Don't bury the Pride yet. Just because they're not returning to the W-League doesn't mean they're dead.

I don't know but didn't the Pride have a bunch of youth leagues/teams also? The W-League team might not be fielding this year but I cannot imagine anything happening to the other teams in the organization.

I was kind of curious about Rochester. I am a college women's soccer fan, and follow Carnegie Mellon down here in Pittsburgh, which has no W-league team. But one of the players on CMU is on Rochester Ravens as well. I was curious whether they are run by the Rhinos, or whether they are totally separate. I know they play at a different venue ( a college in Pittsford).

Eastern Conference

Northeast Division
Long Island Lady Riders
New Jersey Lady Stallions
New Jersey Wildcats
New York Magic
South Jersey Banshees

Northern Division
Rochester Ravens
New Hampshire Lady Phantoms
Ottawa Fury
Toronto Inferno
Boston Renegades

Central Conference

Midwest Division
Chicago Cobras
Cincinnati Ladyhawks
Northern Kentucky TC Stars
Windy City Bluez
Columbus

Atlantic Division
Asheville Splash
Charlotte Lady Eagles
Greensboro Twisters
Hampton Roads Piranhas
Northern Virginia Majestics

Western Conference
Arizona Heatwave
Denver Lady Cougars
Fort Collins Force
Mile High Mustangs
Seattle Sounders Select
Vancouver

http://www.uslsoccer.com/press/pub/...eshow.asp?ID=76

I see the need for a 'Southern Division' here.

Gotta have those owners step up and the soccer community to come out and support "THEIR" Team!!!

The Vermont Voltage just announced on their website that they are forming a women's team which will compete in exhibitions against some W-League teams this season and anticipates joining the W-League in 2004. Cool!

http://www.vermontvoltage.com/13_women.html

Where are all those owners in the Southern US and Florida that are interested in backing a team?

I think the concept that the Vermont team is taking is interesting. Financially can teams be supported in the W-League through this kind of arrangement? Does anyone have any success storied using this type of arrangement?

I'd love to see the Jade field a team to play an exhibition type schedule in 2003 but it appears almost certain that this wont happen.

I think the best way for a W-League team to make money is to have good, solid camps and clinics on the side. Also it gives the players a way to make extra money. You have to do it right, though, if you do not fill the sessions, you will pay the instructors more than you bring in. Some places, like Long Island (I think) are planning on doing this most of the year, I believe they use local players, mostly, that are there year 'round. Teams that import most of the players will not have the luxury of running these on the off season.

the maryland Pride is in the new WPSL eastern division