NEW MINOR LEAGUE SOCCER GROUP SET TO DEBUT IN FALL OF '98

          Soccer Leagues of America, Inc. (SLA), an organization
     formed to develop and manage professional minor indoor
     soccer leagues across North America, will begin operation
     with the '98-99 fall/winter indoor season.  The OH-based
     group has also entered into a major league/minor league
     working relationship with the NPSL.  OH-based attorney, and
     former NPSL franchise owner, Richard Chernesky was named SLA
     President.  The SLA's plans include the formation of soccer
     leagues comprised of a minimum of six to eight teams to
     begin play this fall.  It will also look to develop players,
     referees and front office personnel for major league pro
     soccer.  SLA will target cities that may not have the arena
     or population size to support an NPSL team (SLA).
          MORE SOCCER: The NPSL Philadelphia Kixx drew a
     franchise-record crowd of 12,239 at CoreStates Spectrum for
     their game against the Edmonton Drillers on Saturday
     (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 1/11)....MLS Commissioner Doug Logan
     was in Philadelphia and said, "We make no bones about the
     fact that we are vitally interested in Philadelphia as a
     place to expand to during the next round of expansions. 
     But, we need a facility where we can play our game and none
     presently exist" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 1/10).