One of the problems with Soccer in America is the fact that there is no promotion and relegation, making it impossible for local teams to have a chance at top tier soccer. Some of the major arguments against Pro/Rel is that it just isn't American. Well, I think I may have solved all of the problems and I did it in an American way. What is more American than a thirty-team league? The NBA, NHL, and NFL all have 30+ team leagues. A league of that size would also mean that more people in more areas will have a chance to enjoy top tier soccer in the United States. Here is my idea: Thirty teams divided into two Conferences (Eastern and Western) and Six Divisions. The division leaders plus the next five best teams in each conference make the playoffs for a total of eight from each conference. The two conference champions then meet in the MLS Cup Final.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Atlantic Division
- New England Revolution
- New York Cosmos
- New York Red Bulls
- Philadelphia Union
- DC United
- Montreal Impact
- Toronto FC
- Chicago Fire
- Columbus Crew
- Detroit FC
- Carolina Railhawks
- Tampa Bay Rowdies
- FTL Strikers
- New Orleans FC
- Houston Dynamo
Western Conference
Pacific Division
Pacific Division
- San Jose Earthquakes
- LA Galaxy
- Chivas USA
- Las Vegas FC
- Phoenix FC
- Vancouver Whitecaps
- Seattle Sounders
- Portland Timbers
- Calgary FC
- Real Salt Lake
- Albuquerque FC
- Colorado Rapids
- FC Dallas
- Sporting Kansas City
- Minnesota Stars
Some of the teams, like Albuquerque, are just ideas. Doesn't mean a team should be placed there, its just hard to think of where teams could be placed in the Western Conference.
Let me know what you think of this idea below in the comments section.
Let me know what you think of this idea below in the comments section.
