Major Arena Soccer League 3
Founded2020
Number of teams9
Level on pyramid3
Domestic cup(s)U.S. Open for Arena Soccer
Current championsNorthern Virginia FC (2)
(2022-23)
Websitewww.masl3.com

The Major Arena Soccer League 3 (MASL3) is a North American indoor soccer league that serves as the developmental league of the Major Arena Soccer League and MASL2.

History

Established in the summer of 2020, MASL3 is the third tier of indoor soccer in North America under the MASL system.[1][2] Grand Rapids Wanderers and Muskegon Risers II were the first two member clubs announced[3] with the Omaha Kings FC and Sunflower State FC named the same week.[4][5] Wichita Wings II and Springfield Demize were also added to the inaugural MASL3 lineup.[6][7][8]

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic just four teams (Grand Rapids and Muskegon sat out) competed in the inaugural season of 2020–21. Omaha Kings FC finished the six-game regular season unbeaten and went on to capture the Heartland Invitational Cup with victories over Wichita Wings II (11-8) and Sunflower State FC (13-7).[9]

Teams

Team City Arena Joined MASL/MASL2 affiliate
Baltimore Kings Baltimore, MD Harford Sports Performance Center 2021 Baltimore Blast[10]
Fredericksburg Fire FC Fredericksburg, VA Fredericksburg Field House 2021[11]
Northern Virginia FC Winchester, VA Winchester Sportsplex 2021
Philadelphia Spartans Hatfield, PA XL Sports World Hatfield 2021
Virginia Marauders FC Winchester, VA Winchester Sportsplex 2022
DMV Gunners Westminster, MD Carroll County Indoor Sports Center 2023

Inactive teams

FC Wichita

Grand Rapids Wanderers

Muskegon Risers II

Sunflower State FC

Former teams

Des Moines United FC (2021–22) – rebranded as Iowa Demon Hawks and moved to MASL2

Omaha Kings FC (2020–21) – moved to MASL2

Skyline City CF (2021–22) - Did not return.

Springfield Demize (2020–22) – moved to MLIS

Champions

Season Champion Runner-up Result
2020–21 Omaha Kings FC Sunflower State FC 13-7
2021–22 East: Northern Virginia FC

Midwest: Springfield Demize

Fredericksburg Fire FC

Des Moines United

12-7

11-6

2022–23 Northern Virginia FC Philadelphia Spartans 9-8 OT

References

  1. ^ "MASL announces MASL3, next tier in arena soccer pyramid". Major Arena Soccer League. July 20, 2020.
  2. ^ "THIRD TIER: MASL to add regionally based conferences in 2021 in new M3 league". Front Row Soccer. July 21, 2020.
  3. ^ "Wanderers to enter the MASL3 in 2021". Grand Rapids Wanderers. July 21, 2020.
  4. ^ "Youth R.I.S.E coach earns trial with pro team". Northeast News. March 3, 2021.
  5. ^ "Comets bring back Nick McDonald on a two-year contract". The Examiner. September 29, 2021.
  6. ^ "MASL 3 expansion: Wichita to build reserve team in 2021". Wichita Wings. September 15, 2020.
  7. ^ "Springfield Demize joins the MASL". Springfield Demize. October 29, 2020.
  8. ^ "MASL PYRAMID: M2 is solidified, while M3 is established". Front Row Soccer. December 28, 2020.
  9. ^ "Sunflower State FC MASL III 2020–2021 Season Recap". Sunflower State FC. February 25, 2021.
  10. ^ "Blast welcome the Baltimore Kings, who will serve as farm team in Major Arena Soccer League's third division". Baltimore Sun. June 30, 2021.
  11. ^ "Fredericksburg Fire soccer team set for indoor debut Saturday". The Free Lance-Star. January 14, 2022.

External links

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