By @SAdyson
RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE…
Enough is enough. While the league keeps essing its own dee about the USL PRO Combine, we sit here towards the end of January still without a 2014 USL PRO schedule.
This is absolutely unacceptable. The MLS schedule has been out since the conclusion of the season, and even the NASL — which has a split season — has released its schedule.
USL PRO has been trying to re-brand itself and create the image that it is second only to MLS in terms of American professional soccer.
How can you still be adding teams to the league in January? By all means, keep promoting expansion — but there comes a point where you have to sack up and finalize the schedule. If that means waiting until the next season to add new teams, then so be it.
There are three main reasons why the delay in the release of the schedule is so unbelievably frustrating.
1. The Clubs
Most of the clubs in USL PRO need to plan around other events at their venues. The Riverhounds — who are attempting to generate more revenue by sharing Highmark with the Pittsburgh Passion and hosting summer concerts — can’t even finalize their own venue’s schedule without knowing when matches are.
By failing to release the schedule in a timely manner, clubs that are at the mercy of their venues will be scrambling to make ends meet in 2014.
2. The Fans
The league has had a collective circle-jerk regarding the rise of prominent supporters’ groups across USL PRO, from La Furia Roja in Phoenix to Iron City Firm and the Ruckus in Orlando. If they want to maintain this rabid support, they need to be on top of scheduling.
Most normal fans cannot and will not buy season tickets if they are uncertain about when matches are going to be. Between work and other commitments, not knowing the schedule for a given season is a major turn off to new season ticket holders.
3. The League
The league is failing in its mission to improve its image by delaying the release of the 2014 schedule.
Between officiating and other grey-area policies, USL PRO has had its own fair share of issues in the past. By failing to get its act together in terms of committed clubs and scheduling, it is solidifying its reputation as a garage league.
The fans of USL PRO clubs deserve better. Either the league gets its act together by next week, or it will dig itself into a manure-filled ditch for the 2014 season.
#UNLEASH
