MASL Announces New Conference And Divisional Alignments

Harrisburg Heat Remain In Eastern Division With Rival Baltimore Blast

The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) announced today the divisional and conference alignments for the upcoming 2017-2018 season. The MASL enters its fourth season with an eye towards further stability and long-term growth.

Over the last three seasons, the league has taken measures to stabilize and grow the league and heads into the 2017-2018 season with a roster of at least 24 teams in the MASL pyramid, including an expected 8-12 teams in the newly formed MASL2.

With many teams having already released dates for their respective home-openers, the full 2017-2018 MASL schedule is set to be released in the next week. The league will be split into an Eastern and Western Conference with two divisions in each conference.

The schedule will highlight both traditional and regional rivalries, putting more importance on each regular season victory.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Central Division

Cedar Rapids Rampage
Kansas City Comets
Milwaukee Wave
St. Louis Ambush

Eastern Division

Baltimore Blast
Florida Tropics
Harrisburg Heat
Syracuse Silver Knights

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Pacific Division

Ontario Fury
San Diego Sockers
Tacoma Stars
Turlock Express

Southwest Division

El Paso Coyotes
Monterrey Flash
RGV Barracudas
Soles de Sonora

The MASL is excited about the return of the RGV Barracudas and Monterrey Flash to the schedule, with the first Canadian franchise set to begin play in Toronto in 2018-2019. In addition, the Kansas City Comets will remain in the MASL 1^st Division after an offseason restructuring of the team’s ownership and management. Commissioner Joshua Schaub will continue to explore options for further league expansion in future seasons.

“Last season was so exciting for me, as I’m sure it was for many of our fans,” said MASL commissioner Joshua Schaub. “I am very excited to continue with the MASL and watch as the sport of arena soccer continues to grow across North America.”

The Chicago Mustangs have elected to play this season in the brand new MASL2. This new league will be focused on discovering and developing arena soccer players in a competitive atmosphere, while expanding the reach of arena soccer across North America. Atletico Baja is exploring the option of playing in MASL2 while they reorganize their operations as well. The Dallas Sidekicks will be inactive for the 2017-2018 season, but the team is already working with the league and the Allen Event Center to make the Sidekicks return in 2018-2019 a smooth one.

ABOUT THE MAJOR ARENA SOCCER LEAGUE

The Major Arena Soccer League represents the highest level of professional arena soccer in the world. The MASL features teams across North America, with teams playing coast-to-coast in the United States and Mexico. The MASL is currently incorporated as a 501(c)6 not for profit corporation formed to promote the business and sport of arena soccer.