John Pugh, the Ottawa Fury FC president, says the club's forthcoming move from the NASL to the USL will help bring "stability and sustainability" to the franchise.

The North American soccer scene was rocked earlier this week with the announcement that Ottawa and the Tampa Bay Rowdies will be switching leagues next season.

The dual departure will leave the NASL with just 10 clubs next season, though it could even be fewer with the futures of Rayo OKC and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers still in doubt.

By contrast the USL is growing from 29 to 31 teams in 2017 and the league's hopes of gaining division-two status from the NASL appear to have merit.

Pugh says the club were in discussions with the USL for around two months prior to Tuesday's announcement.