November 29, 2011

Chicago, IL - Interim NPSL Midwest Commissioner Greg Saliaras announced the addition of four new teams to the Midwest region.  Saliaras, who runs Eau Claire Aris FC, has been working with prospective teams for several months and is keen on bringing strong clubs to the Midwest region.  "The NPSL is strong on both coasts and I want the Midwest to be represented well," said Saliaras, who goes on to say, "I am working hard to evaluate interested teams and want to make certain that we bring on new teams that are financially viable, have vision, and will raise the standard of the division and the league.  At this time I am pleased to announce the addition AFC Cleveland, Detroit City FC and Greater Binghamton FC.  All three of the teams have completed their admission process, have been approved by the NPSL Executive Board and will be included in the 2012 NPSL schedule."

Ben Steffans, President and CEO of newly minted Detroit City FC, said, "Detroit City FC is honored to join the NPSL and looks forward to contributing to the NPSL’s reputation as a rapidly ascending domestic league.  Detroit City FC is also honored to bring soccer back to the Motor City."

Saliaras did mention the possibility of more clubs being added to the NPSL Midwest prior to the 2012 season, but was not able to comment further at this time.  The addition of the new teams will surely cause a divisional re-alignment that will be addressed at the NPSL Annual General Meeting to be held in January 2012.  Existing NPSL teams may even find themselves in a different divisional fray as the NPSL strives to keep regional focus and maintain team schedules with geographically desirable opponents.

The NPSL public relations department will be working with the individual new teams to publish feature articles on the league web site in the coming weeks.