’t troll for business, posting under your real name and linking to your firm’s website on every post.

    • Tom

      FC Edmonton also was robbed last year in the Canadian Championships vs MLS’s Montreal Impact, bogus pk call in the 95th and last minute to win. Ref acknowledged mistake later.

      This year again FC Edmonton drew MLS’s best club 1-1 in Vancouver and then lost in the last minute to the Caps by a goal.

      • William

        great info thanks !!!!

  • sorry, meant to say Open Cup matchups.

  • OpenCupFan

    Soccer in Cincinnati –
    Hope you read this you hypocritical p.o.s. After all the negative and offensive comments about the Cosmos and NASL made in this article you decide to single me out. You holier than thou hypocrite troll. I defend my club, I don’t need your prayers, go pray for yourself and your mls pyramid scheme. Maybe while you’re at it you can go pray to understand how your blind subservience allows USSF to give money earned by the USMNT to mls, you sad sack. I’m actually holding back a lot right now, you stupid sh$t.
    .
    Anyway, mls bots praying? Who knew mls bots could pray? Who knew.

    • slowleftarm

      Come down bro, it’s just a soccer website.

      • William

        that’s true especially for that HARRISON TEAM

  • Pingback: Erik Stover: “La Premier o ‘la Liga’ no podrían ser primera división en Estados Unidos” | Jugador Franquicia()

  • Russell the shy clam

    I just came to make a comment but after reading the other comments I went into my shell and clammed up. I need a hug. I’m scared. Please someone.

    • William

      hahahahahahahaa

  • Kevin

    Wow, who knew this forum would go so well.

  • Thebestsoccerplayer

    After reading this tomorrow I’ll be buying season tickets to the ny cosmos. And yes I have season tickets to NYCFC but I clearly see what the ussf is doing to the nasl so I’ll be supporting them now.

  • William

    I agree with LEO – when the MLS side wins then its like this massive superiority in talent between the 2 leagues – if the NASL wins then its well the MLS side is just bunch of guys that work at walmart yea its our backups that play behind our backups 4th stringers right ?

    and if you don’t agree with that just go reread this thread.

  • REAL OpenCupFans know nasl teams are bad

    remember the nasl cannot even beat Div. 3 teams in USL since they lost 7 STRAIGHT to them. When nasl teams beat MLS teams in 7 straight games they can talk about it.

    if the cos-shmos played good soccer they would have more fans like the local MLS teams.

    Criminally indicted traffic sports is still the major power player in nasl, they have not divested anything yet, nor any action to that affect, they also still fully own the railhawks – THEY ARE CRIMINALS!

    • William

      here is a guy with a long winded repeated posts AGENDA

  • Thebestestsoccerplayerever

    After reading this tomorrow I’ll be buying season tickets to NYCFC. I live in long island and went to some Cosmos games but now I realize how crap their competition is losing 7 games to USL teams, and I now also realize that the old uncle from Brazil, guy from Sweden, and Cubans who have “heard” of the Cosmos from 40 years ago do not show up to the games, so we only get a thousand fans or 2 to the turf lacrosse field – very bush league. I will now be supporting the real pro league in the US – MLS.

    • William

      hahahaahahahah what a clown thanks for the comedy relief I needed a laugh – turf field I hear this repeatedly like are you playing on the turf field do u have turf toe is this a concern for u ? seems as though Raul while not ideal for him has played every game on that dreaded turf field – hahahahahahahaahahahaha

    • HydraHamster

      MLS is like McDonald’s. McDonald’s is a franchise restaurant for many years that sold fake food. McDonald’s was the most popular fast food restaurant in America, but it’s known for being extremely bad for you. That’s the same way with MLS soccer. Just because something is getting popular does not mean that league is good for American soccer. I love Sporting Kansas City, but at the same time I hate they are not a real club. When the league owns the clubs and players contracts, that makes MLS more of a club with spread out squads.

      So go ahead and enjoy you’re McSoccer league while I bitch and complain about why independent club soccer is not the main focus.

  • Kevin

    it does amaze me that some people keep talking about the 7 USL losses, not sure where that guy was the year before when the NASL did just fine against them and the MLS, I know NASL is the lower division and I get it. I’m not saying we are the worlds most popular team from sweden or the other stuff thats been said. I know are place at the moment. And the mistakes made along the way. Regardless I love the Comsos so you’ll know I’ll defend them. But if you are going to use the same 0-7 stats against USL, try to do some research on how they did the year before, because your argument is a tired one.

    • William

      I agree what it amounts to is raining on our parade so I will do the same to theirs. One good turn deserves another. NEW YORK IS GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • REAL OpenCupFans know nasl teams are bad

    reason the 0-7 vs USL stat keeps coming up is that it is 7 STRAIGHT games nasl lost, which is very, very bad. Could you imagine if MLS lost 7 straight games to lower division sides in nasl, that would be crazy. Likewise losing 7 STRAIGHT to 3rd div. USL shows just how bad the nasl teams are, don’t care about a couple wins here and there in past years…

    • William

      Do u work for the USL ? have some financial stake ? u seem like a one trick pony

  • Kevin

    Of course, because caring about those wins changes ur the,way u present ur argument

  • jamie

    I don’t think New York is very “green” since only about 4000 people show up to Cosmos games, and that number is probably over inflated and gets padded with bobblehead nights.

    • William

      I keep hearing that 4,000 number over and over its just not true and I go to every game every game I have not missed a game since August 2013. Like did I say I go to every game ?

  • slowleftarm

    Here are the fall attendances so far: 3647, 4503, 3607, 4006, 5257, 5089, 3438.

    Average is 4221 a game. Looks like those posts you’re complaining about are pretty close.

  • Zach

    MLS after 20 years is an aweful 1st division league.
    Alternate leagues exist because they have sucked for long. Take it from me….attended first metrostars home game with nearly 50,000 hopeful fans excited soccer was back.
    Not so much……

  • Paul Berry

    If NASL teams are willing to pay MLS franchise fees and build a stadium I don’t see why they shouldn’t be allowed to be promoted to MLS. But you have to take into account that MLS relegated teams are very likely to go into bankruptcy. And in terms of both attendances and the quality of football there’s very little difference between NASL and USL. This seems like a last desperate bid to make NASL relevant.