USL President Tim Holt said it was a “seamless transition” to bring the Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact back into the USL-Pro fold.

Canadian Soccer Association President Victor Montagliani says the new USL-MLS partnership will not impact the push for an all-Canadian Division 2 or 3.

MLS and USL will hold a joint conference call Thursday to announce more details. But, from the release issued Wednesday: “For 2013, the partnership will include interleague play between USL PRO and MLS Reserve League teams, and the establishment of several exclusive team affiliations.”

In total, 13 Canadians will be there — and six of them are products of CIS soccer.

McMaster University’s Andrew Pastoric, York’s Adrian Pena, UOIT’s Aldo Maiorano, Trinity Western’s Adrian Kekec, Concordia’s Peter Bow, University of the Fraser Valley’s Sasa Plavsic and Cape Breton’s Shayne Hollis will all be heading to Bradenton, Fla. to try and earn contracts in the third division of U.S. soccer.

But Craig didn’t remain unemployed for very long. Despite having no real experience in the indoor game, he went down to Western New York for a trial with the Rochester Lancers of the USL-owned Major Indoor Soccer League, and earned himself a one-year deal.

Sometimes, ideas that begin with the best intentions have unintended negative consequences. As the United States Soccer Federation announced the formation of the NWSL, the new tier-one pro league for that country, the Canadian Soccer Association chimed in with the news that it would fund the salaries of 16 players.

And, in Janine Helland, not only are the women’s national teams of years past recognized, but also the Edmonton Aviators.

Not only is the Vancouver Whitecaps’ announcement that it won’t field a W-League team in 2013 disappointing for women’s soccer followers, it comes at a very uncomfortable time for the Canadian Soccer Association.

Ottawa Fury President John Pugh was selected as a Builder in the USL Women’s Hall of Fame category. And, the best indoor player this country has ever produced, Hector Marinaro, was selected for his goal-filled career in the MISL, a league that is now owned by the USL.