FC Buffalo sent COO Scott Frauenhofer to Kansas City this past weekend to attend the league’s annual general meetings and the National Soccer Coaches Association of American Convention.
We learned this weekend that the league is still growing with the addition of new teams, including our new conference foes in Cleveland, Binghamton, and Detroit.
The structure of the US Open Cup has changed slightly, this year will include 7 automatic bids for the NPSL. As a result of entering a new conference, FC Buffalo will not compete in the Open Cup this year. Last year’s conference winner the Milwaukee Bavarians will represent the NPSL Midwest. Next year should see the addition of more automatic bids, so expect FC Buffalo to return to Open Cup competition in 2013.
The NPSL is entering a new phase this year as some teams will have the option to turn professional. The league will be making an announcement soon regarding the structure of the salary cap, but paid players will be allowed in the NPSL for the first time in 2012. Teams will either be professional or amateur in makeup, as the NCAA states that amateur players cannot play with professional players without forfeiting their college eligibility. College players can play against professionals though, so you can expect to see some more important friendly dates on our calendar this season. FC Buffalo will continue to host an amateur team this season, and we’re very excited to be announcing some more signings soon.
One last note, Scott, former co-owner Ryan Knapp, and Queen City FC founder Chris Keem competed in the Walter Chyzowych memorial 4v4 tournament Saturday night at the conclusion of the NSCAA convention. Their team went 1-1-1 in the group stage and didn’t advance on goal differential. Scott jumped in net to bail out Keem in the final game, leading the team to an 8-0 victory.
