Montreal loses again: Impact looks nowhere close to being ready for MLS 22 May 2011 A 3-0 loss to FC Tampa Bay Saturday showed just how far behind schedule the Impact are when it comes to being ready for Major League Soccer. Other than keeper Bill Gaudette, who made several outstanding saves to keep the scoreline from being more severe, there wasn’t an Impact player on the pitch who looked anywhere close to being what anyone would call an MLS prospect.
PASL wants united North American indoor soccer scene; willing to work with MISL 22 May 2011 The Professional Arena Soccer League wants to work with the Major Indoor Soccer League. While the United Soccer Leagues, which took over the administration of the MISL last week, has made it clear that it thinks that its league is by the best indoor league on the continent, the PASL hopes the two leagues can discuss interleague play and competing against each other in Cup tournaments.
New FC Edmonton GM says new stadium is top priority 20 May 2011 New FC Edmonton general manager Tom Leip said that finding a new stadium for the team to call home is his top priority. “For us, the key is a new facility,” he said. “We have to have more seating, we need different levels of seating. We need to be in a situation where we can create more revenue streams.”
Canadian midfielder McNamara grows in Dutch-inspired system 20 May 2011 Glen McNamara had hopes that his young son would follow him as a soccer professional. The former All-Canadian goalkeeper from York University began work with his boy, Taylor Mikael, when the kid was a three-year-old. Twenty years later, the younger McNamara has hit the professional circuit like his father – just not at the same position. “When I was young, he always wanted to get me the ball at my feet but every once in a while, he gave me some hand drills,” says McNamara, a midfielder with Dayton Dutch Lions FC of the United Soccer Leagues’ Pro division. “He realized that I wasn’t growing fast enough to be a keeper.”
FC Edmonton takes Leip of faith: New GM announced 19 May 2011 After a couple of weeks of delays, FC Edmonton has announced the hiring of former Portland sports executive Tom Leip as its new general manager. Leip will assume control of the business operations of the NASL club, while director of soccer operations Joe Petrone will make the player and personnel decisions.
Match-fixing expert Declan Hill invites CSL, CSA to seek him out 19 May 2011 In an interview today, Hill told The 11 that he welcomes the CSA or the CSL to call him to help with the inquiry — and that there is no excuse for delays. “Right now, innocent or guilty, there is a dark cloud hanging over Canadian soccer,” said Hill. “A court has identified a game that it considers suspicious. Done. Let’s get the investigation started. I am not talking about making arrests. I’m not saying that someone is guilty or innocent. But the investigation has to start right away.”
MISL has interest in Canadian expansion 18 May 2011 And, while the priority is to stabilize the MISL’s American base, USL will entertain Canadian suitors, president Tim Holt stated in an e-mail to The 11. “While our immediate focus is on ensuring the strength and performance of our current seven member teams going into the 2011-12 season, there is a high level of interest in the MISL from prospective teams in the United States and Canada,” stated Holt.
Parker, get in here! FC Edmonton’s keeper wins NASL weekly honour 16 May 2011 FC Edmonton Lance Parker was named the NASL’s Defensive Player of the Week Monday. Parker has been a revelation for FC Edmonton since he took over in goal from Rein Baart three matches ago. He has started the last two NASL matches for FC Edmonton and the second leg of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship semifinal, allowing just two goals in that stretch, and making a series of highlight-reel saves.
Barbara continues his push for MLS attention with two-goal performance against Impact 14 May 2011 “We always have a good game against this team. I really liked it,” said Barbara, who has scored in every NASL game he’s played in this season and already set the RailHawks record for most goals in a season with nine. “Any game we play against Montreal could go either way. Right now I’m on a streak and everything is happening automatically. I could have got another hat trick today.” Reminded that the Impact is moving on up next season Barbara expressed his interest in doing the same thing. “I came here with the intention of not staying in this league. Although I love playing in Carolina my aim is always to play in a higher league. I hope to make an impact because I want to play in MLS.”
Last-gasp effort from Kooy gets FC Edmonton a draw in Tampa 12 May 2011 Chris Kooy had two great chances to get FC Edmonton a last-gasp equalizer in Tampa. After being denied by an outstanding piece of goalkeeping by FC Tampa Bay’s Jeff Attinella with his first chance, Kooy was able to score in injury time, canceling out Chad Burt’s opening goal in a 1-1 draw.