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Turlock Express join new league
Turlock Express pic1
Turlock Express leading scorer Ivan Campos races towards the ball as a member of the Sockers pursues him during the second leg of the 2013 PASL Pacific Division Playoffs in Las Vegas. - photo by Journal file photo

The Turlock Express have joined other top professional indoor soccer teams from across the United States and Mexico to create a new super league. 

These teams, which had previously played in the Major Indoor Soccer League and Professional Arena Soccer League have combined to form the Major Arena Soccer League.  The league currently has 24 teams with the possibility of adding other teams prior to the June 1 deadline established by the league to play in the 2014/2015 season. 

“We are excited to be a part of this new arena super league.  Our program has grown tremendously the past three years as part of the PASL and this new league will allow us to develop the program even further,” Turlock Express owner and head coach Arturo Pulido said.

The Major Arena Soccer League will play 20 regular season games and the teams will be divided into multiple divisions based on geography. 

Three teams from each division will make the playoffs.  Team schedules will be released at the beginning of September, along with the playoff format. 

The inaugural game for the league will take place on Oct. 25 between the Dallas Sidekicks and last year’s MISL champion Missouri Comets.  League playoffs will conclude in March.

The MASL has also named its officers with Ed Hale from the Baltimore Blast as chairman of the board and Kevin Milliken as commissioner of the league.  Brad Likens from Missouri Comets has been named the secretary and Phil Salvagio from San Diego Sockers is the treasurer.

“I am pleased as an owner and chairman of the newly formed league that we have the framework for a 'super' league. It has been tough to get this far.  We have had collegial talks with a group of well-meaning partners," said Hale in a press release.

Several new elements will be released in mid-June, such as the new league logo, rules, the list of divisions and other key components that will shape the future of the sport of indoor soccer.

“I am proud of how fast we were able to put this deal together, how much true passion everyone has for our sport, and how everyone has come together to make this great day in our sport happen,” Commissioner Milliken said.