8 replies to this topic

[KSA]

Hello everyone, I'm a sports agent who has recently teamed up with the Baltimore Bohemians as a marketing consultant.  I was wondering, how many people are actually aware of the USL-PDL and it's function in U.S. soccer?

 

The PDL, or Premier Development League, represents the pinnacle of the academy system here in the U.S.  The most elite college players sharpen their skills in the PDL each summer along with other young players destined for a professional career.  The vast majority of new American professionals over the past few years, have passed through the ranks of the PDL.

 

Is U.S. Soccer doing enough to get the word out about this league?  Does it even make a difference to you as a sports fan?

 

I would love to get some feedback on the topic.

 

Thanks!

[BSLChrisStoner]

Brian, great to see you here.  As you can tell, soccer is not huge here on this board... but we do have a few fans. Those who do follow the game, all being more knowledgeable than myself.

 

Brian and I had discussed this a bit yesterday.  I had the mistaken impression the hierarchy of US Soccer was MLS at the top of the pyramid, with NASL and USL 1 directly underneath, and USL 2 the next level below that. I had believed the Baltimore Bohemians were USL 2.

 

Brian corrected me, and advised I was describing the old structure saying that, "The current professional structure is MLS / NASL / USL PRO.  USL-PDL, the league in which the Bohemians play, represents the pinnacle of the academy system.  In USL-PDL, the cream of the crop of college players hone their skills in the summer, and top young players cut their teeth to bridge the gap between college and pro.  Although there are similarities with other systems throughout the world, I'm not aware of anything quite like the PDL.  The vast majority of new professional players in our domestic leagues over the past 2 or 3 years, have passed through the PDL, and the impact it's having on the American soccer scene is profound."

 

This was certainly interesting information, and does make me want to pay more attention to the Bohemians.

 

 

Brian, we also have a thread in our 'Other' section about a Soccer Specific Stadium in Baltimore, which you can find here. I'd certainly be interested in your thoughts on that.

[Atomtastic]

I am aware of the Boh's and have some gear actually.  I am sure I am in the minority there.  I tried to make it out to a game last season, but it was not meant to be and the fact that I was coming from Owings Mills did not really help.

 

Like Chris said soccer is not really all that big on here.  I am in the minority who really gets into the sport and have been following it for years weather club or international level. 

 

I have seen the Boh's have events at Slainte in Baltimore.  I am not sure if you have had any luck pulling fans from there.  I would suggest trying to target the youth.  I know 20-some years ago when I was a kid, a bunch of my friends and I would love when our parents would take us to Baltimore Bays games. 

[DJ MC]

I'm a little less aware than I thought I was, because I thought they still played up here at Ceder Lane Park.

[Chris B]

I meant to reply to this thread this weekend, but forgot about now.

 

Truthfully, I had never heard of the Bohemians until reading this thread. If I'm reading correctly, the levels of US Soccer are: MLS, NASL (both who I've heard) and then USL-Pro and USL-PDL.

 

What is the level of competition for the USL levels? Is this similar to MiLB or NBA D-League?

[KSA]

It's hard to relate levels of play to other sports, in my opinion.  What I can say is that the level of play in NASL and USL Pro are very close.  I believe that USL sends more players to MLS than NASL does, but I can't find any real data to confirm this. The levels are improving rapidly accross the board and there is still a lot of talent to go around, so continued expansion shouldn't hurt the product.  USL and MLS have a stronger relationship than NASL and MLS - currently four MLS clubs have official USL Pro affiliates; Harrisburg is paired with MLS Philly, Richmond is paired with MLS DC United; Rochester is paired with MLS New England, and I THINK the last one is Pittsburgh with MLS Columbus.

[KSA]

If anyone is interested the next weekend match is Saturday the 22nd at 7pm.

 

Single Game Tickets

Adults: $10.00 (another $10 gets you all the Bohs / Pabst / Wine you can drink for the first hour of the game in the beer garden)

Ages 10-18: $5.00

Under 10: FREE



Group Tickets

Groups of 20 or more: $2.00 off each ticket

Groups of 10: $1.00 off each ticket

4 adults: $35.00



Family Pack

2 Adults/2 Ages 10-18: $25.00

[Chris B]

Where are games?

[BSLChrisStoner]

Where are games?

 

Loyola University / Ridley Athletic Complex

 

http://www.baltimore...ans.com/ticket/