Its official , after some speculation the NASL will expand to Puerto Rico once again , the league announced earlier this month. Carmelo Anthony , NBA star player will own the team. At a press conference in Bayamón Anthony announced that the team will join the league in the Fall of 2016. The New York Cosmos entered in the Fall Season during their reboot season , at got some stick from fans because they entered in the second half of the season and won the Championship .During the press conference they also announced that the club will be called Puerto Rico FC.
“It is an honor for me to bring back soccer to Puerto Rico, my beloved Island, birthplace of my father, and a special place that as you know, I carry with pride in my heart and soul,” Anthony said. “Through my Foundation, I have been coming to Puerto Rico for the past six years, restoring basketball courts in underprivileged communities. Today, I come back to the island – this time with the commitment of restoring professional soccer in Puerto Rico through the NASL.”
The new expansion side will play its home matches at newly renovated Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium , home of the Puerto Rican national team and former home of the Puerto Rico Islanders.
The Puerto Rico Islanders formerly of the NASL suspended operations in 2012 because they didn’t have adequate funding. With the new look Puerto Rico FC , there will be no shortage of funds because there will be backed by Carmelo Anthony. Anthony has a great vision for the club , and for the island .“I am committed to bring soccer to the next level in Puerto Rico,” Anthony said. “To the thousands of fans in Puerto Rico that have been waiting for soccer to come back, I can promise a world-class organization in a world-class league, with a strong social mission to provide kids the opportunity to participate in this growing sport.”
Puerto Rico FC is an exciting new expansion side , the Islanders had success on the island but couldn’t secure needed funds. With Carmelo they will have the money and the ambition to compete within the league. People social media have said that travel will be an issue , don’t think that would be a problem.
The Islanders had success in the Champions League , hopefully this new side will have the same success and hopefully make the NASL proud. From the NASL standpoint this is a great addition and a great market to add to a growing league.
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