The US National team officially got into the uproar over new MLS team kits by finally releasing their new centennial inspired kits.
The official statement on MLS.com and the US Soccer Federation sites read that the US Soccer Federation, which turns 100 years old in 2013 is using new centennial kits for both the men and women's national teams to celebrate.
"The uniform is inspired by the kit worn back in 1916 when the US played their first game against Sweden in Stockholm (a 3-2 win). So is the crest, which is the standout feature of the new jersey with 13 stars and 13 stripes, symbolizing the first 13 colonies of the United States." As seen on MLS.com by Simon Borg.
US Soccer Head Coach, Jurgen Klinsmann has slated March 22 for the debut in a World Cup qualifier match against Costa Rica.
Reflecting back on the history of high level soccer in the states, it is a great moment to also consider just how rich that history has become.
US Soccer is becoming more and more competitive, the MLS is growing year by year into an emerging professional market for world talent. And the growth has tricked over into the resuscitation of the North American Soccer League who has two new teams joining their ranks in 2014. The NASL is considered the development league for the MLS. So any success the NASL sees will only help improve the MLS.
Parody has gotten better and better for Pro Soccer in the US. With the current outlook seeming better and better all the time and the plans for expansion in both leagues, it really appears that the future is as bright as ever.
What it also means is the hints of a second New York team to act as rivals for the Red Bulls is all but awaiting fans to support the idea. The MLS set its eyes on Queens NY for expansion into the MLS. While the current plan has the New York Cosmos remaining in the NASL, the language being used by league officials, including MLS head Don Garber, has this serving as a stepping stone.
The cost of this $400,000 stadium complex is not that of a minor league team nor is it a business plan that is sustainable in the second division. They must have plans to move up or why take on the huge cost. Ownership of NASL teams, as well as leadership in the MLS, are poised to develop the largest professional sports growth movement in US History. The only other sports growing more than soccer, Disc Golf, and Lacrosse.
Not convinced? Just days before this year’s Super-draft, the NASL and MLS announced that Indianapolis, home of the draft, was awarded a new franchise as well. Not yet named, the new Indiana team will bring the total NASL teams to twelve.
To join in their effort of naming the new franchise and to read more about the new team, head over to: http://indyprosoccer.com/nametheteam/ to get official news and information.
The full NASL Team list:
AtlantaSilverbacks http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/pro/
Carolina Railhawks http://carolinarailhawks.com/
FC Edmonton http://www.fcedmonton.com/
Fort Lauderdale Strikers http://www.strikers.com/
Minnesota Stars FC http://mnstarsfc.com/
New York Cosmos http://nycosmos.com/
Puerto Rico Islanders http://www.prislandersfc.com/
San Antonio Scorpions http://www.sascorpions.com/
Tampa Bay Rowdies http://rowdiessoccer.com/
Ottawa Fury http://www.ottawafuryfc.com/
Virginia Cavalry http://www.virginiacavalry.com/
NASL Indianapolis 2014 http://indyprosoccer.com/
The only thing missing now is for ownership and sponsors to get serious. As Theiry Henry has been so outspoken about recently, the MLS needs to expand its plans, open it’s pocket books, and start acquiring more high profile world talent. Big names, big deals, and big television revenue. That is the final part of the equation.
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