May 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The NASL game ball before the game between the New York Cosmos and the Carolina Railhawks at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Relegation, Good; Div 3, Bad (For Now)

USSF Cleared USL For Additional Div 3 in January, But Is It the Right Time?

The US Soccer Federation granted USL Div 2 status—as it did for NASL—in January of this year (2017). At that time USSF allowed for the fact that the USL might eventually break off a lower division within its existing ranks.

Signs are pointing to a league-wide interest in doing that soon. Here are 3 reasons why it’s a bad idea.

1) The Past: NASL

At the same time USSF granted USL D2 status, it did the same for the NASL. NASL, even as just a name, is a huge part of US soccer history. The league is revered by fans all across the nation, and rightly so. The NY Cosmos were born in NASL, for which the club carries the banner for the league today.

USSF needs to find a way to preserve NASL’s place in any future relegation scheme. The league has some great tradition that all of US soccer benefits from today. The current structure of NASL’s season is superior, in my opinion, to that of both USL and MLS.

2) The Present: NWSL

The NWSL is the third women’s pro soccer league started in North America since year 2000. The USWNT is one of only a handful of national teams to have won a FIFA Women’s World Cup title. The US is also the only nation with three such championships. A strong pro league is needed here for US soccer to continue to lead the women’s game worldwide.

The NWSL is just getting started. Moving to a relegation system on the men’s side would draw fans away from the new league too soon. Focus should be placed on helping markets enter and stabilize this league.

3) The Future: US-Mexico-Canada 2026

Just a proposal in the draft stages now, FIFA’s 2026 Men’s World Cup Finals may be played on US soil. At least in large part. Soccer in the US needs to pull as one for the time being and not seen as continue to shift leagues and structures around.

Creating a third division for the USL to administer might jeopardize some smaller market’s chance to get a match in 2026. For now, all of the venues in USL and NASL should remain up to D2 standards. Those with good facilities and bigger ambitions should consider improving in order to host a group-stage match if possible.