Impact Will Play In USSF Second Division In 2010

January 7, 2010 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Montreal Impact News Release


MONTREAL - The United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the NASL (North American Soccer League) and the USL (United Soccer Leagues) have come to terms in an agreement, Thursday, and created a second division league for 2010. A total of 12 teams, including the Montreal Impact, will play in the USSF Second Division in 2010, the first division being Major League Soccer (MLS).

The league will consist of two six-team conferences: the NASL Conference and the USL Conference. The Impact will play in the NASL Conference with the Baltimore Crystal Palace; Carolina RailHawks; Miami FC; St-Louis United; and Vancouver Whitecaps. The USL Conference will include the Austin Aztex; Minnesota Thunder; Portland Timbers; Puerto Rico Islanders; Rochester Rhinos; and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

All teams will match up in a 28 to 34-game season. Calendar details, as well as league rules and television rights, will be announced in the near future.

The league will be managed by a board of directors that will be composed of one representative per team and one USSF representative. An executive committee will also be created to implement the directors' decisions.

"Today we can say mission accomplished," declared Montreal Impact President Joey Saputo. "Since the onset of negotiations, we were confident in achieving a positive outcome. We are proud to state that our fans will be treated to high level soccer in 2010 with 12 teams, including three newcomers, matching up in a top quality championship. More so, the league team owners have now gained control over their destiny, which is very positive for the future of soccer in North America."

The Impact has also confirmed that it will once again participate in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship in order to qualify for the 2010-2011 CONCACAF Champions League.

Impact President Joey Saputo flew to Florida Thursday morning with Executive Vice President Richard Legendre and Technical Director Nick De Santis to attend a general assembly to settle next season's calendar.

The Montreal Impact also announced that key partners (Uniprix, Vachon, Réno-Dépôt, Suzuki, Lassonde and Air Canada) have shown their trust in the organization by renewing their agreements during the past weeks, thereby guaranteeing the return of nearly all major partners in 2010 (Saputo, Hydro-Québec, Gouvernement du Québec, Bell, National Bank, La Cage aux Sports, Sports Experts, Tim Hortons, Sony, Coke and Pizza Pizza).

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY

The Montreal Impact will open its 2010 season ticket sale on Monday, January 11 at 9 am. The 2009 defending champions will once again offer season tickets at affordable prices, starting at $180 in the supporters section and $250 in the Bronze category.

2010 season tickets will include 16 regular season home games, two Nutrilite Canadian Championship home matches, as well as two playoff games (should the Impact qualify).

Contact the Montreal Impact to purchase 2010 season ticket packages by dialling 514-328-3668.



North American Soccer League Stories from January 7, 2010


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