The Board of Directors of US Soccer met to deal with the possibility of applying sanctions to the USL [United Soccer League] and the NASL [North American Soccer League] with regards to their rights to operate a Division II Professional League for 2010.

The vote [which was in the majority] was in favour of granting a reprieve from sanctions in the hope that both leagues could work out a viable solution for the 2010 season. The decision also takes into account that the USL and the NASL are unable to comply with the minimum requirements of US Soccer for eight teams.

The US Soccer Board deserves a round of praise for their decision while the USL and NASL need to take the reprieve seriously. One of the things that should be taken into account concerning the lack of viability in both leagues is that the clubs that belong to the USL and NASL do not receive the publicity for the games.

There have been a history of teams that have not been able to meet their requirements secondary to the economic situation. It is hoped that people will start waking up and supporting the teams in the USL and NASL as a way of supporting football/soccer in North America especially since the US Soccer Club is supporting a movement to have the USA host the World Cup for 2018 or 2022.

It remains to be seen what will transpire but it is hoped that the year 2010 can bring a resurgence of interest in all football/soccer clubs in North America regardless of whether the clubs belong to the MLS, USL, NASL, or the US Soccer [Football] Team. 

http://my.nowpublic.com/sports/us-soccer-board-gives-reprieve-usl-and-nasl