PNW Rangers Complete the Circle: First Kick Now Revealed

The final BSL expansion club is in. Please welcome the Pacific Northwest Rangers. The owner has introduced a crest featuring a familiar green to the Oregon area. Originally, the league had plans to expand from the 8 clubs it had in seasons 1 and 2, to a total of 10 clubs. The rational was with the additions of Sea, Phil, Port, Van, to the MLS (& Mont next year), this league could handle more of its own clubs. However, after consideration, the Commissioners office wanted to finally have a balanced schedule. With 11 clubs, everyone plays each other twice in the 20 game regular season. A BSL first to have it balanced!!! What this means is each club will have "2 bye weeks" in the schedule. A 22 week season instead of the usual 20 week regular season. Those of you who like friendlies (like in the past) can schedule them during your 2 bye weeks.

Playoffs 4 clubs instead of 3 clubs

To keep things interesting, 1 more playoff spot will be available. No longer will the Honors Trophy champion (regular season winner) get a bye to the BSL Final. #1 will play #4 in 2011, and #2 will continue to play #3 like before. Based on previous history, this might actually help the first place team do something in the playoffs.

Majors Cup staying the same

This is not changing. Top 4 second half clubs are still the ones that qualify. For those of you unfamiliar with Majors Cup. Its a 2nd chance to salvage your season. See the RULES on it.

First Kick games are announced

Now that all the clubs are confirmed. The first games are available. The rest of the schedule will come out after the MLS releases their dates. The 4 MLS opponents for Majors Cup 2011 will also be determined once the MLS schedule is released.