NASL adopts winter schedule
With litigation between USSF and NASL in a holding pattern and no clear endpoint, the San Diego Union Tribune announced that 1904 FC (San Diego’s new team) would begin play in early 2019. The far larger announcement, however, was that the NASL would not begin play this spring, instead adopting the August to March schedule popular in Europe.
USSF presidential candidates reveal funding
Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated asked and has summarized the funding of each presidential candidates’ campaigns. Four of the eight candidates are self-funding, while the other four have outside donations. Few donors have business before U.S. Soccer, and the exceptions are noted within.
VAR headed for England
By the time you read this, VAR may have seen its first English implementation. The system, deployed in the Confederations Cup, MLS, and the Bundesliga, is scheduled to be deployed in the FA Cup tie between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace on January 8. The focus for the VAR will be to halve the number of missed calls in the league whilst avoiding extra stoppages in play.
Indy Eleven to join USL
The former NASL side Indy Eleven is scheduled to join the USL in 2018. With the NASL’s future in question, a move to the USL likely provides more stability for the lower-division side. In addition to a league change, Indy will be moving away from IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium, and is instead slated to play in Lucas Oil Stadium. LOS is the home of the Colts of the NFL; the USL has stated that Fall matches will not conflict with Colts’ game days.
News bits
Oklahoma now hosts what could be the USL’s first LGBTQ+ supporters’ group. Nipun Chopra of Soctakes.com interviews Holly Hutto, spokesperson for the Main Street Greens.
In addition to the Greens, OKC Energy now has the support of former Loon Matt Van Oekel, who signed for the USL side.
Meg Ryan announced on twitter that Minnesota United FC has added February 3 and February 7 friendlies to its preseason schedule.
Enes Pinarli has proposed rebranding for MLS and all clubs, including redesigned kits.
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