MLS is finally taking steps to improve its reserve league structure.
According to a report from respected MLS journalist Jason Davis, talks are ongoing between USL-Pro and MLS. However, there is an agreement in principle to move the reserve league teams into the league.
The details:
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]1. If an MLS city has a USL-Pro team nearby, MLS will provide 5 players and pay their salary
2. If there is no USL-Pro team, the MLS reserve side will become a new, permanent team in USL-Pro
3. All USL-Pro teams will have a MLS affiliate.
There are no USL-Pro teams in Canada. The closest team would be the Rochester Rhinos. An affiliation with either Montreal or Toronto seems highly unlikely and would be met with anger by older fans that recall the intense rivalry that existed between the Impact, Rhinos and, to a lesser extent, Lynx.