I'm just wondering. What with Austin starting a USL-1 team in '09, it would be immensely helpful to have some team closer to us than the coasts.

That has been the plan, but the Patriots need a workable stadium deal.

Ah. I thought they had one. But it's been a very long time since I've followed things closely.

Someday soon. The city needs to get behind the Patriots goals just like to have helped the Minor league baseball team here. Maybe PDL teams will mature into USL 1. Too bad it is so costly.

It's even more challenging to be in the middle of the country with no other teams around. While I appreciate what the Islanders have done for soccer in Puerto Rico (I'm looking forward to them winning a WCQ), it's a long haul for everyone to make.

Here's hoping El Paso does go up in '09. The more teams in the USL-1, the better for everyone, I think.

Agreed, Violet. That was El Paso's problem back in their A-League days -- too many long hauls to make, no derby-worthy teams, few natural rivalries.

The PDL has been good to El Paso, but this is a franchise that needs to move up.

As you all know the biggest challenge is a Stadium. USL-1 requires a 5500 seat stadium and it needs to be in a situation that we can meet all of the fans/sponsors expectations. Trust me when I say it is one of my priorities. Vox, get out the pen and fire up the laptop as I am literally only 2-3 days away from announcing a new Head coach and Director of Soccer for the Patriots. This is huge as it will put us back on the map and give something for the purist to bite in to. Probably looking at a PC on the 19th or 20th. Just in time for the Showcase Tournament and with try-outs now getting finalized, the pieces are starting to really fall in to place.
El Paso Patriots Soccer - Bigger, Better, Faster!!!

Ready, Big O. Just gimme the word.

In the few months I've gotten to know Alan -- the Patriots have made an excellent choice and are in very good hands. Suffice it to say that most of what has been talked about here in terms of team needs have been and are being addressed.

It's a very hand-to-mouth existence right now, but hopefully some things will pop to propel the franchise closer to where it should be. This year promises to be a fun and interesting ride.

P.S. -- Anyone who drops by Bassett Place ought to take a look at the giant scale model of a revamped Ascarate Park. Look off by the old Western Playland site, specifically. The model is inside the highway-facing entrance nearest Costco, near the new location of the soccer gear store.

Nice to see someone's paying attention to the tune the Patriots are humming, although the FBI investigation is paralyzing anything local government is dreaming up these days.

Of course, if no one had their hands out under the table, this wouldn't be a problem.