Let's get the obvious out of the way up front, shall we? There is not currently, nor has there ever been, a full, traditional system of on-field-merit-based promotion and relegation in any American pro soccer endeavor that I'm aware of[1].

With that said, the essence of promotion and relegation, the ability to move between levels of a nebulous pyramid, does exist, and has for more than a decade[2].

By Alan Duffy

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett passed away last night after a 16-month battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The 46-year-old was one of a select band of players to enjoy extended stays with both Liverpool clubs after starting off with the red half of the city as an apprentice in 1982.

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett (46) lost his 16 month battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma yesterday.

Ablett started his career with Liverpool playing over 100 games, winning two League title's 1987-88 and Liverpool's last title success in 1989-90, he also picked up an FA Cup winning medal in 1988-89 beating Everton 3-2 after extra-time.

USL PDL Open Qualifying Change

According to the Kitsap Pumas (linked above) they automatically qualify for the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup since they won their division. Joining them would be the Portland Timbers U-23 side, as they were the best remaining American team.

Other qualifiers based on last year's standings in the PDL (and assuming that this is true for all PDL divisions) would be the Michigan Bucks, Chicago Fire, Des Moinse Menace, Real Colorado Foxes, Long Island Rough Riders, Reading United, MPS Portland Phoenix, New Hampshire Phantoms, Carolina Dynamo, Northern Virginia Royals, Laredo Heat, Chivas El Paso Patriots, Mississippi Brilla, Central Florida Kraze (now Orlando City U-23), Fresno Fuego, Ventura County Fusion

Now that would be 18, so I may be jumping the gun.

Former Duke All-American forward Mike Grella has joined Brentford of League One (third division).
In 42 league and cup matches matches for Leeds, Grella scored five goals – three of them in the FA Cup – and played another 18 matches (four goals) on loan to Carlisle United and Swindon Town.

The Kitsap Pumas captured the 2011 PDL Championship by downing the Laredo Heat 1-0 Saturday. The teams met after the Pumas had defeated former champion the Thunder Bay Chill 3-1 in the semifinals, while the Heat knocked off the Long Island Rough Riders by a 4-1 score to enter the championship match.

The Kitsap Pumas captured the 2011 PDL Championship by downing the Laredo Heat 1-0 Saturday. The teams met after the Pumas had defeated former champion the Thunder Bay Chill 3-1 in the semifinals, while the Heat knocked off the Long Island Rough Riders by a 4-1 score to enter the championship match.

The Philly Soccer Page " Reading keeps pace with Long Island for playoff spot

The past several weeks have seen Reading eliminated by fellow Union-affiliate club Harrisburg City Islanders from US Open Cup as well as lose their first Mid-Atlantic conference game to the Long Island Rough Riders.

The past several weeks have seen Reading eliminated by fellow Union-affiliate club Harrisburg City Islanders from US Open Cup as well as lose their first Mid-Atlantic conference game to the Long Island Rough Riders. After dropping two straight matches, Reading regained momentum and rattled off three straights wins to reclaim the top spot in the division.

The past several weeks have seen Reading eliminated by fellow Union-affiliate club Harrisburg City Islanders from US Open Cup as well as lose their first Mid-Atlantic conference game to the Long Island Rough Riders. After dropping two straight matches, Reading regained momentum and rattled off three straights wins to reclaim the top spot in the division.

Reading United fans may have noticed the absence of Brian Ownby in the team's 5-1 victory of the Central Jersey Spartans. Ownby, along with Reading and University of Virginia teammate Will Bates, is currently on a 10-day trial with Swedish team Mjällby. Mjällby plays in Sweden's first division, the Allsvenskan, and currently sits in thirteenth place in the standings.

Despite recording more shots, Reading were defeated 1-0 by the Harrisburg City Islanders Tuesday night at Exeter's Don Thomas Stadium.

In a matchup that featured both Union affiliated clubs, it was a goal by Harrisburg's Sainey Touray in the 64th minute that proved to be the difference. While both teams had numerous opportunities to score, neither could capitalize thanks to some quality goalkeeping.