The U.S. Soccer Federation yesterday announced an expanded Open Cup format and schedule, one that will incorporate all MLS and lower division teams in a newly and hopefully more condensed way. In essence, the changes allow the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to mirror the English FA Cup, where lower division and semi-pro teams have […]

This week USL PRO continued its development as a USSF minor league by releasing its playoff schedule. Last week it had released a season schedule and division format outlining how its clubs would compete in its first year of existence as USL PRO. The playoffs will consist of three rounds, with the top three seeds […]

As USL Pro is moving forward with its realignment and scheduling, the NASL has taken some huge step backwards. On Wednesday, A.C. St. Louis announced it was ceasing operations, depriving the fledgling NASL of a critical metropolitan area. But even worse news came right before the weekend, as Inside Minnesota Soccer reported the USSF was […]

While we await the final release of the MLS schedule, third-division USL Pro announced their schedule and division alignments on Friday, emphasizing the league's accessibility and stability. The press release from USL Pro emphasizes that six of their franchises have more than ten years of operational experience. The league will feature 15 teams in three […]

As MLS prepares to begin its first season with 18 clubs, the recent talk on the Internet has focused on its possible 20th team. Recent talk on this site has centered on Don Garber traveling to Miami to meet with Miami soccer fans; if you have not read The Gaffer's article on the meeting then […]

The West Coast is getting USL PRO representation next year with the announcement of the new LA Blues franchise, set to begin play in 2011. The club, which had been rumored for about a month to be the newest franchise for U.S. soccer's new third division, will play in Cal State Fullerton's Titan Stadium and […]