Photo: Michael Long
Before I get too far into discussing the decision of WPS to cancel the 2012 season, let me say
that my initial reaction when the news first broke was that I was simply gutted. Gutted for every
fantastic person I've met covering the Independence and women's soccer in general.
The Pitch Invasion podcast, presented by Peter Wilt and Tom Dunmore, is now available on iTunes,
so please take a second and leave a rating there if you enjoy the show!
If you haven't listened to it, the inaugural episode was released last week, and featured Wilt
discussing how to start an MLS club with Montreal Impact Jesse Marsch, along with Dunmore
interviewing former Supporters Direct chief executive Dave Boyle about UK and US fan culture.
The Pitch Invasion Podcast Episode 1
Can't wait to take a listen to this:
"Peter Wilt and Tom Dunmore host the inaugural Pitch Invasion podcast, exploring soccer culture
around the world from the American Midwest. In the first show, Peter and Tom talk first to Montreal
Impact head coach Jesse Marsch about the challenges of starting a soccer club, putting together a
team from scratch, and fan culture in MLS.
Almost five years into the existence of Pitch Invasion, you can now hear the dulcet tones of
Pitch Invasion editor Tom Dunmore and regular contributor Peter Wilt on a new monthly podcast,
featuring interviews with interesting people from the world of soccer.
It's available to stream or download below, and will show up on iTunes shortly.
Photo: Courtesy US Soccer
Philly Soccer Page
Today marks the return of one series and the start of another. First, fresh on the heels of our
series of raves, we begin our series of season reviews of every Philadelphia Union player who saw
more than ten minutes of action in 2011 (sorry Morgan!
Women's Pro Soccer may not be failing, but it is in danger. Their sanction is in doubt as there
are only five teams in the league for 2012. There is a lawsuit against WPS from a former team
owner. While attendance was significantly up after the Women's World Cup there is an issue about
revenue not being greater than costs.
Today the MISL has released an updated 2011-2012 schedule, making the rumors official regarding the
short lived Chicago Kick franchise.
Chicago are out due to an inability of the "new" team to secure a suitable venue in time for the
season. Although the league is still leaving open the possibility of the Kick to try to join the
fold again next year stating they are set to join for 2012-13, subject to fulfillment of
league requirements.
After managing to win three straight games in all competitions and whipping the Fire faithful
into a state of mild delirium, the Men in Red went right back to their old ways in dropping a 2-0
away contest to an underwhelming San Jose Earthquakes side. The loss has basically shut the window
on any hopes of an appearance in the 2011 MLS playoffs (How many times have we said that this year
already?
There are rumors that the Chicago Riot may be making a return to the MISL for the upcoming
2011-2012 season. MISL to announce division lineups, playoffs and one more team returning
When Indoor Soccer News reached out to Riot President & CEO
Peter Wilt via Twitter
his response was simply:
@PeterWilt1 : @VASN_Indoor we're hopeful!
The Basics
SG Name: Section 8 Chicago, the Independent Supporters Association (ISA) for the Chicago
Fire Soccer Club
MLS Club: Chicago Fire Soccer Club
Stadium: Toyota Park
Year SG Founded: The ISA convened officially in 2003, but there are several Fire SGs that
predate the ISA.
Carlos de los Cobos is out as head coach and Frank Klopas is in as interim head coach for the
Chicago Fire. The team made it official today with a press release stating:
[Frank] Klopas, in his fourth season as the club's Technical Director, will now serve
as the Interim Head Coach through the 2011 season, while the Fire search for a permanent
replacement.
The potentially biggest story of the day for Chicago soccer fans was the announcement that the
United Soccer League has entered into an agreement with the Major Indoor Soccer League to combine
forces for the 2011-2012 season. The Chicago Riot run by Chicago soccer legend Peter Wilt played in
the 2010-2011 MISL season.
Although I'm mellow when it comes to attendance, I want to take a brief look at what's going on
in Columbus. Crappy weather, too many early home dates, and season ticket holder base in revolt
over the Championship Purge have undoubtedly played a big role in some miserable announced
attendances and even worse turnouts.
Ante Cop's winner: The reaction says it all.I'm prone to doing things at the last minute like
anyone else. But the Chicago Riot's birth into the Major Indoor Soccer League was taking it a bit
far.
Starting a professional soccer team in a matter of weeks? Talk about a challenge! But the word
"impossible" never crossed my mind as I knew we had the right people running the ship.
Over the weekend, Bridgeview mayor Steve Landek was appointed to replace retiring State Senator
Lou Viverito. The meeting was held at Toyota Park. Landek will continue to serve as mayor of
Bridgeview.
Guillermo Rivera writes about where we are in the allocation order over at Fire
Confidential.
when you blow out like a dead star
it reminds me how uniform your beautiful is
we carry on like it's easy
like you're all out
and i'm your man
baby i'm your man
-Matt Good, Giant
Or go with the last time I referenced Stars Die, your pick.