Comets Lose One Rival, Gain Another

The Norfolk SharX of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) announced today that due to economic hardship, the franchise will cease operations effective immediately. The team completed its inaugural season at Scope Arena in March and will not return for the 2012-13 MISL season.
"The decision to cease operations was very difficult," states minority owner, team founder and president Marcie Laumann . "It became apparent midway through the first season that local support from sponsors, advertisers, season ticket holders and patrons was not driving enough attendance or revenue to carry a pro soccer team. However, our fans and supporters couldn't have been more enthusiastic. We simply lacked sufficient funding to get the word out that Hampton Roads finally had a Major Indoor Soccer League team. Fans who attended just once were hooked - but getting attendees in the door the first time proved too challenging with limited marketing funds."
In the face of unforeseen expenses and lower than anticipated sales revenue, herculean efforts were made to ensure the team completed its first season. A staff reorganization, streamlining operations and improving the fan's arena experience contained the SharX losses and sparked a surge in attendance through the latter part of the season. As the crowds grew, the first season SharX players starting winning games, leading to even more growth in attendance.
"One of the most unfortunate points is that there are still several viable interested investors out there who understand the connection the Norfolk SharX made to their fans in this area, the economic viability of the team and the value that a professional major league team brings to this area, but unfortunately the clock simply appears to have run out on options for continuance without someone writing a check," said Laumann. "If one of the interested investors was able to step forward today or tomorrow, then perhaps there could still be a 2012/13 season, but without such a commitment, we have to call everything to a close."
Also on Friday the league announced that a new franchise in Chicago will begin participation in the league starting with the 2012-13 season.
Led by CEO/Owner Armando Gamboa and COO/Owner Dave Mokry, the franchise will announce its name in the coming weeks. The team will play its home games at the Sears Centre Arena, a multi-purpose family entertainment, cultural and sports center which holds 9,400 for indoor soccer.
"Chicago is an important market for the MISL with a great deal of history in the league and a passionate fan base, so we're obviously pleased to announce this addition, which is another step in the continuing growth of the MISL," MISL Senior Director Chris Economides said. "Armando Gamboa and Dave Mokry are committed to producing a winner on and off the field."
Tryouts for the team are expected to be announced shortly.
"We are delighted to be part of the excitement and tradition of the Major Indoor Soccer League and we look forward to working with the league and the other franchises to continue to grow the league," Gamboa said. "We expect to feature a great deal of Chicago talent on our team and can't wait to start building a team that Chicago soccer fans will be proud of."
The 2012-13 MISL alignment and schedule are expected to be released in August.