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The recent reports surrounding a possible integration between Major League Soccer (MLS) and USL Pro to form a reserve league in an effort to get young players more games have really got me thinking. I can definitely see how this would help North American soccer as a whole - and specifically the American markets - but what, if any, impact does this have on the Canadian market? And what can the Canadian clubs do in a similar vein?
On the face of it this proposed deal seems to have little or nothing to do with the three Canadian MLS clubs. However, taking a closer look at it, if this were to go through, it could actually aid in laying the groundwork for Toronto FC, Montreal Impact FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC to possibly pursue something similar with the North American Soccer League (NASL).
It is my understanding (and someone can correct me if I’m wrong) that although Montreal and Vancouver moved to MLS from NASL they still hold their membership with the second division league and have actually expressed a desire to move their reserve sides over with the MLS saying they will only allow it if other clubs do something similar. This proposed deal between MLS and USL Pro could open the door just a crack for some discussions to happen and I get the impression that the NASL would be overjoyed to have two of their most storied clubs back in the league in some form or fashion.
While with Montreal and Vancouver that could be fairly simple to accomplish, it may not be so easy for Toronto FC, as they would be starting from square one, where there is a lot of red tape to get through.
This got me thinking about a rather unconventional idea, which is a possible affiliation with the Toronto Lynx of the USL’s Premier Development League (PDL), with an eye on aiding them in a move to the NASL down the road. In my view this could be a win/win/win situation for both clubs and the league itself.
For Toronto FC they get a chance to give promising academy players more games and have an extra opportunity to evaluate players all within the same city, akin to what the Toronto Maple Leafs have in the Toronto Marlies. I could see this being an invaluable resource, as a young player would not be nailed to the bench for MLS games yet could still train, interact and be part of the club.
Also depending on the agreement made between the two clubs on the player, it could be much like how the NBA and NBA Development League allows the player to be called up and sent down freely. This would be especially beneficial when the MLS schedule becomes congested with midweek games, CONCACAF Champions League and Canadian Championship.
For the Lynx, they will get to keep their name, colours and everything that makes them identifiable, while gaining added publicity/promotional opportunities, quality young players on loan deals and a mechanism to bring the Toronto Lynx back to some sort of relevancy.
I’d venture to guess that even some of the most knowledgeable of soccer fans don’t know the Lynx are still around. This would give them the chance to regain a fan base, earn an obvious financial boost and allow the potential for a move to a much more competitive division, all the while being owned and operated independently. The NASL also win in this arrangement, as they would add a fifth Canadian club to their league (this is including the Ottawa franchise) and gain a major market with an already established franchise. There would be no need to go through the exercise of what the new team name wound be, where are they going to play etc.
While this idea likely won’t happen, I see it as a good alternative to the purposed “all-Canadian” Division 2 or 3 league. Due to most aspects already being in place it might make much more financial sense while also hopefully cutting down on the massive amount of young players that end up falling through the cracks.
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