 | |
| Founded | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 7 |
| Level on pyramid | 3 |
| Domestic cup(s) | U.S. Open for Arena Soccer |
| Current champions | Northern Virginia FC (3) (2023-24) |
| Website |
www |
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 banner. [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] |
| DMV Gunners | Westminster, MD | Carroll County Indoor Sports Center | 2023 | |
| 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 | |
| Salisbury Steaks | Salisbury, MD | Crown Sports Center | 2023 | |
| Virginia Marauders FC | Winchester, VA | Winchester Sportsplex | 2022 |
Former teams
- Des Moines United FC (2021–22) – rebranded as Iowa Demon Hawks and moved to MASL 2
- FC Wichita (2021–22)
- Grand Rapids Wanderers (2020–21)
- Muskegon Risers II (2020–21)
- Omaha Kings FC (2020–21) – moved to MLIS
- Skyline City CF (2021–22)
- Springfield Demize (2020–22) – moved to MLIS
- Sunflower State FC (2020–22)
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 |
| 2023–24 | 17-9 |
References
- ^ "MASL announces MASL3, next tier in arena soccer pyramid". Major Arena Soccer League. July 20, 2020.
- ^ "THIRD TIER: MASL to add regionally based conferences in 2021 in new M3 league". Front Row Soccer. July 21, 2020.
- ^ "Wanderers to enter the MASL3 in 2021". Grand Rapids Wanderers. July 21, 2020.
- ^ "Youth R.I.S.E coach earns trial with pro team". Northeast News. March 3, 2021.
- ^ "Comets bring back Nick McDonald on a two-year contract". The Examiner. September 29, 2021.
- ^ "MASL 3 expansion: Wichita to build reserve team in 2021". Wichita Wings. September 15, 2020.
- ^ "Springfield Demize joins the MASL". Springfield Demize. October 29, 2020.
- ^ "MASL PYRAMID: M2 is solidified, while M3 is established". Front Row Soccer. December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Sunflower State FC MASL III 2020–2021 Season Recap". Sunflower State FC. February 25, 2021.
- ^ "Blast welcome the Baltimore Kings, who will serve as farm team in Major Arena Soccer League's third division". Baltimore Sun. June 30, 2021.
- ^ "Fredericksburg Fire soccer team set for indoor debut Saturday". The Free Lance-Star. January 14, 2022.