Nathan3e, you of all people should understand that soccer cannot be explained by mere empirical data. How to quantify Maradona's Hand of God, or Zidane and Materazzi?

Glorified amateur wages = glorified amateur players

I don't care if anyone watches an MASL game, but it would nice if someone else had a shred of understanding of both sides of this discussion. Who knows, you'll probably see some MASL players on your roster this season.

IAWTC

I, Amy, Want To Come ??

Iowa Attacks Wisconsin Today Comrade ???

IAWTC=I agree with that comment.

Google works, yo.

I thought you were bragging about how you always win the cake, Amy. My bad.

Peter Wilt just did an interview with Jeff Cooper, the NASL commissioner. http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/02/03/q-a-with-interim-nasl-commissioner-jeff-cooper/

Two things that he says caught my attention:
1) "The proven model for a pro soccer team is to own your stadium at the smallest possible cost."

2) "I think there were a huge number of issues with how the old USL marketed it’s teams. We plan on doing a much better job of helping teams gain greater attention in each market."

MN Soccer Guy said: "If diversity is so easy to achieve that a fledgling organization in a faltering industry can do it, why don't the well-established Dark Clouds begin a grass-roots effort to colorize their own ranks?"

You cannot compare the two situations in any way, shape or form, but point taken.

One thing to keep in mind, the Dark Clouds don't exist in any way except a name. There is no group, no hierarchy, no membership, no website, no nothing. It's just people who are roughly called a group, and some have called them the Dark Clouds. I made up the name, but I have never applied it to anything.

the atmosphere for soccer in america is growing every single year, and if we had those people right now with the attitude and desire they had when they started then i have no doubt this team could work. hindsight isn't worth much in this argument.

ps. I took manny off your list

I am so sick of this MASL v USL argument. I have heard it for years and years, and its just another lame excuse.

the real difference between all the adult amateurs (MASL) that play in leagues in every city in america, and adult professionals who play in minor leagues (USL) is first and foremost COMMITMENT.

amateurs play on a team in their free time, while the professionals have it in their heart 24/7 with aspirations they try to achieve each and every day to grow and make it to a bigger team and reach their highest plateau as a soccer player. day in, day out, through good and bad.

i dont want to hear about how MASL players are just as good. its not just about skill on a ball etc. its the whole package. physical AND mental.

and its about SACRIFICE. giving up many many things to try and do what your dreams drive you to do.

IF you really want something, and IF you have the skill, then you have a shot. But IF you never try, then you are simply not as good as the guy who does try.

IAWTC. Well said, Bruce.