Tampa Bay Switches Allegiance to USL

"...one of the most recognizable American soccer brands outside of Major League Soccer or the New York Cosmos". More like, THE most recognizable American soccer brand outside MLS and the Cosmos.   

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http://www.indomitablecitysoccer.com/2016/10/25/13406650/tampa-bay-switches-allegiance-to-usl

Tampa Bay Switches Allegiance to USL

NASL original announces it will play in the league that calls Tampa home.

by Jordan Beech Oct 25, 2016, 10:16a

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are headed to the United Soccer League, it was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon by the league office. As Indomitable City Soccer shared on Sunday following USL President Jake Edwards’ brief teaser at halftime of the USL Cup, the Rowdies were one of two teams in the current iteration of the North American Soccer League that was surrounded in rumors of jumping ship. Now, what were once just rumblings have been proven true.

From an organizational standpoint, it makes sense that the Rowdies would defect. The USL is a far healthier league. The Second Division is either hemorrhaging teams or finding them in poor financial condition. By contrast, the USL has flourished even with a regime change last year, adding new clubs at a steady rate each year. Add to that the fact that the USL offices are in Tampa, and one can’t fault the Rowdies for wanting to switch allegiances.

So what does this do for the USL? For one, it gives the league the rights to one of the most recognizable American soccer brands outside of Major League Soccer or the New York Cosmos. Not only that, but since a vocal minority was complaining about the proliferation of "MLS 2" teams, and their subsequent success in the USL Playoffs, this provides another independent team to the menu.