Heat won’t compete in new season announced by NPSL

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The National Premier Soccer League announced Tuesday a new structure featuring two separate segments of seasons each year, but the Laredo Heat Soccer Club confirmed to Laredo Morning Times it will still only participate in the summer season.

The NPSL is adding a new spring and fall segment running from early March through late April before breaking for the traditional summer season. It will continue in the fall from late August through October or November. The new season will feature playoffs and will crown a national champion.

“We are excited to offer our members, players, staff, fans, and supporters the highest level of amateur soccer available in the United States,” NPSL Chairman Kenny Farrell said in a release. “This season fills a great need in American soccer. A longer season will provide more opportunities for our players, while teams will benefit from a year-round presence in their market.”

According to general manager J.J. Vela, the Heat will decline to participate in the new season because they primarily recruit collegiate soccer players. Most of their roster would be in action with their college teams during the spring and fall segment.

According to Tuesday’s release, the NPSL will have increased standards in areas such as budget, staffing and referees during the new segment. The goal is to achieve a heightened level of competition.

“There are many talented players that want something beyond a summer season,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “This season fills a gap, offering players a longer season that will provide additional opportunities for development and exposure.”

The new segment will not be subject to Professional League Standards since players will be amateurs or unpaid professionals. It will be under the sanctioning of the United States Adult Soccer Association.

The NPSL is introducing a new season with spring and fall segments, but the Laredo Heat will not apply to compete in the new format. The NPSL is introducing a new season with spring and fall segments, but the Laredo Heat will not apply to compete in the new format. Photo: Cuate Santos /Laredo Morning Times File Photo: Cuate Santos /Laredo Morning Times File Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Heat won’t compete in new season announced by NPSL 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

“USASA are fully supportive of the NPSL’s plans to introduce additional seasons in 2020,” USASA Executive Director Duncan Riddle said. “This will allow players and fans more opportunities to play and support their local teams.”

Teams interested in the new season must apply and show they meet the heightened standards. The participating teams will be announced by the NPSL at a later date.

The Heat went 4-6-2 in their second season in the NPSL finishing outside of the playoff picture at fifth in their division. Laredo debuted in the league in 2018 with a perfect 10-0-0 regular season to earn the top overall playoff seed in what was then a 98-team league.

The Heat picked up two more wins in the postseason and won the Lone Star Conference championship before losing 2-1 in overtime to the Little Rock Rangers in the South Region semifinals, three games shy of the national championship.

jmack@lmtonline.com

Twitter: @jmacklmt