MISL Announces Expansion Plans
February 27, 2004 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2) News Release
ST. LOUIS (Friday, February 27, 2004) -- Continuing in its goal to bring the excitement of indoor soccer to fans across North America, the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) announced today that it has approved plans for expansion to Stockton, Calif.
The Stockton franchise will commence competition in 2005-06. The MISL currently has nine teams in the United States (including one existing West Coast franchise in San Diego) and Monterrey, Mexico.
"The addition of a team in the fast growing StocktonSacramento market will significantly enhance the reach and stature of our league," said Steve Ryan, MISL commissioner. "They have a strong soccer tradition that will become even more enduring with entry to the MISL. We have a great ownership group and great support from the StocktonSacramento area - a true formula for success".
The franchise in Stockton, located just 40 miles from Sacramento, will be owned by businessman John Thomas, the MISL's first minority owner. Thomas' company, Regent, is developing a new arena and hotel complex in Stockton. The arena will be the home of the MISL franchise as well as expansion teams in the East Coast Hockey league (ECHL) and Arena Football League2 (AF2).
"This is just the beginning of a continued period of growth for the league," Ryan continued. "We've worked hard to bring our brand of soccer to all corners of the continent. There is considerable interest from other potential ownership groups and municipalities throughout the United States and Canada."
The Major Indoor Soccer League is a single-entity organization featuring a coast-to-coast presence with eight teams located across the United States and a ninth team in Monterrey, Mexico. The MISL is the single major league of indoor soccer, playing a 162-regular season game schedule that began on October 4, 2003, and concludes on April 4, 2004. For more information on the MISL, visit the League's website at www.MISL.net.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from February 27, 2004
- MISL Holds 2004 Amateur Draft - MISL 2
- Force selects six players in MISL Amateur Draft - Cleveland Force
- Sockers Add Offense in Draft - San Diego Sockers
- MISL All-Star Broadcast Will Reach 32 Million Homes - MISL 2
- MISL Announces Expansion Plans - MISL 2
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