LD Update: Ottawa stadium approval; MISL signings; USL trials set

A wide variety of items for the debut on INWsoccernews of the Lower Division Update, one of the leading features of the sister-site The Soccer Barn, which is being phased out. The LD Update is a regular feature recapping the news from around North America regarding lower division professional soccer, the elite national amateur leagues and the professional indoor game.

NASL News: The league unveiled the Best XI for the 2012 season, honoring players from six of the eight teams... The Ottawa City Council approved a partnership with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group for the construction of Lansdowne Park, the potential home of a new NASL team as well as a CFL team.

The Semifinals continue with the second legs Saturday and Sunday. Trailing 2-1, the Carolina RailHawks visit the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday and the regular season champion San Antonio Scorpions play host to the defending champion Minnesota Stars Sunday with the series scoreless after the first leg.  Leg 1 Recap  |  Semifinal Preview

MISL News: The Rochester Lancers announced they have promoted Jim Hesch to head coach... Syracuse announced it has re-signed MISL Rookie of the Year Slavisa Ubiparapovic and player-assistant coach Ryan Hall. The Silver Knights also signed local player Nate Bourdeau of Boston College and Rutgers... The Baltimore Blast announced a set of 11 players that have been re-signed, including All-MISL selection Machel Millwood and Defender of the Year Mike Lookingland, as well as the return of the coaching staff... The Wichita Wings added Missouri Comets striker Tiguino to the roster. 

USL News: The USL Pro Combine for 2013 will return to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and will be held January 24-27... PDL side FC Tucson unveiled the four MLS clubs (New England, New York, RSL and Seattle) that will take part in the Third Annual Desert Diamond Cup next February... USL Pro's Rochester Rhinos announced an open tryout for mid-December, the Harrisburg City Islanders set one for October 20, the Charleston Battery announced two combine dates and the Wilmington Hammerheads unveiled five combine sessions...

CSL News: The league unveiled the playoff schedule following the conclusion of the regular season Wednesday evening. The playoffs begin this weekend with the quarterfinals and conclude Octer 27...

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