Could Victoria be one step closer to the USL-1?
Word this week that Barcelona has pulled their support for Miami’s MLS bid effectively killing it has moved Vancouver to the top of the MLS 2011 expansion list. Should that happen, could Victoria be on the verge of getting a USL-1 franchise?
Victoria has been gunning for a USL-1 franchise for a few years now, a bid that is being spearheaded by Alex Campbell Jr., owner of the Victoria Highlanders. The Highlanders (coached by former Canadian international Colin Miller) will begin play in this spring in the Northwest Division of the 67 team USL Premier Development League (PDL) in what could be a stepping stone to the USL-1.
I have no doubt that a USL-1 franchise would succeed here. You only have to look at the numbers the 2007 U20 World Cup pulled in here in Victoria (95% capacity) to see that Victoria is a soccer city. Indeed it was those numbers that played a part in the USL awarding Victoria with a PDL franchise. USL Executive Vice President and COO Tim Holt says that:
“The city of Victoria and the greater island community has shown a hunger for the sport beyond the local recreational level and we are thrilled to help bring the game to a community long overdue for USL soccer.”
Holt goes on to add that:
“The Highlanders have a long-term vision for the community we believe will be successful.”
A safe bet is that the “long term vision” of Campbell is a USL-1 franchise and, as anyone who knows Victoria can tell you, Campbell probably has some bucks to back the move being the owner of La Collina Bakery and son of Thrifty Foods founder Alex Campbell.
I’m not really stating anything new here for Victoria soccer fans. Local sports reporter Cleve Dheensaw of the Times-Colonist has gone so far to refer to the Highlanders move to the USL as the worst-kept secret in soccer. But before that move happens, the Highlanders will have to negotiate the PDL waters.
Before they contemplate pro soccer, the Highlanders feel they first need to get it right at this PDL level.
“We are pro in our approach but our players at the moment can not be pros because that would make an NCAA player ineligible to return to his U.S. collegiate team,” explained Highlanders head coach and former NASL pro Colin Miller, capped 61 times for Team Canada and 30 as captain.
The goal for at least the first two seasons for the Highlanders will be to help prepare collegiate players to eventually move up from the PDL to the pro USL.
Now, I am not a USL analyst. I know nothing of the inner workings of the USL or the PDL. But you have to think that if Vancouver does move to the MLS and open up a USL franchise in Canada, the Highlanders would be in a good position to capitalize.
If you live in Victoria and use Facebook, a Highlanders supporters Facebook group has been set up and season tickets are now on sale. There is also a fan forum on the Highlanders site.
