Rochester must think they're going to be an MLS team next season, since they continue to try and sign recent cuts among teams that exist now in the American top-flight. Wolde Harris is the latest target--recently cut from Kansas City. Harris is deciding between Rochester and options overseas. If Harris--the 1996 A-League MVP--joins, he'll join the 1997 MVP, Doug Miller up front along with recent signee Chris Carrieri.
Roy Lassiter has been let go by Va. Beach--notified by conference call--and is playing now with the Austin Posse--an independent team in Texas.

The Posse already have Chad Deering, Ezra Hendrickson, Ted Eck and Chad Prince on the roster, who have various levels of MLS and/or A-League experience. The latest headline on their home page notes that the team has "taken the next step toward joining Mexican league," which, they say, would be cheaper for them in travel and more beneficial from a sponsor standpoint than joining the A-League or MLS.
From the Posse website:
Posse may set precedent and join Mexican League: The Austin Posse are currently looking at their third option, to join the Mexican soccer federation. According to General Manager Jonathan Langer, "The Mexican Teams have been very supportive of our program and joining either the Mexican 2nd Division or 1st Division would create a precedent for American soccer. There are teams in southern Texas that this would open the door to as well." In additon, Vice President Carlos da Fonte states, "Financially this would be the less expensive way to go. Our travel costs would be less than if we were to go into the MLS or the A-League. Our Sponsership markets would open themselves up to the many Mexican products and services which would increase our clubs revenues. In addition, we have been warmly received by many of the teams and officials in Mexico. Granted, we are only in the initial stages of talks it is my opinion that things could acclearate very quickly."
Va. Beach was mentioned in the article as a possible destination for Harris.
Charleston, the other free spender in the A-League, plays their final tuneup today against former A-League side Charlotte at Blackbaud Stadium. They've just signed MLS veteran defender Ivan McKinley and rookie midfielder Jason Getz. McKinley sat out 2003 with an injury and was most recently with DC United in 2002.
Going north of the border . . . In an article discussing the costs of running a pro sports franchise, it notes that a dozen owners are sharing the $250,000 franchise fee paid to put A-League and W-League soccer in Edmonton. Certainly, it won't be a profit-making experience, says the operator of one A-League team.
The Aviators had problems just securing dates to play at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, and just now finalized their schedule, opening up with their first five matches on the road. The Aviators have a goal of beating the all-time A-League attendance record--set by Seattle--for their home opener. While the A-League season begins April 17, the Aviators won't start until April 30, with their home opener not coming until May 30.
"Anybody who gets involved thinking it will be a money-making proposition from Day 1, it won't be early on," said Bob Lenarduzzi, the director of operations for the A-League's Vancouver Whitecaps. He's been in the pro soccer business on the left coast for 17 years, dating back to the CSL and NASL.
"We made money the first year. About $550. Every year after that we had to infuse capital. But it was never in the millions," Lenarduzzi said.
A new "soccer dome" has opened in Montreal. It doesn't note any involvement by the Impact, but the words Montreal and "soccer mad" are used in the same article, so it gets attention here. Montreal's W-League team begins training next week.
Martin Nash, part of the Impact, made a return to the indoor game and scored 26 goals with Dallas this season. Dallas has used a mix of soccer vagabonds to create an indoor playoff team.
Staying indoors for a second, Andy Guastaferro, who most recently played in Charlotte (2000-2003), is having a decent season (low in article) with the Philadelphia Kixx in the MISL and is earning consideration for rookie of the year in the indoor league. The Toronto Lynx's Marcello Vincello (2000-2003) is also doing well indoors in Philly.
Midfielder Geert Brusselers, described as a 15-year veteran of European soccer, has signed with the Calgary Mustangs and will be the team captain.
David Hayes apparently spurned a more-lucrative offer to play in Milwaukee, and instead has returned to play in Richmond after a tryout with the MetroStars that had him playing at left back, rather than in midfield. Said Hayes:
I just felt I tried the money thing over the years, and it doesn't bring what you're looking for - happiness.
In the same article, it notes that Richie Williams will take on a role as an assistant coach at UVa, and that Richmond plucked Joey Worthen off the self-relegated Pittsburgh Riverhouds with the idea of playing the former midfielder at left back. Tony Williams is getting a look at right back.
Roger Levesque, a former Richmond draft pick (not that A-League draft picks have ever meant anything) and current with San Jose in MLS, is likely to be loaned to Seattle for at least a few weeks after tearing up his contract and re-signed as a roster-exempt senior developmental player. This comes after the Earthquakes traded for Chris Brown. The Revs needed to move salary so it can acquire a defender for injured Carlos Llamosa, likely out for the season.
Amos Magee, a 14-year veteran of the Minnesota Thunder, has re-signed with the team.
Portland's Jake Sagare, who spent the A-League offseason at Halifax Town in England's Nationwide Conference, says he plans to return to the English club again. The Portland Timbers lost in their 2nd preseason match, though McKinley Tennyson scored.
Former Atlanta Silverbacks coach Pete Peterson (2000-2001) has been named coach of Clayton College & State University.
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