The Rochester Rhinos today announced they have officially joined the North American Soccer League.

“We evaluated the situation very carefully and decided that the best decision for the future of the Rhinos and soccer in Rochester was for us to join the new NASL,” said Rhinos CEO Rob Clark. “Soccer is maturing before our very eyes.  We are joining a family of team owners who are committed to investing in our league and their teams to further the development of players and support the future growth of the sport in North America.  The NASL is a new beginning for soccer in Rochester.”

The addition of Rochester brings the NASL to ten teams, including the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC Blues, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, St. Louis United, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps.

“I’m looking forward to working with my fellow owners in the coming weeks to hire a Commissioner, create a 2010 schedule and finalize league marketing initiatives,” concluded Clark.

The NASL has applied for USSF Division II status and expects to start its first season as a Division II professional soccer league in April 2010.

 

This brings NASL 2010 team count to 10 dwarfing USL-1′s numbers which sits at 5. Of course we fully expect USL-1 teams to merge with those from USL-2.

With no real prospect of MLS choosing San Antonio for the its 20th spot, why wouldn’t NASL be the best fit for the 7th largest city in the USA?

To readup on the newly formed NASL, please click here.

To discuss NASL with the Crocketteers, please reference The NASL reborn thread.