Does TFC’s Bloom deal pave the way for better MLS-NASL relations?

Mark Bloom PHOTO: NASL

Mark Bloom was one of just four players to play every minute of every NASL spring-season game, but the Atlanta Silverbacks’ defender won’t be back for the fall campaign.

Instead, he’s on the move to Tornto FC, who have acquired Bloom on loan.

“When you build a team, guys like Mark are a necessary part of what you’re trying to do,” said Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda in a release issued by the Silverbacks. “In Atlanta, I’d like to think that we have a group of phenomenal people who just happen to be fantastic soccer players. Mark certainly falls into the category, we wish him well, and he, along with Chris Klute, will always be a part of the Atlanta family.”

Toronto FC was clear that it hopes to convert Bloom’s loan deal into a permanent contract down the road.

The deal would have Bloom stick with Toronto FC for the remainder of the regular season. So, it could mean that, if TFC doesn’t make the playoffs, Bloom could come back to Atlanta to play in the Soccer Bowl.

“It’s always a tough situation when you lose a player who has contributed to the success of your team,” said Silverbacks coach Brian Haynes. “We’re extremely excited, however, for Mark and I think this move is a testament to what we are striving to accomplish here in Atlanta. Today is a bittersweet day, but it’s a promise kept and we look forward to developing more fantastic players like Mark.”

But, the deal is more significant because it suggests a thawing of relations between MLS and NASL, at least when it comes to bringing players under NASL contracts up to the first division. MLS teams had not been interested in trying to bring up NASL players that would require compensation to their second-division teams. And, when MLS and American third-division USL-PRO announced a partnership, it looked as if the NASL would be further frozen out of the ladder.

Of course, the Canadian situation is a little more complicated, as the Canadian Soccer Association has said it will not sanction USL-PRO teams on this side of the border.

But while we aren’t sure how Atlanta would or could be compensated down the road, Bloom’s deal is a needed step forward in breaking the ice between the two leagues. It doesn’t serve the pyramid well when MLS teams have to wait for NASL players to be out of contract in order to try and bring them up a level. If there is a precedent there for making deals for the league, it will benefit all parties. And that’s especially true when it comes to Canadian players, with FC Edmonton and, in 2014, Ottawa having such a huge concentration of them on their rosters.