Dec
19
St. Louis Wanting USL Team?
While some folks in the Gateway City are dreaming of a Major League Soccer team in 2011, a few others are wanting a bit of a test run in the USL in 2010. Reports out of St. Louis suggest that the city could enter the USL first division as early as 2010.
Tony Glavin, the former indoor player who came to St. Louis from Scotland and stayed to become a coach, has met with officials of the United Soccer Leagues about having a team in the USL First Division.
“When I put together my youth program, part of the goal was to build a pyramid of youth programs through men’s and women’s senior teams and hopefully a professional team,” said Glavin, who already has an amateur team in the USL’s Premier Development League. “We’ve talked about it enough and now we’re trying to piece things together to make it happen by 2010.”
According to the report, the expansion fee for the USL is much cheaper than it would be to enter MLS. With only a $1 million fee to enter the league it seems more appealing to try it out. Gavin would have to find a suitable stadium situation as the USL requires a 5,000 seat stadium.
Even better news for those still wanting a MLS club, even should both bids go through it won’t mean the USL team will have to fold. Gavin believes the two can co-exist with one another in the same city. A risky move if it happens but I honestly think its a great idea for them to get on board with the USL before a possible MLS bid.
While the MLS decision will come down before March, Gavin and his potential owner group will have to wait until July.
What do you all make of this news? Is it a good idea for them to try things out in the USL before entering MLS?
