I got my hopes up for nothing!
In any case, this is the second time that Victoria has officially mentioned a potential move 'to the USL pro ranks'. To get peoples hopes up like that and then not follow through would be very poor on their part. I doubt they would continue to mention it if talks were not far along.
They also have a "big time" coach, and are REALLY REALLY pushing Academy development. They have a u18 team, and are pushing forward with youth camps year round, not to mention a u23 (first team) and u21 (reserves) team. They'll be NASL sooner than later. They also have affiliation with Sheffield Wednesday (and other clubs?) which has encouraged player movement.
True north, strong and free!
I've been following the Highlanders, and everything I have seen about their organization is professional. I would love to see them go pro.
So how is it that Edmonton joins the NASL and then decided to build everything up around themselves afterwards, and Victoria sounds pretty well established but still not in? I am asking out of sheer nievity here, but I find it curious.Originally Posted by bettermirror
Because they're smart? I think it actually has more to do with the market... Edmonton considers itself big(ger) time in terms of sports teams. A team in a development league might do alright and build momentum in somewhere like Victoria, but I don't think it would do much in Edmonton except perpetually limp along. Edmonton will really only embrace a team "in a real league" - so you sorta have to jump in and work hard (and pray a bit). MLS is out of reach, but I think it's possible to make this NASL thing work. It's much the same syndrome why a second division team in Toronto (the Lynx) couldn't draw flies, but MLS is a huge hit (well there's lots of reasons for that... including crazy Nicole Hartnell).
We're Red, We're White, We're Monkey Dynamite!
I've gone off Mr Bridge. We started OK but in the second half of the season he didn't seem to have the vision to make tactical changes. We need a real "big time" coach. Or at least a coach with experience managing pro teams.
But if Victoria use the 'Eddies' as a way of building up alttle bit more momentum, then good luck to them.
Although I have no insight into the Highlanders beyond their u18's, I was suggesting "big time" didn't actually="big time." But in re: to Canadian professional terms, Bridge isn't bad. I won't speak toward their tactics though, as I have no clue!
True north, strong and free!
I'm not sure one single exhibition game is a good measure of support. We have had great crowds all season - even AFTER we were eliminated from the playoffs.Victoria Highlanders soccer team eyes higher level
The Victoria Highlanders play the first leg of a home-and-home friendly series this Sunday, August 8th, at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford. The opponent is Edmonton FC, a team scheduled to make a step up into the new NASL pro tier of North American soccer next season.
Highlanders general manager Drew Finerty considers this game as a bit of a bellwether to determine community support for a possible bid by the Highlanders to move to a higher level themselves. Full article>>
Out of intrest what would you consider a good crowd? Not slight intended.Just like to get an idea of what consitutes a good crowd at this level. If wednesday makes the 2500 mark then are the Eddies in good shape for next season?
Open to all question by the way
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
