Will the Timbers be playing in the USL next season?

The USL first division is in a state of turmoil. A coalition of teams, called the Team Owners Association (TOA) has been in talks with the USL to move towards a league owned by the teams. Five teams (Carolina, Miami FC, Minnesota, Montreal and Vancouver) have said they are not committed to playing for the USL next season. That would leave the division with only six teams, and there are some indications Cleveland may not be around next season either. To make matters even worse for the USL, the TOA has been in talks with MLS- possibly to create a second tier MLS2 league (more). In addition to the USL-1 teams, the TOA also includes the Atlanta Silverbacks, St. Louis Soccer United and the Tampa Rowdies.

What does this mean for the Timbers next season? It puts them in limbo because in 2011 they will be moving to the MLS. The USL-1 division would only have four other teams, obviously not enough to make a league. One option for the USL is to move up some of its second division teams, but that didn't work so well with Cleveland as they are in serious financial trouble. Another is to try and tap new markets for expansion. If the TOA was to cut a deal with the MLS to form MLS2, would it make sense for the Timbers to break ties with the USL a year early? Probably not, as they have a good history with the league, but 2010 is a complete mystery right now.

The best thing for the USL, the teams, and the fans, would be for the TOA, USL and MLS to unite and create a second divison for the MLS. Timbers in MLS2 in 2010 and MLS1 in 2011? Make it happen!