Austin Posse

April 10, 2004
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 * American Soccer Weblog

Roy Lassiter has been let go by Va. Beach--notified by conference call--and is playing now with the Austin Posse--an independent team in Texas.

The Posse already have Chad Deering, Ezra Hendrickson, Ted Eck and Chad Prince on the roster, who have various levels of MLS and/or A-League experience. The latest headline on their home page notes that the team has "taken the next step toward joining Mexican league," which, they say, would be cheaper for them in travel and more beneficial from a sponsor standpoint than joining the A-League or MLS.

From the Posse website:

Posse may set precedent and join Mexican League: The Austin Posse are currently looking at their third option, to join the Mexican soccer federation. According to General Manager Jonathan Langer, "The Mexican Teams have been very supportive of our program and joining either the Mexican 2nd Division or 1st Division would create a precedent for American soccer. There are teams in southern Texas that this would open the door to as well." In additon, Vice President Carlos da Fonte states, "Financially this would be the less expensive way to go. Our travel costs would be less than if we were to go into the MLS or the A-League. Our Sponsership markets would open themselves up to the many Mexican products and services which would increase our clubs revenues. In addition, we have been warmly received by many of the teams and officials in Mexico. Granted, we are only in the initial stages of talks it is my opinion that things could acclearate very quickly."